Monaliza Point & La Union Surf Breaks – Where to Surf Beyond Urbiztondo

Urbiztondo is where people learn to surf in La Union. Monaliza Point is where many of them go next. It's a right-hand reef break just up the beach from the main strip in San Juan, and on a good swell it runs long, clean lines that are some of the best waves in northern Luzon.

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.

It's not the only option. The coast north of San Juan has a handful of other breaks that pick up the same swell, from the sandy beach break at Bacnotan to the heavier reef at Carille. This guide covers Monaliza and the alternatives, and who each one suits.

La Union surf has history, too. The 2019 Southeast Asian Games held their surfing events off Urbiztondo, and that week La Union surfer Roger Casugay gave up a winning position mid-heat to rescue an Indonesian competitor in trouble in the water. He went on to win the longboard gold in a rematch.

The town still hosts big events: from 20 to 24 January 2026 Urbiztondo ran the WSL La Union International Pro longboard contest, straight after the WSL World Junior Championships (11 to 18 January). The La Union Surf Club, the local surf community body, runs clinics and grassroots programmes.

Monaliza is for confident intermediate and advanced surfers: people who can catch waves on their own, turn, and handle themselves in a crowded lineup. It breaks over shallow, sharp rock and coral, so falling in the wrong place has consequences.

It is not a place for a first lesson or a second week of surfing. If you're still learning, stay at Urbiztondo, where the bottom is sand and the schools are set up for you. See the San Juan guide.

Skip it, too, if you hate crowds. On a good weekend morning in season Monaliza gets packed, and the lineup has a pecking order.

Monaliza Point is in Urbiztondo, San Juan, a short walk north along the beach from the main strip. If you're staying in Urbiztondo, you can walk there with your board.

For the other breaks, Bacnotan is about 30 minutes north by road, and the rest are reached by tricycle or your own transport. For getting to San Juan from Manila, see the La Union travel guide.

The wave

A right-hand break over a fairly flat reef shelf. It picks up swell from the north and northwest and bends it into long lines, with different sections working on different tides. On its day it gives long rides with more power than the beach break.

When it's best

October to March, when the amihan (northeast monsoon) brings the bigger swell and offshore winds, with December and January the peak. Outside that window it's often too small to break properly.

Hazards

Shallow, sharp rock and coral, especially at low tide. Booties are worth considering, and cuts need cleaning properly. Respect the locals and the lineup order, and don't drop in.

Urbiztondo beach break

The sandy-bottom learning wave in front of the main strip. Soft, forgiving and full of surf schools, and crowded with it. Where almost everyone starts.

Bacnotan

About 30 minutes north of San Juan, and a sandy beach break that suits beginners. The break near the cement plant at Quirino picks up the north swell with fewer people than San Juan. Bring your own board or rent one in San Juan, and watch for strong currents. See the Bacnotan guide.

Carille

Also spelled Carrille and known locally as Jesus Point. A long right that needs a big swell to work, with sharp reef and fast sections, so it's for advanced surfers only. Ask a local surf school exactly where it is before you head out, and know that the water there can be dirty.

Darigayos

Further north in Luna, and described two ways: older sources call it a sheltered beginner spot, while others describe a right-hand reef reached by boat that works on south swells from about May to September. Ask a surf school in San Juan what it's doing before you make the trip. See the Luna guide.

For Monaliza, stay in Urbiztondo. You can check the surf from the beach and walk to the break, and places at the north end of the strip are closest. See where to stay in San Juan.

Everything you need is back on the Urbiztondo strip: coffee before a dawn session, then food and sunset drinks after. On flat days, Tangadan Falls and Immuki Island are the usual day trips.

October to March

The main season for Monaliza and the reef breaks, with offshore amihan winds. December and January are the biggest and the most crowded, and weekends are busy all season.

April to September

Smaller, and from July to September the habagat brings onshore winds and typhoons. Monaliza is often too small, but the little waves at Urbiztondo and Bacnotan are friendlier for learners.

Time of day

Early mornings are usually cleanest and least crowded. Check a forecast the night before.

Know your level

If you can't yet paddle out, sit in position and pull out of a wave under control, Monaliza isn't for you yet. A session with a local surf guide is a good way to step up from the beach break.

Respect the lineup

Wait your turn, don't paddle around people to the peak, and give way to the surfer closest to the breaking wave. It's crowded out there, and that's how everyone stays safe.

Reef cuts

Carry antiseptic and clean any cut properly. Coral cuts get infected easily in the tropics.

Check conditions

Swell, wind and tide all change which break is working. Local surf schools and shops know what's on that day.

Is Monaliza Point good for beginners?

No. It's a reef break for intermediate and advanced surfers. Beginners should learn at Urbiztondo, which has a sandy bottom.

When is Monaliza Point best?

October to March, when the amihan brings bigger north and northwest swell, with December and January the peak.

Where is Monaliza Point?

In Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union, a short walk north along the beach from the main surf strip.

Where else can you surf in La Union?

Urbiztondo and Bacnotan for sandy beginner waves, Carille (Jesus Point) for big-swell days, and Darigayos in Luna.

Did La Union host the SEA Games surfing?

Yes. Surfing at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games was held in the waters off Urbiztondo, San Juan.

Start with the San Juan guide for the town and the beginner beach, and the La Union travel guide for the wider province. North, see Bacnotan and Luna.

New to it all? Read surfing in La Union for beginners first.