It was previously named Talisay, after the namesake trees (Terminalia catappa) that grew abundantly in the area.

[5] San Benito traces its origin as a barrio of the town of Sapao (now Sta.

[5] Surigao del Norte Representative Constantino Navarro Sr. authored and sponsored a bill to create San Benito as a municipality.

Products of the municipality include coconut trees, copra, fish, and other agricultural crops like cassava, sweet potato (kamote), taro (gabi), rice, root crops, and corn.

Being on Siargao Island, the town is also a tourist destination, with attractions such as the Poneas Hilltop Hidden Lake, Kangkangon White Beach, Pagbasayan Islet, Litalit Islet, and Camblinling Naked Island.