20 WORLD’S BEST SURF DESTINATIONS
Are you a surfing enthusiast looking for the World’s Best Surf Destinations for your next trip? Discover our selection of the best surf spots in the world!
Where are the world’s best surf destinations? Where to go to surf, discover new sensations, or simply admire the most experienced surfers on the planet? From Hawaii to Bali, via Australia, we can no longer count the spots that attract more and more ocean lovers every year in search of new waves.
Looking for the perfect wave for your next trip? We have selected for you 20 of the best surf spots in the world. Beginners or experts, you should find your dream spot!
20 BEST SURF SPOTS AROUND THE WORLD
1. Pipeline in Hawaii
How not to start this list of the ultimate world’s best surf destinations with Hawaii, the origins of surf?
If you are interested in surfing, you must have already heard of Pipeline, one of the most famous and dangerous waves in the world. The best surfers on the planet compete here, on the North Shore of the island of Oahu, in prestigious competitions.
In winter, it is not uncommon to see 6-meter-high waves rolling in! Be careful, Pipeline is particularly frequented by locals who don’t like sharing their waves…
Surfing level: Experts
Types of waves: reef break (which break over a rocky bottom or coral, and often form tubes)
Popularity: +++
>> READ ALSO: BEST THINGS TO DO IN KAUAI IN HAWAII
2. Bells Beach, Australia
In addition to being considered Australia’s historic and spiritual spot, Bells Beach has seen the birth of some of the best surfers in the world, such as Mick Fanning.
It is also on this spot, known throughout the world, that the Rip Curl Pro Surf & Music Festival takes place every year. To get in the water or watch champions surf the Bells Bowl or Rincon, go to the state of Victoria, in the south-east of Australia on the Great Ocean Road
Surfing level: Advanced
Types of waves: reef, beach, and point breaks (which always start at the same place and break on sand or rock)
Popularity: ++
>> READ ALSO: BEST SPOTS ON THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD IN AUSTRALIA
3. Uluwatu Beach in Bali
Welcome to the Island of the Gods, Bali in Indonesia!
The sacred and majestic temple overlooking the ocean is not the only attraction of Uluwatu, Bali. Indeed, many surfers go to the bottom of the cliff to ride its waves of up to 3 meters, depending on the conditions. This legendary left is now world-famous and surfed by the best!
If you are a beginner, prefer the nearby spot in Dreamland.
Surfing level: Expert
Types of waves: point break
Popularity: ++
>>READ ALSO: 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN CANGGU, BALI
4. Weligama in Sri Lanka
Some of the best surfing spots in the world are hidden in the Indian Ocean on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Between November and April, all the conditions are met for surfing in an exceptional setting.
The spots of Weligama is one of the most consistent in terms of wave and perfect if you are a beginner. However, note that in the southern coast of Sri Lanka, there are many more surf spots, one more beautiful than the others.
Watch the video above for a complete guide.
Surfing level: Beginners to Intermediate
Types of waves: beach break
Popularity: ++
>>READ: BEST THINGS TO DO IN WELIGAMA
5. Jeffreys Bay, South Africa
The waves of Jeffreys Bay are particularly popular with surfers looking for barrels that extend several hundred meters.
This is one of the most popular surf spots in the world!
Warning: while some are delighted to be able to surf among dolphins, others prefer to avoid this spot since Mike Fanning narrowly escaped being attacked by a white shark…
Surfing Level: Intermediate to Advance
Types of waves: beach, reef and point breaks
Popularity: +
6. Mentawai, Indonesia
Surfers dream of it at night because the Mentawai Islands, in Indonesia, seem unreal.
Some of the best surfing photos have been taken on Lance’s Right wave, often considered perfect. This roller breaks over a bottom of coral and limestone, and can quickly take on a threatening shape as it rises.
The waves of Mentawai are worth it since you will have to take a difficult journey to get to them (Flight + Bus + Boat)
Surfing Level: Intermediate to Advance
Types of waves: reef break
Popularity: ++
>> READ: 20 BEST SURF SPOTS IN ASIA
7. Teahupoo, Tahiti
Every year, the greatest professionals meet on the breaking wave of Teahupoo, in Tahiti, for the world surfing championship. This left of about 3 meters, is one of the most spectacular surf spots in the world! Only experienced surfers can venture here!
It was recently announced that Teahupoo would be the spot where the surfing competitions will take place during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Surfing level: EXPERTS only!
Types of waves: reef break
Popularity: ++
8. Malibu, California, USA
Let’s continue our list of the World’s best surf destinations in Malibu, California.
Who has never hummed Surfin’ USA, by the Beach Boys, while dreaming of themselves on a board under the Californian sun?
The California coast is full of unmissable surf spots, including Malibu in Los Angeles. The small waves of its long white sand beach are ideal for getting started in surfing or simply enjoying the dream conditions, with views of luxurious villas!
Surfing level: Beginners to Intermediates
Types of waves: beach break
Popularity: +++
>>READ: BEST SURF SPOTS IN CALIFORNIA
9. Taghazout, Morocco
Are you looking for a spot with constant waves, in water at 20°C, and sunshine all year round? Direction Taghazout, in Morocco!
There are no less than 320 days of sunshine per year! Located about twenty kilometers from Agadir, Taghazout is known for being a warm and peaceful village. There are spots for beginner, intermediate, and advanced surfers: Panoramas, Devil’s Rock, Mystery, Hash Point, and Anchor Point.
Surfing level: Beginners to Advanced
Types of waves: beach, reef, and point breaks
Popularity: ++
10. Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Puerto Escondido, in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, on the Pacific coast, definitely has its place in this selection of the best surf spots in the world.
Its hollow and powerful tubes, which can reach 6 meters high, earned it the nickname Mexican Pipeline. This spot is reserved for the most experienced and daring surfers! To surf more accessible waves, prefer the nearby spots.
Surfing level: Experts
Types of waves: beach and point breaks
Popularity: ++
11. Byron Bay, Australia
It’s no surprise to see Australia reappear in our selection of the best surf spots in the world.
This time we’re taking you to longboarders’ paradise, Byron Bay! The atmosphere is relaxed and, although the spot is quite busy, there are waves for everyone. The right of The Pass, which runs for almost a hundred meters, and the superb beach of Wategoes tick all the boxes of ideal surf spots.
Surfing level: Beginners
Types of waves: beach and point breaks
Popularity: +++
12. Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Tamarindo, on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, offers surfers an unparalleled playground.
Its two incredible spots, Pico Pequeno and Playa Grande, make it a destination of choice among the best surf spots in the world. There are perfect waves to start or progress in surfing. As a bonus, it is not uncommon to see crocodiles coming out of the mangroves to lounge on its warm white sand beach.
Surfing level: Beginners to Advanced
Types of waves: beach break
Popularity: ++
13. Peniche, Portugal
Peniche, in Portugal, is a spot that is particularly suitable for fans of big barrels (tubes)!
This wave, which breaks powerfully and benefits from an offshore wind (coming from land), notably hosts one of the stages of the world surfing championship.
But make no mistake, there are also other more accessible spots, such as Praia do Cerro, or less frequented ones such as Molhe Leste (hollow right).
For the show, you can continue your route to Nazaré where surfers from all over the world try in winter to beat the record for the biggest wave ever surfed! Another option is to check out the town of Ericeira, listed as World Surf Reserve!
Surfing level: Beginners to Advanced
Types of waves: beach and reef breaks
Popularity: +
>>READ ALSO: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ERICEIRA IN PORTUGAL
14. Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Imagine massive, regular waves in an idyllic setting…Welcome to the island of Fernando de Noronha in Brazil!
Lost in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, this nature reserve, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to an exceptional surf spot. To get a taste of this little paradise, all you have to do is go to the northwest of the island and pay a small daily tax aimed at protecting the place. The waves form there between December and April.
Surfing level: Intermediate to Advanced
Types of waves: beach break
Popularity: +
15. Hossegor, France
Hossegor in the southwest of France, near Biarritz, is none other than the cradle of surfing in Europe. The climate is pleasant, the scenery magnificent and the waves suitable for all levels, longboard or shortboard.
Surf Lelve: Beginners to Advanced
Types of waves: beach break
Popularity: +++
16. Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands, Spain
Fuerteventura is often nicknamed the Hawaii of Europe!
During Winter waves are pumping in the Canary Islands and especially in Fuerteventura. Spots like El Cotillo, El Hierro, or Corrajelo (better for beginners) are world-famous!
Surf Level: Beginners to Advanced
Types of waves: all types
Popularity: ++
>> READ ALSO: THE BEST SURF SPOTS IN THE CANARY ISLANDS
17. Bondi Beach, Australia
Yet again Australia!
Bondi is one of the best and most famous beaches in Sydney.
In Bondi, you can enjoy the beach while basking in the sun or try your hand at surfing. Surfing a wave at Bondi should be on everyone’s bucket list. If you’re a beginner, you can book a class and enjoy one of the most famous waves in the world.
Surf Level: Beginners to Advanced
Types of waves: Beach Break and Reef Break
Popularity: +++
>> READ ALSO: BEST THINGS TO DO IN SYDNEY
18. Huntington Beach, California, USA
If surfing is one of your passions, you’ve surely heard of the famous Huntington Beach! It’s simply called “Surf City”!
Huntington is one of the world’s best surf destinations!
Local surfers like to think they have the “perfect wave”, and if you are looking for the 100% surf experience, then it is “the place to be”: pretty girls in bikinis, body-built surfers, shops with the sign ” No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems… “, in short: Welcome to California, baby!
Surf Level: Beginners to Advanced
Types of waves: Beach Break
Popularity: +++
19. Cloud 9, Siargao Island, Philippines
Straight out of a postcard, Cloud 9 is made up of gigantic waves that create huge rollers stretching hundreds of meters. Due to the power of its waves, beginner surfers should refrain!
Surf Level: Advanced
Types of waves: Reef Break
Popularity: ++
20. Desert Point, Lombok, Indonesia
An incredible left, fast, and tubular which will charm experienced surfers looking for waves that are out of the ordinary. For us, one of our favorite spots of all time!
Surf Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Types of waves: Reef Break
Popularity: +
>> READ ALSO: BEST THINGS TO SEE IN LOMBOK
You now know some of the World’s best surf Destinations! All we have left to do is to wish you a good session!
