Pacifico
Surf guide
Pacifico, or "Big Wish", is the north's heavy hitter, a long, perfect left that peels over a shallow rocky reef and handles serious size. On smaller off-season days it's the northern swell-magnet answer to Cloud 9 and can be surfed without too much drama. Crank it up to peak season and it's double-to-triple-overhead, mechanical barrels for experienced surfers only. When it lines up, the wave is about as good as a left gets: long open faces and dredging barrel sections, usually with only a handful out. It's an hour north of GL and worth every kilometre, but it bites, so read the hazards below before you even think about paddling out, and if you're unsure, talk to a local instructor first. Bring a step-up or small gun for size; a regular shortboard handles the small days. Hazards to watch: a strong rip runs north to south from the beach toward the San Isidro river mouth. It's where your board ends up if you lose it, and where a tired surfer can end up too. The reef is long, shallow and rocky, the peak-season currents are Uluwatu-grade, and the wave has board-breaking power that can leave you with a long swim in. There's roughly a 160 m paddle out through cross-shore current. Not confident in your paddle fitness? Pick a more sheltered spot further north. Where it fits: arguably the highest quality wave on the island on its day, and the emptiest of the advanced spots, but the rip and the paddle make it the most committing. Be comfortable at Cloud 9 or Tuason before you make the trip north, and go with someone rather than alone. Etiquette: talk to a local surfer or instructor before you paddle out, which is a safety move as much as a courtesy. Respect the small committed crew in the lineup, do not drop in, and do not sit deeper than you can handle on a wave carrying this much power.
Ideal conditions
Swell direction
2-10+ ft North or Northeast swells.
Wind direction
Southwest offshore or no wind.
Tide
Mid to high but can be surfed with less water when the waves pick up.
Wave difficulty
Advanced
Powerful barrels and Uluwatu-like currents make paddling out dangerous for inexperienced surfers during peak season.
Wave quality
Perfect
Perfectly shaped lefts with long open faces and barreling sections.
Crowd factor
Empty
You’ll usually find only a handful of surfers out, and even fewer when the swell is on (unless there is an event in the North).
How to get there
Pacifico is about a one-hour drive north of General Luna. Entering Barangay Pacifico you'll spot the remnants of Big Wish Beach Resort and some local kubos beside the road. Park on either side of the road; from the beach it's roughly a 160 m paddle to the wave. Beware the strong cross-shore currents on the way out. Pacifico has a small cluster of local kubos and a growing surf-stay scene around the old Big Wish area: a mellow base for chasing north-coast swell, and an easy pairing with a northern road trip to Alegria and Tangbo. Bring supplies; amenities are limited compared with GL. (Image credit on the Koobo page: Tobias Hettiger, Siargao Surf & Travel Guide, Marajaw Siargao.)
Surf forecast & live wind
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