Siargao Sayak Layover Guide (IAO)

What are you looking for in IAO?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Siargao Airport (IAO) is a domestic airport located in Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte. It’s situated about 45 km (28 miles) from General Luna, the island’s main tourist hub. The airport began operations in the early 2000s. Siargao is a tropical island known as the surfing capital of the Philippines. It’s also famous for its stunning lagoons, white-sand beaches, and laid-back atmosphere, attracting nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Can you leave Siargao Airport (IAO) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Sayak Airport (Siargao, IAO) services domestic flights only. All international passengers clear Philippine immigration in Manila. On arrival at Siargao you can leave the terminal during layover without checks. No additional visa is required if you hold a valid Philippine entry permit, subject to transit policies. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Cloud 9 Surf Break Watch epic barreling waves and vibrant sunsets at Cloud 9 surf break, perfect for beginners or spectators seeking local culture and adrenaline-fuelled excitement in pristine coastal surroundings with friendly locals. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: 40-minute tricycle or taxi)
• Magpupungko Rock Pools Swim and explore tide-fed natural rock pools at Magpupungko during low tide, marvel at crystal clear turquoise waters surrounded by limestone formations and tropical foliage in a serene coastal setting. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: 1-hour van or tricycle)
• Sugba Lagoon Kayak through emerald waters of Sugba Lagoon, glide beneath overhanging palm trees and limestone cliffs, then dive from bamboo platforms into tranquil depths for an unforgettable tropical paradise island adventure. (Time required: 4–5 hours. / Airport to here: 1.5-hour boat and van)
• Naked Island Relax on the powder-white sands of Naked Island, admire panoramic ocean views, snorkel over nearby coral reefs teeming with vibrant marine life, and savor tropical breezes under swaying coconut palms. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: 30-minute boat ride)
• Daku Island Discover vibrant local life on Daku Island, wander through fishing village lanes, taste fresh seafood delicacies at beachside huts, swim in calm blue waters and mingle with hospitable island communities. (Time required: 3–4 hours. / Airport to here: 20-minute banca ride)
• Guyam Island Escape to intimate Guyam Island, lounge in shaded hammocks beneath swaying palms, snorkel vibrant reefs just offshore, enjoy a secluded tropical oasis only minutes by boat from Siargao’s bustling hub. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: 20-minute banca ride)
• Coconut Forest Pedal through Siargao’s enchanting Coconut Forest on a guided bike tour, weave among towering palms, learn about local agriculture traditions, breathe fresh island air and capture stunning tropical photo opportunities. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: 20-minute bike ride)
• Maasin River Swing Take an exhilarating bamboo swing over emerald Maasin River, plunge into refreshing waters, explore hidden waterfalls and mangrove-fringed waterways for a serene, unforgettable lush jungle adventure near Siargao’s rural landscapes. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: 30-minute van or tricycle)

Things to Do in Siargao Airport (IAO)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Puerto Vallarta Airport features three VIP lounges—two in Terminal 1 (National and Arrivals) and one in Terminal 2 International. Amenities include comfortable seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, refreshments, alcoholic beverages, TVs, newspapers, workstations, iPad use and showers (T2). Access via Priority Pass or pay-per-entry; maximum stay three hours. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Within a five-minute drive of PVR, nearby accommodations include Comfort Inn Golfside & Marina, Holiday Inn Express, Hotel Container Inn, Quinta Maria Cortez Beach Hotel and Casa Tres Vidas Beach Villa. Most offer free breakfast, Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, airport shuttles and pool access—ideal for early flights or overnight transit. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
The airport operates 24/7 but has no dedicated rest zones, sleeping pods or cots. Terminal seating is limited and not designed for overnight stays, so travelers often resort to floor napping or premium lounge access (when open). Consider nearby airport hotels for proper rest.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal via the “GAP FREE WIFI” network (or “FreeAirportWiFi_PVR”). Connection requires opening a browser and accepting terms; sessions are limited to 15 minutes. Premium lounges offer separate high-speed networks. Charging stations are located near gates and seating areas.

SIM/eSIM Card: You can purchase a prepaid SIM at the Oxxo convenience store just outside arrivals. Major carriers (Telcel, Movistar) offer plans from ~200 MXN for 30 days. eSIM profiles are also available online pre-arrival and can be activated on landing for immediate service. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official taxis queue outside the arrivals hall with fixed rates by zone: Downtown ≈USD 25, Hotel Zone ≈USD 26, Marina Vallarta ≈USD 35 and Banderas Bay ≈USD 42 for sedans (1–3 pax). Vans and VIP options cost more. Fares include up to three passengers; extra luggage fees may apply. Payment accepted in pesos or USD.

Train: Puerto Vallarta Airport has no direct rail service. The nearest passenger train station is in Guadalajara, roughly 200 km away, served by Ferromex. Travelers should use bus or shuttle services for local and regional connections. (more info)

Bus: An ADO bus terminal is adjacent to the main arrivals area, providing regional routes to Guadalajara, Tepic and local city lines (e.g., Route B1 to downtown and Hotel Zone). Tickets can be bought onsite or online. (more info)

Shuttle: Multiple shared and private shuttle operators serve PVR—SuperShuttle, AMSTAR, Gray Line, Aeromovil and many hotels offer roundtrip and one-way transfers to the Hotel Zone, downtown and Riviera Nayarit. Prices start around USD 25 per person. Advance online booking ensures meet-and-greet service and luggage assistance.

Car rentals: Major agencies—Avis, Hertz, National, Alamo, Budget and Europcar—have counters in the Arrivals hall. Requirements include a valid driver’s license, credit card and minimum age 21. Off-airport providers offer shuttle transfers to their lots. Pre-booking online secures best rates and insurance coverage. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: PVR offers short- and long-term parking in open-air lots on levels P1 and P2 adjacent to the terminal. Rates start at 50 MXN/hr (≈USD 3) with a daily maximum of ~450 MXN. Valet service is available near the main entrance at premium rates. Payment by cash or card.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

The airport does not provide official luggage storage or locker facilities. Travelers needing storage should arrange with nearby hotels or use third-party services in Puerto Vallarta city. Shuttle and tour operators often store bags during excursions. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Siargao Airport (IAO) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks