surf trip in april

12 Best Places to Surf in April

Are you dreaming of sun-kissed waves and balmy breezes? April beckons surfers worldwide with an array of exciting possibilities. From the legendary breaks of Indonesia to the hidden gems of the Indian Ocean, this guide unveils the best surf destinations in April .

Whether you crave the mighty swells of Hawaii or the mellow consistency of Portugal, discover twelve paradises where consistent waves and ideal weather collide, making them the best places to surf in April . So, pack your board, grab your sunscreen, and prepare to ride the perfect wave this April.

1. Maui, Hawaii

Surfing Hawaii in April presents a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of the north shore’s powerful winter swells and the calmer south shore’s gentler waves. Maui, nicknamed “The Valley Isle,” offers diverse surf spots catering to various skill levels, making it one of the ideal April surf destinations for surfers seeking an unforgettable April adventure.

• Type of Water: Expect crystal-clear, turquoise waters with excellent visibility.
• Swell & Wind: April falls in the transition period between winter and summer swells. North shores receive smaller swells, while south shores still see decent south swells with trade winds providing offshore breezes.
• Water Temperature: Enjoy comfortable warmth with an average water temperature of around 77°F (25°C).
• Skill: Surfing Maui april offers options for all levels. Beginners can find gentle waves at protected spots like Lahaina Harbor and Kihei, while intermediates can progress at Ulua Beach. Experienced surfers can challenge themselves at Honolua Bay, known for its powerful reef breaks.
• The Cove: Located on the North Shore, this world-renowned spot offers challenging waves best suited for experienced surfers during winter swells.
• Kaanapali Beach: On the South Shore, this beginner-friendly beach boasts gentle waves and stunning scenery, perfect for honing your skills in April’s calmer conditions.

2. Punta Hermosa, Peru

Punta Hermosa, south of Lima, beckons surfers with its consistent swells and diverse breaks. This Peruvian gem boasts warm waters, a vibrant atmosphere, and waves suitable for all skill levels. It is an ideal destination for surfing Peru in April adventure.

• Type of Water: The Pacific Ocean offers powerful waves, ideal for experienced surfers. Beginners can find gentler breaks in sheltered bays.
• Swell & Wind: April falls within the peak season, with consistent southern swells ranging from 2-6 feet. Offshore winds ensure clean wave faces most days.
• Water Temp: Expect comfortable water temperatures around 70°F (21°C), perfect for wearing a spring wetsuit or boardshorts.
• Skill Level: Punta Hermosa caters to all levels. Beginners can find mellow waves at Playa Norte, while experienced surfers can challenge themselves at Señoritas and Caballeros.
• Señoritas: This iconic left-hand point break offers powerful barrels for advanced surfers.
• Caballeros: A rare right-hander producing long, rolling waves suitable for intermediate and advanced surfers.

3. Ericeira, Portugal

Ericeira is nestled on Portugal’s western coast and offers a vibrant surf scene and diverse breaks. It is a haven for wave riders of all levels, renowned as one of the best places to surf in April . Surfing Portugal in April promises pleasant weather, moderate swells, and consistent waves, perfect for honing your skills or trying surfing for the first time.

• Type of Water: The Atlantic Ocean provides cool, refreshing water, averaging 17°C (62°F) in April.
• Swell & Wind: Expect moderate southwesterly swells with occasional larger sets rolling in. Offshore winds keep the waves clean and consistent.
• Skill Level: Ericeira caters to all skill levels. Beginner-friendly beach breaks like Foz do Lizandro offer gentle waves. At the same time, intermediate surfers can progress at Ribeira d’Ilhas or São Julião. Advanced surfers can test their mettle at powerful reef breaks like Coxos or Ribeira d’Ilhas on bigger swells.
• Foz do Lizandro: This sheltered beach break boasts gentle, rolling waves ideal for beginners and longboarders.
• Limipicos: This world-renowned reef break offers challenging waves for experienced surfers, especially during winter swells.

4. Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s south coast beckons surfers with consistent swells and offshore winds in April, making it the peak season for surf Sri Lanka April . Among the vibrant beach towns, Hikkaduwa stands out with its diverse breaks catering to all skill levels. Let’s dive into the island’s surf haven.

• Type of Water: Clear, warm Indian Ocean waters with temperatures averaging 27-29°C (81-84°F) in April.
• Swell & Wind: April offers consistent head-high waves with occasional double overheads due to southerly swells. Offshore winds prevail, creating clean and organized waves.
• Skill Level: Hikkaduwa caters to all levels, from gentle beginner breaks to challenging reef breaks for experienced surfers.
• Main Beach: Sandy bottom breaks with gentle waves, perfect for beginners and learning.
• Right & Left at the Reef: Two reef breaks offering more challenging rights and lefts, ideal for intermediate and advanced surfers.
• Benny’s: Renowned high-performance left-hander, suited for experienced surfers seeking adrenaline-pumping rides.

Hikkaduwa is a sure bet for your best surf in April adventure with its vibrant atmosphere, diverse breaks, and ideal weather conditions.

5. Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

For seasoned surfers seeking consistent barrels and a vibrant atmosphere, surfing Costa Rica in April offers an ideal escape. Santa Teresa, nestled on the Nicoya Peninsula, boasts a variety of breaks catering to different skill levels and preferences. This guide highlights the key aspects to consider when planning your Costa Rica surf April adventure.

• Type of Water: The Pacific Ocean provides warm, tropical waters, averaging around 82°F (28°C) in April.
• Swell & Wind: Expect consistent southwest swells, ideal for long rides and powerful maneuvers. Offshore winds prevail in the mornings, providing glassy conditions.
• Skill Level: Breaks range from gentle beach breaks suitable for beginners (Playa Hermosa) to advanced reef breaks demanding experience (Suck Rock).
• Suck Rock: Notorious for its powerful right-hand point break, attracting experienced surfers seeking challenging barrels. Low tide offers the best conditions.
• Playa Hermosa: A gentler beach break north of Santa Teresa, perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers with smaller waves and gradual incline.

6. Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai, Hawaii’s “Garden Isle,” beckons surfers year-round with its diverse breaks and stunning scenery. It is among the best places to surf in April . But surfing in Kauai in April holds a unique charm, offering a transitional season between winter’s powerful swells and summer’s calmer conditions. Let’s explore some key aspects to consider:

• Type of Water: Crystal-clear, turquoise waters with consistent visibility.
• Swell & Wind: April sees North Shore swells diminish, offering gentler waves on the East and South Shores. Expect variable winds impacting specific spots.
• Water Temperature: Warm and comfortable, averaging around 77°F (25°C), making wetsuits optional for most.
• Skill Level: April caters to a broader range, with options for beginners and experienced surfers depending on location.
• Kahili Beach: Located on the North Shore, it is known for its long, gentle waves, perfect for beginners and longboarders. Surfing Kauai in April here offers smaller waves than in winter months.
• Kalapaki Beach: Situated on the South Shore, this sheltered bay provides calmer conditions for learning and practicing. Expect smaller, rolling waves suitable for beginners.

7. San Diego, California

California’s coastline offers diverse surfing experiences, and San Diego stands out for its year-round accessibility. However, surfing in San Diego in April presents unique characteristics compared to other seasons. Let’s explore the key factors to consider before hitting the waves.

• Type of Water: Pacific Ocean, clear and refreshing.
• Water Temperature: Water temperature averages 60-64°F (15-18°C) in April, requiring a wetsuit for warmth.
• Swell & Wind: Expect inconsistent swells, transitioning from winter’s northwesterlies to summer’s southwesterlies. Offshore winds are expected, creating smoother waves.
• Skill Level: April offers a mixed bag. Smaller waves suit beginners, while experienced surfers might find inconsistent conditions challenging.
• Trestles: Home to the annual World Surf League Championship Tour event, Trestles offers hollow, high-performance waves for advanced surfers.
• Oceanside Pier: A lively spot with consistent waves suitable for all levels, perfect for honing skills or enjoying a relaxed session.

8. Barbados, South Coast

While surfing Barbados in April offers Caribbean charm and powerful swells, San Diego’s consistent surf and vibrant beach culture make it an equally captivating option. This guide delves into San Diego’s diverse surf spots, catering to all skill levels and maximizing your surf city weather April experience.

• Type of Water & Swell: The Pacific Ocean is characterized by year-round swells and consistent southwest winds.
• Wind: Northerly winds in summer (April-September) offer smaller waves, ideal for beginners. Southerly winds in winter (October-March) bring larger swells, attracting experienced surfers.
• Water Temperature: April boasts pleasant water temperatures averaging 82°F (28°C), making wetsuits optional.
• Skill Level: San Diego caters to all levels, from gentle beach breaks like La Jolla Shores for beginners to powerful reef breaks like Blacks Beach for experts.
• South Point: Renowned for its long, peeling waves and consistent conditions, perfect for intermediate to advanced surfers.
• Soup Bowl: A legendary reef break-producing hollow barrels, ideal for experienced surfers seeking adrenaline-pumping rides.

9. Taghazout, Morocco

When searching for “ where to surf in April ,” Taghazout is the place to go. Taghazout, nestled on Morocco’s southwest coast, is a surfer’s paradise. But with varying conditions throughout the year, knowing where to paddle out in April is crucial. So, grab your board and let’s explore the ideal spots for surfing Morocco April .

• Type of Water: Atlantic Ocean, offering powerful swells and consistent waves.
• Swell and Wind: April transitions from winter’s impressive swells to calmer, more predictable spring waves. Offshore winds dominate, creating smooth rides.
• Water Temperature: Expect warm temperatures around 18-20°C (64-68°F), allowing for comfortable surfs without thick wetsuits.
• Skill Level: April caters to all levels! Beginners can enjoy gentle rollers while intermediates find their groove on manageable peaks. Experienced surfers can still catch some leftover winter swells.
• Anchor Point: This legendary spot offers long, peeling lefts ideal for intermediate and advanced surfers. In April, expect smaller yet consistent waves perfect for honing skills.
• Panorama: A beach break suitable for all levels, Panorama boasts consistent waves and a relaxed atmosphere. April brings smaller swells perfect for learning and enjoying the scenery.

10. Tofino, Canada

Tofino, Canada, boasts a reputation as a surfer’s paradise, attracting year-round wave riders of all levels. But understanding the specific conditions is crucial for those planning a trip in April. This guide breaks down the key factors to consider when surfing Tofino April , including the best april surf destinations for your skill level.

• Type of Water: The Pacific Ocean here is cold, averaging around 9°C (48°F) in April. A thick wetsuit is essential.
• Swell & Wind: April typically see residual winter swells from the northwest, offering consistent waves but decreasing in size compared to peak season. Expect southwesterly winds, which can affect wave quality depending on the spot.
• Water Temperature: As mentioned, April is cold; dress warmly and pack a good wetsuit (5mm or thicker).
• Skill Level: April can be a good time for intermediate and advanced surfers seeking challenging waves before the summer crowds arrive. Beginners might find the conditions could be better.
• Chesterman Beach: Great for longboarders with gentle waves and stunning scenery.
• Cox Bay: Offers a variety of breaks for all skill levels, including the renowned “Inside Lefts” for experienced surfers.
• Long Beach: Best for intermediate to advanced surfers with powerful waves and strong rip currents.

11. Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Nestled on the Pacific Coast of Oaxaca, Mexico, Puerto Escondido is more than just a beach town; it’s a haven for surfers of all levels seeking surfing in Mexico in April at its finest. April falls within its prime season, offering consistent swells and balmy temperatures, making it a prime contender for best surf destinations April .

• Water Type: Expect powerful, long-period swells ideal for experienced surfers.
• Swell & Wind: April offers consistent southerly swells with offshore winds in the mornings, transitioning to onshore winds later in the day.
• Water Temperature: Warm, averaging 26°C (79°F), allowing for comfortable swims and minimal wetsuit needs.
• Skill Levels: Playa Zicatela and La Punta offer challenges for advanced surfers, while beginner-friendly options exist near La Punta.
• Playa Zicatela: Nicknamed “Mex Pipe,” this legendary beach break produces massive barrels for experienced surfers.
• La Punta: Offering a right-hand point break and a left-hand beach break, La Punta caters to various skill levels, including beginners.

12. Leon Province, Nicaragua

Nicaragua, a land of vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, also boasts a surfer’s paradise, one of the best places to surf in April . Among its gems lies the Leon Province, offering various breaks for all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned shredder or a curious first-timer, surfing Nicaragua in April guarantees an unforgettable adventure.

• Type of Water: Embrace the warmth of the Pacific Ocean, with average water temperatures hovering around 29°C (84°F).
• Swell & Wind: April experiences consistent southwesterly swells, averaging 2-4 meters (6-13ft), paired with offshore winds for clean, glassy waves.
• Skill Levels: From mellow beach breaks like Las Penitas to challenging tubes at La Jaimacana, the Leon Province caters to beginners, intermediates, and advanced surfers alike.
• La Jaimacana (The Pipes): Renowned for its powerful barrels, attracting experienced surfers seeking a thrill.
• Corinto: A long, sandy beach break with consistent waves, perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers.

Maybe you’ll interested in: 13  Best Places to Surf in May

How to Catch More Waves?

The thrill of riding a wave is undeniable, but for beginners and even seasoned surfers, catching waves consistently can be a challenge, even in the best places to surf in April . Fear not, for with the right approach, you can transform from wave-watcher to wave-rider! Here are some key strategies to maximize your wave count.

Sharpen Your Surfing IQ:

• Wave Reading: Understand the ocean’s rhythm. Learn how waves form, break, and travel. Identify your ideal wave size and type based on your skill level.
• Positioning Prowess: Don’t just sit and wait. Paddle actively, utilizing different angles and depths to anticipate incoming waves. Observe experienced surfers for strategic positioning cues.
• Patience is a Virtue: Don’t get discouraged! Surfing requires time and practice. Be patient, persistent, and focused on enjoying the process.

Upgrade Your Technique:

• Paddle Power: Master efficient surfing paddling techniques for faster take-offs and better wave selection. Practice pop-ups to transition seamlessly from paddling to riding.
• Footwork Finesse: Learn proper stance and weight distribution for balance and maneuverability. Practice turns and other basic maneuvers on smaller waves to build confidence.
• Board Choice: Using the right board for your skill level, body type, and wave conditions is crucial. Consider seeking guidance from experienced surfers or surf shops.

The Secret Weapon: Boost Fin’s Electric Fin

Beyond the fundamentals, consider innovative technology to enhance your wave-catching prowess. The Boost Fin by Boost Surfing is an electric fin that supercharges your paddling, giving you an edge in catching waves and navigating challenging conditions. This revolutionary technology can be particularly beneficial for beginners or in crowded surf spots. Responsible and considerate use is key to respecting other surfers and the environment.

Surfing in April with Boost Fin

April ushers in balmy breezes and consistent swells across the globe, making it a prime month to chase waves in the best places to surf in April above. Whether you’re a seasoned shredder or a weekend warrior, choosing the perfect fin for your board is crucial for maximizing performance. This is where Boost Fins are meticulously designed to enhance your ride in various conditions.

But before you grab the first Boost Fin you see online, be mindful of where you purchase. Stick to authorized retailers to ensure you’re getting the genuine product and benefitting from Boost’s superior quality and warranty. While Boost Fins are available in a select few major surfing distributors, their official online store remains the sole direct source, guaranteeing authenticity and the best deals.

So, as you map out your ideal April surf escape – be it the legendary breaks of Hawaii, the pristine shores of Sri Lanka, or the hidden gems of surfing Costa Rica April – remember to pack the perfect fin for the adventure. Visit the Boost Surfing online store or seek out trusted distributors to equip yourself with genuine Boost Fins and carve your way through the best waves of April.

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Pack Your Bags: Where To Take A Surf Trip This April

Could April be surfing’s most versatile, wave-rich month in the world? We think so — here’s why.

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The thing about the month of April…is that it’s kind of a stellar month for surfers anywhere in the world. It’s the Swiss Army knives of surfing months, if you will — a tool for every job; a wave for every coastline. Often, more favorable winds than peak season, less crowds, and combo-swells (for those 180-degree coastlines/islands).

Okay, so now you know April is good nearly everywhere…but where, then, to go out of “everywhere?” Well, do you prefer warm-water reefbreaks, perhaps, accessed by boat charter? Indo’s certainly got some options on that front. Or, are you Europe-based, want something close to home and have a penchant for barreling sandbars? Portugal’s never been closer…

Here are the top eight recommended surf trips for the month of April; now, just make sure that passport’s up to date!

1. Indonesia

Where to: Bali, Java, Sumatra, Mentawai Islands, Telos Islands, Banyak Islands, Asu Island, Sumba, Sumbawa

Wave types: Normally picture perfect, shallow reefbreaks. Some odd beachbreaks around Bali, Sumba, and Sumatra

Swell direction: South-Southwest

Difficulty level: The whole gambit. From soft learner waves around Kuta-Legian, Bali, to expert reefs like Padang Padang, G-Land, or HTs

Marquee wave: Uluwatu

April perks: A few less boats and less crowds in the Mentawais in April, but still very good surf and swell that month

2. Western Australia

Where to: Margaret River, Perth, Kalbarri

Wave types: Reefbreaks, Slab-reefs, Sandbars, Pointbreaks

Swell direction: Southwest-West

Difficulty level: With West Oz’s exposure to swell and dynamic coastline, waves aren’t the most forgiving for beginners, however there are some easier waves in Gas Bay and Perth

Marquee wave: Main Break Margaret River

April perks: The swell and conditions are typically great around April. Great weather, too, for bringing the family (Margaret River is a gorgeous surf town).

3. French Polynesia

Where to: Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, Tuamotu Islands

Wave types: Normally shallow reefbreaks, with a few beachbreaks like Papenoo and Papara

Difficulty level: Intermediate to advanced level for the bigger reefbreaks, but there’s a few easier reefs and beachbreaks that accommodate learners

Marquee wave: Teahupo'o

April perks: Less crowds in April as many of the Hawaiians aren’t jetting down for swells since there’s still waves on North Shore

Where to: The southern coastlines of Upolu and Savaii islands

Wave types: Normally, shallow reef breaks, with a couple of odd beachbreaks

Marquee wave: Salani Right

April perks: Pretty uncrowded in April with the first southern hemi south swells starting to fill in with optimal winds (in comparison to July-Aug)

5. Portugal

Where to: Lisbon, Cascais, Ericeira, Peniche, Porto…anywhere in the country, really.

Wave types: Mostly, great beachbreak peaks, mixed with slabs, reefbreaks and pointbreaks

Swell Direction: West-Northwest

Difficulty level: Beginners waves around Lisbon, to experts-only at Nazaré, and all levels between

Marquee wave: Supertubos

April perks: The water is warmer than dead winter, but the swell surely hasn’t thrown in the towel for summer

Where to: Viña del Mar, Pichilemu, Iquique, Arica

Wave types: Long lefthand pointbreaks, reef breaks and sand-bottomed beachbreaks

Swell direction: Southwest

Difficulty level: The slabby reefbreaks in Northern Chile are for more seasoned surfers, while waves around Reñaca and Pichilemu accommodate newbies. Central Chile has pointbreaks and beachbreaks for all levels, though

Marquee wave: Punta de Lobos

April perks: April is an extremely consistent month for Chile, so you’re nearly guaranteed not to get skunked on a surf trip. Also…the Chilean coastline is, like, literally three Californias long

7. Oahu, Hawaii

Where to: North Shore, Waikiki, Ala Moana and Makaha (hello, combo swell!)

Wave types: Normally reef-breaks, but not as shallow/sharp as Indonesia, with a few beachbreaks if you know where to find them (like, Ehukai on North Shore)

Swell direction: West, Northwest and North for North Shore, South-Southwest for South shore

Difficulty level: Waves on the North Shore certainly break harder than South Shore, but every shoreline has a great beginner wave, and any level up

Marquee wave: Banzai Pipeline

April perks: The North Shore is definitely less crowded this time of year, with more manageable swells that aren’t as big as peak winter season

8. Costa Rica

Where to: Pavones, Playa Hermosa, Santa Teresa, Tamarindo

Wave types: Mostly great breach breaks, some very long point breaks (Pavones and Ollie’s Pt.)

Difficulty level: While Costa Rica does have a few heavier sandbars, it’s often a great trip that all levels can enjoy, with tons of beginner and intermediate level beachbreaks and pointbreaks

Marquee wave: Playa Hermosa (the one by Jaco)

April perks: Waves like Pavones in the south seem to get a more favorable angle of swell in April, equating with a longer ride — at one of the longest lefts on earth

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How To Plan a Surf Trip | Advice from a Surf Travel Guru

Ahhh, the surf trip. Whether you’re heading off on your maiden surf venture or you’re already a seasoned swell chaser, nothing beats the feeling. The feeling of having your flights and accommodation booked, knowing that you’re going. After you’ve gawked at every photo, watched every video clip, and read every blog post on your destination . All those months of dreaming and planning your surf trip become a reality. 

However, a successful trip goes beyond Googling a place to death and jumping on the next flight. While a few mishaps and unexpected events are part and parcel of a great surf trip, you’ve got to come away with some stories, right? You still want to minimize risk and choose a destination suited to your ability and bank balance. This is where excellent planning comes in. So you can reduce risk and choose the best destination to suit your needs, this article breaks down everything you need to know to plan a surf trip . 

Stop sitting there wondering, ‘How Do I Plan a Surf Trip?’ and let’s dive into everything through the entire surf trip planning process, from choosing the perfect destination appropriate to your ability, the best time of year, what to pack , and what to have in place pre-departure. A lot goes into the perfect surf trip, so let’s dive right in.   

Table of Contents

Choosing Your Destination 

Your destination can make or break your trip; this is the most important factor in planning your trip. Choosing the right destination is tricky because there are hundreds to choose from, but some crucial considerations include: 

Your Ability 

Some countries and specific areas are renowned for particular wave types. For instance, West Australia is synonymous with slabs, big waves, and sharks, while in contrast, Sri Lanka is known for its mellow beginner-friendly beachies and forgiving pointbreaks . So you want to choose somewhere that aligns with your ability. However, most of the world’s best destinations have a variety of spots for all abilities. Ultimately, you want a place that: 

• You feel comfortable in 
• Allows for some surf progression

These are all factors that contribute to the enjoyment of your trip. Next up, your bank balance. (eek). 

Your Budget 

Your bank balance plays a significant role in where and how you travel. Always select a destination based on the cost of living. Destinations such as the Maldives or the Mentawaii islands have incredible waves but are among the most expensive surf destinations on Earth. On the other hand, places like Morocco, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Mexico are much more affordable, and you can score two weeks of world-class waves for under USD $1000. Pretty cool, right? 

We’d all love to pick and choose when and where we go, but time-constraint is often a huge factor in where you go on a surf trip and for how long. Life gets in the way, work and family commitments take priority, and it leaves you with only 1-2 weeks a year to chase waves. And that’s if you’re lucky. Therefore it’s critical to maximize your time. You don’t want to sacrifice wave quality, but choosing a destination close to home, as it doesn’t take three days to get there, allows you to spend more time in the water (hopefully in the tube) and less time in the airport. 

For example, if you’re in North America, Mexico, or Nicaragua would make sense, while for Aussies, Indonesia is great! Sick waves and only a few hours on the plane. It saves money and time! Now we know the factors you must consider pre-trip, let’s discover some of the best surf trip destinations and why they’re so good. 

Choosing The Best Destination 

The following countries aren’t chosen based purely on wave quality; I have hand-picked these because they have the best blend of great waves for all abilities, accessibility, culture, and affordability. 

It’s no secret Mexico has some of the best waves in the world, and surfers have been flocking there for decades. The country has everything, from thumping beach breaks to perfect right points and even beginner-friendly a-frames; the place has it all. Throw in a massive variety of spots, friendly locals, epic food, and low-cost climbing, and you have everything you need for a wicked surf trip. 

Best time to go? 

Mexico’s surf season runs from April to October; the biggest swells happen, and the country’s premier breaks light up. However, Mexico has excellent waves all year round. A rule of thumb is that the South works best from April to October, while the North is better from October to April. 

Best Breaks

Puerto Escondido – Playa Zicatela for advanced surfers looking to get tubed. There’s also a beginner-friendly left point and reef in town!

Barra de la Cruz – perfect right point for advanced surfers to get tubes and rip into 

Sayulita – The perfect beginner surf destination and epic for longboarders. There’s a wicked vibe in town, and the beaches are beautiful.

Indonesia has more waves than you could hope to ride in one lifetime. Seriously, it’s ridiculous how wave rich the archipelago is! From the well-known breaks of Uluwatu, Lakey Peak, and Kuta Beach to the world-class Mentawaii islands and some lesser-known corners, Indo has it all! 

Indeosmais surf season runs between April and October. This is when large long-period south swells march up from the south Indian Ocean and wrap into the various reefs across the archipelago. 

Best Breaks 

Kuta Beach – The original beginner-friendly beach break in the heart of Bali! 

Kuta Lombok – Lombok’s surfing hub, incredible spot variety, and a wave for all abilities 

The Mentawaii – Hundreds of perfect waves scattered across a paradisical island chain. For advanced surfers looking to get the waves of their life. 

Costa Rica 

From North America, Costa Rica is the perfect surf trip destination, offering a wealth of forgiving breaks for beginners and punchy beachies for advanced surfers; the country also provides safety, accessibility, and climate! 

When to go? 

April to October is Costa Rica’s best season and when the best waves happen. However, due to its exposure to the vast Pacific, Costa Rica gets waves all year. 

Best Spots 

Santa Teresa – beach town with several fun beach breaks and waves for all abilities. An incredible spot for intermediates. 

Jaco – bustling beach town with a beginner-friendly beachie. Jaco is also five minutes away from the heaving beach break, Playa Hermosa. 

Witch’s Rock – The iconic Witch’s Rock is a spot for advanced surfer chasing barrels—one of the best waves in Costa Rica. 

You’ll be hard-pushed to find anywhere more wave rich than Portugal. The coastline offers every wave you can imagine, from learner-friendly bays to world-class reef breaks, slabs, and big wave bombers. Whatever you fancy, Portugal has it. 

The best time to surf in Portugal is winter. The coast receives the brunt of the North Atlantic’s fury, and although this is great for advanced surfers, it’s not so much for beginners. However, the coastline is rugged enough that there is always somewhere sheltered to surf—alternatively, head to Portugal in the shoulder season (Spring/Autumn) for less powerful swells. 

Best spots? 

Peniche – While famous for Supertubos, Peniche has a variety of spots! Check out Baleal if you’re a beginner. 

Ericeira – Surfers paradise and every wave you could hope to surf. Ribeira D’llhas, Cave, and Coxos are all within minutes of each other. 

Sri Lanka is custom-made for beginners and intermediates. It has everything you want: beginner-friendly beaches, fun reefs, unique culture, low cost of living, and friendly locals. 

Best time to go?

The best time of year to surf in Sri Lanka depends on the season. The East Coast is best from April to October, while the South West Coast works from October to April. 

Arugam Bay – Sick right points for advanced surfers working in April – October. 

Weligama – Perfect beginner beach, with surf schools and surf shops. 

Midigama – Small town with a variety of breaks. 

How to Plan Your Surf Trip (Step-by-step) 

Locking your flights is the most exciting step of a surf trip. Once you’ve confirmed those tickets, you know you’re going! I always use Skyscanner , Kayak , or Google Flights no matter where I travel and find they always have the best prices. You’ll often find the cheapest fares six weeks out from departure. 

Accommodation 

Choosing somewhere great to stay is massive. This will largely depend on your budget. For example, if you’re on a budget, you can find a cheap hostel (use Hostewlorld ), or if you prefer something more luxurious, an immersive surf camp experience could be the go! Whatever you choose, lock in your spot as soon as possible because the best surf camps and hostels fill up quickly in the season. 

Transportation 

Depending on the style of your trip, the next stage is transportation. This can mean your lift to and from the airport and how you’re getting around when you’re there. If you’re staying at a surf camp , arrange this with your host! I do this as much as possible so I don’t have to sort it out after a long flight! 

Surf Trip Extras 

Now that you’ve got all the essentials sorted consider some extras. For example, what non-surfing activities are there? What parts of the culture do you want to experience, and are there any sites you want to see? Although surfing all day every day is great, getting surfed out is inevitable at some point, and you may even find by the end of a trip you don’t even want to surf. Particularly if it goes small and onshore, line up any extra activities with the worst day on the forecast ! 

Packing Essentials

Packing essentials list: 

• Great board bag   
• 2 x surfboards (small wave and big wave board) 
• Ding repair kit  
• Spare leg ropes 
• Wetsuits/ boardies 
• Insect repellent 

It’s always worth considering safety on your trip, regardless of where you’re going. For example, ensuring your transport is pre-arranged means you’re not stranded in some strange town on the other side of the world. Buying a coded lock for your baggage is also great for peace of mind while traveling through airports and hostels. 

Final Thoughts 

Surf trips are some of the best and most memorable times of our lives; it’s where we go to escape it all and score the waves of our lives. But a great trip requires planning, and I hope this guide has helped you cover everything that goes into it. While panning is all good, remember that things don’t always go to plan and that flowing through these mishaps is all part of the surf trip game! After all, you’ve got to come back with some stories, right? 

Dan Harmon is a content writer and full-time surf travel enthusiast. He travels the world full-time while creating surf content, traveling to the world’s best surf destinations , and hunting out some lesser-known corners. You can follow more of Dan’s travels over on his YouTube Channel , website , and Instagram.

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Guide On Where To Surf: Best Surfing Destinations Month-by-Month

If you’re digital nomads, like us, then you can adjust your location to stay in areas that offer amazing swell throughout the year. You have the opportunity to move around and follow the best conditions around the world.

If you’re bound to a desk job, then your opportunities may be slightly limited but you’ll find that it’s always cooking somewhere – and here’s the guide to help you find out where!

Looking to free up your working conditions? Read our blog on how to work remotely and transition from office to freedom here.

Guide on Where to Surf Throughout the Year

This guide on where to surf throughout the year is a summary of a more in-depth series of blogs that tackles each month in detail.

* Just to let you know that this article may contain affiliate links. If you click on them we might receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

Where to Surf in January

January is the peak of winter in the northern hemisphere, which means that there are plenty of fun destinations receiving the powerful and playful winter swell. This makes January a great month for surfing among experienced surfers. Some of the top spots include  North Shore Oahu ,  Keramas and  Ericeira .

For less intense surfers who enjoy paddling out without fearing for their lives, then Bocas del Toro, Lanzarote in the Canary Islands and  South Coast in Barbados are a great bet. Consider yourself a novice? The swell does ease up for some fun waves on a longboard in areas. Planning a trip to  Essaouira   in Morocco,  Coolangatta in Australia and  Mirissa will leave you with a big smile.

• Read more on where to surf in January here

Where to Surf in February

February continues to bring the powerful, winter swell to surf spots in the northern hemisphere.   With this in mind, most spots are better suited to competent surfers that can handle a larger wave. Even so, there are plenty of spots around the world that are prime for learning or enjoying a more chilled session.

Some of the best spots to surf in February include Bocos del Toro in Panama, Rincon in Puerto Rico, and Nazare in Portugal. These spots pump hard and can get quite sizey with the storm swell that comes through.

For more gentle waves, that still offer rippable moments, you can plan a trip to  Taghazout in Morocco and Tenerife  in the Canary Islands. Keramas in Bali is one of the few spots on the island that peak in the wet season (which is Feb). If you’re a beginner or traveling with a buddy that is fairly new to the sport, then South Coast in Barbados,  Margaret River Valley in Aus,  San Juan del Sur   in Nicaragua are top spots. As an added bonus, you can also visit  Mirissa in Sri Lanka.

• Read more on where to surf in February here

Where to Surf in March

Sitting on the shoulder season, March continues to receive the powerful winter swell that follows through from the previous months but doesn’t have the crowds that are synonymous with peak season. Major win! Overall, intermediate surfers are sure to have a field day during March, with plenty of spots to choose from. With this in mind, there are spots for surfers of all levels.

Places such as  Cascais in Lisbon and Santa Teresa in Costa Rica are surfing havens for intermediate surfers. If you consider yourself to be intermediate to advanced, then you can plan a trip to  Bells Beach in Australia,  Chicama  in Peru, and Malé Atolls in the Maldives.

There are also some incredible spots that suit surfers of all levels. Such as  Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands,  Taghazout in Morocco,  Lombok in Indonesia, and  Maui in Hawaii. The world is your oyster!

• Read more on where to surf in March here

Where to Surf in April

Planning a surf trip in April is a great idea for budget-conscious travelers as it falls in the shoulder season of tourism, meaning you can expect deals on flights and accommodation. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a novice or a pro.

The surf season in  Cape Town , South Africa starts to pick up for surfers of all levels. Similarly, Rio de Janeiro in Brazil,  Lombok in Indonesia, and the coastline line running south of Lima in Peru are great for surfers of varied skills. Absolute beginners will have a great time learning to surf in Tamarindo , Costa Rica.

For intermediate to advanced surfers, there’s a lot of fun to be had in  Oahu and Hawaii’s northern shores,  Ericeira in Portugal, and  Namotu in Fiji. If you have a little bit extra to spend, then confident surfers can also expect good times in Malé Atolls in the Maldives.

• Read our guide on surfing in April here

Where to Surf in May

May is an incredible month to book a surfing trip if you’re an intermediate surfer. It sits on the shoulder season for both tourism and prime surfing season, meaning that you miss the crowds but still receive the incoming swell.

These spots that are especially epic for intermediate surfers include  Byron Bay  in Australia and Santa Teresa in Costa Rica. If you’re more on the advanced end of the spectrum, then you’ll also find a lot of fun in  Oaxaca in Mexico and  Hossegor in France.

But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t spots that are especially great for beginners – such as  Ericeira in Portugal. For more choice and variety, then  Chicama in Peru,  Bali in Indonesia,  Cape Town in South Africa, and  San Juan del Sur in Nicaragua.

• Read our guide on where to surf in May here

Where to Surf in June

June is supposedly the heart of winter in the southern hemisphere and the peak of summer in the north. This brings a strong storm swell to some coastlines and a more gentle break in others.

In Africa, the waves are powerful and perfect for intermediate to advanced surfers. In Southern Africa, Skeleton Bay and Jeffreys Bay lead the pack for pros. Other great spots for more experienced surfers include the Mentawai Islands and Bali in Indonesia.

Beginner surfers will find fun, gentle waves to learn to surf in Carcavelos, Portugal, and Hossegor, France. There is also plenty of swell that is perfect for intermediate surfers, as in the tropical waters of Barbados.

• Read more on where to surf in June here

Where to Surf in July

The strong swell that starts to pick up in June continues into the month of July, promising hours of fun in the surf. South Africa’s Cape Town continues to offer consistent swell at a variety of different surf spots. A little bit further up the coast, in Mozambique, Tofo produces a pretty gnarly point break, while Mexico’s Puerto Escondido is reserved for those who know what they’re doing.

Other epic spots for intermediate surfers include Oahu, Santa Teresa in Costa Rica, and Arugam Bay . Each of these destinations also boasts a vibrant culture to immerse yourself in when you’re not in the water.

Europe’s surfing destinations are on the smaller end of the spectrum, but still consistent and fun. This makes spots in areas like Hossegor unforgettable.

• Read more on where to surf in July here

Where to Surf in August

Looking for the perfect spot to surf in August? Well, you have several unbeatable options…

As August is the shoulder season of tourism in many destinations, there should be fewer crowds in the water. It’s also the storm swell season for several areas, promising heavy breaks. Puerto Escondido pumps in August and boasts flawless left- and right-hand beach breaks (but don’t paddle out unless you know what you’re doing).

Tahiti is also a hotspot for pros, with the famous reef break of Teahupoo spitting out consistent barrels over a shallow reef. If you prefer surfing without a death wish, then you can also book a surf trip to San Clemente in the United States or Durban in South Africa.

Beginners looking for a few lessons and some easy waves will have the time of their lives in areas like Biarritz in France, or El Sunzal in El Salvador.

• Read more on the best places to surf in August here

Where to Surf in September

In many ways, September is the start of the turn of seasons. For us in South Africa, it’s the beginning of spring and offers the first whispers of summer. It falls outside of the main vacation season and so crowds are significantly thinner – both in the water and in the streets.

During September, certain spots around the world are highlighted for experienced surfers, such as Lagundri Bay in Indonesia and Tahiti in French Polynesia.

If you’re traveling with a group of surfers at different levels, then September is a good time to hit places like Cape Town and Hossegor that are experiencing a transition in swell power. This means that there are a variety of breaks to choose from, perfect for different skill levels.

• Read more on the best places to surf in September here

Where to Surf in October

Booking a surf trip in October is a great way to break up the year and get a teaser for the festive season. If you’re planning a digital nomad stint in a country for the month and looking for a spot that has a decent surf break, then you’re spoiled for choice.

The Mentawai Islands experiences the end of its dry season in October, making it a great time to book a surf trip if you want to squeeze it in. The powerful swell from the Indian Ocean leaves no-wave unformed! Other epic spots for intermediate to experienced surfers are North Carolina’s Outer Banks , Panama’s Chiriqui, and Canary Islands’ Fuerteventura.  

There’s also a large choice of spots perfect for beginner to advanced. Take your pick from Sydney in Australia, Siargao in the Philippines, and Santa Teresa in Costa Rica.

• Read more on where to surf in October here

Where to Surf in November

The surfing season has shifted by November and the powerful swell is served up in the northern hemisphere, with the friendlier waves making their way to the south. If you look at the map overview, you’ll see that the North Atlantic Ocean is a definite hotspot.

Tenerife in the Canary Islands is a top choice for pros. Dakar in Senegal, Taghazout in Morocco, and Rincon in Puerto Rico are popular destinations for intermediate to advanced surfers, offering a range of reef breaks and right-hand point breaks to get lost in.

Although the swell is stronger and more consistent in the north, there are still spots that are perfect for beginners. Two of these spots are the Algarve in Portugal and Palm Beach in Florida.

• Read about the best places to surf in November here

Where to Surf in December

Ah, December, the festive season that offers joy, merriment and, of course, impeccable swell in certain parts of the world.  The Northern Hemisphere performs particularly well as the winter swell hits the shores of respective places. But you’re certain to find a spot of fun in any area if you look close enough.

Taghazout in Morocco is arguably the best surfing destination in December, especially for intermediate to advanced surfers. Siargao Island is also a hot spot for those that are more confident in the water, catching the tail of the Philippines peak surf season.

If you have a little bit of cash to spend, and you want to treat yourself a Christmas gift, then Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia also fires during December. For more varied skills set, then it’s worth looking into Barbados , Mirissa in Sri Lanka, Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands, and Brisbane in Aus.

• Read the best places to surf in December here.

When you realize that there’s always swell somewhere in the world, the boredom of waiting for the season to hit your shores is removed. Make sure that you check the water temp of the destination that you’re visiting so that you can bring along the correct gear.

When visiting new surf spots, it’s always important to respect the locals and uphold proper surfing etiquette – no drop-ins! Make sure that you familiarize yourself with the rips, currents, and tides of the new spot so that you can surf blissfully.

See you in the water!

• Read reef-safe sunscreen options here
• Pick your surf wax based on water temperature here
• Browse 22 awesome gifts for surfers here

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Candice Boyers

Candice Land, aka Candi Land, aka The Captain, is a freelance writer, digital nomad and full-time globe trotter.

Best Place to Surf in November: 9 Spots for Surfers of All Levels

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Surfing Guide to Baja California Sur, Mexico

Where to stay

Getting there, safety/things to know.

The Baja California peninsula is a piece of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California. Over the last decades, Baja California became a surfing holy land with some of Mexico’s best surf spots.

Baja California Sur is the southern end of the peninsula, including the cities of Cabo San Lucas, La Paz and Puerto San Carlos. This part of Baja has warmer weather than north Baja and still has the same great waves as the rest of the peninsula.

Find a Surf Camp in Baja California Sur, starting at US$185

On a surf trip to Baja California Sur, you can expect some great surf with only a fraction of the crowd you will usually find in Southern California and all that for a fraction of the cost!

To find the best surfing destination for you, try our WaveFinder search engine!

When to surf Baja California Sur

The best time to surf Baja California Sur, Mexico is from March to November. This is when the best southern swells hit the Mexican coastline and water is warmer. Winter will also offer great surfing conditions, just not as consistent as during summer.

Surf Camps in Baja California Sur

7-day Exclusive Surf Retreat for Beginners in San Jose del Cabo, Baja California US$299, including:

• 5 surf lessons
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• All equipment, documentation photo and video, and professional instructors
• Daily healthy breakfast and ground transportation
• 6 nights accommodation
• Camping night

Where to stay in Baja California Sur

Cabo San Lucas

Playa Grande Resort is the best reviewed hotel in Cabo San Lucas with amazing location and service. Nobu Hotel Los Cabos is another great option for anyone looking to surf near Los Cabos.

Casabuena B&B is a great place to stay on a budget while Hotel Catedral La Paz offers a bit more quality still at a decent price.

Browse our Interactive Map to Find the Best Deals in Baja California Sur!

The best way to get to Baja California Sur is to fly to Cabo San Lucas or any major airport in the area. From there, you can get around using local public transportation, taxi or car rental.

Safety/things to know

-Before planning a trip, read all local guidelines  regarding Covid-19

-Mexico remains a country with a fairly high criminality rate. Avoid leaving tourist areas, especially at night.

Baja California Sur Surf Spots

Scorpion bay.

Near the little town of San Juanico is a great wave called Scorpion Bay. When it’s on, Scorpion Bay is hands down Mexico’s most epic wave. A long, perfect right-hand point that goes on for hundreds of meters. It has a few different sections that will connect on a good swell.

Wave direction : Right Bottom : Rocks Best tide : Any Skill level : Intermediate and advanced Optimal swell direction : SW Optimal wind direction : E

Punta Abreojos

When it works, Punta Abreojos is another epic Mexican point break. Located just north of Scorpion Bay, this wave works well on a SSW swell and will be more consistent from May to October.

Wave direction : Right Bottom : Sand and rocks Best tide : Any Skill level : Intermediate and advanced Optimal swell direction : SW Optimal wind direction : NW

Located on the southeastern tip of the peninsula, Shipwrecks is a really fun and special break. As the name suggests, this surf spot is surrounded by ship wrecks. The wave itself is smooth and manageable for almost every surfer.

Wave direction : Any Bottom : Reef/rocks Best tide : Any Skill level : Any Optimal swell direction : S Optimal wind direction : NW

20 Top Surf Destinations For Your Next Surf Trip!

Looking for the top surf destinations for your 2020 surf trip? From reeling reefs in Indonesia to empty perfection in Mozambique, it’s time to get planning!

Looking for the top surf destinations for your next surf trip? From reeling reefs in Indonesia to empty perfection in Mozambique, it’s time to get planning with my 20 top surf destinations.

Get your board packed up and ready to go!

Just as a quick word of advice – even though I’ve given a rough guide to the surf ability you’ll need for each spot it really does depend on the swell, as many become advance or even expert only once they start pumping!

20 Top Surf Destinations For Your Next Surf Trip

Solomon islands.

Out of all the places I’ve surfed over the years, The Solomon Islands hands down takes the prize for my favourite surf trip. In fact it’s probably the best surf adventure I’ve ever been on!

Tropical paradise, empty lineups, warm water and no wifi…a total digital detox filled with reeling reef breaks!

And for those reasons it’s top of my bucket list surf destinations.

Sure it’s not the easiest or cheapest place to get to, but the reward is as close to perfection as I’ve found anywhere in the world. And if you don’t believe me watch the video edit I put together and then tell me you don’t want to head there too!

Best surf season = October to April

Top breaks = anchovies, donuts, kologhose, marista, ability = intermediate to expert.

Click here for my full Solomon Islands surf guide

Yamba, Australia

Yamba is one of those off the main tourist track destination in Australia that should certainly be on every surfer radar. This sleepy little beach town in Northern New South Wales offers an array of beaches and uncrowded surf.

For beginners Turners offers up a fun little beach break, where as more seasoned surfers will love the reeling rights of Angourie Point – just be surf to respect the locals and play nice.

There are a variety of camping sites all around the area and plenty of holiday lets too.for budget trips check out the Yamba YHA – Shane and the crew will take really good care of you and help you score the best spots!

Best surf season = February to May

Top breaks = angourie, turners, ability = all levels, byron bay, australia.

Another one of my favourite spots in Australia, Byron Bay is renowned for its beach vibes, barefoot lifestyle and being a creative hub.

There are also HEAPS of surf spots all around Byron Bay and the nearby coastline suitable for all levels of surf.

From the famed right hand point The Pass to punchy left handers off the Wreck and more rugged waves along Tallows Beach there are plenty of surf spots to choose from.

Coupled with an abundance of accommodation, restaurants and nightlife it makes Byron Bay an epic surf destination…albeit rather crowded sometimes!

Top breaks = The Pass, Main Beach, The Wreck

Ability = all levels (depending on the spot).

Click here for my Byron Bay Surf Guide!

Canggu, Indonesia

Although the Buckit is easily the most famous surfing area in Bali – the hipster town of Canggu is an increasingly popular surf destination in Bali, especially for those looking to learn to surf or practice their skills on more forgiving waves.

More advanced surfers will also enjoy the waves round at Echo Beach – which offers a fast left hand reef and super punchy beach break with plenty of cover up opportunities.

Even though it’s pretty busy at times canggu makes the list as a great convenience surf destination – with plenty of guesthouses and hotels for all budgets, pumping nightlife and plenty of food options too.

Best surf season = May to September

Top breaks = echo reef, batu balong, old mans, ability = all levels (depending on the spot).

Click here for my full Canggu Guide

Mentawai Islands, Indonesia

Sure it’s not the easiest or cheapest place to get to – but the effort is worth the reward!

The Mentawais have a huge abundance of epic waves – from charging overhead barrels at Kandui to fun reeling waves at places like Beng Bengs and Burgerworld.

Plus it’s easily one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited – I’ve never seen that many palm trees before!

Top breaks = Kandui, Ebays, Burgerworld

Click here for my full Mentawais Guide

Red Island, Indonesia

It’s pretty easy to list of heaps of well known surf breaks in Indonesia, but Red Island in Java is still flying slightly under the radar.

Often overlooked in favour of its famous neighbour G-Land (about a 3 hour drive away), Red Island is probably one of the emptiest beach breaks I’ve ever surfed! On my last trip there I saw 2 other tourists and 4 local surfers my entire stay!

Sure it’s not going to be a huge favourite with seasoned surfers wanting the best of what Indo has to offer – but if you’re looking to learn to surf or want empty waves and laid back vibes it’s a solid shout.

And if you do fancy something bigger you could always take a day trip to G-Land too!

Top breaks = Red Island Beach

Nusa lembongan, indonesia.

Just off the coast of Bali (about a 30 minute speedboat in fact) lies the island of Nusa Lembongan. Despite the ease of getting there this awesome little spot is still largely unaffected by the crowds of Bali and you can score some super fun reef break sessions here.

Spots like Playgrounds (my personal favourite) offer up some fun lefts, or if you’re hunting the big stuff Shipwrecks is going to give you some famed Indo cover ups on the right swell.

The island itself is pretty chilled, with some awesome cliff side bars and restaurants – perfect for a cold cocktail as the sun melts into the water behind the surf.

Top breaks = Shipwrecks, Playgrounds, Lacerations

Ability = intermediate upwards, medewi, indonesia.

…let that sink in for a second!

Yup Medewi offers up some truly memorable rides when the conditions are right. Don’t expect punchy barrels here though –  it’s a long carveable wall which is ideal for perfecting your rails to rail game.

The only downside is there not much to do in Medewi other than surf – so make sure you time your trip right (it’s about 2 hours north of Canggu) and chase the swell.

Top break = Medewi Point

Ability = high end beginner upwards.

Click here for my full Medewi Surf guide!

Thulusdhoo, The Maldives

The Maldives is a hot spot for tropical surf perfection – but you don’t have the be a millionaire to enjoy it.

Hitting up the local islands in The Maldives is a great way to enjoy paradise without smashing your wallet heaps – and Thulusdhoo is probably the most well known local surf island.

Home to Cokes – one of the most famous waves in the country – the island has a huge range of surf camps, guesthouses and hotels to choose from, so all styles and budgets are catered from.

When it comes to the waves Cokes offers a fast, barreling right hander than works in a huge variety of swell sizes, but beware, when it’s pumping its experts only!

On the other side of the channel lies Chickens – a long reeling left hander which will get any goofy footers stoked. It’s definitely more forgiving than Cokes but can still pack a punch when it’s firing.

Best surf season = Feb to Nov

Top breaks = cokes, chickens, ability = high end intermediate upwards.

Click here for my full Thulusdhoo Guide

Pasta Point, Maldives

On the flip side to the local island vibes of Thulusdhoo is a luxury surf trip to Cinnamon Dhonveli – where you’ll be treated to the 5* Maldivian luxury you’d expect from a resort island, plus exclusive access to one of the best left handers in the world – Pasta Point.

And if a luxury stay in the Maldives wasn’t enough, as well as surfing Pasta Point you’ll also be within a short boat ride of heaps of other world renowned Maldives surf spots – including Cokes, Sultans, Jailbreaks and Honkys – that’s if you can tear yourself away from Pasta perfection!

It’s certainly my top pick if you’re looking for pumping waves, luxury living and of course the opportunity to tick a stay in a Maldives overwater bungalow off the bucket list too!

Just be aware that you’ll need to book a dedicated surf package to enjoy Pasta Point, check out Stoked Surf Adventures for more info and to secure your spot.

Top breaks = Pasta Point

Read my full review of pasta point here.

Himmafushi, The Maldives

The third of my Maldives picks to make my top surf destinations guide – Himmafushi is the place to head if you want to surf in The Maldives without smashing your budget!

Situated just a short speedboat from the airport you can kick back here for $50USD per night – including daily surf boat, brekkie and a double A/C,en suite room. Oh and that price is for 2 people! Now I bet you didn’t think The Maldives was that affordable hey?!

Wave wise you’ll have 3 spots on your doorstep too – with the awesome right hander Jailbreaks just a short paddle off the island.

Across the channel also lies 2 more famed Maldives surf spots – Sultans and Honkys – so whether you want to go left or right there are options for both.

Top break = Jailbreaks, Sultans, Honkys

Click here for my full Himmafushi Guide

Coffee Bay, South Africa

My favourite stop on my recent surf trip to South Africa Coffee Bay is stunning as a destination.

It’s small, super laid back and the coastline surrounding it is absolutely epic.

Expect empty lineups, warm water and some super fun waves across this beach break – with the lefts being the biggest draw here. There are also plenty of empty points and reefs all around the area too, with bigger swells lighting up all manner of secret and semi secret spots!

If you’re looking to learn to surf local hostel The Coffee Shack offers some of the cheapest surf lessons I’ve seen anywhere on the planet – about $4USD a lesson including all the gear!

Best surf season = April to September

Top break = coffee bay beach.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is where I started my epic South Africa Surf trip and even after 10 weeks surfing all along the coast it still ended up being one of my favourite spots.

When it comes to waves there’s something for everyone. For beginners Muizenberg Beach offers one of the best learner waves in the world (also heaps of fun for loggers!) or for those more experienced Long Beach and Kalk Bay offer punchier beachies and reefs.

It’s position on the southern tip of Africa also means you’re almost always guaranteed offshore conditions on one side of the city or the other.

As well as all the epic surf Cape Town itself is filled with heaps of things to do  – everything from wine tasting and hiking Table Mountain to chilling with penguins, snorkelling with sea lions and even paragliding.

Best surf season = April to September

Top breaks = long beach, muizenberg, kalk bay.

Tofo, Mozambique

One of my favourite surf trips of the year took me to Mozambique, where empty, reeling right handers were the name of the game.

Our main base for the trip was Tofo (aka Tofinio) which was not only stunning but served up more than enough waves to keep everyone happy.

Sure Mozambique is a bit more off the beaten track – but the extra planning and travel time is well worth it.

And of course if you’re not too keen on venturing solo, hiring a 4×4 and exploring check out this awesome guided Mozambique surf trip which I jumped on.

There are some spots further North which are well worth scouting out if the swell is right and you’ve got a full 4×4 setup, but I’m leaving them off the list for the moment…!

If you’re there in the right season too make sure you jump on a whale shark snorkelling trip – so epic!

Best surf season = June to August (good swell from Feb to Oct though)

Top breaks = tofo point.

Siargao, The Philippines

If you’re looking for another awesome surf destination to hit up in Asia then the Philippines is full of waves fuelled islands.

One of the most popular – both for tourism and surfing – is Siargao.

This island sits in the South West of the country and is home to a huge variety of surf spots – including the famous Cloud 9 which was once on the WQS tour.

Once described as Bali 30 years ago unfortunately a huge boom in tourism has made it more on par with the Indonesian island now in terms of prices and crowds, but like Bali there are still some epic waves to be had if you put in the effort.

In the last 2 years direct flights from Manila have opened up so the days of having to get to Cebu, overnight there before getting one of the 3 weekly flights over are behind us, making it easier than ever to visit.

I must admit I was torn about putting it on the list because of these changes – but if you’ve never visited before I know you’ll be stoked on it!

Best surf season = July to December

Top breaks = cloud 9, daku reef, stimpys, ability = best for intermediate upwards.

Click here for my full Siargao Surf Guide

Taitung, Taiwan

Looking for somewhere slightly quirkier to hit up for some waves? Well how about Taiwan?

Yup there are some super fun wave there – in fact it even plays host to the WSL Longboard Championship.

With an abundance of cyclone swells heading its way there are plenty of spots along the coast, although Taitung tends to be the hub of Taiwanese surfing – with spots like Jinzun Harbour and Donghe Rivermouth lighting up during the season.

When you’re not surfing head out to the local night markets for a huge culture shock (chicken anus kebabs anyone?!) or for those not feeling as adventurous the steamed dumplings are next level!

Again it’s not one of the easiest spots to get to (mainly due to the language barrier) but it’s a surf adventure you wont forget in a hurry.

Best surf season = October to March

Top breaks = jinzun harbour, donghe rivermouth, bristol, uk.

Ummm…Bristol?! How the hell did the city of Bristol in the UK make the list?!

Well it’s pretty simple really – in November 2019 The Wave opened…powered by Wave Garden technology it’s now one of the best artificial wave pools in the world, pumping out perfect lines 365 days a year!

Sure it’s not quite the barreling lines of Kellys Wave pool, but the Wave in Bristol can pump out 15-20 wave sets, with only a few minutes re load time in between, allowing you to easily grab 10-15 waves in an hour long session.

At the moment you wont be grabbing any stand up barrels (they’re currently risk assessing all the wave variations) but you’ll get a super fun hackable wall and even. cheeky little head dip on the inside.

For beginners it’s the perfect place to learn to surf too – with a controlled, safe and structured environment.

Expect to pay £45 for an hour long session (including all the gear) which is a small price to pay for perfection and although it’s not the same experience as the ocean your waves are guaranteed, which is a huge advantage!

Best surf season = Year Round!

Top breaks = the wave.

Click here for my full review of The Wave

Montanita, Ecuador

If Canggu and Byron Bay are up your street then you’ll love Montanita in Ecuador – which is basically the South American version of them!

A few hours from the international airport in Guayaquil this town is all about the waves.

The beach break offers up plenty of softer waves for beginners, but also some super fun banks for more advanced surfers when the swell picks up.

Experienced surfers will want to hit up La Punta though – a really fun right hand point break when will keep you more than entertained and is home to quite a few local and national surf competitions.

After a hard day in the waves kick back with a cold mojito in cocktail alley (find Eugenio, he makes the best ones!) and dance the night away at Cana Grill to some epic salsa tunes.

Best surf season = December to April

Top breaks = la punta, main beach, ability = all levels (depending on swell size).

La Libertad, El Salvador

The only Central America spot on this years list (mainly as I still haven’t got around to exploring that area yet!), La Libertad came onto my radar after watching the stories of Patricia of World Wide Travelog on Instagram .

Heaps of culture mixed with reeling right hand point breaks is a formidable combination to ignore – especially in an area of the world where your money can go a long way too.

Spots like Sunzal offer a more beginner friendly waves (it’s also a favourite with long boarders) where as spots like Pinta Roco are world class – hollow, long and reeling.

Best surf season = March to May

Top breaks = punta roca, sunzal, conchalío, ahangama, sri lanka.

Surfing in Sri Lanka has been on the rise recently and one fo the most famous spots to head to is Ahangama.

Although not as high level as Aragum Bay on the East Coast, Ahangama offer a huge range of waves – including beginner beach breaks and fun reefs too.

It also has the added advantage of being much easier to reach from Columbo Airport too – so less time travelling is more time surfing!

The rising popularity of Ahangama has brought some crowds with it – but there’s also a huge range of guest houses and surf camps for a range of budgets as a result, making it a firm favourite for those planning a quick, tropical escape.

Top breaks = Ragith Surf Point

What top surf destinations would you add to the list?

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• The Maldives

A Complete Guide to Surfing The Maldives

Thinking about surfing The Maldives?

This is our complete surf travel guide. Read for everything you need to know about surfing in The Maldives.

Located southwest of Sri Lanka, in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean, you will find the Maldives. The Maldives are a long time favorite destination for those looking for a luxury vacation, but surfing The Maldives is quickly becoming one of the top reasons for visiting this collection of idyllic islands.

As a nation made up of over 1000 coral islands, with hundreds of inhabited islands covering a vast expanse of the Indian Ocean, it is no surprise that the Maldives offers plenty of places to surf. If you are traveling to the Maldives in search of the perfect wave, you won’t be disappointed, as there are tons of surf breaks here. Whether you are a beginner or a more advanced surfer, you will easily find lots of great spots to surf in the Maldives.

The best time to visit the Maldives for a surf trip is from April to October. If you are looking for the biggest waves make sure to visit in June, July, or August.

How to Get to The Maldives

Your trip to the Maldives will start with a flight to the main airport, Velana International Airport (also known as Malé International Airport). The airport is located on the island of Hulhule, 2km away from the island capital of the Maldives, Malé.

After touching down in the Maldives, you will need to travel by either sea or air to get to your surf resort. If your resort is reasonably close to the airport, you may be able to transfer via a speedboat to your final destination. However, if you are staying a little further away, you will need to take a flight via seaplane to your resort. The seaplane leg of your journey offers the perfect opportunity to get a bird’s eye view of the stunning white sandy islands dotted around in the glistening turquoise sea. The sight of the water will have you itching to grab your surfboard and catch some waves as soon as you land.

Maldives Surf Spots

The Maldives is made up of 26 atolls broken up into the Southern Atolls, Central Atolls, and the North and South Malé Atolls. Each of the atolls offers its fair share of great surfing spots, so you will be spoiled for choice when choosing which ones to surf. Here is a round-up of some of the very best places to catch a wave in the Maldives.

North Malé Atoll Surf Spots

The North Malé Atoll is home to some of the Maldives’ best-known breaks and offers a mix of lefts and rights. The combination makes it perfect for surfers of all abilities to catch a wave, whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced surfer. At the North Malé Atoll, you will find many of the best breaks in the Maldives, each of which offers a long ride, including;  Lohis, Cokes, Chickens, Ninjas, Jails, Honkeys,  and  Sultans .

Lohis  is a long left-hander and at its best with a south or southeast swell, and a northeast wind. If you are looking for the most consistent wave in the Maldives, Lohis is it! Visitors to the  Hudhuranfushi Resort  have exclusive access to Lohis, which breaks just off of Lohifushi Island. Lohis is at its best from May to October.

Cokes  is a right-hander that takes its name from its location, as it breaks just off of an island that is home to a Coca-Cola factory. Cokes is a break that’s best left to surfers with advanced skill levels, offering the most consistently big waves in the area.

Chickens  is a left-hander that’s better suited to advanced skill levels. Chickens is at its best in the summer months but is great anywhen between May and October. If you are looking for consistency, July and August are typically the best months to surf Chickens.

Ninjas  is a break that’s ideal for surfers of all abilities, including beginners, just be aware that this wave can be inconsistent. This right-hander is popular with longboarders.

Jails , also known as Jailbreak, is a wave that previously only the most daring risked riding. Jails takes its name from the fact that it is located in front of a prison. Surfing Jails was illegal until recently, as the entrance was private property. Ride Jails to experience some impressive long and fast barrel sections.

If you are in search of big waves in the Maldives, then  Sultans  is a break not to be missed. This right-hander is definitely best for the most skilled surfers, and produces 4 to 6 foot waves consistently, but is at its best when it reaches 8 foot plus.

Next to Sultans, you will find  Honkeys , around 100 yards along on the same reef. Honkeys is a long left-hander that is best on a low tide.

Surfing the Central Atolls

The Central Atolls are an excellent choice for surfers of all abilities and offer lower crowds than some of the more popular Maldives surf spots. If you are looking for the best breaks in the Central Atolls, you may need to cover quite a distance, as the breaks are quite spread out. Although traveling between breaks gives you plenty of time to enjoy the stunning tropical scenery along the way.

Surfing the Southern Atolls

The Southern Atolls (also known as the Outer Atolls) is home to larger swells, and as it is located 300 miles to the south, it is only accessible to surfers onboard a surf charter. As well as enjoying swells which are a few feet higher, you will also get to enjoy the luxury of having the waves pretty much to yourself – so there will be less waiting around and more time riding waves.

The Southern Atolls offers a longer surfing season than the other best surfing spots in the Maldives with swell almost year-round. Visiting the Southern Atolls anytime between February and October should provide some pretty incredible waves.

Maldives Surf Resorts

Your choice of surf resort plays an essential part in making your trip a success. While you may plan to spend the majority of your time on your board, knowing that you have a great base to come back to each night to chill out is essential. When choosing a resort for your surfing Maldives trip, make sure that you consider the location carefully. Think about where you plan to surf before booking your accommodation so that you can get onto the water quickly each day and make the most of the waves.

The Maldives offers a wide selection of surf resorts ranging from boutique hotels to more budget-friendly options. If you fancy the ultimate island-getaway experience, you can turn your dreams of staying in a water villa on stilts above the ocean into a reality, and enjoy uninterrupted views of the water throughout your stay.

Here are some of the best Maldives surf resorts in to help you to decide on the perfect accommodation for your trip.

For all-out luxury on your surf trip to The Maldives,  Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort  on Dhigufinolhu Island in the Maldives’ South Malé Atoll, is just a 35-minute speedboat journey from the airport. The area around Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort offers a variety of waves, from peeling, playful rights to down-the-line left barrels and the closest break is just five minutes by boat. If the views alone aren’t enough to tempt you, you are sure to love the overwater bungalows, state of the art fitness center, and choice of places to grab a bite to eat.

For a more modest stay,  Cokes Surf Camp  is located on North Malé Atoll and is just 25 minutes away from the airport by speedboat. If you are planning on riding the waves at Chickens, you will find this guest house perfectly positioned just a short distance away from some of the Maldives’ best breaks. If you are looking for a more budget-friendly hotel option, then the Cokes Surf Camp could be the perfect choice for you.

Maldives Surf Charters

If you want to make the most of your time on the waves, then an excellent option for you would be one of the many surf charters available in the Maldives. Choosing a surf charter rather than staying on dry land will enable you to maximize the amount of time that you spend surfing The Maldives. Booking yourself a trip on a surf charter also offers the opportunity to try a whole new holiday experience, meet new people, and try new things.

Taking a trip onboard a surfer charter means that you will be taken directly to the very best reefs, which may not otherwise be accessible. Your guide on the boat will know all of the best surf spots and will be able to take you straight to some of the quieter hidden gems, where you can enjoy incredible waves, without being stuck in a crowd.

Many surf charters in the Maldives can be booked for exclusive hire by grouping together with a bunch of friends. You can enjoy delicious meals and drinks, as well as chilling out on the sundeck between surfing, making it an ideal choice for anyone wanting to get away from it all, and simply enjoy surfing.

Some Surf Charters to check out in The Maldives:

• Maavahi – Outer Atolls
• MV Adora – Male Atolls
• Fascination Maldives

Surfboard Hire in The Maldives

If you prefer to travel light, then you may decide to leave your surfboard at home and hire one for surfing The Maldives. As the Maldives is home to so many amazing surfing spots, you will find plenty of places to hire a board.

Maldive Surf  offers surfboard rental with plenty of options to choose from. From 6’1 shortboards through to 9’ longboards, you will find them all available to hire from Maldive Surf. Your chosen surfboard will be waiting for you at the airport when you arrive, and you can simply drop it off there at the end of your trip too, so there’s no hassle of traveling involved in collecting or returning your board.

Enjoyed our Complete Guide to Surfing the Maldives ? Check out our other Surf Travel Guides here .

Maceda Surf Camp : Book a shared or private room now from €260pp

Maceda Surf Camp : Book a shared or private room now from €510pp

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Surf Coaching Porto : Book a shared or private room now from €545pp

Marias Surf & Hostel : Book a shared or private room now from €165pp

Golden Waves Surf Lodge : Book a shared or private room now from €639pp

Lighthouse Hostel : Book a shared or private room now from €28/night

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Nice Way Cascais : Book a shared or private room now from €25/night

The Salty Pelican : Book a shared or private room now from €71/night

Pineapple Surf House : Book a shared or private room now from €14/night

WOT Hostel in Peniche : Book a shared or private room now from €18/night

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8 of the best places to surf in Central America for beginners to pros

Feb 10, 2022 • 9 min read

In Tamarindo, visitors come to surf, eat, party... and repeat © lilly3 / Getty Images

Central America is one of the most wave-blessed parts of the globe.

Swells roll in from the Pacific and the Caribbean Sea throughout the region, offering up everything from barrels to beefy beach breaks all months of the year.  Costa Rica is justly known for its hedonistic surf-party towns fringed by coconut-strewn sands, while  Panama has archipelagos of reef-ringed tropical islands and tube waves that work in the wet season. El Salvador , meanwhile, beckons with powerful A-frames right by hippie beer shacks. And that’s just the best-known spots.

Our guide to the best surfing spots in Central America has all you need to find the top spots to catch waves for all levels, from beginner to pro.

Tamarindo, Costa Rica: m ixing hedonism and surf since 1991

Surf, eat, party, repeat: such is the routine in Tamarindo. The rise of this town has been nothing short of phenomenal ever since Bruce Brown and company passed through while filming  Endless Summer II back in the early ’90s. Today, everyone wants a piece of the action – and it's not hard to see why.

Tamarindo is anchored on Playa Tamarindo , a long arc of alabaster sand with peaks for all levels – think beginner whitewash meets lefts and rights perfect for intermediates to start ripping on. Better surfers usually head over to Playa Grande for the faster, hollower, right-hand break that forms on the Estero estuary. Just be careful of crocs in the water should you join in.

High or incoming tides tend to work best because a few of the named breaks rely on submerged rock reefs to work. Get up early to surf here if you can, as morning crowds in Tamarindo are thinned out by hangovers acquired in throbbing bars like Sharky’s and Crazy Monkey the night before.

Getting to Tamarindo : A transfer or public bus from Liberia Airport takes no more than 2 hours. From San José Airport, a bus takes about 5 hours.

Bocas del Toro, Panama: barreling waves on brochure-worthy beaches

There are so many overwater bungalows in Bocas del Toro these days that it can sometimes feel like Maldives in the Caribbean. But it’s all that takes place on and under the water – boating, scuba diving and surfing – that makes this string of six populated islands, 50 coral cays and over 200 mini-islets so special.

The variety of breaks accessible within a short boat ride of Bocas town is truly impressive. (A boat will really be the only way to get around.) Beginners can go 20 minutes to Wizard Beach to find glassy, 5-foot swells with hardly a line up. Experts can go 15 minutes to Bluff Beach for sucky tubes with the power to snap boards. The long Isla Bastimentos, meanwhile, is the intermediate surfer’s haven.

The downside of surfing in Bocas del Toro is the relatively short season. December to early April is the sweet spot, when consistent northerly offshore winds and SW swells combine. The rest of the year, this is a coconut-sipping, snorkel-blowing paradise with water as unrippled as a Panamanian hojaldre flatbread.

Getting to Bocas del Toro : Air Panama has direct flights from Panama City (Albrook Airport) into Bocas del Toro. There are also bus-boat connections from Panama City.

Popoyo, Nicaragua: a haven for experienced surfers 

Playa Popoyo in Nicaragua’s southwest is only 800 meters long, but it manages to pack in more waves than you can shake a plate of gallo pinto at. It’s earned its reputation as one of Central America’s harder surf destinations because it handles good size and offers a mix of point breaks and reefs that each pose their own challenges.

The star is Popoyo Main Break, a nigh-on perfect A-frame that gives fast but fun rights and lefts on pretty much any tide. That’s nowhere near as heavy as the Outer Reef, which pounds triple overhead slabs for a lineup of proper Evel Knievels. Goofy riders, meanwhile, should be sure to check out Stoney’s, a lefty point that recalls Bali’s iconic Uluwatu.

A good way to tick off the lot is to go for a surf package with NicaWaves Surf Camp . Though their pad is just a five-minute walk from Main Break, their trips include up to three surf boat expeditions a pop.

Getting to Popoyo : Private transfers from Managua take just over 2 hours. You can also get the public bus, though keep in mind it stops just outside of Popoyo itself, so you’ll need to walk the last couple of kilometers or try to hitch a ride toward the water.

El Tunco, El Salvador: surf and sunsets galore

El Tunco is the best place in El Salvador to get the salt in your hair and ride some waves. More than just a surf town, El Tunco is also a party-friendly hippie haven, complete with resident crowd of Willie Nelson lookalikes and surf-mad locals.

There are four fantastic breaks packed into a 2-mile stretch of coastline, with options for all levels of surfers. Just starting? There are oodles of outfitters that will offer lessons at either El Sunzalito or nearby Playa San Blas, both of which have sandy bottoms and crumbly waves. The western end of the beach has the El Sunzal point break, a right-hander tailored to improving intermediates. Then you get La Bocana, a fast and challenging left with hollow sections.

Monkey Lala is the place to gather at the golden hour. From there, you can watch the sun dip behind the crags of El Tunco’s famous rock stack (which is supposedly shaped like a pig) and watch the local crews ripping up La Bocana.

Getting to El Tunco : Direct buses from San Salvador to El Tunco take about an hour and cost about SVC ₡17 ($2) per person.  

Santa Teresa, Costa Rica: all hail ultra-consistent waves

It seems like everybody and their dog (or at least their partner) is in Santa Teresa right now. A once-sleepy stretch of potholed road and fishing shacks at the end of the wonderful Nicoya Peninsula , it’s been transformed into one of the most stylish places to wax down the board in the land of Pura Vida – and Central America.

Don’t be too deterred by all the dressier visitors, though: Santa Teresa still has yoga camps clustered in along its hillsides, the vibes on the waves are nice and relaxed, and howler monkeys remain the morning alarm clock. What’s more, the new interest has generated some pretty nifty new surf camps and cafes – even Lapoint of Ericeira fame has set up shop, with a stylish surf hotel centered around a swimming pool .

Wave-wise, Playa Santa Teresa is a seemingly endless run of cocoa-tinged sand that’s beach peak after beach peak. The scene is at its biggest in summer on SW swells, but has a year-round consistency that would make Roger Federer blush. To the north, Playa Hermosa offers find mushier waves for learning on. Or go south to Mal País for some more hard-core reef breaks and points.

Getting to Santa Teresa : Direct public buses that cost around CRC ₡7,600 ($12) per person run from San José at least twice daily, taking 6 or 7 hours. Those in a hurry can catch a propeller plane to Tambor and make the 35-minute transfer from there.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica: the place to go when the Pacific is flat

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca  on the Caribbean Sea comes into season when the waves die down on the Costa Rican Pacific. From December to March, powerful tropical storm systems sitting off the Colombian coast send regular southeast swells into the bays north and south of town.

The most famous spot of the lot here is surely Salsa Brava. It's hailed as the Tico answer to Hawaii’s Pipeline, and offers heavy, hollow barrels onto shallow reefs bristling with urchins. Something a little easier is on offer at Playa Cocles, which is where you’ll find the local surf schools plying their trade between the stooping coconut palms.

It’s ritual to retire to Tasty Waves Cantina on Playa Cocles once you’re done with a session. This wonderfully ramshackle reggae and dub bar serves up cold Imperial beers, pub grub and late-night parties on Tuesday nights.

Getting to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca : Autotransportes Mepe runs buses from San José about five times a day. There are also direct buses from Limón.

Nosara, Costa Rica: the best waves for beginners 

After years of living in the shadow of Tamarindo, Nosara is finally hitting the big time. Regulars will lament the fact that the secret is out – yet there’s no way that such a prime surf destination could remain under the radar in Costa Rica , especially with its epic offering for total beginners.

Playa Guiones is the jewel in the crown. A soft curve of a bay that angles ever so slightly due southwest into the Pacific, it’s a swell magnet with a kaleidoscope of breaks that form on the ever-shifting sandbanks. Low tide can get crunchy and big, but the rising water turns on the goods for learners, bringing glassy green waves out back and plenty of whitewash.

The town? Think Tamarindo 20 years back. Big names like Selina are now in the mix, but you can also find jungle-shrouded B&Bs inhabited by howler monkeys a short walk from the waves of Guiones.  The Sunset Shack and Ride On Beach House are especially well rated.

Getting to Nosara : Direct buses from San José take up to 5 hours, while buses from Liberia take about 3 hours. Transfers should be done in a 4X4 as some of the roads into Nosara remain unpaved.

Playa Maderas, Nicaragua: an A-frame for lots of levels

There are plenty of awesome surf bays running north and south from San Juan del Sur (SJDS) in southern Nica, but Playa Maderas, home to one of the most fantastic A-frames in the whole region, really stands out. A dream for intermediates and up, it’s rideable left and right, and sometimes even hollows out to give mini barrels.

Early risers and low-tide surfers will be rewarded with emptier lineups in a region that can get crowded with both day-tripping surf schools out of SJDS and the local crews. Alternatively, you can do puppy eyes for a local guide to see if they’ll reveal the secret spots between the town and Playa Yankee, toward the Costa Rica border.

It’s tempting to stay in San Juan del Sur and travel up to Maderas whenever you want to surf. But that would mean missing out on some of the fantastic new camps, like Buena Vista Surf Club and its yoga deck perched above the coastal jungles.

Getting to Playa Maderas : First, aim for San Juan del Sur by taking the direct bus from Managua via Rivas. Then head onward to Playa Maderas by taxi or – even more fun – water taxi.

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Surfing Puerto Rico / Everything You Need to Know

Surfing Puerto Rico offers up a variety of incredible waves in a stunning tropical island paradise. Commonly known as the ‘North Shore of the Caribbean,’ some surf spots in Puerto Rico pull off a good imitation of certain hollow Hawaiian barrels that grace many a surf mag.

A hop, skip, and a jump from the East Coast of the US, surfing Puerto Rico is a right of passage for many east coasters. Who wouldn’t want to escape the cold harsh winters with a trip to a tropical paradise with warm water and an abundance of good waves? Exactly.

Besides the lure of the pumping surf, Puerto Rico delivers some serious laidback friendly vibes that are downright infectious (in a good way). You can’t help but unwind, relax, and tap into the chill island way of life.

In this Guide to Surfing Puerto Rico, we cover everything you need to know to plan an awesome trip in this slice of surf paradise. The guide details surf seasons, surf break info, trip costs, where to stay, things to do (besides surfing), transportation, and more, with a focus on the island’s northwest beach communities (AKA surf mecca) of Rincon, Aguada, and Aguadilla.

These surf-lined beach towns are some of the main reasons why surfers from around the globe make their way to Puerto Rico—perhaps also because of the crystal clear 80-degree water, beautiful beaches, and laidback beach life.

Table of Contents

Surfing Puerto Rico

Puerto rico surf spots, surf lessons & surfboard rentals, puerto rico travel basics, where to stay, eat & drink.

Things to Do

Transportation

Travel insurance.

Surf Seasons

Summer in Puerto Rico is hot and fickle, not ideal if you’re looking to score some tasty waves and only have a week to work with. The best time to surf in Puerto Rico would be late fall, winter, and early spring. In September the Atlantic Ocean begins to come to life delivering fun-sized surf to the shorelines of northwest Puerto Rico.

Winter swells are where Puerto Rico earned its name as the North Shore of the Atlantic. This is when the surf can get big and gnarly. Treacherous barrels over shallow reefs and seriously strong currents and rip tides are more common. However, there is always the possibility of getting skunked as there can be times when the surf is nominal or flat for more than several days in a row. However, not to worry, as there is usually something to surf somewhere.

Level of Difficulty

Since Puerto Rico is mostly known for big, hollow, powerful surf and reef breaks, it is definitely more suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers. Puerto Rico is also known for having strong currents and riptides, as well as a healthy supply of sea urchins.

All factors considered, having surf experience is recommended and Puerto Rico is not a great place to learn to surf. That being said, there are usually always options for beginners with proper guidance.

As with most surf destinations, when it’s big there are typically places where a less experienced surfer can have fun and get their feet wet too. Big swells come and go leaving the days before and after the peak of the swell fun-sized and manageable for the novice surfer. So know your limits and ask around if you’re not an expert.

Puerto Rico’s good surf is no secret and since it’s a very easy and desirable surf destination to travel to in the winter, it gets busy during the peak season. The crowds start to die off in March and the off-shore winds start to blow more consistently. Head-high plus surf can stick around through May and you can find yourself surfing amongst a small crowd at a break that would otherwise potentially have dozens of surfers on it.

Surfing Rincón

Antonio’s .

Reef break that caters to the intermediate and experienced surfer. Spread out rights and lefts. Best in the morning as afternoon onshores can ruin it. N/NW/NE swells and southerly winds are ideal. A rippable performance wave. The rights can be long and really good when it’s working.

Sandy Beach 

Caters to all levels of surfing. Sand bottom beach break with some rocky reefs in the mix. Mostly lefts with occasional sandbar rights coming through in front of Tamboo Tavern. When it’s working, the lefts can get very long and rippable. Ideal swells are from the N/NW/NE with southerly winds.

Pool’s

Suited for intermediate to advanced surfers. Pools is a pretty shallow reef break with a few scattered right and left peaks. A juicy wave that packs a punch when it’s overhead. Fun and rippable when in the shoulder to head high range. Works best on N, NW, and NE swells and has some wind protection from the NE trades.

Caters to all levels of experience and all kinds of wave craft riders when it’s smaller.  Domes breaks over a fairly shallow rock reef.  Works best on N, NW, and NE swells with SE winds.  Mostly rights with some lefts. When bigger and doing its thing, the rights are the main attraction as they tend to be long and hollow.

Maria’s

Fun for the whole family, and then some. Maria’s tends to be a very crowded spot. A long, fast, spread out right, that can connect from the main point clear on through the inside on a good swell. Best on a NW swell, with NE trades, and a lower tide.

Piston’s and Dogman’s

For the adventurous and more experienced surfer, park at Maria’s and take a walk south past the river mouth to explore these breaks which offer some fun hollow lefts and rights over shallow reef.

Tres Palmas

One of Puerto Rico’s famous big wave spots, this wave is only suitable for experienced big wave chargers. Doesn’t start working until it’s double overhead. Know your limits.

Surfing Aguadilla

Caters to all levels. Located in Aguadilla central, Bridges is known for its playful glassy waves and inevitable crowds. It’s also known to be a bit polluted as a result of runoff from town. But even the filthiest lineup can’t keep a frothing surfer from a rippable sand/reef bottom right-hand point break. And that’s what you’ll find here when the swell direction is right (WNW).

Intermediate to advanced surfers. A punchy sand bottom right with hollow sections that attracts quite the bodyboarding crew.

Intermediate to advanced surfers. A fun rolling right-hand reef-bottom point that can handle large swells. Cruisy wave, good for longboarding on your average day. There’s a shorter more punchy left-hander over shallow reef to pick off here and there too.

Surfers Beach

Beginner to advanced depending on the day. Reef break. Consistent break that could be fun and easy-going when shoulder high or smaller. Gets punchier and more hollow once head high and bigger. Watch out for the urchins and the rips.

While the surf in Puerto Rico is best suited to more intermediate and advanced surfers, it’s possible to take surf lessons, and a good surf instructor will help find a safe spot that is good for beginners. Here are a couple of resources for surfboard rentals and surf lessons.

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WEATHER:  Puerto Rico is a tropical climate, so the temperature stays around a balmy 80°F – 85°F the whole year (26°C – 29 °C). The rainy season in Puerto Rico is from April to November, but as with many tropical climates, rain showers are typically scattered in the afternoons and don’t last very long. So even if there’s rain in the forecast, there’s a good chance you can have a nice sunny morning and just a few showers later in the day.

TOURISM SEASONS: December through April is considered the high season in Puerto Rico. Many east coasters are looking to escape the frigid winter and Puerto Rico is only a cheap and short flight away.

June to September is considered the low season which coincides with their rainy hurricane season. You might be able to score a discounted rate at a hotel, but you’re not so likely to be scoring any surf in the area this time of year unless you get lucky with an out-of-season swell.

From the months of September to November and April to May are when you can really score in Puerto Rico. Sure, the surf is likely to be bigger during the peak swell season of winter, but during the shoulder season months, you can still potentially score some really fun waves with not as many people out. The downside is that you run the risk of getting skunked.

The shoulder seasons of the fall and spring in Puerto Rico are where it’s at, in my opinion. You’ll likely find fewer crowds, more human-sized surf, and a quieter small-town vibe as opposed to the bustling peak season months.

MONEY:  Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States and they use the United States Dollar (USD) as their local currency.

TIPPING:  Yes, being a United States territory and using the USD also comes along with other American customs, such as tipping. Which usually means leaving about an extra 15-20% of the total bill on sit down meals, $1 extra per drink at a bar directly to the bartender when they hand you your beverage, or a couple of extra dollars cash for taxi drivers, bellboys, people who provide room services, etc.

There are a handful of small hotels and B&Bs near great surf in Rincón, and if you’re traveling with a group, one of the best options is renting a villa or vacation rental. The Rincón area has some wonderful places to stay tucked away on tropical hillsides and right on the sand with a surf break out front. Below are a few of our top picks for where to stay in Rincón Puerto Rico based on amenities, design, reviews, and proximity to surf breaks.

Under $250 per night

$250+ per night

LA COPA LLENA serves up beautifully-crafted brunch and dinner in a lovely open-air patio right on the beach.

CARTA BUENA  is a rad little food truck with delicious healthy farm-fresh snacks, smoothies, juices, coffee, sandos, and other tasty treats made with ingredients from their own organic garden (which you can walk around in while you wait for your food).

RINCÓN BEER COMPANY  slings craft beer and simple but good eats at this cool micro-brewery located in the heart of Rincón.

POOL BAR SUSHI  is a delicious indoor/outdoor restaurant and bar with tasty sushi on offer. There’s also a good chance there will be a good surf film playing on a big screen above their pool.

TULUUM  – if you’re surfing up in the Aguadilla area you might want to stop by Tuluum in Isabela for some tasty margaritas and Mexican food.

Things to Do in Puerto Rico

(besides surfing).

With an abundance of natural beauty and ocean sports, there are tons of fun things to do in Puerto Rico. Whether you prefer an adrenaline-fueled adventure or leisurely cruise, you’ll find activities to suit every taste. Here are a handful of top activities and excursions in Puerto Rico (besides surfing and beach hopping!):

Active Explorations

• Arenales Caves and River Adventure
• Campo Rico Ziplining Adventure
• ATV Adventure Hacienda Campo Rico
• Bio Bay & El Yunque Rainforest Combo Tour

On the Water

• Deserted Island Catamaran Day Sail from Fajardo
• Sailing and Snorkeling Day Charter
• 6-Hour Culebra Snorkeling Tour
• Bio Bay Kayak Tour

Leisurely Pursuits

• Puerto Rico’s Original Cocktail Tour
• Old San Juan Walk and Taste Tour
• Cold and Hot Spring Escape to Nurture Body and Soul

It’s best to fly direct into Aguadilla where you’re only about 45 minutes from Rincon. If you fly into San Juan, it’s a solid 2 – 3 hour drive across the island depending on traffic and road conditions.

All flight prices are round-trip and shown in US dollars and note that around the Christmas holiday season, flights can be double or triple the cost.

Surfboard fees: Unless you fly on one of the few airlines that don’t charge surfboard bag fees, tack on an additional $75- $200 each way if you want to take a couple of boards. Check out our Guide to Surfboard Bag Fees to see which airline might be your best bet.

LAX > BQN (Aguadilla):

• good deal: $350
• average: $450

NYC > BQN:

• good deal: $202
• average: $250

Fort Lauderdale >BQN:

• good deal: $100
• average: $200

London >BQN:

• good deal: $750
• average: $900

Sydney >BQN:

• good deal: $1200
• average: $1,400

Getting Around

There aren’t a lot of options for transportation in Puerto Rico and especially not with a surfboard in tow, so renting a car is essential. It’s ideal to rent a 4-wheel drive with some clearance if you want to explore more off-the-beaten path spots like Wilderness in the Aguadilla area (which requires some off-roading through pretty deep puddles at certain times of year).

If you like the challenge of off-roading a 2-wheel drive sedan, it can be done, but not without potential consequences. We made it through some rough areas in such a car rental, but we nearly got stuck in some deep mud and might have damaged the front bumper a tad. Just a tad. Aaaanyhow, if you plan on driving down dirt things that barely resemble roads, we highly recommend going with a 4×4.

The cost of renting a car is roughly the following:

• $15-25 per day for an economy 2-wheel drive car (for the budget-conscious adventurous type seeking the thrill of potentially getting stuck somewhere. There are some places where a 2-wheel drive car simply won’t cut it).
• $40-65 per day for a 4-wheel drive vehicle (for the not-so-budget-concerned traveler who likes to be fully equipped and ready for any adventure that presents itself).

We suggest going the 4-wheel route if you plan to explore and like to get off the beaten path, and going with a smaller car if you know you’ll just be sticking with the more easily accessible breaks.

Of course, the last thing you want to think about is a major injury, but it would be much,  much  worse if you need serious medical attention and you’re without insurance. Unfortunately, there are just too many cases of people who didn’t think about insurance and ended up getting nailed with a huge medical bill.

You know the deal—better safe than sorry. We use and recommend  World Nomads Insurance . They offer very comprehensive travel insurance and cover all sorts of activities, including surfing and ocean sports. You can easily  check it out and get a fast quote here . Safe travels!

Have any questions about surfing Puerto Rico?

Let us know in the comments below, check out more surf destination guides >>.

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PLAN YOUR NEXT SURF TRIP

Immersed in nature and surrounded by new and old friends from all over the world, we chase waves and good times in destinations we love. Our surf trips are open to surfer of all levels : whether you are a beginner looking for solid foundations or an intermediate surfer that needs guiding to the best spots, we have a program right for you. Find out what's your surf level ! ‍ Discover all our different surf adventures below.

Share your next Surf Trip

Immersed in nature and surrounded by new and old friends from all over the world, we chase waves and good times in destinations we love. Our surf trips are open to surfer of all levels : whether you are a beginner looking for solid foundations or an intermediate surfer that needs guiding to the best spots, we have a program right for you. ‍ Discover our surf trips and the calendar for our group weeks – or get in touch for a personalized recommendation!

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Year-round open surf weeks in one of our local partners' surf houses . Expect high quality surf coaching and an international mix of new surf friends!

Go on an adventure, wether it's a road trip through Morocco or a boat trip in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Surf a wide range of waves and discover the best spots.

ALGARVE SURF TRIP for surfers of all levels

Santa cruz surf camp for beginners +, maldives boat trip for intermediates +, fuerte surf trip for surfers of all levels, bugerru surf trip for beginners +, north pt road trip for surfers of all levels, souh pt road trip for surfers of all levels, mirleft surf trip for surfers of all levels, morocco road trip for surfers of all levels.

Original The Surf Tribe surf trips. Group surf trips in unique destinations with the Surf Tribe team on the spot 24/7. These trips are open to surfers of all levels.

ALGARVE SURF RETREAT · GLAMPING IN NATURE· 🇵🇹 for surfers of all levels

Morocco surf retreat · winter surf escape · 🇲🇦 for surfers of all levels, algarve surf retreat · surf tribe villa · 🇵🇹 for beginner surfers, maldives surf trip · 10 days boat trip · 🇲🇻 for intermediate & advanced surfers, lombok cowork and surf 🇮🇩 for all levels, ghana surf trip · 10 days surf adventure · 🇬🇭 for intermediate & advanced surfers, surf house weeks.

Meet other surfers from all over the world and just think about catching waves ! Join one of our trusted local partners for high quality surf coaching in beautiful destinations, an international environment and abundant surf vibes! ‍ These open surf weeks are suited to all surf levels, and recommended for beginner surfers!

SANTA CRUZ SURF HOUSE 🇵🇹 for beginners +

Bugerru surf house 🇮🇹 for beginners +, corralejo surf house 🇮🇨 for beginners +, oyambre surf camp 🇪🇸 for beginners, tamraght surf house  🇲🇦 for surfers of all levels, lombok surf house 🇮🇩 for surfers of all levels, caparica surf house 🇵🇹 for beginner surfers, ahangama surf house  🇱🇰 for surfers of all levels, mentawai  surf house 🇮🇩 for intermediate & advanced surfers, são miguel surf house 🇵🇹 for beginner and intermediates, join an open week in our partners' surf houses or surfaris throughout the whole year.

Santa Cruz - Portugal  (March to November)

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Tamraght - Morocco  (All Year)

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Lajares - Fuerteventura  (All Year)

Buggerru - Italy  (March to November)

Road Trip South of Portugal  (April to June)

Road Trip North of Portugal  (June to September)

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DISCOVER BELOW OUR SURF RETREATS THROUGH THE YEAR.

Leave home alone but meet stoked surfers like you on the road! Join a boat trip or an on-the-road surf trip with one of our trusted partners, explore with full freedom and discover the best surf spots in Portugal, Morocco and the Maldives!

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South pt road trip 🇵🇹 for surfers of all levels, north pt road trip 🇵🇹 for surfers of all levels, maldives boat trip 🇲🇻 for intermediates +, what do our guests say, surf retreats calendar.

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Aljezur, Algarve (Portugal)

Maceda to Vila Praia de Ancora (Portugal)

Santa Cruz (Portugal)

Kuta Lombok (Indonesia)

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Costa da Caparica (Portugal)

Ahangama (Sri Lanka)

São Miguel, Azores (Portugal)

Mentawai (Indonesia)

Essaouira to Agadir (Morocco)

Buggerru, Sardinia (Italy)

Maldives Southern Atolls

Corralejo, Fuerteventura (Canary Islands)

Sines to Sagres (Portugal)

Unique group surf trips with the Surf Tribe team on the spot 24/7. These trips are open to surfers of all levels.

MALDIVES SURF RETREAT · 10-DAYS BOAT TRIP · for intermediates+

Algarve surf retreat · surf tribe villa · for beginner surfers, ghana surf trip · 10-days adventure · intermediate and advanced, algarve longboard  retreat · with toxic magic ·  🇵🇹 for intermediate / advanced, algarve surf retreat · glamping in nature · for surfers of all levels, morocco surf retreat · winter surf escape · for surfers of all levels, sidi ifni ‍surf  9 days surf adventure for intermediates and above, algarve surf trip 🇵🇹 for surfers of all levels, fuerte surf trip 🇮🇨 for surfers of all levels, mirleft surf trip 🇲🇦 for surfers of all levels, surf house experiences, surf house weeks.

Meet other surfers from all over Europe and just think about catching waves ! Join one of our trusted local partners for high quality surf coaching in beautiful destinations, an international environment and abundant surf vibes! ‍ These surf trips are open to all levels & perfect for beginner surfers.

PENICHE SURF FARM 🇵🇹 for beginners +

Santa cruz surf house for beginners +, oyambre surf camp for beginners +, são miguel surf house 🇵🇹 beginner and intermediates, caparica ‍surf house for beginners, lombok surf house for surfers of all levels, mentawai surf house for intermediate/advanced, bugerru surf house for beginners +, tamraght surf house for beginners +, corralejo surf house for beginners +, ahangama surf house for surfers of all levels, on-the-road surf trips.

Leave home alone but meet stoked surfers like you on the road! Join on a road or boat trip with one of our trusted partners, explore with full freedom and discover the best surf spots in Portugal, Morocco and the Maldives!

Unique Surf Trips that you won't find anywhere else: we pop-up in places we know and love, during our favourite surf seasons. Surf Explorer for intermediate surfers is available on these trips.

Do you want to catch your first waves or have you tried a few times and would like to improve? Meet with people from all over and live a Surf Camp experience! Find out what's your level and what's the best trip for you.

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The Ultimate Guide to Sri Lanka Surf

Ditch the wetsuit, grab a coconut and tropical wax, Sri Lanka surf is warm-water heaven. Reef breaks, beach breaks, point breaks – there’s all sorts on this stunning island. Generally speaking, we’d say the waves here are mellower than much of Asia ( especially Indo), making the country a perfect beginner to improver intermediate location. It works all year, with two coasts that work in opposite seasons.

An introduction to Sri Lanka surf

When most people think of Sri Lanka, they think of mystical Buddhist temples and coconut-infused curries. Only recently has surfing come into the frame on this tropical island. But boy has it gained popularity fast.

These days, the whole south and west coasts, from Colombo to Tangalle , and the surf mecca of Arugam Bay, are on the map of wave hunters. They’re not quite as built up as Bali (yet!). But thousands come in search of their promised breaks.

And what breaks they are! Variety is the keyword. Most are reefs of some shape or form, starting with zippy shallow reefs with high walls and barrels near Ram’s and Mirissa going all the way to mellow A-frame reefs like the ones in Midigama . You’ll also get some beach breaks, like the up-coming peaks of SK Town , or the fun beginner-intermediate wave of Hiriketiya (a personal fav).

On top of all that, you can look forward to a Sri Lankan surf culture that’s uber-chilled. There’s hardly a trace of localism to be found on the main breaks. Most people are forever smiling, happy to help you get to grips with the reefs, and have a little chat in the lineup.

Oh yea, and it’s cheap ! Curry and rice still costs $5, while good luxury surf hotels can be had for $50-80 a night.

We might use affiliate links in this post. Basically, you click em’ and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. So, thanks for that!

This guide is a part of our larger ultimate guide to surfing in Asia

Sri Lanka surf at a glance

• Warm water.
• Chilled surf towns with coconut palms and gorgeous beaches.
• Approachable reef breaks for intermediates looking to move up.
• Some crowded breaks.
• Some busy lineups.
• Not many surf shops to buy your gear.

What will I find in this guide to surfing in Sri Lanka?

The top sri lanka surf spots.

There are more surf spots in Sri Lanka than you can shake a bowl of dal at – but don’t do that, it’s too good to waste!

From the popular bays of the south-west to the legend that is Arugam Bay , this guide has info on the lot, along with in-depth guides to each destination on their own (just click on through for specific info on all the breaks in each area!)

Think Sri Lanka surf, think Arugam Bay. This surfing mecca is the jewel of the east coast. It’s known for having brilliant conditions during the summer months between June and October, when the more popular southwest coast of the island is under the monsoon.

A great mix of waves are on the menu. There’s fast Elephant Rock with its barrels. There’s Baby Point with is sand-bottomed breaks for novices. Oh, and the town is a blast after dark too!

Where to stay: Forcus Cabanas – Literally 100m from Main Point and Baby Point and right in the thick of the town, these Cabanas are well done out, very spacious, and in a tropical garden.

Read our full ultimate guide to Arugam Bay surf

We used to say this was a secret little beach town. Maybe we said it too much. To set the record straight: Hiri has now most certainly been discovered.

We went in 2018, again in 2022, and finally in 2023. The change has been breakneck. Where once there were just beach shacks there are now hipster coffee spots selling flat whites. Empty plots of palms are now lux hotels.

We’re not saying all this in a bad way. We still love Hiri but it’s not the barefoot escape it used to be is all. What it’s fantastic for is learning to surf, especially thanks to the Salty Pelican school that sits in the backstreets and the beginner friendly beach break.

There’s also a left hander point here that’s very nice indeed, offering long, fast rides over a shallow reef. That’s what helps make Hiri an all-level spot.

Where to stay: Casa Vana , a charming villa nestled in the palm groves about 2 minutes’ walk from the beach. We especially loved the open-air kitchen where you’ll cook in the company of monkeys.

Read our full ultimate guide to Hiriketya Bay surf

Dickwella (also Dikwella) is a bustling town that’s sat on the far south coast of Sri Lanka. It’s been known for its beaches for some time, but only recently is its surf scene becoming a thing. That’s largely down to the excellent waves and chilled out vibe found in Hiriketiya Bay (see above) just over the headland, but there are also some other spots in the vicinity worth checking…

Read our full ultimate guide to Dickwella surf

We’ve got a real soft spot for this hidden beach break midway between Dickwella and Mirissa.

The name SK Town actually refers to the cluster of Sri Lankan surf camps and hostels that sit on the eastern end of the bay, but there are great peaks to be had right up and down the length. On heavy days, this one shapes up into neat wedges that can go both left and right. When it’s really powerful, closeouts are the game.

Where to stay: The Seascape is right on the beachfront, has its own pool, and terraced eating area. The food is great and we loved being able to get from bed to break in under a minute (important in a spot where the early morning sessions are ALWAYS the best)

Read our full ultimate guide to surfing in SK Town

Chilled Madiha has a reef break that’s got a right hander and a left that’s very challenging. It’s best suited to more advanced surfers but, given the location (Weligama to the west and SK Town to the east), is also a fine base for all levels, so long as you don’t mind tuk-tuking out to the waves in the morning.

Upsides: Great hotels, stunning beaches, relaxed cafes.

Where to stay: Back Yard Madiha is a relaxed hotel with a fine garden bar within walking distance of the waves.

Check our full guide to surfing in Madiha

If you can pull yourself away from your pina colada and coconut juice, Mirissa has a few waves that might be worth a look in.

It’s not your out and out Sri Lanka surf mecca like some of the other places on this list, but it’s got a popular reef on its western side and a really easy-going beach break with a few foam board rentals.

Read our complete guide to the surf in Mirissa right now

Surfing in Sri Lanka for beginners at its very best. Weligama hugs a huge bay on the southern end of the island. It’s protected from the heaviest swells by two elongated headlands.

So, even when there are high walls bashing through the reefs of nearby Midigama, you can catch slow, soft beach breaks here. And it is all a beach break, with some of the highest-rated Sri Lanka surf camps going on the road just behind.

Where to stay: W15 – A stylish hotel on the main beach. Walking distance to surf rentals and waves.

Check out our ultimate guide to Weligama surf

When the December offshores cut through the Midigama coast, the waves here can offer some seriously fun rides. There are a few worth marking on your Sri Lanka surf spots map.

Start with Coconuts, a neat left-hander that goes right-left fast and hollow. Then graduate to Ram’s where high barrels crash right in front of a few uber-cool surf houses.

Where to stay: Naomi Beach Hotel – We stayed here right at the end of 2023 and LOVED IT. A seriously nice set of oceanview rooms with a pool. Paddle out to Coconuts is 100m up the beach.

Read our full ultimate guide to Midigama surf spots

Ahangama is the area that comes on the Matara Road after Midigama. It keeps the reef theme going with island favourites like Sticks and Marshmallow.

However, Ahanagma is long and drawn out along the shoreline, so there’s room for beach breaks like the upcoming spot at Kabalana, too. Expect some of the best Sri Lankan surf camps of all in this region!

Where to stay: Kiri Palu is a bit different to the overload of hotels that now fringe the Ahangama shoreline. It’s set up a winding sidestreet in the peaceful side of the area. A tuk-tuk will take you to any break in minutes, and return you to a stunning home with one of the best pool-garden combos we’ve seen.

Read our full ultimate guide to Ahangama’s surf spots

Kabalana Beach

Gorgeous Kabalana Beach is one of the hottest new destinations in the south for surfers and just general beach lovers. It’s very pretty and hosts probably the best A-frame reef break on the island – The Rock.

But that’s not it. The reason this one’s so popular is the fact it’s also got an easy beach break for learners, along with loafs of great places to eat, proximity to the surf breaks of nearby Ahangama and Midigama, and fantastic hotels right on the shoreline.

Where to stay: Mosvold Villa is the place. Luxury service and opulent rooms literally two steps off the beach break.

Read our full ultimate guide to Kabalana Beach

Unawatuna is well-linked to the south-western city of Galle. It’s also got a good spread of breaks, starting with super-chilled beginner beaches and leading to faster reefs for intermediates. It’s a great place to begin any Sri Lankan surf journey, mainly because it’s accessible, has decent surf schools, and is connected to nearby Ahangama and Midigama for when it’s time to progress.

Check our complete guide to the surf in Unawatuna

Hikkaduwa might just be the most popular Sri Lanka surf spot on the south-west coast. That’s why you’ll almost always find a lineup out in the water. There’s lots to get stuck into.

The main beach is the place where the surf schools operate. It’s a sand-bottom break with some fun peaks if the swell’s up. More expert surfers can head to Benny’s, a high-speed and steep reef left hander that’s adrenaline through and through.

Read our full ultimate guide to Hikkaduwa surf

We wouldn’t recommend making the R&R hub of Tangalle your main place if you’re heading to Sri Lanka to surf and do nothing else. It’s not got any waves of its own and is much more about recharging by the waves and jungles. However, if you’re keen to kick back in fantastic and romantic hotels and do one or two surf trips in between, this could be the top option for you.

Read our full ultimate guide to Tangalle surf

Matara is a city, not a surf spot. But it is conveniently plonked on the main road that links up some of the top locations for waves on the south coast of the island. The closest place to hit it is SK Town, where there are some beefy A-frame beach breaks that turn to whitewash for all levels. But you can also tuk-tuk to Mirissa and the leaning mecca of Weligama. The gain is that you’ll have the buzz of a proper, lived-in Sri Lankan town to return to after you’re finished.

Read our full ultimate guide to Matara surf

Surf camps in Sri Lanka

If you’re keen to fill everyday of your trip to the Teardrop with surfing, want tuition included, and don’t fancy doing the organization all yourself, a surf camp could just be the perfect thing.

The good news is that there are some seriously AMAZING surf camps set up on this island. The quality is now generally very high, with trainers that can direct lessons and spot choice to all levels, and accommodations that are indistinguishable from the best hotels around.

We’ve actually put together a dedicated guide to the best surf camps in Sri Lanka . We update that every year with newcomers and things but here’s a little taster…

• 11-day surf camp with yoga at The Salty Pelican – The Salty Pelican has been making waves (pun totally intended) in Sri Lanka since it first opened. Said waves were a touch dampened by the pandemic shutdown, but the brand-new facility is now doing its thing. Nestled between the palms back from Hiriketiya Beach, they also run 4-day camps with some of the best beginner tuition around plus morning yoga wake ups. What sets it apart is the quality of the stay, which is more boutique hotel than surf lodge. This is well worth it!
• Marshmellow
• 8-day epic surf camp at Gota Dagua – Ahangama is the playground for the all-new iteration of Gota Dagua surf camp out of Portugal. These guys really know what they’re doing. They keep it simple with days of free surf sessions and yoga, followed by in-depth surf analyses and tuition. We’d choose this for intermediate surfers looking to improve since Ahangama has some of the punchier reefs around.
• 26-day surf package with Star Rest – If it’s the off season in the west, choose this multi-week excursion to Arugam Bay. It’s all about settling into the East Coast’s best surf town (Arugam Bay) and living life there, surfing each day, improving, and just all-round chilling. At under $2,500 for the whole 26 days, it’s great value for money!

A note on why we partner with BookSurfCamps.com : Book Surf Camps are probably the biggest online aggregator of surf camps and surf-yoga packages in the world. We sounded out a quite a few potential partners before we affiliated with them. But, in the end, the abundance of choice for beginners, intermediates, and female-only surfing sealed it. We also love the simplicity of their booking system and the trusted brand name, along with the focus on connecting with homegrown local businesses on the ground.

Want more Sri Lanka surf camp options? Search the whole shebang below right now and book in a few clicks.

The best hotels for surfing in Sri Lanka

One thing that Sri Lanka does very, very well is oceanside hotels. We’ll be frank: Some of the best, most luxurious surf hotels on the globe are to be found here. And they aren’t astronomical in prices. Often, you can score a sea-view room within walking distance of the breaks for like $80 a night, infinity pool and breako included!

We’ve just completed our fourth trip through the Eastern Province and the Southwest as the surf season changed that way, so have stayed in quite a few of the finest hotels for surfing here. Our humble reccomendations are…

• Naomi Beach Hotel – We opted for a 5-night stay at Naomi Beach Hotel during our 2023 surf trip and it was was idyllic! The hotel combines local charm with an infinity pool overlooking a secluded white sand beach. Perfectly located on Coconut Beach, it offers easy access to intermediate-friendly surf spots (though Weligama is only a short tuk-tuk away for beginners). The happy hour is great too!
• Dreamsea Sri Lanka – Right by the reefs on the main Matara Road in Ahangama, this boho-chic hotel is one of our new favorites on the south-west coast. You’ll be near Kabalana and the reef breaks of Midigama but get to bed down in uber-cool suites that open onto balconies facing the Indian Ocean. The garden is spectacular, with a small pool and a specking of coast palms before the sea. This is what you’ve been dreaming of folks!
• Le Cabanon – A standalone cottage below the coconut palms of Hiriketiya Beach (one of our absolute fav spots on the island for surfing). You get your own lush garden area, a kitchenette, an outdoor shower, and lovely hosts.
• W15 – is one of swishiest places to stay in the beginner surf mecca of Weligama. Uber-cool and really spacious rooms in the perfect part of the bay for learning are on the menu. There’s also a big pool and garden, and a pretty generous breakfast spread.
• Eraeliya Villas & Gardens – The one we’d go for if you’re honeymooning and surfing in the same trip. A gorgeous hotel on Cape Weligama with front-on views of the rocks and ocean.
• Global Surf Lodge Kabalana – Ah, man – life as a traveling surfer hardly gets better than this! Seriously, just check out that stunning garden topped with its coconut palms, that shimmering swimming pool, and those deluxe suites filled with muted colours and lovely wood tones. Location wise, you’re smack dab in the heart of Ahangama, a region famed for the Kabalana Beach breaks and loads of reefs. Expect a true surf-camp experience making tonnes of new friends with a dash of luxury on the side .

Oh, and just in case you need any more inspiration on stays in Sri Lanka right by the surf, we now have a complete guide to the top options on the island .

Step-by-step guide to planning your Sri Lanka surf trip right now

Step one: Book flights to the Sri Lanka surf…Lately, we like Omio for searching flights. It’s a nice interface and has lots of airline options. We also use Skyscanner because that sometimes offers deals that even beat going direct to the carrier!

Step two: Book your surf camp Book Surf Camps is the numero uno online booking platform for fully-fledged surf-stay packages on the internet right now. Then there’s Booking.com . That has consistently unbeatable rates for hotels and a nifty map feature that lets you check EXACTLY how close your hotel is to a surf break.

Step three: Get insurance This is kinda’ important. Not just for surf trips but for any trips. SafetyWing is great for nomad travelers. They offer rolling contracts that cover amateur surfing.

Step four (optional): Rent a car If you’re surf camping then you might not need wheels. If you’re not then we’ll just say this: We’ve never been on a surf trip that wasn’t improved by having our own car. Use RentalCars – they’re the best.

Step five: Enjoy!

For paying for stuff when you’re traveling – Get a Wise borderless card/account . They charge NOTHING for POS payments in any country and have some of the best FX rates around in our humble opinion.

Surf lessons in Sri Lanka

If you’ve chosen a surf hotel over a package surf camp but still want to do lessons, then you’re in luck. It’s possible to organize tuition in basically every town here. In fact, you’ll be inundated with options.

Most board rental shops also do lessons so just ask when you rent. Or, ask at your hotel reception – they’re typcially partnered with a local school.

Of course, the quality of the teaching you’ll get can vary a lot. That’s why we often like to book ahead, to check reviews and all that. Classic booking platforms like Get Your Guide and Viator are great for that.

Some of the best options across the island include…

• Surf Lessons in Hikkaduwa – These guys are a fun bunch. It’s very casual stuff – not too technical and basically focused on having fun. Based in Hikka, they’re used to groups with people who have literally never stepped foot on a board before.
• Beginner Surf Lesson in Arugam Bay – The one to go for if it’s monsoon in the southwest, AKA May-August. Head to Arugam and book onto this beginner-friendly session. It lasts 1.5 hours and they know the best starter breaks on that swell-exposed east coast.
• Tangalle surf school – These guys have made a pretty nice name for themselves serving the resort hotels of the Tangalle region in the south. If you’re staying there – and we reccomend that you do because it’s STUNNING – then they’ll transport you to bays nearer Hiriketiya for these surf lessons.

When to surf in Sri Lanka?

You can break the Sri Lanka surf season into two easy portions. That’s because there are two separate wet seasons that dictate the weather (and swell/wind) patterns on the islands. Get a feel for these and it should be easy to decide where to go to get in the water:

South-western monsoon (May-September)

One word: Arugam Bay . There’s really no decision to be made. As the rains sweep across the south coast and the swells are all chopped up on the south-west by storm winds, you’ll want to make for the Sri Lankan surfing mecca of the east. The best months are around June and July, which is when even the sand-cushioned beginner wave of the main beach starts to get into full swing.

• Wear: A rash vest, board shorts, swimwear – it’s always warm on the Sri Lanka surf!

North-eastern monsoon (October-April)

Things dry out all around the stunning beaches of the south-west coast. Offshore winds are more common and the swells form up to tidy sets for the reefs. This is by far the season with the widest variety of working Sri Lanka surf destinations. That’s because everywhere from Hiriketiya to Hikkaduwa is on the menu. As the season wears on, things tend to mellow even more, so January-March can be lighter than pre-Christmas.

• Wear: Rashies all round, all year.

How difficult is the surf in Sri Lanka?

Not all that difficult at all. Sri Lanka shines when it comes to the easier end of the surf spectrum. Beginners will find super-soft waves to get started on at places like Hiriketiya and Ahangama.

It’s all largely down to the fringing of reefs that help temper the strong SW swells that push through in the peak season on the southwest coast. Arugam Bay is the exception to the rule. It’s better for intermediates. However, it’s still got point breaks that are suited to total learners and an abundance of surf schools to show for it.

There’s something else that we think Sri Lanka is great for: Getting you from beach breaks to reefs. The truth is that the vast majority of breaks here are reef breaks. But they aren’t the shallow, urchin-infested things you get in Bukit and the Ments.

There are plenty that are actually quite deep – Marshmallow in Ahangama and Coconuts in Midigama come to mind. That makes them perfect for getting used to seeing hard coral and rock glide by if you’ve not yet made the jump.

How much do surf trips to Sri Lanka cost?

Expect to spend around $700/week for a surf trip to Sri Lanka, including everything from board rental to accomodation. Of course, it can be more or less than that, depending on what you want…

That really all depends on what you want to spend. As a ballpark figure, you can get a fully fledged surf camp package for around the $700 mark for a week.

That usually includes board and breakfast, all surf rentals, surf lessons, and usually at least a few extras like excursions to temples and national parks. What it doesn’t include is the cost of flights over in the first place, which can set you back between $500-1,200 depending on where you’re coming from. You can check pre-made surf packages for the island here .

If you’d prefer to organize your whole surf trip yourself, then that’s cool.

Sri Lanka is actually one of the cheapest places to do that in South Asia. We’d estimate the average cost of a very classy surf trip here to be about $1,300 per person. That’s setting aside $80 per night for accommodation, $300 total for all surf lessons and surf tuition, plus extras for food and flights to the island.

You can also spend WAY more than that if you like. Sri Lanka is now home to some of the most luxurious surf-yoga retreats we’ve seen in Asia. They can charge upwards of $150 a night easily, sometimes even more.

On the flip side, you can spend LOADS less if you want. We recently stayed on the front row of SK Town, an intermediate beach break spot on the southwest coast, for just $10 a night and surfed there basically alone for three days. No complaints. In fact, the breakfast was real nice!

Top things to do in Sri Lanka when you’re not surfing

Sri Lanka is a bucket-list-busting destination. Make no bones about it, this isle is about much more than just warm waves and reef breaks. It’s steeped in a fascinating Buddhist culture, has some of the tastiest food on the planet, and bursts with temples, shrines, and stunning lengths of sand…

What’s awesome is that many of the top surf destinations on the Sri Lankan southwest coast also happen to get you real near to the major safari destinations of the island.

Yep – you did read safari. Sri Lanka channels a touch of the Serengeti with its vast plains filled with elephants and leopards.

Don’t bother trying to organize it yourself. The parks are quite distant and you need to be early, so pick ups and drop offs are the key. This two-day Yala Safari is the creme-de-la-creme, but there are shorter day trips if you don’t want to be away from the waves too long.

From Arugam Bay, the better option is a trip to the Kumana National Park . It’s a 90-minute drive from the town and offers WAAY emptier safari territory than Yala, with potential sightings of leopards and sloth bears and crocodiles.

Sigiriya Rock

They call it the Eighth Wonder of the World, this jaw-dropping palace on a bluff of stone. Thought to date way back to the 5th century, it’s a must for any history buffs and culture lovers.

You’ll be able to scale the great rock palace and see ancient Buddhist shrines. There are also sweeping views across Sri Lanka’s central plains.

Guided tours like this planned walk are a good way to do it, as traveling in from the main surf regions of Sri Lanka can be a bit of a headache.

That said, we also like to plan our own trip. Just book a hotel in Sigiraya ( The Lankapura Heritage is a pretty awesome one with a pool that has front-on views of the rock itself)

Go hiking in Ella

You can prime those hamstrings for your Sri Lanka surf adventure by making for the highland town of Ella. It sits up in the mist-haloed highlands.

A land of tea fields and craggy peaks, it’s got some breathtaking views. Do the trek to Ella Rock. Conquer Little Adam’s Peak. And then visit a tea factory to relax a little recuperation.

The train up here is part of the fun. It leaves every day from Kandy and takes like 8 hours. Be sure to book yourself a window seat.

Travel essentials for anyone surfing in Sri Lanka

Quick facts

Where exactly is sri lanka.

• Currency: Sri Lankan rupee (LKR)
• Population: 10.5 million
• Capital: Colombo
• Language: Sinhala & Tamil

They call Sri Lanka the Teardrop of India. Check the map – it’s easy to see why. The island is like a speck of H20 that’s just dribbled off the subcontinent.

At their smallest distance, Sri Lanka and India are just 883 miles apart. The resplendent atolls of the Maldives are also close, just in case you wanted to top off that Sri Lanka surf trip with a honeymoon or something romantic.

How to get to Sri Lanka

Colombo Airport is the main gateway to Sri Lanka by air. Long-haul links on major carriers arrive there from Europe, the Middle East and beyond. The best option for surfers is usually Qatar Airways. Their indirect connections link with airports in London, Manchester and Cardiff, and they allow surfboard carriage as part of your standard baggage allowance.

Short-haul connections join Sri Lanka to loads of places across South Asia and Southeast Asia. We caught a direct flight in from Bangkok and were on the ground in under four hours this year. You can find bargain deals in from KL, India, Indonesia – the list goes on.

How to travel around Sri Lanka

We found that the local bus was a really fun way to get around Sri Lanka. Uber-cheap and great for people watching, these multi-coloured vehicles will rock and rumble their way between the major towns. Of course, this isn’t the best option if you’re carrying your own surfboard.

For those with their board in tow, we recommend private taxi transfers. You can use groups like Sri Lanka Taxi Share and Sri Lanka Car and Driver Hire to organise lift shares and check the ratings of various drivers. You can haggle vis Whatsapp before your departure date. This worked really well when we had longer distances to travel (say Weligama to Colombo, Colombo to Kandy).

Tuk-tuks are probably the best, and the cheapest, choice if you’re moving between two Sri Lankan surf destinations on the south coast. They are ubiquitous and never cost us more than 1200 LKR for a single journey. You’ll need to get used to the driver lashing your board to the roof – they sometimes aren’t the most secure racks. But hey, that’s part of the fun.

If you’ve got anything to add to this ultimate guide to Sri Lanka surf, then we’d sure love to hear it in the comments below! We’re always looking to update and change the information here so it’s in line with what’s currently happening on the island – otherwise, it would hardly be the ultimate guide, eh!?

Your Memorial Day beach plans may be less than fin-tastic: Watch for sharks, rip currents

The fun and sun at the beach comes with a few hazards, from stinky seaweed and hungry sharks to dangerous rip currents and bone-chillingly cold water..

As usual, the beach will be a prime destination for folks this Memorial Day weekend, and with the fun and sun comes a few hazards, from stinky seaweed and hungry sharks to dangerous rip currents and bone-chillingly cold water. Here's what to be aware of as you head to the beach this weekend.

Your seaweed forecast

Seaweed should have "minimal impact" at Florida beaches this holiday weekend, according to University of South Florida oceanography professor Chuanmin Hu . "I wouldn't be too worried about it," he told USA TODAY, while admitting that seaweed levels won't be at zero, and that people will still see it at some beaches, including in the Florida Keys.

Hu added that seaweed, aka sargassum, has been seen offshore of beaches in the Gulf of Mexico in Texas and at the Mississippi Delta. Overall, it's "still far away from the beaches there," he said.

Another sargassum expert, Christine J. Mariani of Sargassum Monitoring , told USA TODAY that "we estimate that this weekend the beaches of Florida will be free of sargassum." However, if weather conditions continue as forecast, a "large mass of sargassum is likely to impact Florida, the Bahamas and the Keys within the next 10 to 15 days."

Blob spotted: Sargassum, seaweed that sometimes resembles a big brown blob, seen in Fort Pierce, Florida

Sargassum is a lifeline for fish nurseries, hungry migratory birds and sea turtle hatchlings seeking shelter in its buoyant saltwater blooms. But in mass quantities, it chokes life from canals, clogs boat propellers and is a killjoy at the beach, piling up several feet deep like a rotting bog emitting hydrogen sulfide – which smells like rotten eggs – as it decomposes. It can irritate the eyes, nose and throat.

"Over the past several years, South Florida and the Caribbean have experienced high levels of sargassum in coastal waters and on local beaches," according to the Miami-Dade County government . "Excessive amounts of sargassum in populated areas are causing concern worldwide."

Sharks in Massachusetts

Meanwhile, folks at beaches in Massachusetts should be extra cautious this weekend after multiple marine mammals were found with white shark bites recently.

“Although we haven’t seen a white shark just yet this season, we know they’re here. With beach weather in the forecast and Memorial Day weekend approaching, this is a good reminder for people to review shark safety guidelines and be shark smart,” John Chisholm, a scientist at the New England Aquarium , said in a statement.

Chisholm emphasized the importance of being aware of sharks’ presence in shallow waters, avoiding areas where seals are present or schools of fish are visible, and staying close to shore where emergency responders can reach you if needed.

Danger in the water: Fatal attacks, bites from sharks rose in 2023. Surfers bitten the most.

Nationally, according to TrackingSharks.com, there has only been one reported shark bite in the U.S. so far in 2024. It was in South Carolina earlier in May and was not fatal. Last year, there were 36 reported shark bites in the U.S., and two fatalities, according to the International Shark Attack File .

Frigid water can be dangerous

To the north in Maine, the threat to beachgoers is the temperature of the water, the weather service said . "The warm air temperatures in the low 70s to upper 60s may cause people to underestimate the dangers of the cold water temperatures, which are currently only in the mid 40s," the weather service in Caribou, Maine , warned on Friday.

"The cold temperatures can quickly cause hypothermia to anyone immersed in the water," the weather service said. "Anyone on boats or paddle craft should use extreme caution to avoid this threat."

Rip currents are a deadly beach hazard

As of Friday afternoon, a rip current warning was in effect for beaches near Brownsville, Texas, according to the National Weather Service . Rip currents remain a deadly beach hazard , as they cause about 100 drowning deaths each year in the U.S., according to the weather service.

A rip current is a narrow, strong current that flows quickly away from the shore. The currents often flow perpendicular to the shoreline, moving water away from the surf and into the ocean. "Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water," the weather service warned.

Beach danger: Graphics show how rip currents endanger swimmers

Over 10 days last summer, rip currents were blamed for seven deaths in Panama City Beach, Florida – the highest number of beach fatalities for any single location in 2023.

Here's what to do if you're caught in rip current.

Contributing: Jennifer Sangalang and Eric Hasert, Treasure Coast Newspapers; Kimberly Miller, Palm Beach Post