10 Best Surf Spots in the World

Surf’s up! Here’s where to find the best waves around the world…

Isn’t learning to surf basically on everyone’s bucket list? If you’ve always dreamed of learning to surf but don’t quite know who to go on this bucket list adventure with, create a trip with JoinMyTrip to get some like-minded aspiring surfers to go with you! And, no need to go looking too far for where the best surf spots in the world are, because we’ve compiled 10 of the best ones for you…


10. Tofino, Vancouver Island, Canada

Tofino is located on the beautiful Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. This small town is known as the Canadian surfer’s paradise. Who would have known Canada and surfing go together? Well, it is true that because of the cold water you’ll have to get your wetsuit on, but it’s totally possible! The ultimate spot for riding the waves in Tofino is Cox Bay. If you’re a beginner, no worries! There’s plenty of opportunity to take surf lessons as well as SUP lessons, if you’re looking for something less extreme.

A surfer walking on a misty day in Canada's surf capital of Tofino
Tofino is the surf capital of Canada

9. Gold Coast, Australia

This probably comes as no surprise, as Australia is known for the spot to be when it comes to surfing. Surfers from all of the world unite on the Aussie beaches every year. Along the coast, you’ll find some pretty amazing beaches:

  • Mermaid Beach
  • Burleigh Heads
  • Palm Beach
  • Tugun

And of course… one of the most famous beaches on the Gold Coast, the original Surfer’s Paradise. This beach attracts tens of thousands of visitors every day, and you’ll also find some cool hipster cafes and restaurants to enjoy a break from being on the water.


8. Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

The laid-back vibes in Santa Teresa are impeccable. You’ll find locals and tourists alike driving around with ATV’s with a surf board under their arms. It seems that everyone is always on their way to hit up the waves… The main street of Santa Teresa is also lined up with bars and cafes where a swimsuit is a perfectly acceptable outfit to have. At the end of the day, you’ll find everyone flocking to the beach to enjoy the sunset and to possibly catch the last few waves of the day. The possibilities for surf lessons here are also many, and Costa Rica is known for its fair prices when it comes to ticking of learning this new skill on your bucket list!


7. Standing Wave, Munich

This makes for one of the most peculiar (but one of the best) surfing spots in the world. Also known as the Eisbach in Munich, this man-made surf spot in the middle of the city park certainly makes for an unique experience. However, keep in mind that this spot is only suitable for experienced surfer’s, as the water is quite shallow and not exactly warm, either.


6. Hossegor, France

Famous for its perfect beach-breaks, Hossegor has been named the ‘surf capital of Europe.’ The beaches of Hossegor also have some pretty awesome night life action, so you can celebrate your surfing achievements of the day in the evening. La Graviere is known as the best surf spot in all of Hossegor, where surfers from all of the world gather to enjoy all that this French beach has to offer. Hossegor isn’t just for the experts, though, there’s plenty of possibility for beginners to put their surf skills to test…


5. Pedra Branca Ericeira, Portugal

The surf breaks at Pedra Branca Ericeira tend to be pretty consistent all the time, except in the summer the waves may lay a little more flat. So, if you’re looking for a beach where you can count on getting some good waves, head to the beaches of Portugal. One of the best beaches for beginners at Ericeira is the Foz do Lizandro Beach. For more advanced surfer’s, you’ll find Coxos beach, which is also a favorite amongst locals.

How does a surf and yoga retreat in Portugal sound? Pretty good? Join in on one of JoinMyTrip‘s amazing adventures…


4. Ad Dakhla, Morocco

Where the dunes meet the ocean, you’ll find the most beautiful wave for surfing in all of Morocco. Winter is the ideal surf season in Morocco, so if you’re experiencing winter blues, this is a perfect opportunity to spice up your winter with a new (or old) hobby. On a good day in Dakhla, the surf will stretch out for a distance of 1km. Of course, surf lessons as well as surf rental possibilities here are many…

People at sunset on the beaches of Morocco
Experience the waves of Morocco

3. Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii

The tropical paradise of Hawaii has no shortage of beaches to surf on, making it of course one of the best surf spots in the world. It is one of the most recognizable waves in the whole world, because on a perfect day, the wave produces a perfect barrel for surfers. Many of the world’s top surfing competitions are organized here, and it comes as no surprise that surfing the pipeline is a challenge requiring some past experience. Especially in the wintertime, the surf can even get dangerous.

A surfer on a huge wave on the beaches of Hawaii
Pipeline is known around the world amongst pro surfers

2. Canggu, Bali, Indonesia

Since not all of us are expert surfer’s ready to hit up the Hawaiian Pipeline, Canggu in Bali has a lot of opportunity for beginners to start practicing their surf skills. What’s best is that the water is also warm, and the swell of the waves stays quite constant. The most known beach for surfing in Bali is Kuta, so all you have to do is find some travel buddies to go with you so you can book those surf lessons already!

lots of people at sunset on the beaches of Bali, one of the best surf spots in the world
Catch an evening surf in Bali

1. Huntington Beach, California

Of course, we can’t leave California off the list! Huntington Beach, also known as ‘Surf City’ is a popular spot for surfers from around the world. Although there is plenty of room for surfers, during the high-season you can be sure to find the crowds flocking here. The beach and its surroundings offer an authentic lifestyle, and you can be sure you’ll leave with a Golden State of Mind.


Ride the waves with some like-minded TravelMates at JoinMyTrip by sharing experiences on one of our upcoming trips… Or lead a trip yourself to start ticking items off your bucket list!


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