Planning a surf trip can quickly go from being an exciting event to an overwhelming experience. There are so many surfing destinations to chose from and they all offer different surfing conditions depending on the time of the year.

Luckily, picking the perfect surfing destination for a surf trip shouldn’t be this hard, as long as you know what you are looking for…and where to look.

The MyWaveFinder search engine is a perfect and free tool to filter out over a hundred surfing destinations and see which ones meet your criteria.

What to look for when choosing a surfing destination

skill level

The first step is knowing your skill level. A beginner surfer will not chose a surfing destination the same way an expert would.

For instance, reef breaks can potentially be slightly more dangerous than sandy beaches, which can be an important thing to look at when picking a surf spot. 

Time of the year

Depending on the season, surfing destinations will offer different surfing conditions. Therefore, if you want to surf Pipeline, on the North Shore of Oahu, you want to go from December to March, otherwise you might not even see an actual wave!

As beginners, you want to chose surfing destinations when conditions are smaller. For instance, learning to surf in Portugal is totally possible in summer, but if you show up mid winter, waves could very well reach over 10 feet in size!

It is crucial to factor in the time of the year when looking at a potential surfing destination for a surf trip.

Budget

Knowing your budget is crucial when going on a surf trip as some surfing destinations will be much cheaper than others. For example, a day in Hawaii or Tahiti will cost you the same as a whole week in Indonesia or Nicaragua. 

On a surf trip, money spending can easily ramp up, especially when carrying your own surfboards and having to hire boats to reach some remote surf spots.

Weather and temperature

On the comfort side of things, some people picture a perfect surf trip to be in a tropical environment. Another big turnoff for some people is the whole wetsuit thing. if you don’t want to carry any neoprene, stick to water temperatures above 75°F (25°C).

Other activities

Another important thing is to decide what matters for you on a surf trip. Do you want to just surf day in, day out regardless of what else there is to do around or do you want a balanced surf trip with some visiting, partying, yoga etc.

Some surfing destinations like Bali or Costa Rica offer several possibilities to enjoy yourself beside surfing, whereas remote places like Micronesia or Tahiti might leave you more depending on the surfing conditions.

Making the final call

Once you have established all those parameters, simply find the surfing destinations that suit all of them. The best way is by using the free WaveFinder search engine, which will filter over a hundred potential surfing destinations for you!

The post How to Decide Where to go on a Surf Trip appeared first on My Wave Finder.

Mexico is a popular surfing destination in America for its cheap cost of living, great beaches and tropical weather. However, due to the country’s impressive size, it can be hard to decide where to settle on a surf trip to Mexico. Here are our top 5 options of places to go on a surf trip to Mexico to have the best possible experience.

Top find the best surfing destination for YOU, try our FREE WaveFinder search engine!

Sayulita

Read our complete surfing guide to Sayulita, Mexico

Sayulita is a buzzing surf town with a great mix or tranquility, party, quality surf and beautiful beaches. Sayulita is in the Nayarit region and receives most swells coming from the Pacific Ocean, making it a very consistent surfing destination in Mexico! With many surf spots, Sayulita is perfect for surfers of all levels as everyone can find its perfect wave…

Book a Surf Camp in Sayulita, starting at US$710

Puerto Escondido

Read our complete surfing guide to Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Puerto Escondido has a reputation for being one of the heaviest beach break on Earth. In fact, Playa Zicatela, which is Puerto Escondido’s main surf spot turns into a barreling machine from April to October. However, even beginners can find some waves in Puerto Escondido whether it is during the low season, from November to March, or at some sheltered spots during the high season.

Book a Surf Camp in Puerto Escondido, starting at US$333

Huatulco (Barra de la Cruz)

Read our complete surfing guide to Barra de la Cruz, Mexico

Halfway between Puerto Escondido and Salina Cruz is a world-class point break called Barra de la Cruz. This surf spot is famous for the World Surf League event which was held here in 2006 in epic conditions. Waves in Barra de la Cruz are usually a bit more fickle and smaller than Puerto Escondido, but when it does turn on, it is probably Mexico’s best wave.

Baja California Sur

Read our complete surfing guide to Baja California Sur

The Baja California peninsula is a very fertile land in terms of waves and surf spots. Many surfers who venture in Baja California Sur do so to find some uncrowded, perfect waves which they will find towards the middle of the peninsula. Down south, at the tip of Baja, is Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo which attracts more crowd and development. Either way, there are great waves to be found everywhere in Baja Sur.

Book a Surf Camp in Baja California Sur, starting at US$185

North Baja California

Read our complete surfing guide to North Baja California

North Baja includes the cities of Tijuana and Ensenada which both have great waves. Once again, for more adventure and uncrowded surf, you may way want to venture towards the center of Baja California towards Rosarito. This small surf town if a perfect place to have a mix of nightlife and surfing and fall in love with Baja California!

The post 5 Best Places to Surf in Mexico appeared first on My Wave Finder.

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

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

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

1. Hawaii

Surfing conditions for January in Hawaii:

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

Read our surfing guide to Maui, Hawaii

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

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

2. Puerto Rico

Surfing conditions for January in Puerto Rico:

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

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

3. Barbados

Surfing conditions for January in Barbados:

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

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

4. Canary Islands

Surfing conditions for January in Canary Islands:

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

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

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

5. Morocco

Surfing conditions for January in Morocco:

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

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

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

6. Portugal

Surfing conditions for January in Portugal:

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

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

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

7. Costa Rica

Surfing conditions for January in Costa Rica:

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

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

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

8. France

Surfing conditions for January in France:

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

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

Find a surf camp in France, starts at $US476

9. Senegal

Surfing conditions for January in Senegal:

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

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

10. South Sri Lanka

Surfing conditions for January in South Sri Lanka:

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

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

Read our surfing guide to South Sri Lanka

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

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

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

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

1. Peniche

Read our complete surfing guide to Peniche

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

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

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

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

2. Cascais

Read our complete surfing guide to Cascais

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

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

3. Azores

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

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

Read our complete surfing guide to the Azores

4. Ericeira

Read our complete surfing guide to Ericeira

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

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

5. Sagres

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

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

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

6. Lagos

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

Read our surfing guide to Algarve

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

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.

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.

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

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

Ericeira, Portugal

Read our complete surfing guide to Ericeira, Portugal

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

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

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

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

Newquay, England

Read our complete  Surfing Guide to Cornwall, England

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

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

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

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

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

Hossegor, France

Read our Surfing  Guide to Hossegor, France

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

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

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

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

San Sebastian, Spain

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

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

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

Read our Surfing Guide to San Sebastian, Spain

Sagres, Portugal

Read our Surfing Guide to Algarve, Portugal

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

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

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

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

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

Klitmøller, Denmark

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

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

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

Read our Surfing Guide to Klitmøller, Denmark

Mundaka, Spain

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

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

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

Biarritz, France

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

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

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

Lofoten, Norway

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

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

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

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

Read our complete surfing guide to Norway

Canary Islands

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

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

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

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

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

Read our Surfing Guide to the Canary Islands

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

For decades, surfers have been travelling around the globe, looking for the world’s best and most challenging waves. Whether it is in Indonesia, Australia, Hawaii or Mexico, many surfers now claim that they found the perfect wave.

Here are 25 of the world’s best waves and surf spots that should be on every surfer’s bucket list…

Try our unique WaveFinder search engine to find the surf spots that fit your needs!

Anchor Point, Morocco

Morocco is known for having several world-class right-hand waves along its coastline. One of them is Anchor Point, an iconic surf spot located near Taghazout, the country’s most popular surf town.

Anchor Point is a forgiving point break that can be surfed by all types of surfers as long as the swell isn’t too big. This long, perfectly peeling wave is hands down one of the best waves on the African continent and in the world.

Read our full surf guide to Taghazout, Morocco

Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa

Jeffrey’s Bay is a series of several points which will sometimes connect to form an epic wave that can run for more than a couple miles. This wave requires a certain skill level to generate enough speed to make every section. More often than not, it will also offer a few barreling sections…not only is this Africa’s surfing mecca, but it is also considered as one of the three best waves on Earth by several pro surfers.

Read our full surf guide to Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa

Pasta Point, Maldives

This wave is a very consistent left-hander and also one of the best breaks in Maldives. Located on a private island near the capital city and its international airport, Pasta Point is a long, challenging and catches swells more than any other spots in North Male.

Read our full surf guide to the Maldives

Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii

The North Shore of Oahu is probably the world’s most iconic surfing destination. Not only is it the birthplace of several surfing heroes, it is also home to some of the world’s best surf spots. One of them is Pipeline, the deadliest, yet most amazing wave on this planet. This gem breaks consistently on a NW swell, generating perfect A-frame barrels. Experts only, crowds guaranteed.

Read our full surf guide to Oahu, Hawaii

Punta de Lobos, Chile

One of the world’s best left-hand waves, Punta de Lobos works from knee size to tow-in triple overhead. Located near Pichilemu, in Chile, this point break is a true gem of the South American continent.

In winter, conditions are very hostile with massive swells coming from the south Pacific producing gigantic waves and water temperatures being close to the freezing point. This is when big wave chargers thrive and score epic Punta de Lobos.

Read our full surf guide to Pichilemu, Chile

Skeleton Bay, Namibia

Skeleton Bay is often referred to as the world’s longest barrel. It may not be the most consistent wave, but when it’s on, it gives a hell of a show.

Every year, pro surfers go on strike missions to Namibia in order to get that crazy footage of a 45 seconds tube and simply enjoy the wave of a lifetime.

Read our full surf guide to Namibia

Superbank, Australia

One of Australia’s most popular (and most crowded) waves is Superbank, in Coolangatta, Gold Coast. This point break offers several high-quality sections with barreling potential and works most days of the year.

On a good day, this wave runs for a couple miles all the way from Snapper Rocks to Kirra.

Read our full surf guide to the East Coast of Australia

Pavones, Costa Rica

Located on the southern end of Costa Rica, Pavones is definitely one of the longest waves in Central America. This point break is usually not so busy compared to the rest of Costa Rica due to its remote location. However, on a good day, this principle doesn’t really stand and you can expect a good amount of surfers.

Here is our favorite surf camp in Pavones, Costa Rica

Mundaka, Spain

Mundaka is a dreamy point break with a few hollow sections allowing to either go straight down the line or stall in the pit for some cover, if desired.

This wave is considered as one of the best surf spots in Europe and works best from low to mid tide.

Honolua Bay, Maui, Hawaii

Honolua Bay is a true Hawaiian gem and a mythical wave. Located on Maui’s west side, this right-hand point break works consistently over winter and provides epic waves generally more suitable for experienced surfers due to its shallowness and power.

From the takeoff spot, several barreling sections will take you all the way into the bay for what will become a ride to remember!

Read our full surf guide to Maui, Hawaii

Cloud Nine, Philippines

Cloud Nine could be known as the Asian version of Pipeline and Backdoor. A short, punchy barreling wave that tends to get pretty heavy and scary on medium to large swells. Although swells rolling into the Philippines are not nearly as consistent and massive as what we see during a Hawaiian winter, Cloud Nine still works more often than not and offers epic rides to whoever adventure themselves to the island of Siargao.

Read our full surf guide to Siargao Island, Phillippines

Uluwatu, Bali

Our countdown wouldn’t be complete without a Balinese wave. This surfing mecca is home to some of the world’s most incredible and consistent breaks.

Uluwatu is one of the few amazing left-hand reef breaks that can be found around the Bukit Peninsula, located on Bali’s south side.

A fast and hollow wave that is very challenging, yet more forgiving than Padang Padang or Impossibles, for example.

Uluwatu usually has 3-4 peaks which can connect on larger swells and create a very long wall going on for a few hundred meters.

Read our full surf guide to Bali, Indonesia

Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

Arugam Bay is a small town located on the east side of Sri Lanka, away from all the big city noise. In the area, multiple point breaks provide nice and mellow waves, perfect for any levels of surfers.

Arugam Bay is the most accessible wave, being located right in the bay, just a short walk from town. Every other break, like Peanut Farm and Whiskey Point will require a scooter or car.

Read our complete surf guide to Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

Teahupo’o, Tahiti

Often considered as one of the heaviest waves on Earth, Teahupo’o is a truly mesmerizing wave…

Not only is the wave itself absolutely unique, but the whole setup is just remarkable. A backdrop like no other, crystal clear water and a channel packed with boats and photographs, are all aspects that make Teahupo’o stand out even more.

Read our full surf guide to Tahiti, French Polynesia

Yo-yo’s, Sumbawa, Indonesia

Sumbawa is another great Indonesian island to visit on a surf trip with several world-class waves like Scar Reef, Super Suck, Lakey Peak and, of course, Yo-yo.

The reason why we make Yo-yo stand out from all these other great breaks is because of its consistency.

Known for being a swell magnet, Sekongkang bay catches every bit of energy coming from the south-west which means if there is swell, Yo-yo’s will work.

The wave itself is a punchy right-hander, which is already pretty rare in Indo (most waves in Bali, Lombok and Sumbawa are lefts) that provides a great setup either for airs, barrels or rail game.

Read our full surf guide to Sumbawa, Indonesia

Lance’s Right, Indonesia

Lance’s Right, also known as HT’s is one of the world’s most perfect and high performance barreling wave. Located in the Mentawai Islands, a real surfing paradise, Lance’s Right handles pretty much any swell and offers consistently clean conditions through the whole season.

HT’s should only be surfed by experienced riders as the reef is very exposed and sharp. In season, many boats can take you to the break and crowds will be a factor.

Read our full guide to the Mentawai Islands, Indonesia

Manu Bay, Raglan, New Zealand

First put on the map by the movie “Endless Summer” back in 1966, Raglan is now known as the surfing capital of New Zealand and one of the world’s best surf spots.

The main attraction in Raglan is Manu Bay, a long and consistent left-hand point breaking over smooth pebbles. On a good day, every point can link together from Indicators and Whale Bay all the way down to Ngaranui Beach.

Read our full surf guide to Raglan, New Zealand

Scorpion Bay, Mexico

In the dry heat of Baja California’s desert is hidden an absolute gem of a pointbreak…

On a normal day, Scorpion Bay has 4 to 5 distinct points and takeoff spots. However, when a decent-size swell lines up properly and hits Baja California’s coastline, this wave becomes one of North America’s longest point break.

Its remote location and lack of infrastructure also prevents it from being overcrowded. Definitely worth the trip…

Read our complete surfing guide to Baja California Sur, Mexico

Desert Point, Lombok, Indonesia

Desert Point is nothing less than Lombok’s best wave. A dreamy barreling wave with a respectable length that should only be attacked by experienced surfers as it requires speed and agility to simply make the ride.

Without these abilities, the sharp and shallow reef will literally eat your skin. Desert Point is without a doubt, one of the world’s best left-hand waves.

Read our full surf guide to Lombok, Indonesia

Soup Bowl, Barbados

Soup Bowl is a punchy right-hand wave located on the east side of Barbados, in the lesser Antilles. In the winter months, when good swells push in from the Atlantic, barrels are insane and very common. It is even one of Kelly Slater’s favorite waves in the world!

Read our full surf guide to Barbados

Rincon, California

Rincon is located near Santa Barbara and is arguably California’s best wave. This classic point break works on a westerly swell and is a truly mythical wave for its length and perfection. 

When conditions align, Rincon is considered by many people as one of the world’s best waves.

Cloudbreak, Fiji

Cloudbreak is a mythical wave located near Tavarua, a small island in Fiji. It has been hosting the World Surf League for a good period of time and is also a big strike mission target for professional surfers hunting the world to catch the best waves.

Cloudbreak is a fast and hollow reef break that works from 3 feet to triple overhead. It isn’t a very accessible wave for the common surfer due to its remote location but it definitely should be on every surfer’s bucket list. A once in a lifetime surf trip.

Read our complete surf guide to Fiji

P-Pass, Federated States of Micronesia

This wave is the reason why Pohnpei, in the Federated States of Micronesia, was first put under the surfers radar. Professionals started shooting this unbelievable right-hand barrel reminding everyone of the Hawaiian and Indonesian type of waves, with barely anyone out in the water. An actual dream, making it one of the best surf spots in the world.

Since then, regular tourists are starting to realize the potential of P-Pass and the surrounding breaks.

It surely is hard to get access to the waves, but the reward is astonishing.

Read our full surf guide to The Federated States of Micronesia

G-Land, Indonesia

G-Land is a classic Indonesian wave located on the island of Java that delivers stunning barrels all the way across its super long point. There are multiple sections and takeoff zones that connect on decent swells, most of which will offer great barrel opportunities.

On smaller days, G-Land can be attacked by less experienced surfers but it generally is a high-level wave.

Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Playa Zicatela, in Puerto Escondido is often referred to as the “Mexican Pipeline”. During the swell season, this spot becomes a massive beach break where chargers from all around the world rush to in order to catch one of those giant barrels.

During the slow season, families and beginners can even catch some waves either at the point or at any of the surrounding and more sheltered beaches.

Through the years, Puerto Escondido has built for itself a reputation of being nothing less than the Mexican surfing mecca and one of the world’s best waves.

Read our full surf guide to Puerto Escondido

Coxos, Portugal

For many people, Coxos is Portugal’s best wave. A heavy and challenging right-hander that works consistently on the NW swell throughout the year. It breaks on an exposed reef and should be kept for experienced surfers who know how to handle themselves in crowded spots.

Praia dos Coxos is located in Ericeira, a surf town close to Lisbon that was designated a World Surfing Reserve in 2011. 

Read our full surf guide to Ericeira, Portugal

Winkipop, Torquay, Australia

The legendary town or Torquay is home to one of the world’s most iconic surfing brand, Ripcurl. It also is home to Bells Beach and Winkipop, two very popular surf spots in Australia.

Winkipop is a decent point break that peels nicely and offers wonderful walls to set up carves and work on your rail game. Torquay also hosts the World Surf League every year for what became the oldest and most prestigious event on tour.

Read our complete surf guide to Bells Beach, Australia

The post World’s 25 Best Waves and Surf Spots in 2025 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.

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