Boulevard I Love Surigao

Updated June 11, 2025

## Boulevard “I Love Surigao” – Waterfront Guide to Surigao City’s Signature Sign

Boulevard “I Love Surigao” is the postcard scene most travelers now associate with Surigao City: big block letters facing the sea, an easy waterfront stroll, and views toward the islands that dot the Surigao Strait. It sits along Surigao City Boulevard on Borromeo Street, right on the edge of downtown Surigao in Surigao del Norte, Mindanao.

This guide walks through what to actually expect on the ground today, how the area connects to a new marine sanctuary project, and how to pair a visit with nearby beaches and islands.

> Quick facts
> – Location: 115–116 Borromeo St, Surigao City, Surigao del Norte, Philippines
> – Type: Open-air waterfront promenade / viewpoint
> – Access: Public space, currently listed as open 24/7 on major travel platforms

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## What Boulevard “I Love Surigao” Actually Is

Rather than a long commercial strip, Boulevard “I Love Surigao” is a defined section of the Surigao City Boulevard waterfront anchored by the large “I ❤️ Surigao” sign and a concrete promenade overlooking the water. Online walking-tour videos show a simple setup: paved walkways, steps and platforms near the letters, a few trees and benches, and open views out to sea.

You’re essentially visiting:

– A seafront viewpoint where locals go for a stroll, to sit and chat, or to watch the water.
– A photo spot marked by the oversized “I Love Surigao” letters, popular for selfies and group shots.
– A gateway to the bay, with quick access back into central Surigao City and onward to islands like Basul.

Because it’s a public boulevard section, there’s no ticket gate and no fixed “attraction” infrastructure like a museum or theme park. It’s closer to a waterfront park than a conventional paid tourist site.

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## The Marine Sanctuary & “Build-a-Reef” Project

One of the most interesting, recent developments here is under the water, not on the pavement.

In 2024, the Surigao City government adopted a recommendation to declare a portion of Surigao City Boulevard — specifically the “I Love Surigao” area — as a marine sanctuary (Coral Reef Preservation Area) of roughly 5,300 square meters. Port Sustainability Program

Key points from that project:

– The area off the boulevard is now recognized as a protected marine zone, with the goal of conserving coastal biodiversity.
– The Philippine Ports Authority’s Port Management Office of Surigao, in collaboration with the Naval Reserve and local partners, launched a “Build-a-Reef” project that uses artificial cones and cubes as artificial reefs beneath the waterline. Port Sustainability Program
– The stated intent is to boost coral growth and marine life close to the city, turning an urban waterfront into a living classroom for coastal conservation. Port Sustainability Program

For visitors, this means:

– You’re not just standing at a sign — you’re right above a young marine sanctuary in progress.
– Responsible behavior really matters here: no throwing trash into the sea, and no disturbing any future snorkel/diving buoys or markers that might be installed as the project matures.
– Online descriptions and videos made before 2024 won’t mention the sanctuary; some of those visuals are now outdated as the waterfront’s role in conservation has expanded. Port Sustainability Program

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## Atmosphere & What to Expect on a Visit

### Daytime

During the day, expect:

– Open sea views across the Surigao Strait, with working boats and distant islands visible on clear days.
– A straightforward concrete promenade where people walk, sit, and take photos.
– Exposure to the sun; shade trees exist but don’t cover the entire area, so sun protection is important in the dry season.

Surigao City sits in a tropical climate with high humidity and strong sun, especially from around March to May, so midday can feel intense. Plan short visits or bring an umbrella / hat and water.

### Late afternoon & early evening

Late afternoon is typically the most rewarding time to go:

– Temperatures drop slightly and the sea breeze is more comfortable.
– The sky often picks up soft sunset colors over the water.
– The sign area becomes more of a meet-up point for families, couples, and friends heading out for an evening walk along the boulevard or into town.

Commercial activity (snacks, drinks, pop-up stalls) along the broader Surigao City Boulevard can vary by season, event, and current local regulations, so don’t rely on a particular number of stalls being present every day.

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## Practical Details: Getting There, Safety & Accessibility

### How to get there

– By tricycle: In Surigao City, public tricycles are the most common way to move around short distances. Asking for “boulevard, I Love Surigao” or simply “boulevard” is usually enough for drivers to understand — it’s a landmark spot.
– On foot: If you’re staying in central Surigao City near Borromeo Street or the port area, the boulevard section is walkable on normal city sidewalks and waterfront paths.

### Accessibility

– Much of the promenade is flat concrete, which is generally manageable for wheelchairs and strollers, though specific ramps and handrails can change over time with ongoing works and weather exposure.
– There are steps and raised platforms around parts of the sign area; some viewpoints may require navigating stairs.
– Strong rain, waves, and occasional coastal flooding during typhoon season can temporarily affect walkability — always be cautious after heavy weather.

### Safety notes

– As with any open waterfront, keep an eye on children near the seawall.
– Petty theft can occur in busy public places anywhere; keep cameras and phones secure, especially when you’re focused on photos.
– Surigao City, and Caraga more broadly, can experience strong tropical storms and earthquakes; check recent local advisories during the peak typhoon season months before making firm plans.

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## How Boulevard “I Love Surigao” Fits Into a Surigao Itinerary

Boulevard “I Love Surigao” works best as an anchor stop in a broader look at Surigao City and the surrounding coast.

### Nearby attractions

Based on current travel platforms and attraction directories, notable spots within the same general area include:

– Surigao City Boulevard (wider stretch): The “I Love Surigao” sign occupies one segment; the boulevard extends further and is often used for walks and casual exercise.
– Mabua Pebble Beach: A distinctive shoreline made of smooth pebbles rather than fine sand, about a short drive from Surigao City. It’s often listed as one of the most recognizable natural attractions near town.
– Rock and Mineral Museum: A small local museum, frequently mentioned alongside the boulevard and Mabua Pebble Beach in hotel and attraction listings.
– Luneta Park (Surigao City): A city park within Surigao where Boulevard “I Love Surigao” appears in related “similar things to do” lists.
– Basul Island: A nearby island off the coast of Surigao City, reachable by boat, commonly suggested as part of island-hopping from Surigao.

From an editorial perspective, Boulevard “I Love Surigao” gives you strong visual storytelling (sunset, sign, bay views), while places like Mabua Pebble Beach and Basul Island carry the adventure and seascape angle. Together they form an easy half-day to full-day narrative.

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## When to Visit: Time of Day & Seasonality

### Time of day

– Early morning: Cooler air, quieter surroundings, and softer light for photos.
– Late afternoon to dusk: Most atmospheric for photography and people-watching, with better comfort than midday.

Avoid expecting a dramatic nightlife scene right at the sign itself; if any pop-up vendors or small events are active, that’s a bonus rather than a guarantee.

### Time of year

– Dry season: In the Philippines, the relatively drier period (roughly late November to May, with regional variation) usually brings more stable, sunny days and better boulevard conditions.
– Rainy / typhoon season: Heavier rain and occasional storm surges can affect the waterfront and nearby islands. Always check current local weather bulletins and transport updates, especially if you’re pairing the boulevard with boat trips to islands around Surigao City.

Because Surigao City is exposed to coastal weather, online descriptions from years ago may not match the exact state of pavements, trees, benches, or railings today; these can change after strong storms or new city works.

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## Responsible & Inclusive Travel at the Boulevard

A few low-friction habits make visiting the boulevard better for everyone:

– Respect the marine sanctuary: The stretch of water off Boulevard “I Love Surigao” is now part of an official marine preservation effort with artificial reef structures. Treat the shoreline as a conservation zone: no littering, avoid throwing anything into the sea, and follow any local signage or restrictions you see on site. Port Sustainability Program
– Be considerate with photography: The sign is a shared public space. Give others time and space for their photos, and ask before including strangers in close-up shots, especially children.
– Clothing & culture: Surigao City is a mix of urban and coastal Mindanao culture. Casual clothing is the norm, but extremely revealing swimwear at the boulevard itself can feel out of place; save that for islands or dedicated beach areas like Mabua.
– Accessibility awareness: Flat sections of the promenade can be manageable for visitors with mobility concerns; if you’re traveling with someone using a wheelchair or cane, consider scouting the route in daylight first to identify the smoothest lines and avoid high steps.

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## Where to Stay Near Boulevard “I Love Surigao”

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Boulevard I Love Surigao

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Places to Stay Near Boulevard I Love Surigao"I like because there so much things there"

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