Plan your 2026 trip to Calicoan Island in Eastern Samar. Discover ABCD Beach surfing, mangrove lagoons, cliff viewpoints, best resorts, travel costs, itineraries, and how to get there.

Calicoan Island Travel Guide (2026 Edition)

Calicoan Island in Guiuan, Eastern Samar is one of the Philippines’ most underrated surf and nature destinations. Facing the vast Pacific Ocean, the island offers a rare combination of reef breaks, mangrove lagoons, white‑sand beaches, dramatic cliffs, and quiet eco‑resorts.

Unlike Siargao or La Union, Calicoan remains raw, peaceful, and uncrowded, making it ideal for surfers, photographers, nature lovers, and travelers seeking a quiet escape.

Calicoan Island by pinaywise.com

What Calicoan Island Looks Like (Visual Overview)

Calicoan Island is defined by its wild Pacific coastline, lush forests, and calm lagoon systems. The eastern side faces powerful swells, while the western side offers serene waters and mangrove ecosystems.

by vacationhive.com

by vacationhive.com

by storage.googleapis.com

Landscape Highlights

• Long stretches of surf‑friendly beaches
• Mangrove lagoons ideal for kayaking
• Cliffside viewpoints overlooking the Pacific
• Quiet white‑sand coves
• Rural communities with warm hospitality

The Vibe

Calicoan feels like a pre‑tourism Siargao — simple, natural, and slow‑paced. Expect quiet nights, fresh seafood, friendly locals, and minimal commercial development.

Why Visit Calicoan Island in 2026

2026 is an excellent year to visit Calicoan as tourism remains light, surf camps are improving facilities, and nearby Guiuan continues to rebuild and expand its tourism infrastructure.

Key Reasons to Visit

• Consistent Pacific swells for intermediate and advanced surfers
• Uncrowded beaches — even during peak season
• Affordable surf lessons and rentals
• Unique lagoon ecosystems for kayaking and birdwatching
• Cliff viewpoints perfect for sunrise photography
• Access to historic islands like Homonhon and Suluan

What Calicoan Is Perfect For

• Surfers seeking new breaks
• Nature travelers wanting quiet destinations
• Photographers and drone hobbyists
• Couples looking for peaceful getaways
• Backpackers exploring Eastern Visayas

Surfing in Calicoan Island (2026)

Surfing is the heart of Calicoan’s tourism. The main surf spot, ABCD Beach, offers strong Pacific waves ideal for intermediate and advanced surfers.

by youtube.com

by pinaywise.com

Wave Characteristics

• Type: Reef and beach breaks
• Best months: September–December
• Wave power: Strong Pacific swells
• Skill level: Intermediate to advanced
• Beginner season: March–June (calmer waves)

Surf Costs (2026)

• Board rental: ₱300–₱500/hour
• Surf lessons: ₱500–₱800/hour
• Surf camp packages: ₱2,000–₱4,000/day (with meals)

Surf Tips

• Wear reef‑safe sunscreen
• Bring your own rash guard
• Early morning sessions have the best conditions
• Respect local surfers and guides

Best Time to Visit Calicoan Island

Surf Season (Best Waves): September–December

Strong Pacific swells create consistent surf conditions.

Dry Season (Best Weather): February–June

Sunny skies, calm seas, and ideal conditions for lagoon activities and cliff hikes.

Wet Season: July–October

Expect rain, occasional strong winds, and rough seas.

Top Tourist Spots in Calicoan Island

by funinthephilippines.com

ABCD Beach

The main surf spot with long stretches of sand and powerful waves.

Calicoan Lagoons

Mangrove‑lined lagoons ideal for kayaking, birdwatching, and nature walks.

Calicoan Cliffs

Dramatic viewpoints overlooking the Pacific Ocean — perfect for sunrise and drone shots.

Sulangan Church

A pilgrimage site known for answered prayers and spiritual significance.

by philippinetravelnotes.blogspot.com

Nearby Islands (Guiuan Island‑Hopping)

• Homonhon Island – historic landing site of Magellan
• Suluan Island – beaches and snorkeling
• Tubabao Island – quiet sandbars and clear waters

Homonhon Island by delightful.ph

Suluan Island by riceandfries.org

Best Areas to Stay in Calicoan Island

ABCD Beach Area

Best for surfers and beach lovers. Rates: ₱1,500–₱6,000/night.

Guiuan Town Proper

More restaurants, convenience stores, and transport options. Rates: ₱800–₱3,000/night.

Sulangan Area

Quiet, spiritual, and close to beaches. Rates: ₱1,000–₱4,000/night.

Best Resorts in Calicoan Island (Ranked 2026)

1. Calicoan Surf Camp (ABCD Beach)

• Beachfront surf resort
• Surf lessons + rentals
• Best for surfers and groups

2. ABCD Beach Resort

• Direct access to surf break
• Quiet beachfront cottages
• Best for couples and families

ABCD Resort by training-bangar1.launion.gov.ph

3. Guiuan Beach Resort (Town Proper)

• Affordable rooms
• Easy access to food and transport
• Best for budget travelers

Where to Eat in Calicoan & Guiuan

Top Food Options

• Local seafood eateries
• Guiuan town restaurants
• Beachfront BBQ stalls
• Carinderias serving fresh fish, lato, and kinilaw

Food Budget

• Local eateries: ₱120–₱250
• Restaurants: ₱250–₱700

Estimated Travel Costs (2026)

Daily Budget

• Budget traveler: ₱1,000–₱2,000
• Mid‑range: ₱2,500–₱6,000
• Premium: ₱6,000–₱12,000+

Activities

• Surf lessons: ₱500–₱800
• Board rental: ₱300–₱500
• Lagoon kayaking: ₱200–₱400
• Island hopping: ₱1,500–₱3,000

Transport

• Tricycles
• Motorbike rentals
• Vans from Tacloban to Guiuan

How to Get to Calicoan Island (2026)

By Air

Fly to Tacloban Airport → 3‑hour van/bus to Guiuan → 20–30 minutes to Calicoan.

By Land

Daily vans from Tacloban to Guiuan.

Local Transport

• Tricycles
• Motorbike rentals
• Vans for group tours

Travel Tips for Calicoan Island (2026)

• ABCD Beach is best for surfing; lagoons for calm activities
• Bring cash — limited ATMs in Guiuan
• Visit cliffs early morning for best lighting
• Wear reef‑safe sunscreen
• Expect quiet nights — Calicoan is peaceful and rural

Sample 3‑Day Calicoan Island Itinerary

Day 1 – ABCD Beach + Surf

• Check‑in
• Surf session
• Sunset at ABCD Beach

Day 2 – Lagoons + Cliffs

• Kayaking at Calicoan Lagoons
• Lunch in Guiuan
• Cliffside viewpoints

Day 3 – Sulangan + Island Hopping

• Visit Sulangan Church
• Boat tour to Homonhon or Suluan
• Return to Tacloban

Related Guides

• Siargao Travel Guide
• La Union Surf Guide
• Baler Surfing Guide
• Zambales Beaches Guide
• Catanduanes Surf Guide
• Underrated Surf Towns

Plan Your Calicoan Island Trip Today

Calicoan Island is one of Eastern Samar’s most beautiful and underrated destinations — a place where surf, nature, lagoons, cliffs, and culture come together. Whether you’re a surfer chasing Pacific swells or a traveler seeking quiet beaches and raw landscapes, Calicoan offers a refreshing escape from crowded tourist spots.

If you’re building your 2026-2027 travel list, Calicoan Island deserves a top spot. Start planning your trip, explore nearby islands, book your surf lessons, and experience one of the Philippines’ most peaceful coastal gems.