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1. Indonesia

Not only is Indonesia one of the cheapest surfing destinations in the world, it also is one of the best, period. With many world-class breaks either on Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, Sumatra or in the Mentawai Islands, Indonesia has definitely become a must-visit destination for every passionate surfer.

Waves are consistent throughout the year, peaking from May to October and a typical day can cost you less than $25.

2. South Africa

Known as the surfing mecca of its continent, South Africa has a wide coastline that connects two different oceans and is home to some very popular world class waves.

Despite being a sharky country, South Africa is attracting surfing adepts from all over the world due to its cheap cost of traveling, amazing landscapes and stunning wildlife.

3. Sri Lanka

Located right below India, Sri Lanka is somewhat similar to its northern neighbor, without the big chaos that is found pretty much everywhere around India. It will also be slightly more expensive, but nothing outrageous. A day will easily cost you less than $30.

The whole south side of Sri Lanka is very popular from November to April due to favorable winds. There are several surf towns spread along this side of the island such as Hikkaduwa, Ahangama, Midigama, Weligama and Mirissa.

During the rest of the year, you can head to Arugam Bay, on the east coast which has several point breaks as well as offering a very special laid-back surfing vibe. This region is also where the best waves in Sri Lanka will be found.

4. Peru

Peru is one of South America’s most underrated surf havens, especially for those traveling on a budget. With its low cost of living, affordable accommodation, and abundant local eateries, surfing in Peru can cost as little as $20–30 per day. Peru is also home to the longest wave in the world, Chicama, where rides can stretch over a kilometer on a good day.

Coastal towns like Huanchaco, Punta Hermosa, and Máncora offer consistent waves for all levels, a laid-back surf culture, and plenty of low-cost lodging. Transportation is also cheap and accessible, with buses and moto-taxis connecting the surf towns easily.

5. Nicaragua

Nicaragua offers some of the cheapest and most consistent waves of our list. With 300+ days of offshore wind every year, surf towns like San Juan Del Sur, Popoyo and Playa Colorado are all great places to settle down and score perfect waves every day without spending a pretty dime.

6. Ecuador

Ecuador is not the most popular surfing destination in South America, with Brazil, Chile and Peru stealing most of the spotlight. However, the surf in this small country is insanely consistent and fun.

Montanita is a small surfing village located near Guayaquil which is a great place to set a base on a surf trip to Ecuador. A typical day will cost you no more than $30 and you are almost certain to get waves and be able to enjoy tropical weather in a very friendly environment.

7. El Salvador

El Salvador has seen its reputation hurt by political instability in the last few decades. However, now that things have settled a bit, it is now a very interesting surfing destination in Central America. This country has many world-class point breaks like Punta Roca, Salvador’s most popular surf spot.

Since tourism is still low compared to Costa Rica, for example, the costs associated with a surf trip to El Salvador are very reasonable for the overall quality of its waves.

8. India

India might simply be the world’s cheapest country to travel to. In fact, accommodation and food can cost you less than $20 per day…There is also some decent surf in this country that is usually not mainly visited for its waves.

The region of Kerala, down south, is pretty exposed during the swell season that runs from March to November.

If you feel more adventurous, the Andaman Islands still have a few unexplored waves waiting for you…This trip will be a little more expansive though, due to lack of infrastructure.

9. Morocco

Morocco is a world-class surfing destination, known for its dreamy point breaks, rich surfing culture and cheap costs of living. While surfing in Morocco, you can easily find accommodation for as cheap as $10 per night and eating out at a restaurant can cost you less than $5.

When you add the rich Berber and Islamic culture, year round sunshine and delicious cuisine, you get a cheap and rewarding surfing destination that should be on every surfers bucket list for 2025. Great surf towns in Morocco include Taghazout and Sidi Kaouki.

10. Philippines

Philippines is still a fairly underrated surfing destination in Asia. However, this archipelago has some amazing surf spots that can definitely match the quality of any waves in Indonesia or Maldives.

The island of Siargao is known as the surfing capital of the Philippines with many great waves like Cloud 9 which could be considered like the Asian version of Backdoor.

There are also several spots for less experience surfers which are perfect to get into reef break surfing. On top of that, food and accommodation are very affordable on the island.

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Learning how to surf can feel incredibly 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, having fun and enjoying being in the water.

Luckily, there are plenty of beginner-friendly surfing 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.

1. Taghazout, Morocco

Taghazout is a laid-back surf town that became one of Morocco’s top surfing 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

The best time to learn how to surf in Taghazout is from October to April which is when the Atlantic Ocean produces nice waves for the Moroccan coastline. On some winter days, waves do get pretty gnarly and beginners will have a harder time, but overall it remains the best season to catch waves in Taghazout.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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