Summary

With its pristine beaches, consistent waves, and laid-back atmosphere, Isla Chacahua is still a hidden gem in the surfing world. 

Chacahua is a little piece of paradise that kept its authenticity through the growing surfing tourism in Mexico and this village will charm you instantly whether you are a beginner or advanced surfer.

A surfing paradise off the beaten path

Located a few hours from Puerto Escondido, a popular surf town in the state of Oaxaca, Isla Chacahua is much less crowded due to its remote location. In fact, the only way to get to Chacahua is by boat which makes the journey extremely exciting!

In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know on how to get to Chacahua, where to stay, when to go and many more little hints!

How to get to Isla Chacahua

Getting to Isla Chacahua is not as difficult as it seems. Here are the steps. In total you can make it from Puerto Escondido in about 3 hours and for 200 pesos.

1. From Puerto Escondido, grab a collectivo to Rio Grande which will cost you around 70 pesos. You can go to the TUR station and get your ticket from there.

2. Take a taxi or collectivo to El Zapotalito. this will cost you between 25 to 50 pesos.

3. Take a boat to Chacahua. There are 2 options. The scenic route which will take you through the lagoon and drop you straight in Chacahua square. This will cost between 800 to 1200 pesos per boat. The second option is to take to collectivo boat (50 pesos) and then the collectivo camioneta (50 pesos).

Where to stay on Isla Chacahua

On Isla Chacahua, there aren’t any proper hotels. Most places to stay are cabanas or homestays and almost all of them are very close to the beach. A private room will cost you anywhere from 500 to 2000 pesos per night which is about US$25 to US$100. You can also just rent a hammock for about 50 pesos per night and still under the stars at one of the homestays. During the low season, you can pretty much just show up and look around for a place to stay. During high season, from November to May, it is much safer to book in advance as things do fill up.

Make sure you stay somewhere near the town center as this is where all shops and restaurants are located.

Surf Spots in Chacahua

Playa Chacahua

This is the main surf spot in the area and is perfect for both beginners and experienced surfers. Right next to the jetty is a sort of point break with 3-4 peaks along the beach. Beginners can catch some mellow waves on the inside while more experiences surfers can go straight out the back for steeper and more powerful waves.

The Other Side

Across the lagoon is another surf spot which usually picks up more size than Playa Chacahua. You need to catch a “lancha” to go across the lagoon which will cost around 20 pesos. Some people also paddle across but you have to be careful with the current. Also keep in mind that after a certain time, boats stop running and you will find yourself stuck on the other side.

Best Time to Surf Isla Chacahua

The best time to surf Chacahua is during the rainy season, from May to October. During this period, the Pacific Ocean produces consistent swells, offering excellent conditions for surfing. The crowds are also smaller during that period so you can catch waves almost by yourself. Be aware that during the rainy season, some restaurants might be closed but everything is still running smooth.

During the dry season, from November to April, you will find sunny weather, smaller but still consistent waves and the town will have much more life and buzz around it.

Things to know

• Bring some cash! There are no ATM’s on the island and some places will charge you up to 10% fees to cash out.
• There are a lot of surfboard rentals along the beach for about 150 pesos per hour or 300 pesos for the day.

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Summary

Playa Saladita is a small Mexican surfing village located in the state of Guerrero, about an hour away from Zihuatanejo. If you’re a surfer seeking perfect waves in Mexico, look no further than Playa Saladita. This hidden gem offers consistent and world-class waves in a very laidback atmosphere. Playa Saladita is mainly known as a longboard spot, but many short boarders also manage to catch some great rides at the point. 

On an average day, you can find yourself riding a wave for more than 1 minute from the point to shore!

The perfect surfing destination in Mexico

La Saladita is still very rustic and authentic compared to other popular surf towns on the Mexican Pacific coast like Puerto Escondido or Sayulita. You will find a few beachside restaurants, lovely homestays or hotels with amazing sunset views and a few places to rent surfboards.

Playa Saladita is an absolute wave magnet and there will rarely be a day without anything to surf. It is one of the best kept secrets on the Pacific coast of Mexico so congratulations if you are looking to surf down here!

Another thing that makes La Saladita really stand out from other surf towns is the great vibe that you can feel in and out of the water. Surfers really look after each other, locals are welcoming and the atmosphere is just magical.

When to surf Playa Saladita

The best time to surf Playa Saladita is during the wet season, which typically runs from May to October. During this period, you can expect consistent swells and smaller crowds, creating ideal conditions for surfing. The waves are also great in Saladita from November to April with sunny weather, clear water and smaller swells. The dry season is also when crowds get much denser with many surfers coming from Canada and the United States.

• Best Season: May to October (wet season)
  Consistent south swells, fewer crowds, and great conditions.

• Dry Season: November to April
  Smaller swells, perfect for beginners, but much busier with surfers from the U.S. and Canada.

Where to Stay in Playa Saladita

Playa Saladita offers a range of accommodation options to suit various budgets. Some of them are right on the beach such as Casa Esmeralda which also offers a great range of surfboard rentals.

You can also find some cheaper options a little further away from the wave and everything is still within walking distance. 

Surf spots near Playa Saladita

Saladita

Saladita is the main break in Playa Saladita. It is a long and mellow left point break that works almost every day and throughout all tide conditions. Early morning is best for lighter winds but that is also when most of the crowd shows up. Saladita is a perfect wave for long boarders of all skill levels. The reef is not too sharp and as the wave tends to be quite soft, there are not that many risks of cuts and injuries.

• Wave direction : Left
• Bottom : Reef
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : SSW
• Optimal wind direction : ENE

The Ranch

El Rancho or The Ranch is usually bigger than Saladita and also slightly more powerful, yet still a fairly gentle wave. It is about 30 minutes north of Saladita so you will need to have a car or hire a taxi. The Ranch is typically less crowded than Saladita but on good days, things can get packed. Luckily there are at least 3 different take-off spots which helps spreading the crowd a little.

• Wave direction : Left
• Bottom : Reef
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
• Optimal swell direction : SSW
• Optimal wind direction : ENE

How to get to Playa Saladita

The best way to get to Playa Saladita is to fly to Zihuatanejo airport and rent a car or get a taxi to Playa Saladita which is about 45 minutes away.

A taxi from Zihuatanejo to Saladita will cost you roughly 1200 pesos. If you want to get around from La Saladita to other spots like The Ranch, you might want to consider renting a car or try hitchhiking which comes with its risks.

Cash is king!

Keep in mind that there are no ATM’s in La Saladita so make sure to bring some cash either from Zihuatanejo or Los Llanos. You might also want to stop for groceries in Zihuatanejo because there is only one small supermarket in Saladita which tends to be more expensive. You will be able to find a lot of surfboard rentals so you don’t necessarily have to bring your own board.

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Summary

Oregon’s Pacific coast is home to some fantastic surf, offering a mix of challenging breaks for experienced surfers and beginner-friendly spots. The state is known for its cold water, powerful waves, and dramatic coastal scenery, making it a top destination for surfers seeking variety and adventure. Surf conditions in Oregon can be affected by a variety of factors such as the time of year, swell direction, and tide, creating a dynamic surf experience.

When to go

The best time to surf in Oregon is typically during the fall (September to November) and spring (March to May). These seasons offer the most consistent waves, with stormy winter conditions out of the way and smaller summer swells. Although summer waves tend to be smaller and less consistent, it remains a great time to enjoy some calmer conditions and warmer weather.

Best Surf Season in Oregon:

• Fall & Spring: Ideal for bigger, consistent waves, especially after the winter storms.

• Summer: Smaller, less consistent waves, but still an option for beginners.

Where to stay

There are several places to stay on a surf trip to Oregon. From campgrounds to hotels and vacation rentals, several accommodation options are offered depending on your budget. Some coastal towns like Lincoln City and Pacific City offer great access to surf spots.

Surf spots in Oregon

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is one of the most iconic surf spots in Oregon, located on the northern coast. Known for its dramatic scenery and beautiful beaches, Cannon Beach offers challenging surf with large swells and strong currents. It’s popular with surfers of all skill levels, especially those seeking longer rides and more consistent waves.

• Wave direction: Left and right
• Bottom: Sand
• Best tide: Any
• Skill level: Any
• Optimal swell direction: SW
• Optimal wind direction: E

Short Sand Beach

Short Sand Beach, also located along Oregon’s northern coast, is another great surf destination. With both left and right breaks, this spot offers manageable surf for surfers of all abilities. The beach’s sheltered location can help to soften the impact of larger swells, making it a solid option for beginners and experienced surfers alike.

• Wave direction: Left and right
• Bottom: Sand
• Best tide: Any
• Skill level: Any
• Optimal swell direction: SW
• Optimal wind direction: E

Indian Beach

Indian Beach, located in Ecola State Park, is a favorite for surfers who want to experience more mellow waves, but still, with some solid surf. It’s perfect for those looking to enjoy the coast’s beauty while catching long rides. This spot is great for both beginners and intermediate surfers.

• Wave direction: Left and right
• Bottom: Sand and rocks
• Best tide: Mid to high
• Skill level: Beginner to intermediate
• Optimal swell direction: WSW
• Optimal wind direction: N

Oceanside Beach

Situated along the northern coast of Oregon, Oceanside Beach is known for its scenic beauty and varied surf conditions. The spot is ideal for intermediate surfers looking for both left and right-hand point breaks. On a good swell, you can enjoy long rides.

• Wave direction: Left and right
• Bottom: Sand and rocks
• Best tide: Mid
• Skill level: Intermediate
• Optimal swell direction: WSW
• Optimal wind direction: NNW

Bandon Beach

On the southern Oregon coast, Bandon Beach offers surfers a mix of beach and point breaks. While it tends to have smaller swells, the surf here can still offer an enjoyable experience for surfers of all levels. The stunning natural formations make it a memorable surf destination.

• Wave direction: Left and right
• Bottom: Sand and rocks
• Best tide: Any
• Skill level: Any
• Optimal swell direction: WSW
• Optimal wind direction: NW

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Summary

Puerto Vallarta, located on Mexico’s stunning Pacific coast, is a vibrant surf destination that caters to all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner catching your first wave or an experienced surfer chasing more powerful swells, Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding region offer a variety of surf breaks and year-round waves.

Some of the best surf spots near Puerto Vallarta include Sayulita, Punta Mita, La Lancha, and San Pancho, each providing unique conditions from mellow beach breaks to more challenging reef setups. The town itself is known for its lively atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and great accommodation options, making it an ideal base for a surf trip that blends adventure with relaxation.

When to go

The best time to surf Puerto Vallarta is from November to March, when the waves are at their best and most consistent. However, there are waves to be found all year long in Puerto Vallarta.

Surf spots near Puerto Vallarta

San Pancho

San Pancho (San Francisco) offers more powerful and faster waves compared to Sayulita, making it a great option for intermediate and advanced surfers. It can handle a bit more size and works best at low to mid tide.

• Wave direction: Left and right
• Bottom: Reef
• Best tide: Low to mid
• Skill level: Intermediate and advanced
• Optimal swell direction: SW
• Optimal wind direction: E

Sayulita

Sayulita is one of Mexico’s most famous surf towns, known for its relaxed vibe and beginner-friendly waves. The main beach offers gentle left and right-hand waves, perfect for longboarding and surf lessons.

• Wave direction: Left and right
• Bottom: Reef and sand
• Best tide: Any
• Skill level: Any
• Optimal swell direction: SW
• Optimal wind direction: E

La Lancha

Located near Punta Mita, La Lancha is a beautiful, uncrowded beach with fun, mellow waves that suit surfers of all levels. It’s a great spot for beginners but can also offer longer rides for intermediate surfers.

• Wave direction: Left and right
• Bottom: Sand
• Best tide: Any
• Skill level: Any
• Optimal swell direction: SW
• Optimal wind direction: E

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Summary

Salina Cruz is an emerging surf haven on the Pacific coast of Oaxaca, Mexico, about 250 km southeast of Puerto Escondido. Known for its endless right-hand point breaks and consistent swell, Salina Cruz is quickly becoming one of the top surf destinations in Mexico.

The area is home to world-class waves like Punta Conejo and Punta Chivo, offering long, peeling rights that work best on solid south and southwest swells. Whether you’re an experienced surfer chasing barrels or an intermediate rider looking to progress, Salina Cruz has waves for everyone.

With fewer crowds compared to Puerto Escondido and reliable offshore winds, this surf town is perfect for those seeking a more exclusive surf experience.

When to Surf Salina Cruz

The best time to surf Salina Cruz, Mexico is from April to October for consistent waves and sizable swells. However, surfing is totally possible all year long with smaller waves breaking from November to March.

Where to stay in Salina Cruz

Hotel Calli and One Salina Cruz are two great hotels in the area. 

Surf spots in Salina Cruz

Punta Conejo

The most famous wave in Salina Cruz, Punta Conejo is a perfect, long right-hand point break that can deliver rides over 200 meters on a solid swell. Works best on south to southwest swells with offshore northerly winds.

• Wave direction: Right
• Bottom: Sand and rocks
• Best tide: Any
• Skill level: Intermediate and advanced
• Optimal swell direction: SSW
• Optimal wind direction: N

Punta Chivo

Another iconic right-hand point break with fast, powerful sections and occasional barrels. Works best with north swells and southerly winds.

• Wave direction: Right
• Bottom: Sand and rocks
• Best tide: Any
• Skill level: Intermediate and advanced
• Optimal swell direction: N
• Optimal wind direction: SSW

Getting to Salina Cruz

The nearest major airport is Bahías de Huatulco International Airport (HUX), about a 3-hour drive from Salina Cruz. You can also fly into Puerto Escondido Airport (PXM) or Oaxaca City (OAX) and arrange ground transportation.

Surf camps usually offer airport pick-ups and 4×4 transportation to the best surf spots.

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Summary

New Smyrna Beach, located just south of Daytona Beach on Florida’s Atlantic coast, is widely considered the most consistent surf spot in Florida. With fun waves nearly year-round and a relaxed surf-town vibe, New Smyrna attracts both locals and traveling surfers looking for reliable sessions.

It’s home to Ponce Inlet, one of the most famous waves in the state, and offers a variety of peaks suitable for all skill levels.

When to go

The best time to surf New Smyrna Beach and Ponce Inlet, in Florida, is from September to April which kicks off with the hurricane season in autumn, all the way into the winter months. For smaller waves, the summer months are still fairly consistent and enjoyable.

Surf spots in New Smyrna

Ponce Inlet (New Smyrna Beach)

One of Florida’s most famous and consistent surf breaks, Ponce Inlet delivers punchy, fast waves that can occasionally barrel. The south side of the jetty is particularly popular, but there are multiple peaks in the area.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Mid to high
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : NE
• Optimal wind direction : SE

The North Jetty

The north side of the Ponce Inlet jetty (technically across the Inlet from New Smyrna Beach) can offer good rights, but it’s less popular and requires a longer paddle. Worth checking when the south side is too crowded.

• Wave Type: Beach break
• Direction: Right
• Bottom: Sand
• Best Tide: Mid to high
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Optimal Swell: NE
• Optimal Wind: SW

New Smyrna Beach Main Peaks

South of Ponce Inlet, the main beach area offers multiple peaks that spread out the crowds. These waves are generally softer than the Inlet and are great for longboarding or relaxed shortboard sessions.

• Wave Type: Beach break
• Direction: Right and left
• Bottom: Sand
• Best Tide: Any
• Skill Level: Any
• Optimal Swell: E to SE
• Optimal Wind: W

Where to stay in New Smyrna

Recommended Surf Hotels:

• Best Value:

  • Hampton Inn New Smyrna Beach – Affordable, near the beach

  • Best Western New Smyrna Beach – Oceanfront with easy beach access

    
    

• High-End:

  • The Riverview Hotel & Spa – Upscale hotel with pool and spa

  • Black Dolphin Inn – Boutique waterfront property

Getting there

New Smyrna Beach is very accessible:

• From Orlando: ~1-hour drive (best arrival airport: Orlando International Airport – MCO)

• From Daytona Beach: ~25 minutes

• From Jacksonville: ~2 hours

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Summary

One of Canada’s largest city, Montreal is quickly establishing itself as one of the world’s best river surfing destinations. Being strategically located next to St. Lawrence River, runway from the Great Lakes into the Atlantic Ocean, Montrealers have learned to master the rapids for well over a couple decades now.

In 2020, the city of Montreal has announced a $2.4 million investment to improve the surfing infrastructure at one of the city’s favorite surf spot, La Vague à Guy. This was a clear statement of Montreal’s potential and surge in popularity of this sport in the region and its will to help the sport grow.

Every year, more adepts make their first steps on a wave in Montreal and the number of river surfers in the region is now estimated to be over 10,000.

Surf spots near Montreal

La Vague à Guy

A soft and very consistent wave that works throughout the year,  La Vague à Guy is the best river surfing spot in Montreal for beginners and long boarders. Its proximity to shore and smooth current make it a fairly safe environment to learn and make you way into the sport. The recent infrastructure improvements also make it less intimidating and more welcoming for first timers.  However, it is much preferable for beginners to start with a lesson or get introduced to the spot by an experienced surfer in order to avoid hazards and learn how the line-up works.

Ideal surfboard: 7’6″ “Mini Malibu style” or any long board

Habitat 67 (shore)

A fairly inconsistent, yet very fun wave when it does work. Habitat’s shore wave is sensitive to water level variations and works best at around 1.50m.

Ideal surfboard: To match the wave’s steepness, a board between 5’4″ and 5’10” is best.

Habitat 67 (main)

If the water level is too low for Habitat’s shore wave, the main wave should be on. Starts to break softly at around 1.60m and peaks in quality below 0.60m.

Ideal surfboard: In prime conditions, below 0.60m, a funboard is best. However, such conditions happen rarely. On most days, it is a soft wave requiring a board with good volume or a long board.

How to read river surfing conditions in Montreal

River waves, just like ocean waves, work differently depending on some conditions. If ocean surfers read wind, swell and tidal charts, river surfers will look into the water level and debit to know which spot works best. Every river surfing spot will be more or less affected by water level variations, making some waves break differently from one day to the other.

Which board is best for river surfing in Montreal

Every surf spot has its own characteristics which make it difficult to pick one ideal board for river surfing in Montreal. However, you will want to have enough volume to catch the wave and stay on it while having the right board length depending on how steep the wave is. 

Best time to surf Montreal’s river waves

Although in Montreal, temperatures drop well below freezing level in winter, there are surfers in the river all year long. From December to March, a big hazard is the ice flowing down stream on certain days. When it is the case, things can easily become dangerous both for the surfer and its equipment. Therefore, in winter, surfers will want to go out on days where ice isn’t an issue.

Summer time is obviously extremely enjoyable with warm temperatures and great conditions. However, that is when crowds reach their apex and line-ups become unbearable for some surfers.

Safety/things to know

Just like ocean surfing, river surfing comes with some risk like strong current, rocks or ice. It is important to start with a surf lesson or to be accompanied by an experienced surfer to understand the different hazards of every spot.

With the ever growing popularity of river surfing, a good surfing etiquette is mandatory so that everyone keeps having fun despite heavy crowds. A standing wave breaks forever and most surfers could potentially ride it for several minutes would they want to. However, most surfers follow a “one-minute rule” which allows everyone to take turns and enjoy the wave!

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Summary

San Clemente, California is one of the West Coast’s most iconic surf towns, home to world-class waves, a laid-back surf culture, and perfect weather year-round. The jewel of San Clemente’s surf scene is Trestles, widely considered one of the best surf spots in California and a frequent host of top-tier World Surf League (WSL) events.

Whether you’re looking to ride the legendary peaks at Lower Trestles or explore mellow beach breaks near the San Clemente Pier, this surf town has something for everyone.

Why Surf San Clemente?

• Home to Trestles, one of California’s best waves

• Consistent surf all year

• Great variety of surf spots for all levels

• Warm climate and easy access from Los Angeles and San Diego

• Strong surf community with lots of surf shops, shapers, and camps

San Clemente is more than just a surf destination, it’s a lifestyle. You’ll find some of the best local surfers in the U.S. regularly paddling out here, especially at Trestles, which remains the crown jewel of the California coast.

When to go

The best time to surf Lower Trestles, San Clemente, is in summer, for more consistent southerly swells which are optimal for Lower Trestles. In winter, northerly swells will make Upper Trestles work more consistently. Therefore, surfing is good in San Clemente throughout the whole year.

Surf Spots near San Clemente

Lower Trestles

San Clemente’s crown jewel and one of California’s best waves. Lower Trestles is a high-performance, cobblestone reef break offering long, peeling rights and lefts. It’s super consistent in summer and attracts a mix of locals, pros, and traveling surfers. Despite the crowds, the vibe is usually friendly, and the wave quality is unbeatable.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Reef/rocks
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : NE
• Optimal wind direction : SW

Upper Trestles

A more powerful and less crowded option compared to Lowers. Upper Trestles offers punchy, faster waves that work best on winter swells. It’s ideal for surfers looking for steeper take-offs and more critical sections. The waves here can get hollow and challenging when conditions line up.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Reef/rocks
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : WNW
• Optimal wind direction : NE

San Clemente Pier

A fun, user-friendly beach break right in the heart of town. The waves here are consistent, with peaks breaking on both sides of the pier. It’s a great spot for beginners, longboarders, and anyone looking for a relaxed surf session. The pier area is also surrounded by restaurants, surf shops, and a lively local scene.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : SW
• Optimal wind direction : NE

Getting there

San Clemente is conveniently located between two major cities:

• From San Diego: ~1 hour by car (60 miles)

• From Los Angeles: ~1.5 hours by car (65 miles)

You can also reach San Clemente by Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner train, which stops right in town—a unique and scenic way to travel with your board.

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Summary

Lawrencetown is one of Canada’s most iconic surf destinations, located just 25 minutes from Halifax on the rugged Atlantic coastline of Nova Scotia. This small surf community has earned a strong reputation among cold-water surfers thanks to its consistent waves, natural beauty, and welcoming vibe.

Whether you’re chasing your first wave or looking for long left-hand point breaks, Lawrencetown Beach and the surrounding surf spots offer something for every level. The powerful Atlantic swells and varied coastline create excellent conditions year-round if you’re brave enough to bundle up in the winter.

Nova Scotia’s coastline has a unique exposure to a variety of swell and wind directions. This makes Lawrencetown one of the most reliable and versatile surfing locations in Eastern Canada. From mellow beach breaks to hollow reef setups and peeling point breaks, there’s almost always a surfable wave if you know where to look.

When to surf Lawrencetown

The very best time to surf Lawrencetown, Canada is from September to November while Nova Scotia receives some hurricane swells traveling up the Atlantic Ocean. The summer months, from June to August will be less consistent, but still offer great waves and milder temperatures.

In winter, the surf in Nova Scotia can be absolutely epic for those who don’t mind wearing thick wet suits as temperatures often drop below freezing level.

Surf Spots in Lawrencetown

Lawrencetown Beach Park

This is the most consistent and popular surf spot in Nova Scotia. It can hold decent size, especially during hurricane season. There are amenities and parking nearby, and it’s patrolled during summer months.

• Wave direction : Left and right
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : SE
• Optimal wind direction : NW

Lawrencetown Point

Doesn’t work all that often but when it does, it is a magical, long left-hand point break. Needs a decent southeasterly swell, usually happening a few days between September and April.

• Wave direction : Left
• Bottom : Rocks
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : SE
• Optimal wind direction : NW

Cow Bay

Located closer to Dartmouth, Cow Bay offers another reliable option that’s slightly more exposed to easterly swells. It’s less crowded than Lawrencetown but can get heavy.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Reef/rocks
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : E
• Optimal wind direction : NW

Martinique Beach

One of the longest sandy beaches in Nova Scotia, this spot is ideal for beginner and intermediate surfers. It offers playful peaks and a scenic backdrop. Located about 45 minutes from Halifax.

• Wave direction : Left and right
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : SE
• Optimal wind direction : NW

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Tofino is a small Canadian surf town located on the west side of Vancouver Island, in the province of British Columbia. While Canada’s west coast is obviously better known for its Rockies and ski resorts, it also has some amazing waves and surfing potential.

Over winter, Tofino is very quiet and almost only locals hit the surf which can tend to be big and stormy. Most tourists actually come to Tofino in winter for the sole purpose of storm watching. However, during summer, it becomes a tourist hotspot and a great place to meet young surfers. The main thing that attracts people here is surfing and hanging in a true Canadian piece of paradise.

Tofino, a vibrant summer surf town

The summer swells are very gentle and beginner-friendly while fall and winter conditions become way more challenging and should only be tackled by experienced surfers. Also, pretty much all the surf spots here are beach breaks making it another good reason for beginners to come spend a summer and play in the Pacific Ocean.

The Island of Vancouver is gifted with incredible natural beauty and any lover of the great outdoors will fall in love with this place. You may even spot some bears, cougars, whales, seals and wolves!

When to surf in Tofino

The absolute best time to surf in Tofino, Canada is from September to November while the water is not freezing cold yet, but waves start picking up in size and consistency. The summer crowds is gone for the most part and you still have quite a bit of daylight in the evening.

Winter in Tofino will obviously be bigger in size as the same storms that push huge swells into Hawaii travel all the way to the other side of the Pacific and hit the Canadian coastline. The climate is not as enjoyable as most days are cloudy, rainy and chilly. It is worth noting that unlike the rest of Canada, temperatures rarely fall below freezing point on Vancouver Island.

For beginners and long boarders, the best time to surf Tofino is in summer, from May to September, while waves are smaller, weather is more pleasant and the town gets nice and lively.

Where to stay in Tofino

Tofino is a small town that tends to get extremely busy in the summer months, making it hard to find last minute accommodation. If you are planning on visiting Tofino from June to August, make sure to book well in advance. In Tofino, you will not find any big resorts. Most hotels are nice and cozy, some of them offering great sea views.

Keed in mind that Tofino is fairly strict with “van lifers” and people camping around in prohibited areas. There is a dedicated logging road, near the information center, at the junction between Ucluelet and Tofino, which is where all van lifers can safely stay overnight.

Best vacation rentals in Tofino

The Anchorage, Perfect Waterfront Suite (2 guests)

Dunes Cabin at Chesterman Beach (4 guests)

Oceanfront Rancher in Tofino (6 guests)

Best hotels and resorts in Tofino

Best Value : Hotel Zed, a brand new establishment near Tofino and surf spots! Tofino Hotel Harborview, great location at an affordable price.

High-end : Cox Bay Beach Resort has probably the best location out of every Tofino hotels…Right on Cox Bay! Pacific Sands Beach Resort is another great option with an amazing service and great rooms.

Surf spots in Tofino

Cox Bay

A beautiful bay catching anything from southwest to northwest and offers a nice surfing setup across the whole bay. Beginners can find their fun on the inside wash while advanced surfers can head to either end of the beach for more consistent breaks. Cox Bay is one of the most consistent surf spot in Tofino and can handle large crowds as it often breaks on the whole beach.

• Wave Direction : Left & Right
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : SW to NW
• Optimal wind direction : E

Long Beach

A bit further away from Tofino, almost half way to Ucluelet, Long beach is a perfect place for beginners to learn how to surf over the summer months. In winter, Long Beach is quite exposed which makes things fairly tricky. Long Beach is part of the Pacific Rim National Park so be prepared for paid parking when you surf this spot.

• Wave direction : Left and right
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : W
• Optimal wind direction : NE

Chesterman South

This side of Chesterman beach is often more sheltered from big NW swells which makes this spot a nice place for long boarders or beginners. When waves get too big for Cox Bay, most surfers check out Chesterman as a smaller option.

• Wave direction : Left and right
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : W
• Optimal wind direction : E

Chesterman North

Slightly more exposed than Chesterman South, but less than Cox Bay, this spot is another good option to check for a typical Vancouver Island beach break. It is also one of the go to spots during the winter months when Cox Bay is closing out.

• Wave direction : Left and right
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : SW
• Optimal wind direction : E

How to get to Tofino

The best way to get to Tofino is to drive across beautiful Vancouver Island from either Nanaimo or Victoria. Ferries between those two cities and the mainland run on a daily basis and the ride is a couple hours long. If you have a car, you will have to pay about 200 dollars for a one way ticket. If you are only by foot and are looking to grab the bus, it will be much cheaper.

There are a few international flights that land in Victoria but the biggest airport is in Vancouver, from which you will have to take a ferry. Driving to Tofino will take you about 2 hours and a half from Nanaimo and almost twice as much time from Victoria. You can also take the bus from both cities and arrive right in Tofino town center.

Things to know before surfing Tofino

• Water in Tofino is cold even through the summer months. A good wet suit is needed all year long.
• Canada has a Working Holiday program for young travelers that allows you to work and stay in Canada for up to two years. This is probably the best way to discover Tofino and the rest of the Country on a long-term trip.

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