Bacnotan, La Union Travel Guide – Quieter Surf North of San Juan

Bacnotan is the next town up from San Juan, about 30 minutes along the national highway, and it's where surfers go to get away from Urbiztondo's weekend crowd. It's a farming and fishing town first, not a tourist strip, and that's exactly the appeal.

Prices, fees and schedules in this guide were checked in October 2026. They change often, so use them as a guide and confirm with the operator or venue before you go.

The surf is around Quirino, near the cement plant you'll spot from the road, where a sandy-bottom break picks up the north swell. The town is also known for the Diro Festival, its fiesta named after honey.

Photo: Touri60, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Visitor infrastructure is thin. Most people drive up from San Juan for a surf and go back the same day.

Bacnotan is for surfers with a bit of experience who want a quieter lineup, and for travellers who would rather spend time in a local town than another tourist strip.

First-timers should learn in San Juan before coming up, as there are few lessons or rentals on the beach. Casual swimmers should think twice too, because the currents can be strong.

From San Juan, any jeepney heading north towards Luna passes through Bacnotan, about 30 minutes away. With a board, a tricycle or your own transport is much easier. Buses from Manila to the Ilocos region also come through, so ask the conductor to drop you off.

Tricycles shuttle between the highway and the beach. Agree the fare first, and if you're staying out for a late session, arrange your ride back before the driver leaves.

There are only a few small places to stay. Aberry Shore Resort is a quiet option with a pool. Most visitors base themselves in San Juan and come up for the day.

Expect local eateries and roadside stalls, not cafés. Eat in San Juan before you head up, and pack water and snacks for the beach.

Surf the Quirino break

A sandy-bottom beach break near the cement plant, softer than the reef breaks and with far fewer people than San Juan. It's at its best in the north swell season, roughly October to April. Bring your own board or rent one in San Juan, as rentals on the beach are limited.

The Diro Festival

Bacnotan's town fiesta takes its name from diro, the Ilocano word for honey and the town's signature product. Expect street dancing, parades and performances, often in bee costumes. It usually runs from 1 to 8 May, so confirm the dates with the municipality before you plan around it.

Photo: Touri60, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

La Union Surfing Break

The province's big surf festival isn't only in San Juan. In 2025 it spread to Bacnotan as well. The 2026 dates hadn't been announced when we checked.

The north swell season, roughly October to April, brings the most consistent waves. The sandy bottom at Quirino is more forgiving than La Union's reef breaks, but the currents can be serious and there are no lifeguards.

Surf with a friend, and ask in San Juan which break is working before you make the trip. See Monaliza Point and the surf breaks for how it compares.

Come between October and April for surf, when the swell comes from the north. For a comfortable day trip, the dry months from roughly November to May are best. The rainy season, roughly June to October, makes the sea rougher and messier.

The currents are the main thing to respect. Don't swim alone, and stay out of the water when the surf is big.

Bring everything with you: board, water, sunscreen and cash, because beach facilities are limited. This is a working town, so keep the noise down, take your rubbish home and ask before photographing people.

How far is Bacnotan from San Juan?

About 30 minutes north along the national highway.

Is Bacnotan good for beginner surfers?

The sandy-bottom break is gentler than the reef breaks, but there are few schools and the currents can be strong. Learn in San Juan first.

What is the Diro Festival?

Bacnotan's town festival, usually held from 1 to 8 May, named after the Ilocano word for honey, the town's signature product.

Head north for Immuki Island in Balaoan and the pebble beaches of Luna. San Juan is back to the south. For the whole province, start with the La Union travel guide.