Surfing is not just a sport. It’s a way of life. It’s a way to connect with nature, ride the waves, and experience the thrill of catching that perfect wave. There are countless surfing spots around the world, each with its own unique set of waves and characteristics. Here are the best surfing destinations worldwide that every surfer should visit.
Pipeline, Hawaii (one of author’s favorite top surfing spots)
Pipeline, located on the North Shore of Oahu, is one of the world’s most famous and challenging surfing spots. The waves at Pipeline are known for their power and size, and only experienced surfers should attempt to ride them. The peak surfing season at Pipeline is from November to February when the waves can reach up to 30 feet. Pipeline is undoubtedly on many lists of the world’s best surfing destinations.
Where to stay: The Turtle Bay Resort, located on the North Shore, is a great place to stay for surfers. The resort has a private beach, a surf school, and a rental shop.
Nearby attractions: The North Shore of Oahu is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, including Waimea Bay and Sunset Beach. Visitors can also take a helicopter tour of the island to get a bird’s-eye view of the stunning coastline.
Food suggestions: The North Shore is known for its delicious shrimp trucks, which serve up fresh and flavorful shrimp dishes. Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck is a local favorite.
Reminder: Visitors to Hawaii will need a valid passport or another acceptable form of ID to enter the state.
Gold Coast, Australia
The Gold Coast, located in Queensland, Australia, is known for its consistent surf breaks and warm water. The area is home to a number of world-class surfing spots, including Snapper Rocks and Kirra Beach. The peak surfing season at the Gold Coast is from March to May and from September to November. The Gold Coast ranks highly for having some of the best surfing destinations on Earth.
Where to stay: The Surf Parade Resort, located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, is a great place to stay for surfers. The resort is just a short walk from the beach and has its own surf school and rental shop.
Nearby attractions: The Gold Coast is known for its theme parks, including Dreamworld and Movie World. Visitors can also take a day trip to the nearby city of Brisbane to explore its cultural attractions.
Food suggestions: The Gold Coast is known for its seafood, including fresh fish and prawns. The Fish House in Burleigh Heads is a popular spot for seafood lovers.
Reminder: Visitors to Australia will need a valid passport and may need a visa, depending on their country of origin.
Hossegor, France
Hossegor, located on the southwest coast of France, has consistent surf breaks and picturesque beaches. The area is home to some of the best beach breaks in Europe, including La Graviere and La Nord. The peak surfing season at Hossegor is from September to November.
Where to stay: The Hotel 202, located in the heart of Hossegor, is a great place to stay for surfers. The hotel is just a short walk from the beach and has its own surf school and rental shop.
Nearby attractions: Hossegor is located near the Basque Country, known for its rich culture and delicious cuisine. Visitors can also take a day trip to the nearby city of Biarritz to explore its historic attractions.
Food suggestions: The Basque Country boasts a renowned cuisine, featuring pintxos, which are small snacks similar to tapas. For instance, Bar Jean in Hossegor is a popular spot for pintxos.
Reminder: Visitors to France will need a valid passport or other acceptable form of ID to enter the country.
Jeffreys Bay, South Africa
Jeffreys Bay is on the eastern coast of South Africa and long, fast waves and warm water. The area is home to some of the best right-hand point breaks in the world, including Supertubes and Boneyards. The peak surfing season at Jeffreys Bay is from June to August.
Where to stay: The African Perfection, located just a short walk from the beach, is a great place to stay for surfers. The hotel has its own surf school and rental shop. In addition, a restaurant serving delicious local cuisine.
Nearby attractions: Jeffreys Bay is located near a number of wildlife reserves, including the Addo Elephant Park and the Tsitsikamma National Park. Visitors can also take a day trip to the nearby city of Port Elizabeth to explore its cultural attractions.
Food suggestions: South Africa has outstanding braai, or barbecue, and seafood. For example the Greek Restaurant in Jeffreys Bay is a popular spot for seafood lovers.
Reminder: Visitors to South Africa will need a valid passport and may need a visa, depending on their country of origin.
Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Tamarindo, located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, is known for its consistent surf breaks and warm water. The area is home to a number of world-class surfing spots, including Tamarindo Beach and Playa Grande. The peak surfing season at Tamarindo is from December to April.
Where to stay: The Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort, located on the beach, is a great place to stay for surfers. Notably, the resort has its own surf school and rental shop and a variety of restaurants and bars.
Nearby attractions: Costa Rica is known for its stunning natural beauty and wildlife. As a result, visitors can take a day trip to the nearby Arenal Volcano, explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, or go zip-lining through the jungle.
Food suggestions: Costa Rica is known for its fresh and flavorful cuisine, including gallo pinto, a traditional breakfast dish made with beans and rice. For instance, Nogui’s Sunset Café in Tamarindo is a popular spot for local cuisine.
Reminder: Visitors to Costa Rica will need a valid passport and may need a visa, depending on their country of origin.
To sum up, when planning a trip to one or more of the best surfing destinations in this article, it’s important to remember to check visa requirements, passport validity, and any other travel restrictions or requirements. Moreover, respecting the local culture and customs and minimizing your environmental impact by practicing responsible tourism is also essential. With the right planning and preparation, a surfing trip to one of these top destinations will surely be an unforgettable experience.
What’s next? Are you thinking about taking a cruise on the high seas? If so, learn our insider tips and tricks to get the most out of your cruise.