The month of January is a popular time of the year to go on a surf trip with winter hitting strong in the northern hemisphere. Luckily, many surfing destinations are absolutely firing in January allowing surfers of all skill levels to find their happy place and catch some waves.

Here are 10 of the best places to surf in January…

To dig deeper, try our FREE WaveFinder search engine and find your perfect surfing destination!

1. Hawaii

Surfing conditions for January in Hawaii:

Suitable skill level: Intermediate and advanced
Average wave size: 2ft to 20+ft (Depends on which side of the island)
Swell consistency: 95%
Water temperature: 25°C 77°F
Air temperature: 25°C 77°F
Crowd: Very crowded

Read our surfing guide to Maui, Hawaii

Winters in Hawaii are well known for providing massing waves on the islands north and west sides. The month of January is when such conditions peak in consistency which allows surfers to enjoy world-class surfing conditions on a daily basis. During this time of the year, beginners will also be able to find smaller waves on the south sides or every Hawaiian Island.

Book a surf camp in Hawaii, starting at US$1,300

2. Puerto Rico

Surfing conditions for January in Puerto Rico:

Suitable skill level: Intermediate and advanced
Average wave size: 6ft
Swell consistency: 80%
Water temperature: 26°C 79°F
Air temperature: 25°C 77°F
Crowd: Very crowded

In January, Puerto Rico benefits from many decent swells coming from the Atlantic Ocean traveling down to the Caribbean Sea. The town of Rincon, on Puerto Rico’s west coast is a great place to settle and catch some of those great winter waves.

3. Barbados

Surfing conditions for January in Barbados:

Suitable skill level: All surfers
Average wave size: 4-7ft 
Swell consistency: 95%
Water temperature: 27°C 81°F
Air temperature: 26°C 79°F
Crowd: Fairly crowded

Barbados is another great option for a surf trip in January due to its amazing swell consistency at this time of the year. Also, being an island, you will always find a beach with offshore wind and optimal surfing conditions!

4. Canary Islands

Surfing conditions for January in Canary Islands:

Suitable skill level: beginner, intermediate and advanced
Average wave size: From 2 to 8 feet depending on which side of the island
Swell consistency: 85%
Water temperature: 19°C 66°F
Air temperature: 18°C 64°F
Crowd: Reasonable

The Canary Islands are an incredible playing field with various surf spots and many islands to chose from. The 4 major islands are Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura which all provide great surfing conditions during the month of January when the Atlantic turns into life.

Book a surf camp in Canary Islands, starting at US$306

5. Morocco

Surfing conditions for January in Morocco:

Suitable skill level: Intermediate and advanced
Average wave size: 8ft 
Swell consistency: 95%
Water temperature: 16°C 61°F
Air temperature: 14°C 57°F
Crowd: Reasonable

Morocco is another country that benefits from the winter Atlantic swells during the month of January. With an impressive rugged coastline, Morocco is known as the right-hand point break paradise…Taghazout is a great place to settle and catch some amazing waves whether you are a beginner or advanced surfer.

Book a surf camp in Morocco, starting at US$293

6. Portugal

Surfing conditions for January in Portugal:

Suitable skill level: Intermediate and advanced
Average wave size: 10ft 
Swell consistency: 95%
Water temperature: 15°C 59°F
Air temperature: 11°C 52°F
Crowd: Reasonable

Portugal is arguably the best surfing destination in Europe and during the month of January, this couldn’t be any more accurate. The whole Atlantic coastline is simply firing and many Portuguese beaches turn into world-class surf spots. Make sure to have a look at the 6 best surf towns in Portugal.

Book a surf camp in Portugal, starting at US$152

7. Costa Rica

Surfing conditions for January in Costa Rica:

Suitable skill level: All surfers
Average wave size: 4ft 
Swell consistency: 50%
Water temperature: 27°C 81°F
Air temperature: 27°C 81°F
Crowd: Fairly crowded

Costa Rica is one of the world’s most consistent surfing destination with rippable waves all year round. Although January is usually the “low season” in Central America, there are still some great surf for beginners and longboarders which is perfect to learn…Head out to Nosara or Santa Teresa for a quiet retreat or go to Tamarindo and Jaco for more party and action.

Book a surf camp in Costa Rica, starting at US$371

8. France

Surfing conditions for January in France:

Suitable skill level: Intermediate and advanced
Average wave size: 8ft 
Swell consistency: 85%
Water temperature: 13°C 55°F
Air temperature: 9°C 47°F
Crowd: Reasonable

Being right next to the Atlantic Ocean, France also greatly benefits from winter swells during the month of January. Towns like Biarritz and Hossegor have several world-class beach breaks that truly turn to life in January making it a prime surfing destination.

Find a surf camp in France, starts at $US476

9. Senegal

Surfing conditions for January in Senegal:

Suitable skill level: All surfers
Average wave size: 5ft 
Swell consistency: 95%
Water temperature: 21°C 70°F
Air temperature: 22°C 72°F
Crowd: Reasonable

Senegal is not typically on top of everyone’s list when it comes to surfing destinations. However, in January, it really becomes a great place to go on a surf trip. With some great swells pushing from the Atlantic, Dakar and N’Gor Island turn into life and offer great surf with only a fraction of the crowd you will find in Europe.

10. South Sri Lanka

Surfing conditions for January in South Sri Lanka:

Suitable skill level: All surfers
Average wave size: 3ft 
Swell consistency: 50%
Water temperature: 28°C 82°F
Air temperature: 28°C 82°F
Crowd: Fairly crowded

January is not the typical swell season in the Indian Ocean. However, in South Sri Lanka, you will still find some good beginner-friendly conditions with favorable winds. Sri Lanka is a also a pure tropical paradise with lots to do on flat days! 

Read our surfing guide to South Sri Lanka

The post 10 Best Places to Surf in January appeared first on My Wave Finder.

Portugal is arguably the best surfing destination in Europe and it is not surprising to see so many surfers coming all around the world to chase some dreamy Portuguese waves.

With many surf towns to chose from, it may be hard to hit the nail on the head and decide where to go on a surf trip to Portugal in order to score the best possible waves.

Here is a breakdown of some of Portugal’s best places to surf depending on the conditions and your skill level.

1. Peniche

Read our complete surfing guide to Peniche

Peniche is a surf town located halfway between Nazare and Lisbon, on the Portuguese Atlantic coastline.

Its popularity in the surfing world has significantly increased since the World Surf League made it one of its annual stop on the Championship Tour.

Supertubos is Peniche’s flagship surf spot which is often compared to Hawaii’s Pipeline.

Book a surf camp in Peniche, starting at US$328

2. Cascais

Read our complete surfing guide to Cascais

Just outside of Lisbon is a popular surf town called Cascais which has several awesome surfing beaches for surfers of all skill levels.

Book a surf camp in Cascais, starting at US$206

3. Azores

The Azores archipelago is often forgotten when it comes to chosing a surfing destination in Portugal. However, this doesn’t mean it isn’t worth the journey…

Many high quality surf spots are located across the 9 islands, usually with only a fraction of the crowd you will find on the mainland.

Read our complete surfing guide to the Azores

4. Ericeira

Read our complete surfing guide to Ericeira

Located about 35km out of Lisbon, Ericeira is Europe’s only World Surfing Reserve. With surf spots like Coxos, The Cave and Pedra Branca, the town of Ericeira attracts surfers from all around Europe whether they are experts or beginners.

Book a surf camp in Ericeira, starting at US$211

5. Sagres

Sagres is strategically located on a peninsula in the southern end of Portugal which gives it exposure to many different swell and wind angles.

Therefore, on any given day, you are almost certain to find great waves in Sagres. The town itself is also extremely charming with an awesome surfing vibe and historic appeal.

Find a Surf Camp in Sagres, starting at US$125

6. Lagos

Lagos is a bit more secluded on the south side of Portugal meaning it will not get most of the NW swells. However, it remains a great place for beginners to catch some south swells and enjoy the world-class beaches or Algarve.

Read our surfing guide to Algarve

The post 6 Best Places to Surf in Portugal appeared first on My Wave Finder.

1. Oahu, Hawaii

In December, Morocco is starting to get hit by consistent and decent size swells from the Atlantic. Most point breaks turn into wave machines and offer epic conditions for surfers with a good background of experience.

Morocco is known as the right-hand point break capital of the world with amazing spots like Imsouane and Anchor Point.

Read our Surfing Guide to Taghazout, Morroco

Find a surf camp in Morocco, starting at US$149

With its impressive coastline and insane amount of surf spots, people usually see California as more of a summer destination. However, visiting southern California in winter is even more rewarding for surfing fanatics.

In winter, the North Pacific will push some good size swells pretty consistently, feeding the whole coast with good surfing conditions. There will also be less people in the water at this time of the year due to colder weather and bigger conditions.

Read our surfing guide to Southern California

4. South Sri Lanka

Find a surf camp in Sri Lanka, starting at US$175

5. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is now very well established in the surfing world as one of the best places to go on a surf trip. With year round tropical weather and almost no flat days, Costa Rica is a very sure bet when it comes to planning a surfing getaway.

December is also a very convenient time to surf Costa Rica as waves are usually not very big, yet still pretty consistent which is perfect for beginners and learners.

Book a surf camp in Costa Rica, starting at US$371

6. Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia

Surfing Conditions for December in Micronesia

• Suitable for: Intermediate and advanced
• Average wave size: 7 feet
• Wave consistency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (90%)
• Water temperature: 29°C (84°F)
• Air temperature: 28°C (82°F)
• Crowd: Few people

Why Surf in Pohnpei in December?

December is when things start to heat up in Pohnpei with consistent swells hitting the island. With most breaks being outside reeds, it is recommended to have a certain level of experience to really enjoy the waves at this time of the year.

The quality of the different surf spots is world-class, with a certain wave called P-Pass, which is one of the planet’s best wave.

Read our surfing guide to Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia

7. Portugal

Surfing Conditions for December in Portugal

• Suitable for: Intermediate and advanced
• Average wave size: 8 feet
• Wave consistency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (95%)
• Water temperature: 15°C (59°F)
• Air temperature: 11°C (52°F)
• Crowd: Fairly crowded

Why Surf in Portugal in December?

In December, Portugal’s surf is firing with the Atlantic Ocean sending multiple high-quality swells on the whole coastline. During this time of the year, it is advised for beginners to stay away from the exposed beaches and stick to sheltered surf spots such as Lagos and Faro.

Find a surf camp in Portugal, starting at US$159

8. Puerto Rico

Surfing Conditions for December in Puerto Rico

• Suitable for: Intermediate and advanced
• Average wave size: 6 feet
• Wave consistency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (70%)
• Water temperature: 27°C (81°F)
• Air temperature: 28°C (82°F)
• Crowd: Fairly crowded

Why Surf in Puerto Rico in December?

Puerto Rico, in the heart of the Caribbean Sea is a great place to go on a surf trip in December as the whole north side of the island is usually pumping all winter long. Weather is also perfect down in Puerto Rico in December with most of the hurricane season behind us and warm temperatures still present.

Read our complete surfing guide to Puerto Rico

9. France

Surfing Conditions for December in France

• Suitable for: Intermediate and advanced
• Average wave size: 8 feet
• Wave consistency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (95%)
• Water temperature: 15°C (60°F)
• Air temperature: 11°C (50°F)
• Crowd: Fairly crowded

Why Surf in France in December?

Just like Portugal, France is also getting its fair share of winter swells from the Atlantic during the month of December. With world-class surf towns like Biarritz and Hossegor, France should still be on top of everyone’s list when it comes to potential surfing destinations.

10. Philippines

Surfing Conditions for December in the Philippines

• Suitable for: All levels
• Average wave size: 6 feet
• Wave consistency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (95%)
• Water temperature: 28°C (82°F)
• Air temperature: 28°C (82°F)
• Crowd: Few people

Why Surf in the Philippines in December?

Siargao Island, in the Philippines is an absolute tropical surfing paradise. In December, swells are at their best and surf spots like Cloud 9 and Rock Island show their true colors, being some of the world’s best waves. The Philippines is a great and cheap place to go on a surfing holiday!

Read our complete surfing guide to Siargao Island, Philippines

Find a surf camp in Siargao Island, starting at US$958

The post 10 Best Surfing Destinations in December appeared first on My Wave Finder.

Whether you are looking for a sunny surf trip in Portugal or empty cold waves in Norway, here is a list of 10 European surfing destinations that will allow you to have the surf trip of a lifetime.

Try our WaveFinder search engine to find the destination that suits you best!

Ericeira, Portugal

Read our complete surfing guide to Ericeira, Portugal

Located just half an hour away from Lisbon, Ericeira is one of the few “World’s Surfing Reserves”. With the quality and versatility of its waves, this popular surf town offers something special for any type of surfers.

Beginners will be able to enjoy some summer swells at beaches like São Julião, Foz do Lizandro or Ribeira D’Ilhas while advanced surfers will get their fix at Coxos, The Cave or Pedra Branca. 

When to go: The best time to visit Ericeira is in summer (June-July-August) for beginners and in fall (September-October-November) for advanced surfers.

Book a surf camp in Ericeira, starting at US$211

Newquay, England

Read our complete  Surfing Guide to Cornwall, England

While England is not primarily known for its surfing, the state of Cornwall has some decent waves and a very cool surfing culture. Newquay is the main hub of the region and becomes a true surf town a couple months per year.

Located on the southwestern part of England, Cornwall attracts many Brits and tourists every summer mostly because of its stunning beaches and pristine water. Many people also make it down there to perfect their surfing skills on some gentle waves.

Forming a peninsula, this region catches swell from many different angles and several surf spots are spread along the coast to make sure you will always find somewhere to get wet!

When to go: The best time to surf Cornwall, England is from May to September for warmer weather and smaller waves or from October to April for winter conditions.

Find a surf camp in Newquay, starting at US$259

Hossegor, France

Read our Surfing  Guide to Hossegor, France

“Beach breaks don’t get much better than the ones in southern Landes. Hossegor is the heart of this surfing paradise and has been hosting the World Surf League every autumn for what became a very prestigious surfing event.

 
Waves here are very hollow and powerful especially in winter providing extremely challenging conditions even for the best surfers. Over the summer months though, Hossegor offers gentle peaks good for learning and practicing.

 
The town of Hossegor itself revolves around surfing which gives it a very nice vibe. Wide beaches, young crowd, good nightlife and pleasant weather are all good ingredients for a perfect surf trip.”

When to go: The best time to surf Hossegor, France is from June to August for beginners and September to November for advanced surfers.

San Sebastian, Spain

San Sebastian is considered as the best surf town in Spain, mostly due to its accessible surf spots and its incredibly relaxed vibe.

Waves in San Sebastian will suit any type of surfers. Zurriola Beach offers several differents peaks and surf spots that will change depending on the swell direction and allow advanced surfers or beginners to find the right peak for them.

When to go: The best time to surf San Sebastian, Spain is from June to November

Read our Surfing Guide to San Sebastian, Spain

Sagres, Portugal

Read our Surfing Guide to Algarve, Portugal

Sagres is a small surf town located in the Algarve region, on the southern part of Portugal. Being strategically positioned in a peninsula, Sagres is gifted with swells form all angles and offers many different surfing options depending on the wind direction.

Many surf schools and surf shops are to be found in Sagres which will help anyone making their first steps into surfing.

This part of Portugal is also known for having stunning beaches and beautiful weather all year long.

When to go: The best time to surf Sagres, Portugal is from June to August for beginners and September to November for advanced surfers.

Find a surf camp in Sagres, starting at US$270

Klitmøller, Denmark

Klitmøller, also called “Cold Hawaii” is a pretty exotic surfing destination in its own way. Located on the northern coast of Denmark, Klitmøller is a great place to avoid the crowds and experience a unique surf trip.

The surf is not very consistent but when the conditions are not right, it usually is a great time to go kite surfing or wind surfing. 

When to go: The best time to surf Klitmøller, Denmark is from November to March. That is when swells are more consistent.

Read our Surfing Guide to Klitmøller, Denmark

Mundaka, Spain

Mundaka is known as one of the best left-hand waves on Earth and is a great place to go in order to score some amazing surf in Spain.

This small surf town is totally charming and will treat you with the surf trip of a lifetime. While being much smaller than San Sebastian, Mundaka is also a bit less versatile as far as surfing goes, but this point break is something to be seen.

When to go: The best time to surf Mundaka, Spain is from September to November.

Biarritz, France

Biarritz is another very popular French surf town. The surfing lifestyle, cafes and restaurants are all very unique and charming while the waves are some of the best in Europe.

Being located close to the the French-Spanish boarder, being in Biarritz also offers you the possibility to go on day trips to San Sebastian or Hossegor, two other amazing surf towns.

When to go: The best time to surf Biarritz, France is from June to August for beginners and from September onwards for Advanced surfers.

Lofoten, Norway

Norway is definitely not your typical surfing destination. However, it is extremely rewarding on so many fronts.

First of all, the crowds are almost non-existent throughout the year, mostly due to the cold water temperature. For some, it may be a downside, but for many, wearing a thicker wetsuit to be alone in the line-up is a big win!

Secondly, the landscapes in Lofoten, or in Norway in general, are some of the most beautiful in the whole world. The backdrop is just stunning and you won’t believe you are surfing while being surrounded by such beauty.

When to go: The best time to surf Lofoten, Norway is from November to April, although you can surf all year round.

Read our complete surfing guide to Norway

Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are an absolute swell magnet located a few hundred miles off the Moroccan coastline. 

Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are the 4 major islands of the Canarias and they are all very unique in their own way.

Waves in the Canary Islands can be very punchy, hollow and powerful at times, which will appeal the most experienced surfers on the planet.

However, since there are surf spots all around the islands, you can also find some mellow and beginner friendly waves.

When to go: In the Canary Islands, you can surf any time of the year. However, the winter months offer bigger waves.

Read our Surfing Guide to the Canary Islands

The post 10 Best Places to Surf in Europe appeared first on My Wave Finder.

There definitely is something special about being on an island…Being surrounded by water and living by the rhythm of nature.

For surfers, islands are even more special. They represent countless surfing opportunities and true freedom…

Whether it is in the Pacific, in Asia or around the Caribbean Sea, many of the world’s most amazing surf spots are, indeed, located on or around islands…

Here is our list of some of the world’s best surfing islands…

Try our WaveFinder search engine to find the surfing destination that suits you best!

Lombok, Indonesia

Lombok is a direct neighbor to world-favorite surfing destination, Bali. It has the same consistent, high-quality ground swells but with only about half of the crowd that Bali can attract.

Desert Point is Lombok’s most popular wave but it also is the most challenging and dangerous wave on the island.

There are obviously several other surf spots around Lombok that will be more suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers, like Senggigi or Gerupuk, for example.

A good place to settle for a surf trip on Lombok is definitely in Kuta which has a pretty central location on the south side giving you access to many surf spots in the area like Mawi beach and Kuta reef.

When to go : The best time to surf Lombok is from May to October, during Indonesia’s dry season, which also bring more consistent swells.

Here is our complete surf guide to Lombok, Indonesia

Little Andaman, India

Andaman and Nicobar islands are a little hidden gem located between the Bengal Sea and the Andaman Sea, just off India’s east coast. Most of the surf is located on Little Andaman, an island at the southern end of the archipelago.

See our full surf guide to the Andaman Islands

Apart from Kumari Point, the island’s most famous spot, where you might share the lineup with a few surfers, most breaks on Little Andaman will be all yours. There is also a lot of exploration to be done through the Andaman Islands with a lot of surfing potential to still be discovered.

When to go : The best time to surf Little Andaman and the Andaman Islands is from March and April (sometimes a bit of May) when the wind switches to North and drops dead. The rest of the year will be blown out or simply lacking swell.

Iceland

With water temperatures peaking at around 12°C (55°F) in summer, Iceland definitely is not your typical surfing destination.

However, Iceland is exposed to some really solid north Atlantic swells and on a good day, you are pretty sure to be alone in the water, surfing in front of the world’s most amazing backdrops…

The tricky part is finding those good days as the best swell window is in winter which offers only about 5 hours of daylight.

This trip definitely requires more preparation but the reward is almost unmatched.

When to go: The best time to surf Iceland is probably from November to March. However, this is also the coldest time of the year with about 6 hours of daylight, making things very tricky. The summer months of June, July and August will be much warmer and have almost 18 hours of daylight! However, swells will be unpredictable and inconsistent during this time of the year.

To find the best surfing destination for you, try our WaveFinder search engine!

Kingdom of Tonga

Known for being a top scuba diving and whale watching destination, The Kingdom of Tonga also has some of the world’s most amazing waves with very reasonable crowds.

Being exposed to two distinct swell seasons, Tonga is a good destination year-round, for surfers of all skill levels. As long as reefs don’t scare you…

Read our complete surf guide to the Kingdom of Tonga

When to go : The best time to surf Tonga is pretty much any time of the year as it is exposed to two different swell season. The first one is the Hawaiian winter season from November to March. Swells travel and eventually reach Tonga.

The second season brings storms from Australia and New Zealand and runs from April to October. This season is also much drier.

Moorea, French Polynesia

Often left in the shade of Tahiti, Moorea still remains one of French Polynesia’s most popular islands. Furthermore, Moorea is home to an insane wave called Haapiti. Not as critical as Teahupo’o, this long left will give you amazing thrills and is often considered as the best wave in French Polynesia.

Besides the beautiful surf, there is still so much more to do on Moorea. This paradise will seduce you with its lush landscapes, amazing beaches and crystal clear water.

Moorea is located on the doorstep of Papeete, home to the only international airport in French Polynesia. Simply jump on a ferry and you will find yourself in paradise.

When to go : The best time to surf Moorea is from April to October when decent south swells are consistently pushed towards Tahiti and Moorea.

Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

Located a few hundred miles off the Brazilian coastline, Fernando de Noronha is a stunning archipelago composed of 21 islands spoiling its visitors with warm weather all year and a decent surf season during the austral summer.

Often referred to as one of Brazil’s top places to visit, Fernando de Noronha offers powerful and high-quality waves that will suit intermediate to advanced surfers.

Read our complete surf guide to Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

When to go : The only time to surf Fernando de Noronha, Brazil is from November to April. During austral winter, the North Atlantic goes pretty quiet and even if it produces small storms, they do not have enough power to go all the way down to the archipelago.

Bocas del Toro, Panama

This tropical paradise located off the Panamanian east coast is home to some of central america’s best hidden waves.

With two different surfing seasons, it is important to time your trip, but when you do, chances are good to score big time in Bocas.

Read our full surf guide to Bocas del Toro, Panama

Most breaks require a boat to get access to them which will tend to spread the crowds between every different spot.

Many surf camps, restaurants and different accommodation are well established in Bocas del Toro which makes it a premium surfing destination in Central America.

When to go : The best time to surf Bocas del Toro, Panama is from December to April but there is also a summer swell window from June to August which will offer smaller waves.

Outside of those two windows, expect very inconsistent conditions.

Vancouver Island, Canada

Canada is not just about ski resorts, mountains and lakes…it is also home to a little hidden gem in the surfing world.

Vancouver Island is a short ferry away from the Canadian mainland and is exposed to some very solid swells coming from the north pacific. Most swells hitting Hawaii over the winter season will finish their run on the Canadian coastline.

Even in summer, there are some beautiful waves in the 2-5 feet range, perfect for anyone either getting into surfing or simply looking for some nice beach break action.

Read our surf guide to Tofino, Canada

When to go: The best time to surf on Vancouver Island, Canada is from September to December as bigger and more consistent swells start hitting the coast while water stays relatively warm from the summer heat.

Sumba, Indonesia

Indonesia already is a very trendy surfing destination mostly due to Bali’s popularity.

However, Bali has been quite overcrowded for the last decade and surfers started discovering other Indonesian islands that also offered incredible surf with only a fraction of the crowd.

We saw a big increase in tourism for islands like Java, Sumatra and Lombok which are also blessed with amazingly consistent ground swells from the Indian ocean.

Good news is, there are still some remote islands that remain not nearly as crowded as Bali or Lombok.

One of them is Sumba…

Located south of Sumbawa and Flores, this remote Indonesian island is also exposed to the same SW swells and remains a fairly uncrowded surfing destination although its reputation is slowly increasing.

When to go : The best time to surf Sumba is during the Indonesian dry season from April to October.

Sri Lanka

With two distinct surfing seasons, a warm climate and a rich culture, no wonder why Sri Lanka has witnessed a big increase in its surfing community over the last decade.

Arugam Bay, on Sri Lanka’s east coast should be on every surfer’s bucket list with magical point breaks and a true laid back surfing culture.

Read our full surf guide to Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

Another big reason that makes Sri Lanka a special surfing destination is its stunning wildlife. With many national parks spread across the country, this island is bursting with beauty and surprises.

When to go: April to October offers good surfing conditions on the east side of Sri Lanka, in Arugam Bay. November to March is better down south at Weligama, Hikkaduwa and Ahangama.

Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain

Lanzarote is the smallest of the 4 major surfing islands in the archipelago. However, it still has just as many decent breaks as the rest of them.

Like for most of the Canary Islands, the best surf in Lanzarote is located on the west side. Playa de Famara is a large beach break, perfect for all surfing levels.

Read our full guide to the Canary Islands

Experts will find challenging waves at San Juan and El Quemao, two extremely powerful and technical spots that are sometimes compared to some of the world’s best waves.

When to go: Beginners might prefer the summer swells that occur between May and October which are more gentle and forgiving. For a bit more action, the north Atlantic swells will hit from November to April.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Mainly known for being a wildlife sanctuary, the Galapagos Islands are also a surfing heaven. 

This archipelago has many empty world-class surf breaks only waiting to be discovered by the surfing community. The best place to settle is probably the island of San Cristobal as it allows the best access to surf breaks without demanding a permit. It also is exposed to both north and south swells.

Read our full surf guide to the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

When to go: The best time to surf the Galapagos Islands is from December to April which provides big and consistent north swells as well as warm temperatures. From May to November, south swells are still pushing in but they are not as consistent.

Easter Island, Chile

This tiny and mysterious island located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean is meant to be one best hidden gem in the surfing world.

Easter Island is blessed with consistent swells any time of the year and has a many challenging surf spots as well as a few beginner-friendly waves. 

Read our complete surfing guide to Easter Island

When to go: The best time to surf Easter Island, Chile is from October to April which is during the Austral summer. However, even over winter, swells roll into Rapa Nui and waves are to be found anytime of the year.

Maui, Hawaii

Maui is another mythical surfing destination with spots like Jaws and Honolua Bay which are some of the world’s most famous waves. Every year, people come down to Maui simply to watch big wave surfers have the ride of their life on a beast at Pe’ahi (Jaws).

Beginners can also have a blast surfing on Maui at spots like Lahaina or Kihei which are very smooth and gentle longboard waves.

However, Maui has a lot more to offer than just surfing with stunning hikes, pristine beaches and amazing view points.

This island is also very popular for its winding Road to Hana and for Mt. Haleakala, both offering unique day trip experiences.

When to go: The best time to surf Maui, Hawaii depends on what kind of conditions you are looking for. Winter (November to March) will bring big and consistent waves on the north side, while summer will mostly offer south swells.

Read our complete surf guide to Maui, Hawaii

Barbados, Lesser Antilles

This small island from the Lesser Antilles is probably the most versatile surfing destination in the Caribbean. From the hollow and powerful waves at Soup Bowl to the long and mellow left-handers at Freight’s Bay, Barbados will definitely be able to please any kind of surfer looking for a perfect surfing experience.

Read our complete surf guide to Barbados

When to go: There are waves all year long with a season peaking from December to March. Expect more rain during the hurricane season that lasts from June to November.

Sumbawa, Indonesia

Sumbawa is Bali’s second neighbor, right next to Lombok. Being just a little more remote obviously brings way less crowd, but still offers some of Indonesia’s best waves.

Sumbawa doesn’t have that many spots for beginners, but intermediate and advanced surfers will have a blast surfing epic wave like SuperSuck, Yoyo’s, Periscopes or Lakey Peak.

Sumbawa is way less developed than Bali and Lombok. Therefore, besides surfing and chasing waterfalls, there is not much else to do here. Most people making the trip are looking to surf their a*** off and score epic waves. In most cases, this is exactly what is going to happen.

Read our complete surfing guide to Sumbawa, Indonesia

Most waves here are reef breaks that tend to get powerful and hollow. A perfect destination for high-level surfing with reasonable crowds.

Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia

Pohnpei is a small island in the Federated States of Micronesia that is home to P-Pass, a world-class reef break. While P-Pass helped attracting many surfing tourists over the last few years, this archipelago remains very quiet and uncrowded.

See our full surf guide to the Federated States of Micronesia

You will find many surf spots to chose from which are all accessible by boat. The main surfing tour company is the Pohnpei Surf Club.

Like on most South Pacific islands, reef breaks prevail in Micronesia. However, on smaller days, there are a few surf spots suitable for beginners.

When to go: The best time to surf Pohnpei, in the Federated States of Micronesia, is from November to March, when swells hit from the north and south Pacific.

Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai is the most northern of the four major Hawaiian islands and most of the time, remains in the shade of Oahu and Maui, as far as surfing goes.

However, the Garden Isle has some of Hawaii’s most picturesque and amazing surf spots.

Exposed to the same amazing winter swells than any other Hawaiian island, Kauai will offer awesome surfing opportunities for surfers of all skill levels.

Read our complete surfing guide to Kauai, Hawaii

Hanalei Bay is Kauai’s main surf town on the north shore. Experienced surfers will find a decent reef break right at the point, in front of St.Regis resort while beginners can stay in the bay for some beach break fun.

There are obviously several other spots well spread around the island for you to discover.

If the surf is flat for a few days, Kauai is also a hikers’ paradise with stunning places like Waimea Canyon and the Napali Coast which both attract nature lovers from all around the globe.

When to go: The surf in Kauai is good all year long. Winter will offer big and consistent north swells while summer will provide decent southerly swells.

Himmafushi, Maldives

Himmafushi is a small public Maldivian island in the North Male Atolls that is surrounded by some of the world’s best reef breaks.

A direct neighbor to Himmafushi is Thanburudhoo, a small inhabited island, home to Honkey’s and Sultans, two amazing surf spots.

Read our complete surf guide to the Maldives

Most breaks are accessible by boat, except Jailbreak, which is located right on Himmafushi.

Like for most public Maldivian Islands, Islamic rules apply to Himmafushi. Therefore, no alcohol consumption is allowed and bikinis should only be worn on one defined beach.

The Maldives represent a surf trip of a lifetime with many high-quality waves in a truly stunning environment.

When to go: The best time to surf the Maldives is from April to October when waves are much more consistent and bigger in size.

Tahiti, French Polynesia

Tahiti offers some of the most solid surf in the world with critical reef breaks and overall insane conditions.

Ever since footage began to leak from Teahupo’o, chargers from all over the world started rushing into French Polynesia to see the beast in person and in some cases, try to have a go at it.

Even if “Chopes” is the main attraction in Tahiti, there are several other reef and beach breaks to chose from that will suit any type of surfer.

Read our full surf guide to Tahiti, French Polynesia

When to go: The best time to surf Tahiti depends on what conditions you are looking for. November to April will offer good north swells with smaller, but consistent south swells as well as being pretty rainy and hot.

May to October is when the big south-west swells rush in and hit every reef break on the south side of the island, including Teahupo’o. Weather is then cool and dry.

Siargao Island, Philippines

Philippines has over 7,000 islands but if you were gonna chose one of them for a surf trip, Siargao would have to be the one.

This small island is a true paradise with crystal clear water, warm weather and some very welcoming locals. From the heavy barrels of Cloud 9 to mellow Little Pony, there are waves for all skill levels on Siargao.

Read our full surf guide to Siargao, Philippines

When to go: The best time to surf Siargao is from October to April with consistent storms pushing swells towards the island.

Puerto Rico

Located in the heart of the Carribean, Puerto Rico is a world-class surfing destination. In winter, this beautiful island receives plenty of swell and the whole northern side of the Puerto Rico lights up.

Waves are good for surfers of all skill levels as long as you chose your spot carefully. Most of them are powerful reef breaks which are more suitable for experienced surfers. However, there are still a few deeper reefs or beach breaks, perfect for beginners.

Read our full surf guide to Puerto Rico

Nias and the Mentawai islands, Indonesia

Once a secret and isolated surfing holy ground, West Sumatra has become, through the years, one of the world’s most epic surfing destination.

With extremely consistent surfing conditions from April to November, the Mentawai, Nias and Telo islands offer perfect barreling waves on a regular basis.

Those islands are still very raw and secluded and can only be accessed by boat which prevents mass tourism. Many surf camps are located in West Sumatra and offer shuttle service to different surf spots, most of the time with an all-inclusive formula.

Read our full surfing guide to the Mentawai Islands

When to go: The best time to surf the Mentawai Islands is from April to November.

Oahu, Hawaii

Does Oahu even need an introduction? Place of birth of the sport of surfing itself, this Hawaiian island is home to some of the world’s most publicized spots like Pipeline, Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach and Waikiki.

Whether you are a huge charger looking to get pitted on the North Shore or a simple beginner trying to make your first steps on a wave, Oahu will have an option for you.

Not to mention all the beautiful hikes, beaches and cultural sites that will all make your trip more memorable.

Read our full surf guide to Oahu, Hawaii

When to go: There are good waves on Oahu all year long. November to April is when the big north swells light up the whole North Shore and May to October offers great longboarding conditions down south.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali is one of the world’s most popular surfing destination for good reasons…

This Indonesian surfing mecca is exposed to amazing ground swells as well as having so many different breaks suiting any type of surfers out there.

The beautiful Bukit Peninsula is home to some of the planet’s best left-hand waves in Uluwatu, Padang Padang and Impossibles.

Read our full surf guide to Bali, Indonesia

On the other hand, beach breaks like Medewi, Canggu and Kuta will offer great waves for learners and first-timers.

Bali is also a very cheap and affordable destination with many other things to do besides surfing, like hiking an active volcano or visiting the jungles of Ubud.

When to go: Surfing in Bali is better from April to November for decent conditions and dry weather.

Tavarua Island, Fiji

Tavarua is a small, private island located only a short boat ride away from Viti Levu, Fiji’s biggest island.

What makes this small island so special is its proximity to the country’s best surf spot, Cloudbreak.

A long, fast and hollow wave that already attracted most of the world’s best surfers in their quest to find the best waves on Earth.

While Cloudbreak remains Tavarua’s main attraction, there also are many other surf spots around that will suit less experienced surfers.

Read our full surf guide to Fiji

When to go: The best time to surf Fiji is from April to October when sizable and consistent swells are pushed towards the archipelago.

The “off season”, from November to April will still offer interesting waves for beginners and intermediate surfers looking for head high reef break action. However, this season will also be rainier.

The post World’s 25 Best Surfing Islands appeared first on My Wave Finder.

If you’re seeking unspoiled waves and authentic surf adventures in 2025, you will have to look beyond the usual hotspots. Here are 10 under-the-radar surf destinations where you can enjoy pristine breaks without the crowds.

1. Mozambique

Mozambique’s coastline offers untouched surf spots with consistent right-hand point breaks. The best time to visit is during the Austral winter, from May to September, when swells are most favorable.

Book an epic 11-day Surfari in Punta do Ouro, Mozambique

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2. Sumba, Indonesia

Sumba remains a hidden gem compared to its more famous neighbors. The island receives consistent Indian Ocean swells, particularly during the dry season from April to October.

Read our complete surfing guide to Sumba, Indonesia

3. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Known for its unique wildlife, the Galápagos also offers quality surf with minimal crowds. The prime surf season is from December to April, coinciding with the warmest water temperatures.

Also read our full surf guide to the Galapagos Islands

4. Kingdom of Tonga, South Pacific

Tonga’s islands receive both north and south swells, providing year-round surf opportunities. The main surf season runs from May to October, offering the most consistent conditions.

5. Iceland

For the adventurous, Iceland offers cold-water surf with stunning backdrops. The best surf conditions occur during the winter months, though daylight hours are limited.

6. Samoa

Samoa’s reef breaks are known for their power and beauty. The south coast is best from May to October, while the north coast sees action from November to April.

7. Easter Island, Chile

This remote island offers consistent surf year-round, with the best conditions from October to April. Its isolation ensures uncrowded lineups and a unique cultural experience.

8. Little Andaman, India

Little Andaman boasts quality waves with minimal crowds. The optimal surf season is from March to May, when winds are favorable and swells are consistent.

9. Federated States of Micronesia

Home to the renowned P-Pass, Pohnpei offers world-class waves with few surfers. The prime surf season is from November to March, aligning with the northern hemisphere’s winter swells.

10. Norway

Norway’s rugged coastline provides unique cold-water surf experiences. The best time to surf is during the winter months, from October to March, when swells are most consistent.

The post 10 Uncrowded Surf Destinations to Score Empty Waves in 2025 appeared first on My Wave Finder.