Philippines: Paddle, Surf & Limestone — 10 Days

Kayaking, snorkeling, and surfing across Pangasinan, La Union, and Ilocos Norte

This ten-day itinerary moves between three distinct surfing and paddling regions of the northern Philippines. The first day centers on Pangasinan's Hundred Islands National Park—a kayaking and spelunking base near Alaminos—before transferring south to San Juan in La Union for three days of consistent beach breaks. The route then proceeds north to Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte, where a five-night stay allows for extended time in the water and inland trekking to waterfalls. Throughout, activities include guided kayaking in mangrove zones, snorkeling at coral reefs, surfing instruction and independent sessions, and cave exploration. The itinerary returns to Manila by road from Laoag, with a Heritage Village walking tour in Vigan as a mid-route cultural stop. All transfers, meals, equipment, and local guides are included; domestic flights between regions are not.

Highlights

Kayaking through mangrove forests and spelunking at Century Island, Hundred Islands National Park
Snorkeling at coral reefs off Governor's Island and Coral Island, Pangasinan
Surfing at San Juan beach breaks, La Union — a consistent swell zone with beginner-friendly and advanced breaks
Trekking to Anupig Falls near Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
River trailing in the Pagudpud region
Walking tour of Vigan's Heritage Village by calesa (horse-drawn carriage)
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse visit, Ilocos Norte

Day by day

1Alaminos — Hundred Islands Kayaking, Spelunking & SnorkelingManila to Alaminos · Bolo Beach · Camp Camantile · mangrove area · Century Island · Governor's Island · Coral Island

Drive from Manila to Alaminos in Pangasinan. After registration at Bolo Beach, trek through white-sand coves to Camp Camantile. A kayaking clinic in the mangrove area teaches paddling basics. Spelunk through Century Island's limestone caves, then plant mangroves. Island-hop by motorized banca to Governor's Island and Coral Island for snorkeling before returning to the resort.

2Alaminos to San Juan, La UnionAlaminos to San Juan, La Union · San Juan beach

Travel south from Pangasinan to San Juan, La Union, a five-to-six-hour drive by private air-conditioned vehicle. Hotel check-in occurs upon arrival. The afternoon includes an introductory surfing session at San Juan beach. Dinner and overnight stay follow.

3San Juan, La Union — SurfingSan Juan, La Union · San Juan beach

A full day of surfing sessions at San Juan beach. Dinner and overnight stay.

4San Juan to Pagudpud: Surfing, Vigan's Heritage, and Coastal ArrivalPagudpud · San Juan beach · Vigan's Heritage Village

Morning surfing at San Juan beach. Drive to Vigan for a walking tour of the Heritage Village, including a calesa ride through colonial streets. Continue north to Pagudpud and check in at your resort for the evening.

5San Juan to Pagudpud — Vigan & Coastal DrivePagudpud · Vigan's Heritage Village · Pagudpud beach

Depart San Juan for Vigan's Heritage Village, exploring Spanish colonial architecture by calesa. Continue north to Pagudpud, checking in at a local resort. Surfing activity follows at the beach.

6Pagudpud — Surfing, Anupig Falls & River TrailingAnupig Falls · Pagudpud's coastal breaks · the river

Surf Pagudpud's coastal breaks. Trek inland to Anupig Falls through forested terrain. Trail the river.

7Pagudpud — Surfing & River TrailingPagudpud beach · local river system

Surfing session at Pagudpud beach. River trailing—a guided water activity through the local river system—follows. Overnight stay.

8Pagudpud — SurfingPagudpud beach

Full day of surfing at Pagudpud beach. Overnight stay.

9Pagudpud to Manila via Laoag & Cape BojeadorCape Bojeador Lighthouse · Laoag city · Laoag to Manila · hotel in Manila

Visit Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, a historic coastal landmark in Ilocos Norte, in the morning. A brief tour of Laoag city follows. Depart Laoag by private vehicle for Manila, a seven-to-eight-hour drive south. Hotel check-in occurs upon arrival in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay.

10Manila — DepartureManila · the hotel

Breakfast at the hotel. The remainder of the day remains at leisure until transfer to the airport for departure.

Included

Overnight Lucap, Pangasinan
3 nights La Union
5 nights Pagudpud
meals as indicated
outfitting during activities as indicated with local or
technical guide
transfer.

Not included

Domestic air ticket Laoag/Manila
A separated multilingual guide from Manila can be provided at extra cost.