12 Top Surfing Spots Around the World – The Ultimate Surf Spot Bucket List
Some of the links might be affiliate links and, at no extra cost to you, we earn a small commission. See our disclaimer for more info.
Whether you’ve never ridden a wave in your life or like to consider yourself a seasoned pro, taking a break in one of the world’s top surf spots holds lots of appeal. Most destinations offer breaks for beginners to experienced surfers and a choice of surf schools so you can learn from the experts.
From the birthplace of modern surfing or spots where today’s surf contests are held to the Mexican Pipeline or the famous Cloudbreak, here are a dozen of the best places to surf on the planet.
Hawaii, US
Save this!
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later.
How could the birthplace of surfing not belong on any list of the world’s surfing hotspots? Whether you’re a wannabe or a professional, you cannot truly call yourself a surfer until you’ve been where modern surfing began. The North Shore of Oahu is epic, especially between November and February. If you’re anything but a seasoned pro, heed local warnings – the waves can be huge.
Read also: American Islands for a Beach Vacation
Bells Beach, Australia
Bells Beach in Victoria is home to one of the country’s most famous surfing beaches – and that’s saying something in a country with this much surf-friendly coastline. The fact that the Rip Curl Pro is held here in early fall tells you all you need to know. When conditions are right, the surf here can be unreal, as the Australians like to say.
Read also: Idyllic Island Getaways
Ericeira, Portugal
Portugal’s popularity as a surfing destination has skyrocketed in recent years. Ericeira is one of the go-to beaches for board riders and offers a laid-back, traditional Portuguese town vibe. Then there’s the wave action, which includes a sheltered left-hand break and three-meter swells. Conveniently, Ericeira lies only around 30 miles north of Lisbon.
Read also: Best European Islands for Beach Holiday
Puerto Escondido, Mexico
When a beach is famous for its Mexican Pipeline, you know you’ve hit a prime surfing spot. You can find this at Zicatela Beach or head to nearby La Punta Beach for more beginner-friendly waves. The swell season is between late April and September, so expect the ocean to be calmer outside of this period.
Read also: Most Splendid Beaches Around the Globe
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is a world-class surfing spot and offers the laid-back lifestyle to go with the waves. The beautiful island’s range of breaks caters to all levels, and the dry season between April and October is the ideal time to visit. The Bukit peninsula is particularly popular whether you seek a beginners’ playground, barreling waves, or serious reef breaks.
Read also: Top Exotic Beaches in the World
Cloudbreak, Fiji
🏨 Explore all your hotel options here
Be warned – Cloudbreak in Fiji is not for the faint-hearted. It’s a legendary surfing hot spot, with conditions created by the sheltered coral reefs. Even experienced wave riders can meet their match here, as the fast-moving water means constantly varying angles. If you want to tackle it, a quick boat trip from the closest Mamanuca islands of Namotu or Tavarua will take you there.
Read also: Stunning Secret Beaches to Discover
Biarritz, France
Portugal has a serious European rival in France. Biarritz on the Bay of Biscay provides stiff competition for any surf spot on earth and is only around 20 miles from the border with Spain. The refined town is awash with surf shops selling everything from boards to fashion, and La Grande Plage is at the epicenter of the action.
Read also: Budget-Friendly Beach Destinations in Europe
Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Playa Tamarindo in Costa Rica offers a range of surf breaks, some of which are ideal for beginners. Swells are consistent, and the water is generally fairly calm. The fact that tuition is cheap here is also a bonus for budget travelers. Tamarindo is also close to the Costa Rican jungle, making combining wildlife tours and trekking with surfing easy.
Read also: Best Caribbean Beaches for Your Bucket List
Jeffreys Bay, South Africa
Jeffreys Bay is seen as the continent of Africa’s surfing mecca. The breaks in this South African spot cater to all levels, and it’s the ideal place to hone your board-riding skills. The World Surf League Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay – or J-Bay Open – is also held here annually in mid-July.
Read also: Must-Visit Beach Destinations for Your Bucket List
Siargao, Philippines
The idyllic, palm-filled island of Siargao is the surf capital of the Philippines and one of the world’s finest surfing destinations. Cloud 9 is nothing short of legendary, but there are over 30 other surf breaks to sample. The fact that affordable surf schools on the island offer tuition for all levels doesn’t hurt, either.
Read also: Secret Tropical Island Destinations
California, USA
California is one of the spots that first springs to mind when most people think of surfing. Some of the world’s biggest surf brands were born here, and surf culture and clothing fit in seamlessly with the coastal Californian lifestyle. The area around San Diego is a great bet for beginners, offering around 70 miles of surf-battered beaches.
Read also: Top US Islands for Quick Getaways
Byron Bay, Australia
Breathtaking Byron Bay is an incredible destination for sun-seekers and surfers alike. Riding the waves here is a rite of passage for any serious surfer, and many Australian board riders choose to reside in the area. The long stretch of coastline fronting the ocean offers swells for all levels, from beginner bodyboarders to professional-level surfers.
Read also: Extra-ordinary Beaches for a Sun-Kissed Holiday
