Best surfing spots in the world: catch a wave!

best surfing spots in the world

If you are a surfer, you probably want to know the best surfing spots in the world. Requiring skill, perseverance and patience,  surfing is one of the most exciting sports to practice and watch. One of the most important things about surfing is the sea conditions. Therefore, keen surfers travel far and wide in search of the perfect waves. Whether you’re a watersports lover or simply enjoy watching surfers, here are the best surfing spots in the world to catch the ultimate waves!

Byron Bay, Australia

byron bay - best surf spots

At the heart of the Australian surfing scene, Byron Bay is one of the best surfing spots in the world. With a combination of beaches, reefs and point breaks, surfers from across Australia and the world love this wave hotspot. Warm waters throughout the year make it perfect for fair-weather surfers. Furthermore, there are different surfing spots to suit all kinds of skill levels.

Nazare, Portugal

big wave surfing Nazare

Famed throughout the world for its epic waves, Nazare is the home of big wave surfing in Europe. One of the best European surf spots, Praia do Norte hosts the annual WSL Big Wave Contest where daredevil surfers attempt the largest waves on earth. Several world records have been broken here, with Rodrigo Koxa taking the title of riding the biggest wave ever recorded in 2017 when he rode an 80-foot wave. Of course, Nazare is only suitable for the most skilled surfers, but spectators also flock here to watch the big-wave surfers from the viewing platform at the famous red lighthouse.

Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Tamarindo - best surfing spots

On the west coast of Costa Rica in the province of Guanacaste, Tamarindo is one of the best surf spots in the world. As well as beautiful beaches and a laid-back local culture, Tamarindo pumps out waves of all kinds to suit surfers of any skill level. You can expect waves 365 days a year, plus beautiful, Costa Rican sunshine, so you can comfortably surf without a wet suit. The surrounding beach town is a popular holiday destination with a lively atmosphere, making it the perfect place for a surf holiday.

Oahu, Hawaii, USA

Oahu

The birthplace of surfing, Oahu is the third-largest Hawaiian island. The North Shore is world-renowned for its surfing scene, making it a place of pilgrimage for surfers from around the world. Although it is relatively wave-less during the summer, winter brings some of the best waves on earth. You could spend days watching the professional surfers here, carving up some of the biggest, most spectacular waves imaginable. Furthermore, many important surfing competitions take place on Oahu, making it one of the best surf spots in the world!

Bali, Indonesia

surfing in Bali

Known as the ‘Island of the Gods’, Bali is Indonesia’s most lusted-after beach destination. Indeed, the beaches, rainforests and culture here make it a great choice for a holiday, but it is also an amazing surfing destination. The great thing about surfing in Bali is that you can find excellent waves somewhere on the island no matter the time of year. Bali is one of the best surf spots in the world, even if you’re a beginner! Seminyak and Kuta are well-known for their beginner waves and there are many surf schools in the area.

Jeffreys Bay, South Africa

Best surfing spots South Africa

A small town on the Eastern Cape, Jeffreys Bay is famous as one of the best surf spots in the world. Pretty much every beach in town offers brilliant surfing conditions most of the year, so it’s as simple as grabbing your board and getting in the water! Jeffreys Bay is often said to be the best right-hand surf break in the world, so visiting this little South African town is a must for any budding surfers. Winter is the best season for surfing here, but remember to be aware of sharks!

Siargao, Philippines 

Philippines Siargao Surf

The surfing capital of the Philippines, Siargao is a breathtakingly beautiful teardrop-shaped island in the Philippine Sea. Both large and small reef breaks can be found around the island. This makes it a great choice for both beginner and advanced surfers who enjoy riding waves in the most tropical climes. Cloud 9 is the best surf spot on the island. Consistently ranked as one of the top ten surf breaks on earth you can expect huge waves here. Prefer to keep your feet on dry land? Spectators can enjoy watching the surfers whilst sunning themselves on the white-sand beaches of Siargao.

Skeleton Bay, Namibia

Skeleton Bay Namibia

The best surf spot in Namibia, Skeleton Bay is one of the final frontiers of the surf world. Gaining popularity in recent years, the perfect sandbank here creates fantastic surfing conditions. This isolated surfing spot produces some of the best left-hand waves globally, although the desert climate of Namibia’s Atlantic Coast means the temperatures can get pretty cold here.

Playa de las Americas, Tenerife, Spain

best surfing spots in the world - Tenerife

Situated on the south coast of Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, Playa de las Americas hosts many World Surf League events. With an ever-growing community of surfers and the idyllic surroundings of Tenerife’s volcanic scenery, this is one of the best surfing spots in the world. If you’re just starting out, a number of surf schools along the coast cater for learners.

Now you know the best surfing countries in the world, are you ready to catch some waves? Discover our latest trips and perhaps take the waves on your next holiday!

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