Siargao is the surf capital of the Philippines — and every year, thousands of surfers arrive at Sayak Airport with boards under their arm, stoked to paddle out at Cloud 9, Tuason Point, and the island's other world-class breaks. But getting from the airport to General Luna with a surfboard requires a bit more planning than a standard transfer. Here's everything you need to know.
The Challenge: Surfboards and Airport Transport in Siargao
At Sayak Airport, unlike major international hubs, there are no designated oversize baggage facilities, no bell carts, and very limited covered waiting areas. You exit the terminal with your board bag, your travel bag, and the tropical heat, and you need transport that can actually accommodate your gear.
The good news: Shuttle Siargao handles surfboard transfers every single day. Our drivers are experienced with boards of all sizes, from shortboards to longboards to SUPs. The key is letting us know in advance so we send the right vehicle.
Vehicle Options for Surfboard Transfers
Shared Shuttle Van with Surfboard
The Toyota Hiace shared shuttle can accommodate surfboards depending on the configuration:
- 1 surfboard (standard shortboard or funboard): Fits in most shared shuttles when secured lengthwise along the roof rack or inside diagonally
- 2 surfboards: Possible in a shared shuttle but space may be tight depending on other passengers' luggage
- 3+ surfboards: A private van is strongly recommended to ensure all boards are transported safely without damage
Important: Always declare your surfboard when booking, even for a shared shuttle. This allows us to allocate the right van and ensure your board isn't turned away or damaged due to space conflicts.
Private Van for Surfboards — The Right Choice for Surfers
For any surfer traveling with boards, the private van is the smarter choice. Here's why:
- The entire luggage area is yours — no space sharing with strangers' suitcases
- Boards can be positioned optimally to prevent dings and pressure dents
- Departure is immediate — no waiting for a shared van to fill
- Your driver helps with loading and securing all equipment
Surfboard Transfer Prices 2026
| Option | Price (PHP) | Price (USD) | Board Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Shuttle (1 board) | ₱350/person | ~$6/person | 1–2 boards |
| Private Van (1–4 pax) | ₱2,500 | ~$43 | 4–6 boards |
| Private Van (5–7 pax) | ₱3,000 | ~$52 | 6–8 boards |
| Private Van (8+ pax) | ₱3,500 | ~$60 | 8+ boards |
No extra charge for surfboards. We do not charge board fees. The vehicle price covers your boards regardless of quantity, as long as you declare them when booking.
Surfboard Bag Tips for the Siargao Transfer
The transfer from the airport to General Luna takes 45 minutes on a well-paved road. That said, a few precautions make the journey smoother for your equipment:
- Use a padded board bag: Always. Even for a 45-minute van ride, padding protects against minor bumps and contact with other luggage.
- Remove fins or protect them: Fin boxes are a common transfer damage point. Either remove fins and pack them in your luggage, or ensure they're protected with foam in the bag.
- Avoid double-stacking heavy luggage on boards: Tell your driver and the other passengers not to place heavy suitcases on top of your board bag. Position the board flat on top of other luggage if possible.
- Travel board bags vs coffin bags: A coffin bag (for multiple boards) is harder to fit in a shared shuttle but works perfectly in a private van. For a coffin with 2+ boards, always book private.
Domestic Flight Rules for Surfboards — What to Know Before You Land
Understanding how surfboards are handled on domestic Philippine flights helps you prepare for the airport exit experience:
- Cebu Pacific: Surfboards are classified as oversize sports equipment and incur a fee (approximately ₱500–₱1,500 per board depending on size). They must be declared at check-in.
- Philippine Airlines: Similar sports equipment fees apply. Check the current policy on their website as it changes periodically.
- Sayak Airport baggage collection: Oversize items like surfboards are collected at a separate area near the standard baggage carousel — usually a dedicated oversize corner just beside it. Wait there if your board doesn't appear on the main belt.
Popular Surf Spots and Transfer Logistics
Once you're in General Luna with your board, getting to the breaks is straightforward:
| Surf Spot | From GL | Best Transport | Board on Scooter? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud 9 | 15–20 min | Scooter or tricycle | Yes (under arm) |
| Tuason Point | 10 min | Scooter | Yes |
| Stimpy's | 20 min | Scooter or habal-habal | Yes |
| Pacifico | 45–60 min | Scooter (experienced) or private van | Shortboard only |
| Rock Island (Burgos) | 60–75 min | Private van recommended | No |
💡 Scooter surfboard transport tip: Carrying a shortboard on a scooter is standard practice in Siargao — locals and tourists do it daily. Hold the board under your right arm parallel to the bike. For longer boards (7ft+), a habal-habal (motorbike taxi) where the driver can assist is safer. Never transport a board bag on a scooter — rent a tricycle for longer or heavier board setups.
Renting vs. Bringing Your Own Board
If you're considering whether to bring your board or rent locally, here's the honest breakdown:
Bring Your Own Board
Pros: You know exactly how it performs, no breaking in required, better quality than most rentals for intermediate-advanced surfers.
Cons: Airline fees (₱500–₱1,500 each way), risk of damage in transit, extra logistics at the airport.
Rent Locally in General Luna
Pros: No airline fees, no transport worry, wide selection from beginner foam boards to quality shortboards, many shops in GL.
Rental prices: ₱300–₱600 ($5–$10 USD) per day for standard boards. ₱200–₱400 ($3–$7 USD) per day for beginner foam boards. Quality shortboards and fish shapes: ₱500–₱800 ($9–$14 USD) per day.
Cons: Quality varies between shops. Advanced surfers may not find the exact board shape they want.
Our recommendation: Surfers at beginner to low-intermediate level should seriously consider renting locally and avoiding the airline fee and logistics hassle. Advanced surfers who are particular about their equipment should bring their own board.
Surfboard Insurance Reminder
Before any surf trip involving your own board, ensure it's covered:
- Check if your travel insurance policy covers sports equipment damage
- Many standard travel policies exclude surfboards or cover them only up to ₱10,000–₱15,000
- Specialist surf travel insurance (from companies like Global Surf Industries or World Nomads) often provides better board coverage
- Photograph your boards before you pack them for your trip — this documentation is essential for any claim
How to Book Your Surfboard Transfer
- Go to the Shuttle Siargao booking form
- Select shared or private van based on your board count (see table above)
- In the "special luggage" field, specify: number of boards, board type (shortboard/longboard/SUP), and whether they're in a coffin bag or individual bags
- Receive WhatsApp confirmation with your driver's details
- On arrival: exit the terminal, collect your boards from the oversize area, meet your driver outside