Are you a thrill-seeking wave chaser, a sun-soaked beach lover, and an adrenaline junkie all rolled into one? If so, you're part of the global community that lives for the exhilarating rush of surfing. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice ready to catch your first wave, these top surfing destinations around the world offer the perfect mix of epic breaks, stunning beaches, and vibrant cultures.
1. Pipeline, Hawaii, USA 🇺🇸
Known as the holy grail of surfing and the home of modern surfing, Pipeline on Oahu's North Shore is legendary among surfers. Its colossal waves and intense barrels challenge even the most experienced riders. If you're ready to push your limits and test your skills, Pipeline's powerful breaks will undoubtedly provide the adrenaline rush you seek.
2. Bali, Indonesia 🇮🇩
From beginners to pros, Bali offers a plethora of surf spots catering to all levels of expertise. Whether you're tackling the legendary Uluwatu's reef breaks or catching beginner-friendly waves in Kuta, Bali's warm waters, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife make it a surfer's dream and a perfect escape.
3. Bondi Beach, Australia 🇦🇺
Not only is this iconic to the nation of Australia but also worldwide, Bondi Beach is more than just a scenic stretch of sand – it's a haven for surfers. With consistent waves suitable for both beginners and experts, Bondi offers a friendly and welcoming surfing community. After catching waves, explore Sydney's urban delights or simply relax on the beach and watch the local surfers show off their skills.
4. Santa Teresa, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
Costa Rica's pristine beaches and lush landscapes set the perfect backdrop for a laid-back surfing getaway. Santa Teresa's consistent waves cater to surfers of all levels, making it an excellent place for beginners to learn and for experts to fine-tune their skills. After a day on the waves, unwind in a hammock and soak in the Pura Vida spirit.
5. Manu Bay, New Zealand 🇳🇿
Emerging into the spotlight during the 1960s as a backdrop for the iconic surf film "The Endless Summer," Manu Bay encapsulates an atmosphere of laid-back tranquillity in this serene town.
Local bars and cafes perfectly capture the surf vibe, screening classic wave videos and offering an array of nourishing smoothies and delectable fresh pastries. The waves that grace this expansive bay vary from gentle one-meter swells to more exhilarating three-meter waves, occasionally forming those sought-after barrels that surfers adore.
6. Watamu, Kenya 🇰🇪
If your heart yearns for an off-the-beaten-path experience, coupled with the convenience of well-appointed accommodations and delightful dining options, look no further than Kenya.
Watamu is a gem of a location, particularly favoured by seasoned surfers. It presents a unique opportunity to conquer waves that can tower up to six feet, all within the backdrop of a mesmerising coral reef.
7. Lagos, Portugal 🇵🇹
Nestled in the southwestern nook of the Algarve, Lagos holds a strategic position to capture swells from all compass points, offering a diverse array of breaks suited for surfers of every skill level, all within convenient reach. The main beach of the town, Meia Praia, offers an excellent introduction to the art of surfing for novices, with waves tailored to their needs. For those seeking a more exhilarating challenge, Zavial, a mere 20-minute drive to the west, stands as a world-renowned point break that beckons experienced surfers.
8. Sayulita, Mexico 🇲🇽
Where verdant tropical jungles seamlessly meld with waves primed for surfers of all skill levels, you'll discover a former fishing village transformed into a vibrant, artsy surf haven a mere 40 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta along Mexico's central Pacific coastline. Within this charming setting, Lunazul emerges as a family-run surf school, offering lessons starting at just $40 per person, inclusive of equipment.
9. Surfer’s Point, Barbados 🇧🇧
Nestled at the southernmost edge of Barbados, Surfer's Point reveals a collection of brisk and accessible beginner-to-intermediate waves, punctuating the bay with their distinctive hollow and swift characteristics. These versatile peaks cater to surfers of varying skill levels and direction preferences, offering both left and right-breaking waves for an all-encompassing surfing experience.
10. Hossegor, France 🇫🇷
This Atlantic surf haven has earned the prestigious title of being the "European surfing capital."
Nestled along these shores, the affluent and renowned have established grand estates and vacation residences by the beach. Drawn from near and far, spectators flock to witness the mastery of seasoned surfers as they conquer barrels that rival even the renowned Hawaiian breaks. The waves, cascading onto an unsettlingly shallow sandbank, deliver formidable walls of water that can match the intensity of their Pacific counterparts.
Starting from Skratch? Here are some links to help you get started:
https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/50-surf-spots/index.html
