Duli Beach Through the Year
Plan your trip around the swell. Tap a month to see what to expect.
Jan
PrimeTypical waves: Waist–head
Peak Amihan. Steady northeast swell, the most consistent month to plan around.
Typical patterns only — the ocean doesn't read calendars. Always check the live Waves forecast before you go.
The Amihan secret
Most of El Nido sits in sheltered Bacuit Bay, where limestone cliffs keep the water glassy — beautiful, but no waves. Duli is different: it's on the open east coast, facing the swell.
From roughly November to March the Amihan — the cool, dry northeast monsoon — blows down from mainland Asia and pushes swell straight onto the beach. Outside those months you can still score waves when a passing low-pressure system sends northeast swell our way, adding up to around seven months of surf a year.
Why Duli is on the surfer's map
Sandy beach break
A soft sand bottom and gentle slope — forgiving falls and perfect for learning.
Room for everyone
Around 2 km of beach means you can spread out, far from crowded lineups.
Palawan's surf spot
It's the place to surf around El Nido, so you get waves and island life on one trip.
Wild & undeveloped
Jungle hills, palms and almost no buildings — a proper escape about 40 minutes north of town by scooter.
A short surf story
For a long time, surfing in the Philippines meant Siargao or La Union, and El Nido was known for lagoons and island hopping — not waves. Duli stayed a quiet fishing-and-farming coast at the end of a dusty dirt road.
Over the years local surfers and travellers chasing the Amihan swell started making the trip north, a few surf shacks began renting boards, and Duli slowly became El Nido's go-to surf beach — still with the same empty, easy-going feel. Sick Buffalo is here to keep that spirit alive.
Picked your month? Lock in your waves!