If you’re searching for a quiet escape where rolling waves meet untouched white-sand shores, Calicoan Beach may be your next weekend destination. Nestled in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, and hugged by the Pacific Ocean, Calicoan is fast becoming the Visayas’ go-to surfing paradise—minus the crowds.
Long overshadowed by bigger names in the surfing scene like Siargao and Baler, Calicoan Beach is steadily gaining attention from local tourists who want to unplug and unwind, with just the sound of the waves for company.
A Destination for Wellness and Escape
Beyond the surf and sand, Calicoan offers something many busy city dwellers crave: peace. With no major commercial developments and just a few local eateries, the beach provides the perfect environment for digital detox and mental reset. Medical professionals have long linked travel with improved mental health, and a weekend in Calicoan offers just that—calm, sunshine, and movement.
“Surfing helps me clear my mind. Here in Calicoan, there’s no pressure—just the ocean and the board,” said Jane Buenaventura, a first-time visitor from Cebu. “I left feeling lighter.”
Surf’s Up All Year Round
Guiuan’s location on the Pacific edge ensures consistent wave action year-round. For beginners, the summer months of April to July bring smaller swells ideal for learning. From August to October, however, larger waves attract seasoned surfers.
The ABCD Surf Camp, located right on Calicoan Beach, offers surfboard rentals and lessons for just PHP 300 per hour. With over 10 local trainers on site, the camp has helped both locals and visitors embrace the surfing culture.
Practical Travel Details
Getting to Calicoan is relatively easy for domestic travelers. Fly into Tacloban City from Manila or Cebu. From Tacloban, hop on a public van heading to Guiuan. Duptours operates hourly from 5:20 a.m., while Van-van’s offers departures every 30 minutes starting at 5:30 a.m.
Once in Guiuan town proper, take a multicab or arrange a private car to Calicoan Beach. If convenience is a priority, visitors can contact the local tourism office at [email protected] for private transport arrangements.
Calicoan Villa is the only lodging option near the beach, just a five-minute walk from the shoreline. With strong mobile signal in the area, staying connected is easy—though you may find yourself wanting to stay unplugged.
Building a Surf-Driven Economy
Calicoan’s surf scene isn’t just about catching waves—it’s helping the local economy grow sustainably. The emergence of surf tourism has created jobs for locals, including surf instructors, drivers, and small-scale entrepreneurs selling food, renting gear, or offering lodging.
“For us, this is more than a beach. It’s livelihood,” said Ronald, a surf instructor at ABCD Camp. “Every tourist who learns to surf here contributes to our families.”
Despite the budding tourism, development remains mindful of the environment. The local government works closely with community stakeholders to ensure Calicoan maintains its ecological balance, preserving its reefs, caves, and surrounding forest areas.
More Than Just Surf
Aside from the waves, Calicoan offers access to nearby attractions like Linao Cave, a 10-minute drive away, perfect for light trekking and exploration. The beach also sits close to scenic cliff views and tranquil forest trails—making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Whether you’re chasing waves or simply seeking solitude, Calicoan Beach delivers a low-key, high-value experience—reminding visitors that sometimes, the best getaways are the ones quietly tucked away.
