Tomasitos
- Wave, Shortboard
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Tomasitos is an exposed offshore reef break accessed primarily by boat from Cortes. The water is described as crystal-clear and the bottom is a sharp reef system with coral/rocks, plus sea urchins—making this spot best suited to advanced riders who are comfortable with reef hazards and current. For surfing, the wave is characterized as hollow, fast and powerful, with a regional-classic reputation for consistency. It is reported to work once swell reaches roughly 2.0–2.5 m and can hold up to 4 m and beyond, with ride lengths commonly in the 50–150 m range and extending to about 150–300 m on optimal days. The break is described as right and left (wave direction “both”), and it’s noted as fast and “very fast rippin,” so local tide checks are essential. Wind for boardsports aligns with the Northeast monsoon (Amihan) / trade regime. The typical wind range is described as about 15–25 knots during the Amihan season, with moderate to high reliability during peak monsoon months. Kitesurfing is described as an offshore wave-kiting option that can include shallow, flat water as well as medium and big waves; it’s best for experienced riders and often relies on correct wind direction and reef-aware line choice. Seasonally, the spot’s best months for the monsoon-driven wind and consistent swells are listed as November through March, and regional context also notes the area can experience its highest rainfall and typhoon risk from November to January. There is no confirmed lifeguard or dedicated rescue service, so riders should be self-sufficient and treat low-tide reef shallows and strong currents as primary risks.
- Crystal-clear offshore reef environment
- Hollow, fast, powerful reef waves with consistent performance
- Wind and swell are strongest during the Northeast monsoon (Amihan) season
- Reef hazards (including sea urchins) and strong currents demand advanced experience
- Crystal-clear water and an offshore reef break known for powerful, hollow sections.
- Regular/consistent wave activity with working swell around 2.0–2.5 m and holding up to 4 m+.
- Typically empty to low-profile crowd, favored by dedicated surf travelers and locals.
- Access is typically by boat only.
- Sharp coral/reef hazards (including sea urchins) and strong currents.
- Advanced skill level required for the main break and for foiling/kiting in exposed offshore conditions.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE
- Offshore directions
- SE, E, ENE, ESE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade/monsoon-aligned flow (Amihan/Northeast monsoon influence).
- Reliability
- Moderate to high during the peak monsoon months.
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Steady wind pattern noted for the spot.
- Best Months
- November, December, January, February, March
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Reef — Reef/coral environment rather than sandy beach.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Big — Big wave reef conditions reported.
- Launch
- Big — Primarily accessed and launched from a boat due to offshore reef location.
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult — Difficult launch/entry due to offshore reef and boat-only access.
Through the year
Generally empty to low-profile; mostly visited by dedicated surf travelers and locals.
Highest rainfall and highest typhoon risk from November to January (regional context).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Offshore wave kiting location best suited for experienced riders; offers wave riding with some flatter sections depending on tide/swell.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Possible for experienced foilers, but the shallow reef and sharp coral present significant hazards; foil-friendly conditions are limited.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Shallow reef/reef heads reduce foil-friendliness.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Fast, powerful offshore reef break with regular hollow sections and a strong reputation as a regional classic.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- N, NNW
- Swell Height
- 2–4 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — All tides work; best noted as rising tide in spot descriptions.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Offshore reef break with exposed conditions typical of this Pacific-facing coastline.
- Wind Effect
- Works best with light offshore winds or during the transition between monsoon seasons.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds significant size and stays rideable and powerful up to 4 meters plus.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Regional classic; wave quality described as excellent/consistent.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Powerful, fast and hollow reef break.
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Known for hollow sections and strong consistency.
- Peel Speed
- Fast — Fast, powerful reef break with fast peeling sections.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Typical rides are described as 50 to 150 meters, with longer rides up to 150 to 300 meters on good days.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical rides range from 50 to 150 meters; good days extend to about 150 to 300 meters (up to ~300 meters on optimal days).
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Tomasitos in the full forecast view.
Tomasitos wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–6 ktsGusts 16 kts
- Direction
- NE38°
- Strongest day
- Tue, Oct 276 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.6–1.1 m8s period
- Temperature
- 26–31 °C
Over the next 7 days, Tomasitos is forecast for daytime winds of 2–6 kts, peaking around 6 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 16 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.6–1.1 m with a period of about 8s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Sharp coral reef
- Rocks
- Sea urchins
- Strong currents
- Reefs
- Corals
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence confirmed.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No dedicated water-sports rescue services confirmed for the Cortes area.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in Madrid or Tandag City; Philippines national emergency number is 911.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Spot-level data indicates mild localism.
Rules of the spot
Access generally requires a boat; reef can become very shallow and dangerous at low tide. Always check tide conditions before entering the water.
- Access generally requires a boat
- Self-sufficient expectations due to lack of confirmed dedicated rescue services
- The wave is most consistent during the Northeast monsoon (Amihan) season.
- Always check the tide as the reef can become very shallow and dangerous at low tide.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Tandag
- Nearest Town
- Cortes
- Nearest Airport
- Tandag Airport (TDG)
- Parking
- Parking is available in the town of Cortes where boat transfers are arranged.
- Public Transport
- Local transport is primarily served by tricycles, habal-habal (motorcycle taxis), and passenger vans along the Surigao–Tandag coastal road.
- Access
- Located offshore, approximately 500-800 meters from the coast of Cortes. Access is typically via a local boat (banca) from the town of Cortes or nearby Lanuza.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Surigaonon, Tagalog, English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Guesthouses and local homestays are available in Cortes and the neighboring town of Lanuza.
- Food & Drink
- Local eateries and small shops are available in the mainland town of Cortes.
- Equipment Rental:
- Limited surfing rentals may be found in Lanuza or Cortes; kitesurfing gear must be brought by the rider (specialized kitesurfing/wingfoiling gear not widely available).
- Gear Storage
- Storage is typically available for guests staying at local surf-oriented accommodations.
- Gear Repair
- Basic surfboard ding repair is available locally; no specialized kite or sail repair facilities confirmed.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The area is known for a rugged, authentic coastline and a strong connection to the local surfing community.
A distinctive geological formation where Pacific swells splash over tall rock walls, creating a cascading waterfall effect into a natural basin.
Boat trips to nearby uninhabited islets and sandbars along the Surigao del Sur coast.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Tomasitos?
The best overall months at Tomasitos are October, November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are November, December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Tomasitos?
Tomasitos works with NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE winds. Offshore directions are SE, E, ENE, ESE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Tomasitos?
Recommended equipment sizes at Tomasitos: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Tomasitos suitable for?
Tomasitos suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Expert · Surfing: Advanced.