Freediving Canaoay
Canaoay is a barangay (district) located in the city of San Fernando, which is the capital of the province of La Union in the Ilocos Region, on the main island of Luzon in the Philippines.
La Union is increasingly known for its vibrant coastal life and is a popular weekend destination from Manila.
how to get there
San Fernando, La Union (and thus Canaoay), is easily accessible via land from Manila.
By Bus from Manila:
Direct Bus: The easiest way is to take a direct air-conditioned bus from Manila (e.g., from terminals like Pasay or Cubao) directly to San Fernando City, La Union.
Travel Time: The journey usually takes 5–7 hours.
By Car: It’s a straight drive up the national highway from Manila, which can also take 5–7 hours, depending on traffic.
Getting Around in Canaoay/San Fernando: Within San Fernando and Canaoay, you can easily get around using Tricycles or local Jeepneys. Canaoay is a coastal barangay right next to the city center.
Special Features of Canaoay
Proximity to San Juan (Surfing Capital): Canaoay is just a short ride away from the famous town of San Juan, which is known as the Surfing Capital of Northern Luzon. While Canaoay itself is more residential, the vibrant surf culture, hip restaurants, and beach bars of San Juan are very close.
Beachfront Location: As a coastal barangay, Canaoay offers easy access to the coast and several accommodations (villas, resorts, and homestays) directly on the beach.
Gateway to Ilocos: San Fernando serves as a central hub, making Canaoay an ideal starting point for exploring the entire Ilocos Region, including:
The historic city of Vigan (UNESCO World Heritage Site) to the north.
The quieter, less-developed beaches further north or south.
Suitability for Freediving and Snorkeling
Canaoay/San Fernando is not a renowned destination for freediving or scuba diving. The area is mainly known for surfing.
Surfing: The primary water activity is surfing, especially in the neighboring town of San Juan, which offers excellent conditions for beginners and intermediate surfers.
Snorkeling/Freediving:
The beaches in La Union often have strong currents due to the waves, which are needed for surfing. This makes the conditions for deep, calm freediving or clear-water snorkeling less ideal than in the Visayas (like Camotes).
While the water near the coast is suitable for swimming, there is no known, developed coral reef or designated marine park in the immediate vicinity of Canaoay/San Fernando that would attract dedicated snorkelers or scubadivers.
but the clear water and great visability makes it an exelent weekend escape for freedivers from manila and around.
There are two freediving schools here with good ratings.
Also, if you want to combine freediving and surfing, this is the ideal spot.
recommended for freedivers in
Canaoay :
Baguio-based freedivers sharing the fun and excitement of freediving
instagram site of laud freediving
What else…
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
The Ilocos Region generally has two main seasons:
Dry Season (Best Time to Visit): November to April. This period offers sunny weather and clear skies, perfect for sightseeing in Caoayan/Vigan and relaxing on the beaches in San Juan.
Peak Surf Season in San Juan: October to March. This is when the waves are at their most consistent, particularly the North Swell (November-March), which has less rain than the South Swell (July-October). If surfing is your main priority, late November to March is ideal.
Wet Season: May to October. Expect higher humidity and frequent rain showers, which can disrupt travel and outdoor activities.
Accommodations: Budget vs. Luxury
You’ll find a good mix of both in the area, but they are concentrated in different places:
Caoayan & Vigan Area (Ilocos Sur)
Caoayan itself is a smaller town, but it’s right next to Vigan City, where most tourists stay. The vibe here is more historical and traditional.
Budget & Mid-Range: Many small guesthouses, inns, and budget hotels are available in and around Vigan. Some offer a charming, old-world feel. Look for places slightly outside the immediate Calle Crisologo area for better rates.
Luxury: There are a few heritage hotels in Vigan that offer a more upscale experience, often housed in beautifully preserved colonial buildings.
San Juan (La Union)
The main tourist area, Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan, is packed with options reflecting its young, hip, and surf-centric atmosphere.
Budget & Mid-Range: This area is excellent for budget travelers! You’ll find numerous hostels (like the popular Flotsam and Jetsam), surf camps, and affordable inns right by the beach. This caters to the young, backpacking, and surfing crowd.
Luxury: Options like Awesome Hotel and Kahuna Beach Resort and Spa offer more traditional, resort-style luxury with pools, spas, and beachfront access.
Restaurants and Local Cuisine
Both areas are a foodie’s delight, but with different focuses:
Caoayan & Vigan (Ilocos Sur)
You must try the hearty, savory Ilocano cuisine.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vigan Longganisa: A pungent, garlicky local sausage.
Bagnet: Crispy deep-fried pork belly, often called “Ilocano Chicharon.”
Empanada: Vigan’s version is a deep-fried orange crust turnover filled with grated papaya, mung beans, and Vigan longganisa.
Pinakbet: A mixed vegetable stew cooked in fermented fish or shrimp paste (bagoong).
Recommendations (Near Vigan): Explore the various restaurants and stalls along Calle Crisologo and around Plaza Burgos for local specialties.
San Juan (La Union)
Known as “Elyu” by locals and frequent visitors, the food scene is trendy, diverse, and heavily influenced by the beach and surf culture.
Cuisine: A fantastic mix of local Filipino, fusion, and international cuisine, often with an emphasis on fresh, casual dining.
Recommendations:
El Union Coffee: Famous for its artisanal coffee and grilled cheese.
Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel: Has a popular restaurant and bar open to non-guests.
Check out the many beachfront shacks and modern cafes along Urbiztondo for a wide variety of choices, from Filipino to Greek cuisine.
How to Get Around
Inter-city Travel: The Ilocos Region is well-served by bus lines (like Partas or Farinas) from Manila. You can take an overnight bus directly to Vigan City (near Caoayan) or to San Juan, La Union. The trip takes roughly 6 to 10 hours depending on the destination and traffic.
Caoayan & Vigan: The primary mode of transport in Vigan is the Kalesa (horse-drawn carriage), which offers a quaint, historical way to tour the city. For nearby Caoayan and other attractions, you can hire a tricycle.
San Juan (La Union): The Urbiztondo area is easily walkable. For longer distances or trips to nearby towns (like Tangadan Falls), you’ll rely on tricycles or jeepneys.
Recommended For
Caoayan (and nearby Vigan) is recommended for:
History Buffs: Vigan’s UNESCO World Heritage site, Calle Crisologo, is an incredibly preserved Spanish colonial town.
Culture Enthusiasts: Exploring ancestral houses, museums, and learning about traditional Ilocano crafts like weaving and pottery.
Families and Couples looking for a more relaxed, educational, and traditional Philippine experience.
San Juan is recommended for:
Surfers (Beginner to Intermediate): The consistent waves at Urbiztondo Beach are perfect for learning or honing your skills.
Millennials & Young Travelers: The area has a young, laid-back, and vibrant social scene with excellent food, trendy cafes, and beach bars.
Beach Lovers who enjoy a lively atmosphere and being close to amenities.
In short, Caoayan/Vigan offers a rich historical and cultural getaway, while San Juan is the perfect modern beach escape!