Surfs up! Stop dreaming of long thrilling days atop a surf board riding some of the most interesting waves in some of the best surf destinations in the world and get travelling! There are thousands of surfing destinations that you can go visit when you take some days off, and you’re ready for some adventure and travel. Knowing where you can find the ultimate best surf destinations that can help shape you as a surfer can take a bit of research if you want to find beaches and waves that are appropriate to your level. With motivation, however, you will get inspired by all of the beaches that you see, and you will find the courage to try out something that is even little bit above your skill level so that you can improve!
Cape Town, South Africa – Featuring some of the world’s most diverse surfing spots, the greater Cape Town area is a surfer’s paradise. Whether you are all about finding huge, overhead swells or looking for a secluded, subtle cove to spend the day, you’ll find exactly what you are looking for in Cape Town. Beaches to consider include Muizenberg, Long Beach, Scarborough Beach, Big Bay, Off The Wall, and Dungeons. The winter months of June, July, and August are the best bet for winter storms and, surprisingly, warmer water temperatures.
Bali, Indonesia – Fuelled by Indian Ocean storms, pristine beach-breaks and massive reef-breaks abound here. Bali’s southwest and southeast coasts are packed with good surf and also best visited in the winter months of June through September. Must-visit beaches include Bluffs, Padang Padang, Uluwatu, Kuta, Green Bowls, and Dreamland. And when you need a break from the surf, you can visit Ubud’s tropical rainforest, check out the island’s active volcano at Mount Agung, or take a spiritual trip to the Tirta Empul Temple.
Hawaii, USA – Traditionally considered more of an art than a pastime in Hawaii, it is no surprise that this remains one of the best destinations to surf in the world. Best known for big wave surf on Oahu’s north shore, you can find tamer waves depending on the season and location you plan on surfing. The other islands offer dozens of beach options, too, from Honolua Bay and Hookipa Beach on Maui to Poipu Beach and Hanalei Bay on Kauai.
Llandudno, Wales – While a bit unpredictable at times, the Welsh town of Llandudno’s wind-swells bring gorgeous, clean left and right breaks that make chasing the surf worth it. Not for the faint of heart, Llandudno hazards include underwater boulders that prove tricky for surfing beginners. And if you get frustrated waiting for the perfect break, there’s generally always good weather for kitesurfing on the western shore.
Tenerife, Spain – The largest Canary Island features year-round big swells with stunningly warm, sunny conditions throughout the year. Sometimes considered the Hawaii of Europe, Tenerife surf is world class. The beaches of Bajamar, El Charco, Punta Blanca, La Fitenia, Playa Jardin, and La Izquierda are only the tip of the iceberg for visitors. This is a great destination no matter if you’re looking to surf reef break, sand bar shelves, or point break. Great surf coupled with amazing cuisine, heavy folkloric music culture, and dazzling architecture makes it hard to find a more diverse destination than Tenerife.
Santa Cruz, California – Groundswell and wind-swell reign supreme in Santa Cruz, the best surfing destination in the contiguous United States. With upwards of triple-overhead surf, Santa Cruz beaches hold their own but be aware that so do the locals. Capitola Beach, Manresa State Beach, and Cowell’s are all good stops if you’re visiting the area. If you have a local show you around, be sure to check out Steamer Lane, The Hook, and Maverick’s, which are all great areas even if you’re just watching the pros. Another draw is the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum in the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse, the first surfing museum in the world and a testament to the area’s generations of great surf.
Fiji, Melanasia – Many travelers come here for the surf and stay for the paradise they discover. Made up of 333 islands with white sand beaches, the surf owes much of its incredible surf to the high concentration of soft reef in the area. Cloudbreak, Mamanucas’ Restaurants exposed reef break, Namotu Lefts, Wilkes Passage, and Tavarua Right are only half of the world-class beaches littered among the Fijian islands. Visitors in the past may have experienced problems with beach access, but in 2010, the government passed a surfing decree that effectively allowed visitors to surf in all Fijian waters. The best time to visit the islands is between April and October, as the islands see 12 to 20 foot waves spurned on by low pressure systems.
