Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or just dipping your toes into the sport, countless destinations worldwide offer world-class waves and unforgettable experiences. From the iconic breaks of Hawaii to the hidden gems of Morocco, these 12 surfing destinations will leave you breathless.
Get ready to ride the waves in some of the most stunning locations on Earth. Whether you’re seeking consistent barrels, mellow beach breaks, or a mix of both, this list has something for every surfer. So grab your board, pack your bags, and get ready to discover the ultimate surfing destinations.
Morocco
Morocco, often associated with its rich history and vibrant culture, is also a hidden gem for surfers. With its diverse coastline, Morocco offers a variety of surf breaks to suit all levels, from beginner-friendly waves to challenging barrels.
One of Morocco’s most famous surf spots is Taghazout, a small coastal town that attracts surfers worldwide. The area boasts consistent waves year-round, making it an ideal destination for surfers of all levels. In addition to Taghazout, Morocco has other surf spots worth exploring, such as Essaouira, Imsouane, and Tamraght. With its stunning landscapes, friendly locals, and world-class surf, Morocco is an unforgettable destination for any surfer.
Jeffreys Bay
Jeffreys Bay, affectionately known as “J-Bay,” is a mecca for surfers worldwide. Renowned for its iconic Supertubes wave, a long, right-hand point break that can produce barrels up to 12 feet, J-Bay has hosted numerous surfing competitions and has been the proving ground for many professional surfers.
Beyond Supertubes, J-Bay offers a variety of other surf spots to suit all levels, from beginner-friendly waves to challenging barrels. The town’s laid-back atmosphere, friendly locals, and stunning natural beauty make it a must-visit destination for any surfer.
Sir Lanka
Sri Lanka, a teardrop-shaped island in the Indian Ocean, offers a tropical paradise for surfers seeking consistent waves and stunning scenery. With its diverse coastline, Sri Lanka boasts a variety of surf breaks to suit all levels, from beginner-friendly waves to challenging barrels.
One of the most popular surf spots in Sri Lanka is Arugam Bay, located on the island’s east coast. This laid-back town offers world-class waves, particularly during the monsoon season from May to September. Other popular surf spots include Weligama, Mirissa, and Hikkaduwa, each with its own unique charm and surf conditions.
Beyond its excellent surf, Sri Lanka offers a rich cultural experience, with ancient temples, lush rainforests, and vibrant markets. The country’s friendly locals, delicious cuisine, and affordable cost of living make it an attractive destination for surfers from all over the world.
Oahu, Hawaii
Oahu, Hawaii’s most populous island, is a surfer’s paradise with world-class waves and stunning natural beauty. With its diverse coastline, Oahu offers a variety of surf breaks to suit all levels, from beginner-friendly waves to challenging barrels.
One of the most iconic surf spots on Oahu is Pipeline, a legendary wave that breaks over a shallow reef and can produce barrels up to 20 feet. Pipeline is known for its challenging conditions and has been the site of numerous surfing competitions. Other popular surf spots on Oahu include Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, and North Shore.
Gold Coast
The Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, is renowned as one of the world’s premier surfing destinations. With its long stretches of sandy beaches, consistent waves, and vibrant surf culture, it is a surfer’s paradise.
Some of the most iconic surf breaks on the Gold Coast include Snapper Rocks, Kirra, and Currumbin Alley. These breaks offer a variety of waves to suit all levels, from beginner-friendly waves to challenging barrels. In addition to its world-class surf, the Gold Coast boasts a vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and a thriving tourism industry.
Portugal
Often overlooked as a surfing destination, Portugal offers a hidden gem for surfers seeking consistent waves and stunning scenery. With its diverse coastline, Portugal boasts a variety of surf breaks to suit all levels, from beginner-friendly waves to challenging barrels.
One of Portugal’s most popular surf spots is Ericeira, a charming coastal town designated a World Surfing Reserve. Ericeira offers a variety of surf breaks, including Ribeira d’Ilhas, Foz do Lizandro, and Sao Juliao. Other popular surf spots in Portugal include Nazare, Peniche, and Sagres.
Beyond its world-class surf, Portugal offers a rich cultural experience, with historic cities, delicious cuisine, and stunning landscapes. The country’s friendly locals, affordable cost of living, and laid-back atmosphere make it an attractive destination for surfers worldwide.
Bali
Bali, an Indonesian island renowned for its stunning beauty, vibrant culture, and spiritual retreats, is also a surfer’s paradise. With its diverse coastline, Bali offers a variety of surf breaks to suit all levels, from beginner-friendly waves to challenging barrels.
One of the most popular surf spots in Bali is Uluwatu, a world-class wave that breaks over a dramatic cliff. Uluwatu offers consistent waves year-round and is a popular destination for professional surfers and surf enthusiasts. Other popular surf spots in Bali include Canggu, Kuta, and Sanur, each with unique charm and surf conditions.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica, a tropical paradise known for its lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and diverse wildlife, is also a surfer’s dream. With its extensive coastline, Costa Rica offers a variety of surf breaks to suit all levels, from beginner-friendly waves to challenging barrels.
One of the most popular surf spots in Costa Rica is Playa Tamarindo, a laid-back beach town with consistent waves year-round. Tamarindo is ideal for both beginners and experienced surfers, offering a variety of surf breaks and a vibrant surf culture. Other popular surf spots in Costa Rica include Playa Jaco, Playa Nosara, and Playa Hermosa.
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago located off the coast of Africa, offer a European surfing paradise with consistent waves and stunning scenery. With its diverse coastline, the Canary Islands boast a variety of surf breaks to suit all levels, from beginner-friendly waves to challenging barrels.
One of the most popular surf spots in the Canary Islands is Lanzarote, known for its volcanic landscapes and world-class waves. The island’s most famous surf spot is Famara Beach, which offers consistent waves year-round and is a popular destination for professional surfers and surf enthusiasts. Other popular surf spots in the Canary Islands include Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and Fuerteventura, each with its own unique charm and surf conditions.
Bryon Bay
Byron Bay, a coastal town in New South Wales, Australia, is renowned as one of the world’s premier surfing destinations. It is a surfer’s paradise with its laid-back atmosphere, stunning beaches, and consistent waves.
One of the most iconic surf breaks in Byron Bay is The Pass, a long, right-hand point break that can produce barrels up to 10 feet. The Pass is known for its consistent waves and is a popular destination for professional surfers and surf enthusiasts. Other popular surf spots in Byron Bay include Wategos Beach, Tallow Beach, and Main Beach.
Beyond its world-class surf, Byron Bay offers a vibrant community, beautiful natural scenery, and a range of other activities, such as hiking, yoga, and whale watching. With its laid-back atmosphere, friendly locals, and endless surfing opportunities, Byron Bay is a must-visit destination for any surfer.
Maldives
The Maldives, a tropical archipelago in the Indian Ocean, is often associated with luxury resorts and pristine beaches. However, this island nation also offers a hidden gem for surfers seeking consistent waves and stunning scenery. With its diverse coastline, the Maldives boasts a variety of surf breaks to suit all levels, from beginner-friendly waves to challenging barrels.
One of the most popular surf spots in the Maldives is Sultans, a world-class wave that breaks over a shallow reef and can produce barrels up to 15 feet. Sultans is known for its challenging conditions and is a popular destination for professional surfers and surf enthusiasts. Other popular surf spots in the Maldives include Honky Right, Chickens, and Cokes.
California
With its iconic coastline, California has long been a mecca for surfers worldwide. From the legendary waves of Northern California to the world-famous breaks of Southern California, there’s something for every surfer to enjoy.
One of California’s most famous surfing destinations is Huntington Beach, also known as “Surf City USA.” This beach town offers a variety of surf breaks, including the iconic Huntington Beach Pier, which attracts surfers of all levels. Other popular surfing destinations in California include San Diego, Santa Cruz, and Malibu.
Beyond its world-class surf, California offers a vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and a laid-back atmosphere. With its endless surfing opportunities, beautiful beaches, and friendly locals, California is an unforgettable destination for any surfer.
From the iconic waves of Oahu, Hawaii, to the hidden gems of Morocco and Sri Lanka, the world offers a vast array of surfing destinations that will leave you breathless. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just learning to catch your first wave, these 12 destinations have something to offer every surfer.
So pack your board, grab your wetsuit, and get ready to experience the thrill of riding waves in some of the most stunning locations on Earth. Whether you’re seeking world-class barrels, uncrowded surf spots, or simply a tropical paradise, these 12 destinations will blow your mind.
Looking for something even more adventurous than surfing? Our plethora of adventure guides have you covered!
More from Travel Reveal: