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.

Australia is a magical surfing destination that has a very clear reputation for having stunning beaches and great waves while offering a laidback lifestyle. 

Many people come to Australia with a very precise dream…Learning how to surf.

Wherever you are in Oz, surfing is a big part of the culture and given the size of the country, you will want to aim for a good spot to catch your first few waves.

Here is a list of our favorite places to learn how to surf in Australia!

Byron Bay, New South Wales

Byron Bay is a very popular surfing destination in Australia not only for its great waves, but also for its unique vibe and lifestyle. There are many surf spots to chose from depending on your level and a few surf schools are there to help beginners make their first steps on a wave in a safe way.

The Pass is an awesome wave to learn how to surf due to its length and mellowness. As much as crowds can be an issue, it is also what makes Byron Bay a great place to meet fellow surfers and enjoy a pleasant and balanced surfing environment.

From its drum circles to its wildlife, everything about Byron Bay just makes it more amazing…

Read our complete surfing guide to Byron Bay

Gold Coast, Queensland

Gold Coast is another popular surfing destination on the east coast of australia that attracts a huge amount of tourists every year. On the southern end of Gold Coast, near Coolangatta, is located most of the surfing potential with one of Australia’s best waves, Superbank.

This man-made sand bar offers a long and punchy right-hand wave which will suit any type of surfers. On big cyclone swells, Superbank can turn into a long world-class barrel while the summer days will offer mellow longboard waves, perfect for beginners.

Noosa, Queensland

Located on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, Noosa is a small holiday/surf town that is extremely pretty, with a bit less of the “hipstery” vibe that you get in Byron Bay.

Waves in Noosa are great for learning due to their consistency and mellowness which will allow you to slowly get comfortable in the water. Crowds will also be more reasonable than what you can find on the Gold Coast or in Byron.

Rainbow Beach, Queensland

Rainbow Beach is just a bit north of Noosa and will be even less crowded. Just at the end of the beach is a spot called Double Island Point which is one of the World’s longest waves.

A couple of surf schools are to be found in Rainbow Beach and they will drive you to Double Island Point for a day that you will never forget.

If you are looking for a place to settle and go surf by yourself as much as you want, be aware that waves here may not be as accessible as they can be further down south.

Sydney, New South Wales

Sydney’s beaches offer a very nice setup for beginners to learn how to surf especially for those who are seeking a city/professional life while being able to enjoy the ocean.

Manly Beach is the most popular surf spot near Sydney, but definitely not the only one. While most of Sydney beaches do require a bit of work to get access to, the trip is definitely worth it.

Torquay, Victoria

Home to one of Australia’s most iconic surf spot, Bells Beach, Torquay is a small surfing village that will charm anyone paying a visit.

Only an hour south of Melbourne, this surf town has waves for surfers of any skill level and many surf schools are present to help beginners get into the sport.

Every year, Torquay hosts the World Surf League for an event that became one of the most prestigious on tour.

Ripcurl, the world-known surfing brand was also established in Torquay a few decades ago and you can truly feel the surfing history and culture as soon as you step into this special town.

Yamba, New South Wales

Yamba is a small surf town about an hour south of Byron Bay. It is gifted with one of Australia’s best wave, Angourie Point.

While Angourie might be a bit of an advanced wave, there are still some good waves for beginners in Yamba like Main Beach.

The vibe here is also absolutely epic, being less busy than Byron Bay or Gold Coast, with still a lot of things to see and do.

Western Australia

Western Australia has some amazing surf that is usually known for being bigger and requiring a better skill level than what you can find on the east coast. 

However, there are still many good learning days and a lot of beaches that can make beginners enjoy themselves in Western Australia. Crowds are also way thinner than on the east coast.

Read our Surfing Guide to Margaret River

The post Best Places to Learn How to Surf in Australia 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.

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.

Central America is a very popular destination amongst the surfing community for its year-round warm weather, consistent world-class waves and cheap cost of living.

From Tijuana, at the tip of Baja California, all the way down to Panama, one can find thousands of different waves spread through 8 countries.

Here is a breakdown of Central America’s best waves and surf spots…

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

Playa Colorado, Nicaragua

Many people refer to Playa Colorado as one of the world’s best surf spot for tube riding.

With 300+ days of offshore winds in a year, surf spots rarely get as consistent as they do in Nicaragua.

Playa Colorado is well positioned in Nicaragua, right between San Juan del Sur and Popoyo, two of the country’s most popular surf towns.

This wide beach has many peaks that will help spread the already not so existent surfing crowd and guarantee everyone a few attempts at a Nicaraguan barrel!

When to go: The best time to surf Playa Colorado, Nicaragua is from April to October.

Pavones, Costa Rica

This wave is definitely more fickle and secluded than most surf spots you will find in Central America.

When it is on, Pavones is Costa Rica’s longest wave and also one of the world’s best left-hand waves.

Located on the southern end of the country, not many surfers actually make the trip down to Pavones which allows the spot to be very raw and welcoming.

When to go: Pavones needs a decent SSW swell to work which will be much more likely to happen during the months of May to September.

Make sure to chose the best time to surf Central America depending on your skill level!

Read our complete surfing guide to Pavones, Costa Rica

Punta Roca, El Salvador

Punta Roca is undeniably El Salvador’s best wave and potentially Central America’s best surf spot.

This long right-hand point break is consistent and very well line-up giving way to some incredible rides.

Located near La Libertad, Punta Roca is also known as the J-Bay of Central America which means a lot about the quality of that surf spot…

Read our full surf guide to El Salvador

When to go: The best time to surf Punta Roca is from May to October.

Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Puerto Escondido is home to Playa Zicatela which is definitely Central America’s heaviest wave…

On a good swell, big wave surfers come from all over the world to get barreled on one of Puerto Escondido’s massive bombs.

In winter, beginners can also have a great time in Puerto Escondido at one of the surrounding beaches which are more sheltered from the big swells.

Read our full guide to Puerto Escondido, Mexico

When to go: Puerto Escondido is a good surfing destination all year. However, May to October will offer much bigger and more consistent swells.

Scorpion Bay, Mexico

Probably Central America’s longest point break and one of the world’s best rights, Scorpion Bay is a must on a surf trip to Mexico.

Located in the middle of Baja California, Scoprion Bay is not all that easy to get access to. However, if the swell is decent enough to make a few peaks connect, you are in for a trip of a lifetime…

When to go: Scorpion Bay needs a decent SW swell to work properly which is more likely to happen from April to November.

Read our complete surfing guide to Baja California Sur, Mexico

Jaco, Costa Rica

Jaco is a classic Costa Rican beach break that is extremely consistent throughout the year located in a town that never sleeps.

Indeed, Jaco is one of Central America’s top surfing destination for people looking for a surf and party lifestyle.

Whether you are a beginner looking to get into surfing or an experienced surfer looking to be in the water all day, Jaco is definitely one of your best bet in Central America.

When to go: Waves are good all year in Jaco, Costa Rica with conditions peaking from April to November.

Popoyo, Nicaragua

Popoyo is a charming little surf town with a wide range of surf spots that will suit any type of surfer.

Beach breaks like Playa Guasacate and Playa Popoyo are perfect for beginners to learn in a safe environment while advanced surfers can head to Popoyo reef or Playa Santana for bigger thrills.

See our full surf guide to Popoyo, Nicaragua

When to go: Surfing is good all year in Popoyo with consistent offshore winds and conditions peaking from April to November.

Bocas del Toro, Panama

This archipelago located off the Panamanian east coast is an absolute surfing hidden gem (not so hidden anymore) in Central America.

Unlike every other surf spot on this countdown which are located on the Pacific Ocean, Bocas del Toro is located on the Caribbean side of Central America.

Generally, swells hitting the east coast are more inconsistent and have a shorter period.

However, if you hit the right season, waves in Bocas can be as mean and powerful as what you can find on the Pacific side, minus the crowd.

Here is our complete surf guide to Bocas del Toro, Panama

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.

Nosara, Costa Rica

Nosara is a quiet surfing village  located in the Guanacaste province. With stunning beaches like Playa Nosara and Playa Guiones, Nosara definitely established itself as one of Central America’s best surf spot.

Read our complete surfing guide to Nosara, Costa Rica

This town has a much more balanced of rejuvenating lifestyle than what you will find in Tamarindo or Jaco. Many surf camps offer surfing lessons as well as yoga classes, like the Safari Surf Women Retreat, for a surf trip that will sooth your soul.

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

El Tunco, El Salvador

El Tunco is another great surfing destination in Central America for a well balanced surf trip at a very reasonable price…

This lively town is surrounded with some great surf spots like La Bocana or El Sunzal and also has a decent party scene.

Beginners and advanced surfers can both find their wave in El Tunco without having to worry about heavy crowds or intense localism.

When to go: The best time to surf El Tunco in El Salvador is from April to November for consistent SW swells.

The post 10 Best Places to Surf in Central America 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

US$800 All Inclusive

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.

Learning to surf can feel intimidating at first. Finding the right surf spot where beginners can learn safely, without the pressure of aggressive crowds or heavy waves, is key to building confidence and having fun.

Luckily, there are plenty of beginner surf destinations around the world offering mellow waves, surf schools, and welcoming lineups. Whether you’re looking for tropical beach breaks or European surf towns, this guide covers the 10 best places to learn how to surf in 2025.

To discover many more destinations, make sure to try our WaveFinder tool and find the wave that suits you best!

1. Taghazout, Morocco

Taghazout is a laid-back surf town near Agadir and one of Morocco’s top surf destinations. The area offers perfect point breaks that are ideal for beginners with gentle, long waves that peel smoothly without closing out.

The town is filled with surf schools, hostels, and beachfront cafes. You’ll also have easy access to Morocco’s famous Anchor Point and other world-class spots as you progress.

When to go

Beginners will be able to surf anytime of the year in Taghazout. However, summer will have smaller waves and milder weather which are perfect conditions for beginners to learn how to surf.

Book a Surf Camp in Taghazout, starting at US$204

2. Maui, Hawaii

Maui simply ticks all the boxes when it comes to a perfect surfing destination for beginner surfers. Yes, Hawaii is mostly known for its massive winter swells, but that’s the great part of surf islands! If it’s too big on the north side, the south side will likely be much smaller and vice versa.

Therefore, Maui is an awesome place for beginners to learn how to surf with spots like Lahaina and Kihei which have much smaller waves than Ho’okipa and Honolua Bay. 

On top of that, Maui is just a pure natural beauty so if the surf is bad on a certain day, there is just so much more to see and do and you will never get bored.

When to go

The summer months from April to November are definitely better for learning how to surf in Maui. Swells will roll in from the south and conditions are usually very good in Kihei or Lahaina. While winter delivers massive north-westerly swells, there are still smaller waves to be found on the south side of the island.

Read our complete surfing guide to the island of Maui, Hawaii

3. Tofino, Canada

Canada is typically not a destination you would associate with surfing in the first place. However, Tofino is a little rugged surf town that has everything you want for a nice surf trip as a beginner and getting into the sport in a smooth way.

Most surf spots in Tofino are beach breaks with very mellow waves which make it a perfect place for beginners to learn.

Tofino is a fairly remote destination that remains pretty raw but surfers really run this town so you will find surf schools very easily. There are also some really cool bars and restaurants to enlighten the mood and enjoy your evenings!

When to go

The best time for beginners to learn how to surf in Tofino is during the summer months, from May to September as waves as smaller, weather is much nicer and there is a nice summer vibe around town.

Read our complete surfing guide to Tofino, Canada

4. San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua

Nicaragua is another gem of a surfing destination for beginners due to its consistent conditions, great weather and cheap traveling costs. Places like San Juan del Sur and Popoyo are amongst the best surf towns in Central America with waves almost everyday and a great surfing vibe.

The country also has the particularity of having consistent offshore winds due to Lake Nicaragua pushing winds towards the coastline. Apart from a few reef breaks, most surf spots in Nicaragua are beach breaks which is perfect for beginners.

Read our complete surfing guide to San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua

When to go

The best time for beginners to learn how to surf in Nicaragua is from November to April while weather will be drier and waves will be smaller, yet still consistent.

Book a Surf Camp to San Juan del Sur, starting at US$379

5. Portugal

Portugal is arguably Europe’s best surfing destination and as long as you don’t mind wearing a bit of neoprene, it might very well be your best bet to learn how to surf. Whether you go down south in Algarve or stick to the west side in towns like Ericeira or Peniche, there are surf schools absolutely everywhere. Most surf schools offer group lessons for 30-40 euros, including board and wetsuit so it is quite affordable.

In summer, Portugal has some very consistent and small waves which are perfect for learning in a safe environment.

When to go

The best time for beginners to learn how to surf in Portugal is from May to October with smaller waves and warmer temperatures!

Book a Surf Camp in Algarve, starting at US$250

6. Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a well implanted surfing culture that will charm everyone paying a visit. A bit like Nicaragua, Costa Rica has a tremendous amount of surfing beaches and surf schools to help beginners learn how to surf. Santa Teresa, Nosara and Jaco are amongst the best surf towns in Costa Rica which all offer amazing waves and a great social life.

Costa Rica is a pretty developed destination with plenty of accommodation, restaurants and surf schools which makes it a perfect setup for families and beginners looking for a worry-free surfing destination.

When to go

The best time for beginners to learn how to surf in Costa Rica is from November to April when waves are smaller and weather is drier.

Find a surf camp in Tamarindo, starting at US$390

7. Southern California, USA

With places like Malibu, Venice beach and Huntington beach, Southern California has some of the world’s best beach breaks as well as having a very strong surfing culture. California is known as the surfing mecca on the American mainland.

You will find yourself finally experiencing the Californian dream…California remains one of the most popular places in the world to learn how to surf.

When to go

The best time for beginners to surf in California is during the summer months while waves are a bit smaller and weather is nice and warm.

8. Bali, Indonesia

This Indonesian island grew for itself a reputation for being nothing less than one of the world’s best surfing destination. Indeed, Bali is blessed with extremely consistent ground swells pushing up from the Indian ocean as well as having a rich culture and cheap cost of living making it a very special place for a surf trip.

Read our Complete Surfing Guide to Bali, Indonesia

When to go

The dry season is from April to November and remains the best time to surf in Bali with light easterly winds resulting in perfect conditions for all the west coast spots including Canggu, which is one of the best place for beginners.

Book a Surf Camp to Bali, Indonesia, starting at US$199

9. Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii

Nothing less than home of the sport itself, Waikiki is a very special place to visit and trying to resist taking a surf lesson here will be next to impossible. This huge bay obviously gets very crowded but there are so many different spots to chose from that everyone will find a wave.

When to go

Being located on the south side of Oahu, Waikiki is sheltered from the big and famous north-westerly swells that hit Pipeline and the rest of the north shore every winter. You will then be able to enjoy nice and mellow waves in this surfing capital of the world.

Here is a complete surf guide to the island of Oahu, Hawaii

10. East coast of Australia

The east coast of Australia made it to the top of our list mostly because of the insane amount of surf spots and favorable year-round surfing conditions for beginners. Australia is also a very convenient place to travel to with a lot of facilities, surf schools and hostels that will all provide great opportunities to meet fellow travelers and have a great time down under…

The weather is also very optimal for surfing or to simply hang on the beach with a few beers and friends!

When to go

Any time of the year is good to learn how to surf on the east coast of Australia. Summer months will obviously be much warmer and also more crowded.

Here is a complete surf guide to the east coast of Australia

The post 10 Best Places For Beginners to Learn How to Surf in 2025 appeared first on My Wave Finder.