Rock Island
By Koobo Surf Team ·
Surf guide
Written by the Koobo team from local sessions and boatman intel
When the swell jumps and everything else shuts down, Rock Island stands tall: a long, powerful right that actually gets better the bigger it gets. Ten minutes by boat from Catangnan, it reels through three sections of open, carvable face with the odd barrel on the wide ones, holding XL swell better than just about anything in Siargao. This is no cruise, though. A proper session here means steep drops, getting…
Ideal conditions
What to look for before you commit to the boat fare
Swell direction
4-12 ft Northeast swells.
Wind direction
South to Southwest offshore winds.
Tide
Mid to low tide. Rock Island prefers less water but you can still get a wave on high tide, particularly on bigger swells.
How to get there
Rock Island is boat-access only. The usual departure point is next to Kanaway Surf School in Catangnan: about a 10-minute ride, roughly 300 PHP per person (typically a minimum of two passengers). The boatman waits or surfs and brings you back, and the fare usually covers a two-hour session. Because Rock sits right next to Stimpy's, you can scout both in one trip before deciding where to jump in. You're launching near the Cloud 9 strip, so surf schools, rentals, cafés and bars are close, with General Luna's full spread a short ride south.
Surf forecast & live wind
Where the wave breaks
Nearby spots
Other breaks within reach of the same trip
At a glance
Wave difficulty
Intermediate
Rock Island sits in the upper intermediate range, and is best suited to advanced surfers above 6ft.
Wave quality
Good
Rippable walls with some fast, hollow sections. Holds XL swells better than almost any wave in Siargao.
Crowd factor
Moderate
Rock Island is a bit unpredictable. It can be one of the most crowded waves on the island one day and nearly empty the next. To avoid the crowds, try heading out early in the morning or surfing at high tide.
Verified local instructors
