Suyop
Surf guide
Written by the Koobo team from local sessions and boatman intel
Suyop is another spot where the instructors are, and where most people in Mati catch their first green wave. A gentle, short ride over coffee rock and patchy sand when it is small, and a fast take-off on the inside when it is not. The season here runs October to March on the amihan, the northeast monsoon, and the middle of the year is reliably flat. It takes a decent typhoon to push the bigger swells down this way,…
Ideal conditions
What to look for before you commit to the boat fare
Swell direction
East to North East around 3 to 6 ft for decent size. Below that it is rideable but small.
Wind direction
Offshore on a west to east wind, or slightly west southwest. That is the common good-wind setup for the bay.
Tide
Mid to high only, and better with more water in it. Do not bother on a low tide.
How to get there
Suyop sits in the Dahican section of the Mati coast on Pujada Bay, in Davao Oriental on the east side of Mindanao. Check our map for an exact location. There is no commercial airport in Mati, so the route is a flight into Davao City, then overland. Buses run through the day from the Davao City Overland Terminal, also called Ecoland, and take about four hours for roughly 150 km. Commuter vans are quicker at three to four hours but leave very early and go when full rather than on a timetable. A private car does it in two and a half to three hours, and it is the easiest option if you are travelling with boards. From Mati town, Dahican is about 7 km and fifteen minutes by habal-habal, the local motorcycle taxi, for around ₱40 to ₱50. Agree the fare first. If you want to check several breaks in a morning, rent a motorbike through your accommodation. Stay on the beach at Dahican if you are here to surf, since dawn is usually when these breaks are best.
Surf forecast & live wind
Where the wave breaks
Nearby spots
Other breaks within reach of the same trip
At a glance
Wave difficulty
Beginner
The more approachable end of the bay once you leave the beach. You'll find plenty of instructors here to help you catch your first wave.
Wave quality
Poor
A short a-frame suited to boards with a little more volume. Rights tend to be a bit better and more frequent than the left.
Crowd factor
Moderate
Picks up a decent local and beginner crowd. You'll also get the occasional skimboarder.