Catanduanes, Philippines

Surf in paradise: Join a island retreat in tropical Catanduanes

5.0
(25 reviews)25

Spend 10 days carving warm Pacific waves, greeting the sun with yoga, and diving into Bicolano culture on an off-the-radar Philippine island. With certified local coaches, a curated itinerary, and ground logistics sorted, the group will deepen its connection to nature, community, and each other, no prior surf experience needed.

  • Wellness & Cultural Immersion

  • Hospitality

  • Requires Intermediate English

Kissy Tanael
Worldpackers host since Feb/2024


Itinerary

The activities in this itinerary and their order can be adjusted according to seasonality and the needs of the project.

What's included

Pre-trip support

Our support team is available via WhatsApp and email to provide quick answers to any questions you may have.

Comprehensive Program Guide

Get a complete and trustworthy go-to guide with travel logistics, destination highlights, full itinerary, host info, safety tips, and more.

Pre-trip preparation checklist

Get immediate access to a checklist outlining the essential steps you must take to prepare for a safe journey, with no surprises along the way.

Local guidance and support on the ground

Connect with grassroots hosts, passionate, reliable, and rooted in their communities.

Accomodation

Cozy island-style rooms just a short walk from the beach, designed for comfort and simplicity. Surrounded by nature and ocean air, it’s the kind of place that makes slowing down feel easy.

Airport Pick-up and Drop-off

We scoop you up at Virac Airport (or the seaport) and handle every ride to surf breaks, waterfalls, restaurants, basically anywhere the plan takes us. No haggling for trikes, no getting lost.

3 daily meals

Fuel comes three times a day! You'll have à la carte breakfasts, laid‑back lunches, and buffet dinners that rotate through partner spots.

Surf lessons

Seven sessions of one‑on‑one coaching timed to the best tides, plus drone or GoPro clips so you can relive (and laugh at) every wipe‑out and breakthrough.

Yoga sessions

Enjoy yoga sessions to connect your body and mind. Sometimes on the grass with ocean views, sometimes indoors when it pours.

Night Activities

Evenings are pure hang‑time: beach bonfires, karaoke battles, paint‑and‑sip under the stars, card games, outdoor movies. We’ll even squeeze in a beach clean‑up if the crew’s keen.

What's not included

Flight tickets and info

Visas and documentation

Travel Insurance

Requirements

  • Intermediate English
  • Over 18 years old

Activities

See the activities that will make your trip into an epic adventure.

Learning opportunities

Contribute to your project and make a positive impact while developing new skills.

Immersion activities

Get to know the local culture and have an authentic travel experience with activities included in your itinerary.

Extra activities

Additional activities for you to enjoy this adventure even more in your free time.


Videos

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26 Reviews

5.0

Spain

5

As the creator of this trip, I couldn't be happier with how it turned out! After backpacking around Southeast Asia and spending the last couple of years living in Bali, Lombok, Siargao and other surf islands, this was everything I could ever imagined: empty lineups, amazing surf coaching and video analysis, waterfalls, wholesome activities, incredible food and bonfires. Everything was stress-free and so well organised! Huge thanks to Kissy, the instructors, everyone at the host and the 8 girls who made it so special. Highly recommend this magical place for an authentic surf adventure💖

20 days ago

Austria

5

Kissy was an amazing host who made our trip to the Philippines truly special! She was incredibly welcoming, kind, and always happy to help. The accommodation was wonderful and the perfect place to relax and enjoy time together. Everything contributed to an unforgettable experience filled with beautiful memories and new friendships. I'm so grateful for all the effort Kissy put into making us feel comfortable and welcome. I would absolutely love to travel with her again and can highly recommend this experience!

22 days ago

Australia

5

Kissy was an amazing co ordinator and made the experience so wonderful for everyone and was very helpful with getting to know the island and each other. Had the best week with meeting new girls that I will never forget

27 days ago

United States

5

Amazing Philippines trip! Thanks to Kissy and Gemma for their care. Ava’s unclear plans, unannounced food stops for herself, and giving beer to our driver concerned me. Gemma listened and escalated my concerns to Kissy. She’d make an amazing travel buddy—I’d love another trip with her!

27 days ago

Australia

5

I had the most wonderful time on this surf trip, surrounded by the best people and crew. I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to bring such a high-vibe tribe together to experience a place so rich in culture, community and beauty...a hidden island that most people don't even know exists.The locals were incredibly warm and welcoming, the food was some of the most delicious I've ever had and the waves were genuinely some of the best I've ever surfed. But most importantly, it was the people I travelled with and the beautiful souls I met along the way that made this trip 10/10.

about 2 months ago

United States

5

Clem was an amazing host and truly made my experience at the surf the host so special. She was incredibly friendly, outgoing, helpful, and responsible throughout my stay. She went above and beyond to make sure everyone felt comfortable, welcomed, and taken care . Kissy and the crew were awesome and very knowledgeable of the local Surf break and extremely welcoming and accommodating

about 2 months ago

Talk to those who have lived the experience

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Available after purchasing the experience

Connect with others who will also be there

Exchange ideas with other confirmed worldpackers before your trip.

Accommodation options

Private Room

Travelers will stay in traditional nipa-style cabins with air-conditioned rooms. All rooms have a private-ensuite bathroom with showers (cold water only). The structure is simple but comfortable, aligned with the remote island setting.

The accommodation is located in a remote area of Philippines, close to Puraran Beach. The property is set in a natural environment, just a few steps from the ocean.

Communal spaces include a water filter station, complimentary coffee and tea, a yoga space, a beach-volleyball court, a surfboard rack, and limited Wi-Fi access in common areas.

As it's located in a remote location, it’s important to give some context. The water system works through a pump that collects and fills the tanks. Especially during the summer season, water flow can sometimes be slower, which may result in lower pressure in the showers. There can also occasionally be electricity interruptions during summer, as the power is hydro-based and managed by the local provider. It’s part of island life, but the host will always do their best to manage it properly and inform guests in advance.

12 bedrooms 12 bathrooms
  • Fixed-price laundry service
  • Internet (50 Mbps to 100 Mbps)
  • Bikes at your disposal
  • Surfboards

Meals

Three fresh meals a day keep energy high. Breakfast is à la carte: tropical fruit bowls, eggs or fluffy pancakes with local coffee. A light, packable lunch fuels midday adventures. Evenings bring family-style buffets cooked by partner-restaurant chefs, spotlighting just-caught seafood and classic Bicolano dishes; vegetarian-friendly selections are always on the table.

Included meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Dietary restrictions
Vegetarian friendly

Arrival orientation

Arrive at Virac Airport (VRC) via the required Cebu Pacific morning flight from Manila and connect with your driver for a direct transfer to the retreat in Puraran. A direct return transfer back to Virac Airport is also included at departure to sync with the daily morning flight. Full details are in your program guide once your spot is confirmed!

Pickup included
Virac Airport (VRC)

About the project

Hosted by Kissy Tanael
5.0
(26 reviews)26

Founded in 2023 by a lifelong Catandungan surfer who grew up a few steps from the reef, this women-led collective now unites certified coaches, guides and organizers. Their mission: empower new wave-riders while creating fair-wage jobs across the island. Deep community roots ensure every peso spent benefits local families and the coastal environment they protect.

Languages spoken in this project
English, Tagalog
How long does it exist
3 years
Worldpackers host
Since Feb/2024

About the destination

Puraran Beach sits on the emerald-fringed east coast of Catanduanes—nicknamed the “Happy Island” for its laid-back vibe and year-round sunshine. Famous for the barreling “Majestic” reef break and dramatic limestone headlands, the area remains blissfully crowd-free. Expect crystal water, coconut groves, friendly fisherfolk and an authentic taste of provincial Philippine life.

Local currency
Philippine Peso (₱)
Timezone
GMT+8

Impact & Purpose

Every moment of this experience uplifts the local community: economically, culturally, and emotionally. Travelers support small businesses, connect with locals through surf and shared meals, and help preserve the natural beauty and spirit of Puraran through mindful, meaningful travel.

This host contributes to Sustainable Development Goals


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