Cloud 9
Cloud 9 is the Philippines' most famous wave—a hollow, dredging right-hand barrel on Siargao Island that has put Southeast Asian surfing on the world map. The wave breaks over a very shallow reef shelf, producing thick, spitting tubes and hosting the annual Siargao Cup. When typhoon swells hit from the NE, Cloud 9 turns into a legitimate world-class barrel. The island vibe is tropical backpacker paradise, and the wave has made Siargao the surfing capital of the Philippines.
Cloud 9 surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NE (45°)
- Direction range
- 20° - 90°
- Size range
- 1m - 3.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.1m - 2.9m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (225°)
- Offshore range
- 180° - 270°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid to high
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 1.5m
- Danger below
- 0.3m
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
8/10
Crowd level
7/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Cloud 9?
Cloud 9 is a reef break in Siargao, Philippines, that mostly breaks right. It's on our list of the world's 100 best waves. It's also a renowned bodyboarding wave.
What's the story behind Cloud 9?
Travelling surfers found it in the late 1980s, and photographer John Seaton Callahan named it after the Cloud 9 chocolate bar. Its popularity has earned it the nickname 'Crowd 9'.
What swell works best at Cloud 9?
Cloud 9 picks up swell from the NNE round to the E, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the NE. It starts working at around 1m and handles up to about 3.5m, with the sweet spot around 2.1 to 2.9m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 10s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Cloud 9?
A SW wind is dead offshore at Cloud 9, and anything from the S round to the W keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 5am to 10am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Cloud 9?
Cloud 9 is at its best around the mid to high tide, roughly 0.5m to 1.5m on the local chart. Below 0.3m it gets dangerously shallow.
When is the best time of year to surf Cloud 9?
The most reliable run of swell at Cloud 9 comes Aug to Nov. There's a second window in Mar to May too. NE monsoon best (Aug-Nov). Typhoon swells.
How cold is the water at Cloud 9?
The water at Cloud 9 averages around 28°C, so boardshorts or a rashguard will do. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Cloud 9 good for beginners?
Not really. It's rated 8/10 for difficulty and suits experienced surfers. It gets busy (crowd 7/10), so mind the pecking order. Very shallow reef. Crowded when good.
How do I get to Cloud 9?
The nearest airport on our list is IAO, then it's roughly a 30-minute drive.
What other surf spots are near Cloud 9?
The closest breaks we track are Tuason Point (0.0 km), Jacking Horse (2.1 km) and Stimpy's (3.4 km), handy when Cloud 9 isn't working. We track 4 spots around Siargao in total.
Best Season
Peak: Aug-Nov
Secondary: Mar-May
NE monsoon best (Aug-Nov). Typhoon swells.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Tuason Point
↙️ Siargao's premier left • Goofy-footer's paradise • Big swell treasure
Jacking Horse
🐴 Cloud 9's playful neighbor • Punchy reef right • Crowd escape valve
Stimpy's
😊 Beginner-friendly reef • Siargao intro wave • Low-key sessions
Plan a trip around Cloud 9
Compare this break with other destinations in these surf guides.