1. Weligama, Sri Lanka

Best time for beginners to go: November to April

Weligama is one of the most beginner-friendly surf towns in South Asia, and for good reason. The wide sandy bay offers slow-rolling whitewater waves that are perfect for building confidence on a longboard. You’ll find dozens of surf schools and board rentals directly on the beach, most run by friendly local instructors. The town is low-key but has just enough cafés, yoga studios, and tuk-tuks to keep things interesting. Weligama is also a great base for exploring nearby spots like Midigama or even taking a wildlife safari inland.

Book a surf camp to Weligama!

2. Taghazout, Morocco

Best time for beginners to go: October to March

Taghazout has exploded in popularity among beginner surfers in recent years, thanks to its mix of mellow waves, affordable surf camps, and stunning Atlantic sunsets. Spots like Panoramas and Banana Beach are ideal for learners, offering soft beach breaks and easy takeoffs. The local surf scene is welcoming, and there are plenty of budget hostels and all-inclusive surf camps. When you’re not in the water, you can explore local souks, eat tagine, or unwind with a yoga session overlooking the ocean.

Read our complete surfing guide to Taghazout, Morocco

3. Kuta, Bali, Indonesia

Best time for beginners to go: April to October

Kuta Beach, in Bali, remains a top pick for first-timers thanks to its soft sand bottom, long gentle waves, and abundance of surf schools. The conditions are forgiving year-round, especially during dry season, and you’ll find plenty of instructors offering affordable lessons right on the beach. After surfing, dive into Bali’s vibrant scene—think sunset bars, day trips to temples and rice terraces, and beachside cafés. It’s a bustling place, but for new surfers looking to improve quickly and have fun, it’s hard to beat.

Read our complete surfing guide to Bali, Indonesia

4. San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

Best time for beginners to go: May to October

Nicaragua’s Pacific coast is a goldmine for beginner surfers, and San Juan del Sur is its most famous hub. While the town itself is a lively mix of surf hostels and beach bars, nearby beaches like Playa Remanso and Playa Hermosa are where the real magic happens. These beaches offer long, peeling waves and soft sand—perfect for learning. San Juan also has a strong backpacker vibe, affordable surf lodges, and plenty of post-surf activities like catamaran cruises and volcano hikes.

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

5. Sayulita, Mexico

Best time for beginners to go: December to April

This colorful town north of Puerto Vallarta is a fantastic place to learn to surf in 2025. Sayulita’s main beach has a small, consistent wave perfect for longboarding, and surf schools line the shore offering beginner-friendly group and private lessons. Beyond the surf, Sayulita is known for its bohemian charm, great street food, art markets, and scenic jungle hikes. The town gets lively in peak season, but the beginner waves stay mellow—just watch for a few rocks near the shoreline.

6. Byron Bay, Australia

Best time for beginners to go: December to April

Australia’s surf culture is iconic, and Byron Bay is the perfect place to experience it. Main Beach and The Pass are two of the best spots for beginners, offering long rides on gentle right-handers. Byron has a laid-back yet stylish vibe, with plenty of surf shops, cafés, and yoga studios. You’ll find top-notch instructors here who are as passionate about surf safety as they are about fun. It’s not the cheapest destination, but the quality of instruction and beautiful surroundings are worth it.

Read our complete surfing guide to Byron Bay, Australia

7. Tofino, Canada

Best time for beginners to go: May to September

If you’re open to cold water surfing, Tofino is a magical place to start your surf journey. Located on Vancouver Island, this rugged surf town is surrounded by temperate rainforest and wild beaches. Cox Bay and Chesterman Beach are perfect beginner breaks, with consistent waves and a strong safety-first surf culture. Wetsuits are a must (even in summer), but the scenery and peaceful vibes are unmatched. When you’re done surfing, explore tide pools, eat local seafood, or soak in a cedar hot tub.

8. Muizenberg, South Africa

Best time for beginners to go: November to March

Muizenberg, just outside Cape Town, is often called the best place to learn to surf in Africa. Surfer’s Corner offers gentle, long waves ideal for new surfers, and the community here is welcoming and inclusive. There’s a long promenade with surf shops, coffee stands, and colorful beach huts that add charm to your sessions. Muizenberg is also a great base for exploring the Cape Peninsula—think penguin colonies, mountain hikes, and wine tasting just a short drive away.

9. El Tunco, El Salvador

Best time for beginners to go: March to October

El Tunco is quickly becoming Central America’s new surf hotspot, and it’s surprisingly beginner-friendly despite its growing reputation. The beach break at nearby Sunzal offers soft, rolling waves with a sandy takeoff zone that’s great for learning. The town itself is compact, lively, and full of colorful murals, smoothie bars, and affordable hostels. It’s a perfect mix of surf, nightlife, and laid-back tropical vibes. Plus, with improvements in local infrastructure and safety, El Tunco is more accessible than ever in 2025.

10. Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

Best time for beginners to go: May to September

Arugam Bay is best known for its advanced point break, but just around the corner is Baby Point—a mellow, sand-bottomed wave that’s perfect for beginners. The bay is warm, the vibe is ultra-relaxed, and you’ll find plenty of surf instructors who know how to make newcomers feel comfortable. The surrounding area is full of coconut trees, wildlife, and reggae beach bars, making it a great destination for a low-key surf holiday. Surf in the morning, explore nature in the afternoon, and enjoy a beach bonfire at night.

The post Top 10 Surf Destinations for Beginners in 2025 appeared first on My Wave Finder.

As an intermediate surfer, you’ve likely outgrown sloppy beach breaks and are ready to challenge yourself on more powerful waves, maybe even some reef breaks. If you’re looking to push your skills in a safe but exciting way, here are 10 of the best surfing destinations for intermediate surfers around the world.

1. Indonesia

With some of the world’s most pristine and consistent waves, Indonesia is for sure a dreamy destination for intermediate surfers. While most waves are reef breaks, the surf in Indonesia is not strictly reserved for expert surfers. 

Surf spots like Uluwatu and Padang Padang offer a great challenge to surfers looking to improve their game.

Read our complete surfing guide to Bali, Indonesia

2. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an awesome tropical surfing destination with a lot of gentle waves and reef breaks. Arugam Bay, on the east side of the island is likely to please most intermediate surfers with a great selection of point breaks.

Read our complete surfing guide to Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

3. Hawaii

While Hawaii is often associated with powerful, expert-only waves, there are plenty of intermediate-friendly breaks across all major islands. Spots like Waikiki on Oahu or Lahaina Breakwall on Maui provide the perfect environment to progress safely in the birthplace of surfing.

Read : How to chose the right Hawaiian island on a surf trip

4. Nicaragua

Thanks to its unique geography and reliable offshore winds (over 300 days per year), Nicaragua offers consistent surf with fewer crowds. Playa Colorado is a great beach break where intermediate surfers can practice barrel riding over a soft, sandy bottom.

Read our complete surfing guide to Playa Colorado, Nicaragua

5. Morocco

Morocco is famous for its endless right-hand point breaks that are perfect for building confidence and style. Anchor Point in Taghazout is one of the best intermediate surf spots, offering long, rideable walls in a laid-back surf town.

Read our complete surfing guide to Taghazout, Morocco

6. Panama

Panama has a unique position with great surf spots both on the Pacific coast and on the Caribbean side. Intermediate surfers find a great challenge in Bocas del Toro as these amazing islands offer great surf breaks.

Read our complete surfing guide to Bocas del Toro, Panama

7. Maldives

Maldives represent paradise on Earth for most travelers and that is the case for surfers as well. With so many islands, there are a lot of surf spots to explore along the archipelago. Meanwhile, Maldives receive the same great swells that Indonesia receive every season.

Read our complete guide to Maldives

Find a Surf Camp in Maldives, starting at US$838

8. Philippines

The island of Siargao, in the Philippines is a paradise on Earth for intermediate surfers. Siargao is known for the surf spot Cloud Nine, which is an advanced wave. However, there are several more surf spots around the island which will suit intermediate surfers. 

Read our complete guide to Siargao Island, Philippines

9. New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the most beautiful and livable countries in the world and it also has a great surfing scene. Raglan, on the west side of North Island is a perfect place for intermediate surfers as it has a few amazing point breaks like Manu Bay.

Read our complete surfing guide to Raglan, New Zealand

10. El Salvador

With a great mix of point breaks, reef breaks and beach breaks, El Salvador is arguably the best surfing destination in Central America. It is a cheap destination that remains not as crowded as Costa Rica or Mexico. Punta Roca is a perfect surf spot for intermediate surfers as a long, peeling right hand break.

Read our complete surfing guide to El Salvador

The post 10 Best Surfing Destinations for Intermediate Surfers in 2025 appeared first on My Wave Finder.

Nicaragua is one of Central America’s most underrated surfing destinations. While Costa Rica and Mexico often steal the spotlight, Nicaragua quietly offers some of the world’s most consistent waves, uncrowded beaches, and incredibly affordable travel.

With over 300 days of offshore winds per year, warm water, and perfect weather, Nicaragua is a true surfing gem waiting to be explored.

Why Surf Nicaragua?

• 300+ Days of Offshore Winds Annually

• Uncrowded Surf Spots

• Cheap Food and Accommodation

• Consistent Waves Year-Round

• Tropical Water – No Wetsuit Needed

Nicaragua offers ideal conditions for surfers of all levels, from mellow beach breaks to powerful barreling waves.

Best Time to Surf Nicaragua

Good to know: Thanks to Lake Nicaragua, offshore winds blow almost year-round on the southwest coast, making it one of the most reliable surf zones in the world.

Best Places to Surf in Nicaragua

Popoyo

Popoyo is a small, yet quickly expanding surf town near Las Salinas, on the Nicaraguan west coast.

With a great laidback vibe, empty black sand beaches and awesome surf, Popoyo is great hidden gem in Central America.

Perfect for surfers of all levels, Popoyo has multiple surf spots within walking distance that work almost every day.

Read our Complete Surfing Guide to Playa Popoyo

Although Popoyo is a small and charming surf town, many surf camps, hotels and restaurants are ready to welcome surf enthusiasts and it won’t be hard to rent surfing equipment.

San Juan Del Sur

San Juan Del Sur is Nicaragua’s most popular surf town, surrounded by many of the country’s best surf spots like Playa Maderas, Playa Hermosa and El Yanke.

Not Only does San Juan Del Sur have great surfing potential, it also is a great place to meet fellow travelers, party, eat out and enjoy a lively surf town.

Read our surfing guide to San Juan Del Sur

In fact, San Juan Del Sur has many great beach bars and clubs as well as the famous Sunday Funday pub crawl, organized by two of best hostels in town. Fun guaranteed!

Playa Colorado

Playa Colorado is probably Nicaragua’s best surfing playground for intermediate to advanced surfers. The whole beach is known for being a barreling machine, day in, day out.

Beginners can also enjoy some waves on smaller days or by walking down to playa El Gigante which is sometimes more sheltered from bigger waves.

El Transito

El Transito is further up the coast and could be considered as one of the best places for beginners to learn how to surf in Nicaragua. 

Playa El Transito is a wide beach with plenty of different peaks, breaking on a sandy bottom, perfect for learners. Waves never get too radical, unless a big swell hits the coast.

Best Surf Camps in Nicaragua

Find a Surf Camp in Nicaragua, Starting at US$145

Popoyo 7-day All Inclusive Surf Camp for $739

• 2 surfing trips
• 2 amazing boat trips
• A tour to the Las Salinas
• Professional surfing guide
• 6 nights’ accommodation
• Daily delicious breakfast
• Airport transfers

What to do on flat days?

Nicaraguan is a great country to visit even for non surfers. Therefore, on flat days, you can still find some amazing things to day and not waste a single day on your trip.

Hop over to Isla Ometepe, a lush island in the middle of Lake Nicaragua, where you can climb one of the two volcanoes on the island as well as spot some amazing wildlife.

Cities of Leon and Granada are also great places to visit and explore the Nicaraguan culture via museums and landmarks.

Nicaragua Surf Trip Budget

Tip: Traveling in Nicaragua is affordable, especially if you eat at local restaurants and stay in surf camps that offer full packages with meals and surf lessons.

The post Ultimate Surfing Guide to Nicaragua appeared first on My Wave Finder.

Summary

Playa Colorado is a world-class surf destination on Nicaragua’s Pacific coast, located between Popoyo and Playa Gigante. Known for its consistent offshore winds and perfectly shaped barrels, Playa Colorado is one of the best surf spots in Nicaragua. The waves here break almost every day, making it a top pick for surfers looking for reliable conditions and less crowded lineups compared to nearby Costa Rica.

While Playa Colorado is best suited for intermediate and advanced surfers due to its powerful and hollow waves, there are also nearby spots like Playa Amarillo and Playa Gigante that are more beginner-friendly on smaller swells.

If you’re dreaming of perfect barrels on a tropical beach with warm water and offshore winds all day, Playa Colorado should definitely be on your surf trip list.

When to go

The best time to surf Playa Colorado, Nicaragua is from April to October, during the rainy season in Nicaragua. That is when swells are more consistent and winds become lighter, yet still offshore everyday.

Where to stay in Playa Colorado, Nicaragua

Browse our interactive map to find the best accommodation deals in Playa Colorado!

Surf Spots in Playa Colorado

Playa Colorado

Playa Colorado is the main break, known for its punchy barrels and fast walls. With consistent offshore winds, this beach break offers ideal surfing conditions almost every day. It’s a dream wave for barrel hunters and experienced surfers.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Mid-tide
• Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
• Optimal swell direction : E
• Optimal wind direction : SW

Panga Drops

North of Playa Colorado is a horseshoe reef break called Panga Drops which offers a nice A-frame wave that is usually bigger in size than Colorados. Panga Drops isn’t as hollow but is a powerful wave that is suitable for intermediate or advanced surfers. 

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Reef
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
• Optimal swell direction : E
• Optimal wind direction : SW

Playa Amarillo

A mellow, sandy beach break perfect for beginners and intermediates. Playa Amarillo offers smaller, softer waves and rarely gets crowded, making it ideal for learning or warming up.

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

Playa Gigante

Just south of Playa Colorado is Playa Gigante which will often have softer and smaller waves, suitable for beginners.

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

Getting to Playa Colorado

The easiest way to reach Playa Colorado is by flying into Managua International Airport. From there:

• Private taxi: ~US$100 (2-3 hours)

• Public bus: Budget-friendly, but takes significantly longer

• Shuttle services: Available from major tourist hubs like San Juan del Sur and Rivas

You can also fly into Liberia, Costa Rica and cross the border by shuttle if combining with a Costa Rican surf trip.

Safety/Things to know

• Currents: Can be strong, especially near the rocks and on big swell days. Surf within your limits.

• Respect locals: Playa Colorado is gaining popularity, but local surfers still have priority.

• Stingrays & sharks: Shuffle your feet when entering the water to avoid stingrays. Shark sightings are rare but possible.

• Offshore winds: Offshore winds are present almost every day, but can be quite strong in the dry season.

The post Playa Colorado, Nicaragua appeared first on My Wave Finder.

Nicaragua is a true surfers’ paradise…With 300+ days of offshore wind per year, tropical weather, cheap cost of living and consistent waves, Nicaragua has indeed become one of the world’s best surfing destination. The country also has many surf towns and surf spots which can make it a bit difficult to decide where to go to make the most of your surf trip.

Here are 5 places you have to put on your list for a successful surf trip in Nicaragua…

1. El Transito

Read our full surfing guide to El Transito, Nicaragua

El Transito is located just west of Managua, Nicaragua’s capital city. It is a quiet, yet extremely charming surf town with an awesome beach with tons of waves. Beginners and advanced surfers can all have fun on Playa El Transito as waves are gentle and consistent. 

Find a Surf Camp in El Transito, starting at US$330

2. Popoyo

Read our complete surfing guide to Popoyo, Nicaragua

Popoyo is one of Nicaragua’s best wave and most popular surf town for many good reasons. You can find a few different surf spots next to Popoyo whether you are looking for reef breaks or beach breaks. Therefore, all types of surfers can find their fix in Popoyo with consistent surf and magical waves.

Find a surf camp in Popoyo, starting at US$599

3. Playa El Yanke

Playa El Yanke is a remote beach located south of San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua’s most popular surf town. This beach has a great beach break as well as a wedge on the left end which starts working from mid to high tide. This section is a perfect A-frame which is usually more suitable for intermediate and advanced surfers. Playa El Yanke remains one of Nicaragua’s best surf spot, with a bit less crowd that the popular beaches that are Playa Maderas and Popoyo.

4. Playa Maderas

Playa Maderas is north of San Juan del Sur and is probably Nicaragua’s most popular surfing beach. Waves are consistent on almost any swell and the beach is picture perfect. There are a couple surf shops and surf schools for beginners to get a lesson or simply to rent your equipment. There are also a few nice accommodation options right next to Playa Maderas if you don’t fancy the 20-30 minute ride from San Juan del Sur.

5. Playa Colorado

Read our complete surfing guide to Playa Colorado

Playa Colodado is arguably the best place in the world to learn how to ride barrels. This beach has insanely consistent surfing conditions with clean offshore wind on a daily basis. With its sandy bottom and top to bottom barreling waves, it is a gentle way for surfers to try to find some shade and tuck into a Nicaraguan barrel.

The post 5 Best Surfing Beaches in Nicaragua appeared first on My Wave Finder.

Summary

El Transito is a peaceful, uncrowded surf town located on Nicaragua’s Pacific coast, just about two hours from Managua. It’s a laid-back destination perfect for surfers looking to escape the crowds and enjoy consistent waves, affordable living, and a welcoming local vibe.

With surfable waves nearly every day, El Transito is a great place to post up for a relaxed surf trip where you can surf multiple times a day and enjoy the slow pace of life.

Why Surf El Transito?

• Consistent waves year-round

• Beach break with soft, sandy bottom — beginner-friendly

• Uncrowded surf compared to San Juan del Sur or Popoyo

• Affordable surf camps, hostels, and restaurants

• Great community vibe and small-town tranquility

El Transito is ideal for all skill levels. The wide beach offers plenty of space, letting you find your own peak and surf without worrying about heavy localism or packed lineups.

When to go

The best time to surf El Transito, Nicaragua is from April to October, which is when waves are more consistent on Central America’s Pacific coast. However, El Transito receives great waves throughout the year which makes it a great surfing destination regardless of the time of the year.

Surf Spots in El Transito

El Transito Beach

El Transito’s main break is a beach break perfect for surfers of all skill levels. The waves here are typically soft and manageable, making it a great place for beginners to learn and for intermediates to practice.

• Wave Type: Beach break
• Direction: Rights and lefts
• Bottom: Sand
• Best Tide: Mid to high
• Skill Level: All levels
• Optimal Swell: SW
• Optimal Wind: NE

La Piscina

Located to the north of El Transito’s main beach, La Piscina is a more protected spot where the waves are usually smaller and mellower. Perfect for beginner surfers or when the main beach gets too big.

• Wave Type: Beach break
• Direction: Rights and lefts
• Bottom: Sand and some rocks
• Best Tide: Mid to high
• Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate
• Optimal Swell: SW
• Optimal Wind: NE

Where to stay

Browse our interactive map to find the best accommodation deals in El Transito!

Getting there

• From Managua: About a 1.5 to 2-hour drive.

• From León: Approximately 1 hour.

Transportation options:

• Private taxi: ~$70 to $80 USD

• Shuttle: Check with your hotel or surf camp for private shuttles.

• Public bus (chicken bus): ~$2 USD, but may take longer and involve multiple transfers.

The post El Transito, Nicaragua appeared first on My Wave Finder.

August is one of the most popular months to go on a surf trip, but finding the perfect destination can feel overwhelming. Based on our WaveFinder search engine, here are 10 of the best surfing destinations in August, rated for their prime conditions, consistency, and overall vibe.

To find the best surfing destination for YOU, try it out yourself!

Indonesia

Surfing conditions for the month of August in Indonesia

• Suitable for: All levels
• Average wave size: 6-8 feet
• Wave consistency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (100%)
• Water temperature: 29°C (84°F)
• Air temperature: 29°C (84°F)
• Crowd: Heavy

Indonesia is pumping every day in August. Whether you’re in Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, or the Mentawai Islands, you’ll score consistent surf with perfect offshore winds. This is one of the most reliable surf seasons on the planet.

To find which Indonesian island suits you best, read our surfing guide to Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa and the Mentawai Islands.

Maldives

Surfing conditions for the month of August in Maldives

• Suitable for: Intermediate and advanced
• Average wave size: 7 feet
• Wave consistency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (95%)
• Water temperature: 28°C (82°F)
• Air temperature: 28°C (82°F)
• Crowd: Fairly crowded

The Maldives light up in August with world-class reef breaks and crystal-clear waves. While it’s often viewed as a luxury destination, budget-friendly surf options are available if you plan smart.

Read our complete surfing guide to the Maldives

Costa Rica

Surfing conditions for the month of August in Costa Rica

• Suitable for: All levels
• Average wave size: 5 feet
• Wave consistency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (90%)
• Water temperature: 29°C (84°F)
• Air temperature: 29°C (84°F)
• Crowd: Fairly crowded

August is still peak season in Costa Rica, especially on the Pacific Coast. This is a great time to surf Pavones, one of the world’s longest lefts. Costa Rica is perfect for all levels thanks to its consistency, warm water, and friendly surf towns.

Nicaragua

Surfing conditions for the month of August in Nicaragua

• Suitable for: All levels
• Average wave size: 5 feet
• Wave consistency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (85%)
• Water temperature: 29°C (84°F)
• Air temperature: 29°C (84°F)
• Crowd: Reasonable

Nicaragua is already known as one of the world’s most consistent surfing destinations due to its 320+ days of offshore winds. However, the month of August also happens to be during the peak swell season in Central America. Therefore, on a surf trip in Nicaragua during the month of August will most likely allow you to surf 5-star surf every single day. At surf spots like Popoyo, Playa Colorado or El Transito, you are almost certain to score perfect waves throughout the month of August in Nicaragua.

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

Mexico

Surfing conditions for the month of August in Mexico

Suitable for: All levels
Average wave size: 5 feet
Wave consistency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (95%)
Water temperature: 28°C (82°F)
Air temperature: 27°C (80°F)
Crowd: Fairly crowded

Mexico also benefits from the South Pacific ocean’s activity during the month of August and some surf towns like Puerto Escondido and Sayulita truly become like paradise. Weather is also very enjoyable in Mexico at this time of the year, so leave your wet suits behind and enjoy some warm, epic waves!

Check out surf camps in Sayulita, starting at $800!

Tahiti

Surfing conditions for the month of August in Tahiti

• Suitable for: Advanced surfers
• Average wave size: 10 feet
• Wave consistency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (100%)
• Water temperature: 23°C (73°F)
• Air temperature: 21°C (70°F)
• Crowd: Reasonable

August is prime time for heavy south swells and powerful reef breaks in Tahiti. Teahupo’o is the crown jewel, often hosting the World Surf League event this month. These waves are heavy and shallow, best left to experienced surfers.

Read our complete surfing guide to Tahiti, French Polynesia

South Africa

Surfing conditions for the month of August in South Africa

• Suitable for: Intermediate and advanced
• Average wave size: 8 feet
• Wave consistency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (100%)
• Water temperature: 16°C (61°F)
• Air temperature: 13°C (55°F)
• Crowd: Reasonable

August is right by the end of the South African winter season which means the country still receives its share of massive swells from storms passing by Antarctica. This allows surf spots on the whole coastline to set up perfectly offering decent waves on almost any given day. Through the cold and sharky waters, surfers can find some true gems in South Africa.

Read our surfing guide to Muizenberg and Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa

Australia

Surfing conditions for the month of August in Australia

• Suitable for: All levels
• Average wave size: 3-10 feet
• Wave consistency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (80%)
• Water temperature: Varies
• Air temperature: Varies
• Crowd: Fairly crowded

August means winter in Australia, which is when swells are as consistent as they will get throughout the year. Therefore, whether you are on the east coast, down in Victoria, or in Western Australia, it is time to score big. Winter obviously also means colder weather and water temperatures but it is sometimes the price to pay to have better, bigger waves and less surfers in the line-up.

Fiji

Surfing conditions for the month of August in Fiji

• Suitable for: All levels
• Average wave size: 6 feet
• Wave consistency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (95%)
• Water temperature: 26°C (79°F)
• Air temperature: 23°C (73°F)
• Crowd: Reasonable

Fiji’s legendary reef breaks fire in August. Iconic spots like Cloudbreak and Restaurants offer powerful, fast, and perfectly shaped waves. Dry season weather keeps things comfortable both in and out of the water.

Read our complete surfing guide to Fiji

Peru

Surfing conditions for the month of August in Peru

• Suitable for: All levels
• Average wave size: 6 feet
• Wave consistency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (95%)
• Water temperature: 18°C (64°F)
• Air temperature: 17°C (63°F)
• Crowd: Reasonable

Home to the world’s longest wave, Peru is sometimes a forgotten surfing destination. However, the month of August is a great time to see Chicama’s real potential turn to life. In August the whole South Pacific is very active and many storms push great waves towards the South American west coast, including Peru.

Read our complete surfing guide to Chicama, Peru

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

For many surfing destinations, the month of May marks the beginning of their peak surfing season. The South Pacific and the Indian Ocean, for example, are both entering their most active period of the year with consistent swells forming in both oceans. Therefore, the month of May is a great time of the year to go on a surf trip as the big summer crowds that can be experienced in June, July and August are not established just yet.

Here are 10 of our favorite surfing destinations with the best surfing conditions during the month of May!

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

Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Surfing conditions for the month of May in Costa Rica

Suitable skill level: Any
Average wave size: 5 feet
Swell consistency: 95%
Water temperature: 29°C 84°F
Air temperature: 29°C 84°F
Crowd: Reasonable

Costa Rica is a very safe bet when it comes to chosing a surfing destination. Furthermore, during the month of May, Costa Rica’s surf is getting more consistent while crowds remain at a decent level.

Santa Teresa, in the Mal Pais region, is a great place to settle on a surf trip to Costa Rica for its laidback vibe, great waves and pure Costa Rican culture.

Read our complete surfing guide to Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua

Surfing conditions for the month of May in Nicaragua

Suitable skill level: Any
Average wave size: 5 feet
Swell consistency: 95%
Water temperature: 29°C 84°F
Air temperature: 29°C 84°F
Crowd: Fairly crowded

Nicaragua is Costa Rica’s direct northern neighbor and receives the same spectacular waves during the month of May, with half the crowd you will find in Costa Rica. Therefore, Nicaragua is slowly becoming a very popular surfing destination in Central America due to lack of major touristy infrastructure and cheap traveling costs.

San Juan Del Sur is an amazing place to settle on a surf trip to Nicaragua due to its liveliness, great restaurants, bars and accommodation. There are also several decent surf spots to be found in the area, most of them requiring a shuttle or motorbike to get there.

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

Lombok, Indonesia

Surfing conditions for the month of May in Indonesia

Suitable skill level: Any
Average wave size: 7 feet
Swell consistency: 100%
Water temperature: 28°C 82°F
Air temperature: 28°C 82°F
Crowd: Reasonable

Indonesia is already established as one of the best and most consistent surfing destinations in the world. During the month of May, that statement is even more accurate as the country is experiencing some of its best surfing conditions of the year.

Lombok, direct neighbor to Bali, is a very nice place to go on a surf trip as it doesn’t the same thick crowds as Bali, but still has the same decent waves.

Read our complete surfing guide to Lombok, Indonesia

Andaman Islands, India

Surfing conditions for the month of May in India

Suitable skill level: Intermediate and Expert
Average wave size: 5 feet
Swell consistency: 70%
Water temperature: 29°C 84°F
Air temperature: 28°C 82°F
Crowd: Empty

India is not primarily known for its surfing conditions. However, the Andaman Islands, a small archipelago located in the Bay of Bengal has some incredible surf from March to May. The whole year, winds are onshore or swells are just inexistent, but during that small 3 months period, conditions really align and you can have a perfect surf trip without anyone else in the water. The Andaman Islands are also one of the few places in the world with unexplored waves and surf spots! 

Read our complete surfing guide to the Andaman Islands

Maldives

Surfing conditions for the month of May in Maldives

Suitable skill level: Intermediate and Expert
Average wave size: 5 feet
Swell consistency: 85%
Water temperature: 29°C 84°F
Air temperature: 28°C 82°F
Crowd: Fairly crowded

The month of May really marks the beginning of the surfing season in the Maldives and most reef breaks turn to life. The archipelago is huge but the easier and cheaper option is to stick to the North Male Atoll which will give you great access to many world-class surf spots. While beginners can still have a lot of fun in the Maldives, this surfing destination is better for experienced surfers as they will make the most of those amazing reef breaks!

Read our complete surfing guide to the Maldives

Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

Surfing conditions for the month of May in Sri Lanka

Suitable skill level: Any
Average wave size: 6 feet
Swell consistency: 85%
Water temperature: 29°C 84°F
Air temperature: 28°C 82°F
Crowd: Reasonable

The month of May is also one of the best time to surf Arugam Bay, on Sri Lanka’s east coast. At this time of the year, winds are slowly shifting offshore and swells pick up in size and consistency. 

This part of Sri Lanka is simply stunning being surrounded with amazing wildlife and epic point breaks. Waves in Arugam Bay are usually in the mid-size range and are perfectly enjoyable for surfers of all levels. 

Find a surf camp in Sri Lanka starting at US$300

Baja California, Mexico

Surfing conditions for the month of May in Mexico

Suitable skill level: Any
Average wave size: 5 feet
Swell consistency: 90%
Water temperature: 25°C 78°F
Air temperature: 27°C 81°F
Crowd: Fairly crowded

Baja California, in Mexico, is one of the world’s best surfing destination at any given time throughout the year. With amazing point breaks and unexplored territories, Baja California is very rewarding in many ways for anyone going on a surf trip down here. During the month of May, you can expect consistent surfing conditions in the peninsula and possibilities to surf almost every day!

Read our complete surfing guides to North Baja California and Baja California Sur

Piha, New Zealand

Surfing conditions for the month of May in New Zealand

Suitable skill level: Any
Average wave size: 8 feet
Swell consistency: 85%
Water temperature: 17°C 63°F
Air temperature: 14°C 57°F
Crowd: Reasonable

Located just about an hour drive away from Auckland, Piha is one of the most popular surfing destination on New Zealand’s North Island. In May, the surf here is truly wonderful with swells picking up after a slower summer season and weather still being warm and pleasant. Piha is mostly a vast beach break which will suit most types of surfers.

Read our complete surfing guide to Piha, New Zealand

Gold Coast, Australia

Surfing conditions for the month of May in Australia

Suitable skill level: Any
Average wave size: 6 feet
Swell consistency: 80%
Water temperature: 21°C 70°F
Air temperature: 18°C 64°F
Crowd: Very crowded

In May, Australia is slowly transitioning into its winter season which usually means bigger and better waves. Weather is still quite warm and the summer crowds are behind us. On the Gold Coast, spring surfing also means cyclone season! With a bit of luck you could catch a late cyclone swell and ride a perfect wave from Snapper Rocks all the way to Kirra!

Read our complete surfing guide to the East Coast of Australia

Muizenberg, South Africa

Surfing conditions for the month of May in South Africa

Suitable skill level: Any
Average wave size: 8 feet
Swell consistency: 100%
Water temperature: 17°C 63°F
Air temperature: 15°C 59°F
Crowd: Fairly crowded

During the month of May, Muizenberg is a perfect surf town to settle and enjoy great waves on a daily basis. Located just outside of Cape Town, Muizenberg has become a little surfing haven for surfers of all levels. At this time of the year, swells are starting to hit the bay pretty consistently and offer amazing waves at several different surf spots.

Read our complete surfing guide to Muizenberg, South Africa

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

July is one of the best months of the year to go on a surf trip. Across the globe, many countries enjoy prime surfing conditions with consistent swells and waves peaking in size. Whether you’re a beginner looking to catch your first green waves or an experienced surfer chasing barrels, July offers epic surf destinations for all levels.

Here are our 10 top surf spots for July that you should definitely have on your radar.

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

Sumbawa, Indonesia

• Suitable for: Intermediate & Expert
• Average wave size: 6 feet
• Swell consistency: ★★★★★ (100%)
• Water temperature: 29°C (84°F)
• Air temperature: 29°C (84°F)
• Crowd: Reasonable

Why surf Sumbawa in July?
Indonesia fires on all cylinders in July, and Sumbawa’s reef breaks are at their best. With heavy, hollow waves like Super Suck, Yoyo’s, and Lakey Peak, it’s a dream for experienced surfers. Beginners should stick to Bali or Lombok, which offer safer, mellow waves.

Read our complete surfing guide to Sumbawa, Indonesia

Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

• Suitable for: All levels
• Average wave size: 6 feet
• Swell consistency: ★★★★☆ (90%)
• Water temperature: 28°C (82°F)
• Air temperature: 29°C (84°F)
• Crowd: Reasonable

Why surf Arugam Bay in July?
July is Arugam Bay’s peak surf season. Soft, right-hand point breaks like Baby Point and Main Point offer perfect long rides for beginners and advanced surfers alike. The laidback vibe and stunning Sri Lankan coastline make it a bucket-list destination.

Read our complete surfing guide to Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

San Jun Del Sur, Nicaragua

• Suitable for: All levels
• Average wave size: 5 feet
• Swell consistency: ★★★★☆ (85%)
• Water temperature: 29°C (84°F)
• Air temperature: 29°C (84°F)
• Crowd: Fairly crowded

Why surf Nicaragua in July?
Nicaragua has world-class conditions in July, powered by reliable offshore winds. San Juan Del Sur is a vibrant surf town with easy access to Playa Maderas, Playa Hermosa, and more. For a quieter surf trip, head to nearby Popoyo.

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

Find a surf camp in San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua

Kovalam, India

• Suitable for: All levels
• Average wave size: 6 feet
• Swell consistency: ★★★★☆ (90%)
• Water temperature: 28°C (82°F)
• Air temperature: 26°C (79°F)
• Crowd: Few people

Why surf Kovalam in July?
Often overlooked, Kovalam is one of India’s best surf spots. In July, the Indian Ocean sends in consistent swells, and the relaxed fishing village vibe makes it a unique surf trip for those seeking something off the beaten path.

Read our complete surfing guide to Kovalam, India

Bells Beach, Australia

• Suitable for: Intermediate & Advanced
• Average wave size: 8 feet
• Swell consistency: ★★★★☆ (80%)
• Water temperature: 10°C (50°F)
• Air temperature: 13°C (55°F)
• Crowd: Fairly crowded

Why surf Bells Beach in July?
July is Australia’s winter surf season, and Bells Beach is at its best. The waves are powerful and perfect for advanced surfers, but you’ll need a thick wetsuit. For warmer waters, head north to Byron Bay or the Gold Coast.

Read our complete surfing guide to Bells Beach, Torquay, Australia

Puerto Escondido, Mexico

• Suitable for: Intermediate & Advanced
• Average wave size: 12 feet
• Swell consistency: ★★★★★ (95%)
• Water temperature: 30°C (86°F)
• Air temperature: 30°C (86°F)
• Crowd: Fairly crowded

Why surf Puerto Escondido in July?
Home to the legendary Mexican Pipeline, July is peak season at Playa Zicatela. Expect heavy barrels and pumping surf. If conditions get too big, nearby breaks like La Punta offer more manageable waves.

Read our complete surfing guide to Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Find a Surf Camp in Puerto Escondido, starting at US$389

Tofino, Canada

• Suitable for: All levels
• Average wave size: 5 feet
• Swell consistency: ★★★☆☆ (60%)
• Water temperature: 15°C (59°F)
• Air temperature: 17°C (63°F)
• Crowd: Fairly crowded

Why surf Tofino in July?
Tofino is Canada’s surf capital. July offers mellow longboard waves, great for beginners and intermediate surfers. The summer weather is at its best, and the natural beauty of Vancouver Island is a huge draw.

Read our complete surfing guide to Tofino, Canada

Montañita, Ecuador

• Suitable for: All levels
• Average wave size: 6 feet
• Swell consistency: ★★★★★ (100%)
• Water temperature: 22°C (72°F)
• Air temperature: 24°C (75°F)
• Crowd: Reasonable

Why surf Montañita in July?
Ecuador’s prime surf season peaks in July. Montañita offers fun, consistent waves with a lively surf-town vibe. Even though it’s technically winter, the weather remains very pleasant.

Read our complete surfing guide to Montañita, Ecuador

Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa

• Suitable for: Intermediate & Advanced
• Average wave size: 5 feet
• Swell consistency: ★★★★★ (95%)
• Water temperature: 17°C (63°F)
• Air temperature: 17°C (63°F)
• Crowd: Fairly crowded

Why surf Jeffrey’s Bay in July?
July is prime time at J-Bay, one of the world’s longest and most perfect right-hand point breaks. Expect long rides and flawless walls of water. This is a dream destination for intermediate and advanced surfers.

Read our complete surfing guide to Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa

Waikiki, Hawaii

• Suitable for: All levels
• Average wave size: 5 feet
• Swell consistency: ★★★☆☆ (75%)
• Water temperature: 27°C (81°F)
• Air temperature: 27°C (81°F)
• Crowd: Very crowded

Why surf Waikiki in July?
July is prime season for Waikiki’s long, rolling waves. Perfect for beginners and longboarders, Waikiki is one of the best spots in Hawaii to learn and enjoy a classic surf trip. Expect crowds, but the aloha vibe makes it all worthwhile.

Read our complete surfing guide to Oahu, Hawaii

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

Having consistent waves and being able to surf everyday is the one thing everyone is looking for in a surfing destination. There is nothing more frustrating than going on a surf trip and being stuck with a whole week of flat ocean.

Therefore, it is important to chose a surfing destination wisely, using our WaveFinder search engine.

Here are the 10 destinations which have the highest overall conditions consistency percentage throughout the year. This percentage reflects the number of “surfable” days in a year or month. 90% consistency means you can surf 9 days out of 10…With that being said, here are the 10 surfing destinations with the most consistent waves and surfing conditions.

1. Indonesia

Overall surf consistency : 95%

Indonesia’s reputation for being the best surfing destination in the world is now pretty solid and undisputed. Not only is this country fed by extremely consistent ground swells throughout the year, it is one of the cheapest places to travel to.

Indonesia is also a pretty versatile surfing destination with several islands to chose from depending on the type of waves you are looking for. Bali and Lombok will be good for surfers of all levels while Sumbawa and the Mentawai Islands are some of the best places in the world to chase barrels.

2. Hawaii

Overall surf consistency : 95%

Hawaii is a small archipelago located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Therefore, Hawaii is exposed to swells of all angles at any time throughout the year. In winter, the islands’ north shores go absolutely crazy with waves often reaching monstrous size. In summer, the south side of the Hawaiian Islands get fed by southern ground swells, providing smaller, yet very clean waves.

Therefore, no matter when you visit Hawaii you are almost certain to be able to catch some waves. It is only up to you to decide what kind of waves you are looking for. 

Read Which Hawaiian Island is Best for a Surf Trip

3. Nicaragua

Overall surf consistency : 90%

With more than 300 days of offshore winds in a year, Nicaragua is one of the world’s most consistent surfing destination. Due to the geographical position of Lake Nicaragua, pushing wind towards the coast, Nicaragua is in a unique position where it has optimal wind conditions on a daily basis. On top of that feature, the west coast of Central America is fed with distant ground swells year-round, peaking from April to October.

Nicaragua is also a very cheap place to travel to, often less crowded than its neighbor Costa Rica.

Read our complete surfing guides to Popoyo and San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua

4. Ecuador

Overall surf consistency : 90%

Exposed to both northerly and southerly swells, Ecuador is definitely amongst the world’s most consistent surfing destinations. Ecuador’s most popular surf town, Montañita has a swell consitency of 90% at any given month throughout the year. Therefore, whether you go to Montañita in winter or summer, you will be able to surf 9 days out of 10 on average!

Not only are waves consistent in Ecuador, the weather is also some of the warmest and most consistent in the world making it a very pleasant place to go on holiday!

Read our complete surfing guide to Montañita, Ecuador

5. Australia

Overall surf consistency : 85%

Australia has one of the strongest surfing culture in the world for good reasons. Not only is the country surrounded by hundreds of beaches, it also receives swells on a very consistent basis.

Western Australia is the big winner in terms of consistency as the Indian Ocean’s ground swells typically offer more consistent waves than what can be found on the east coast, for example.

Down south, Torquay and Bells Beach also receive their good share of waves, hence why Bells is one of the top places to surf in Australia. 

The east coast might be slightly less consistent, it is where the highest amount of surf spots are found in Australia with places like Manly Beach, Byron Bay and Gold Coast.

Read our complete surfing guides to Byron Bay, Western Australia and Bells Beach.

6. Tahiti, French Polynesia

Overall surf consistency : 85%

Being strategically located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Tahiti receives swells of all different angles making it one of the most consistent surfing destinations in the world.

In Tahiti, from April to November, the south side is an absolute wave machine with several reef breaks offering world-class waves. 

Then, from December to March, the north side lights up catching the same swells as Hawaii, just a bit later and usually not as strong.

Therefore, whenever you visit Tahiti, you are almost certain to find a surf spot with decent surfing conditions on any given day.

Read our complete surfing guide to Tahiti, French Polynesia

7. South Africa

Overall surf consistency : 85%

South Africa has a huge coastline covering both the Atlantic and Indian Ocean. Many storms pass between Antarctica and the African continent, pushing consistent swells towards South Africa. 

Near Cape Town, Muizenberg is a very popular and charming surfing destination while Jeffrey’s Bay and Durban are the two mains surf towns further east.

While sharks remain an issue in South Africa, the waves truly are worth the risk as some of the best surf spots in the world are found in this country.

Read our complete surfing guides to Jeffrey’s Bay and Muizenberg

8. Costa Rica

Overall surf consistency : 85%

Costa Rica is a very popular surfing destination in Central America mostly because of how consistent its waves are. Most surf spots are beach breaks that work almost everyday throughout the year. The Pacific side will work at any given time but becomes more consistent from April to November while the Caribbean side will work from December to March.

The strong surfing culture and consistent weather are two other reasons that make Costa Rica a very enjoyable surfing destination. 

Read our complete surfing guides to Tamarindo, Santa Teresa and Nosara

9. Mexico

Overall surf consistency : 85%

Mexico is also amongst the most popular surfing destinations mostly due to its incredibly consistent surf. The pacific coastline starts at the Californian border, in Baja California, and stretches all the way down to Guatemala.

Therefore, Mexico is exposed to both northerly and southerly swells making it a safe bet when planning a surf trip. Puerto Escondido is one of Mexico’s best surf town with a wave at Playa Zicatela that is often compared to Hawaii’s Pipeline.

For beginners, Sayulita is a charming surf town which has mellow waves, perfect to make your first steps in the water.

Surfers looking to stay off the beaten path can aim for Baja California Sur which has several world-class breaks with a fraction of the usual crowd.

10. New Zealand

Overall surf consistency : 80%

The whole west coast of New Zealand is fed by consistent southwesterly ground swells, making it a very underrated surfing destination. When the wind is not in the right direction, you can sometimes just hop over to the east side of the country and still get some decent surf.

Raglan, on the country’s North Island, is the number one surf town in New Zealand with a famous surf spot called Manu Bay. This left-hand point break was featured in the movie Endless Summer and remains one of the best waves in the world.

Read our complete surfing guide to Raglan, New Zealand

The post 10 Most Consistent Surfing Destinations appeared first on My Wave Finder.