The best places to surf in the world for a surf holiday combine reliable waves, surf schools, board rentals, beach culture, and plenty to enjoy between sessions. Bali, Oahu, Ericeira, Gold Coast, Tamarindo, Taghazout, Siargao, Santa Cruz, Hossegor, and Jeffreys Bay are strong picks for travelers who want waves with real holiday appeal.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is one of the easiest all-round surf destinations. Beginners can start around Kuta, Seminyak, or Canggu, while stronger surfers can head to Uluwatu, Bingin, Padang Padang, or Medewi.
The island also works well for mixed groups, with temples, cafés, waterfalls, yoga studios, and beach clubs beyond the surf. For a broader Bali route, read Top 4 Places to Visit in Bali.
Best for: warm water, surf lessons, and mixed-level groups.
Oahu, Hawaii, USA
Oahu gives surfers two classic experiences. Waikiki is one of the world’s most famous beginner spots, with longboard-friendly waves and plenty of surf schools. The North Shore is better for experienced surfers, especially in winter when waves can be powerful.
Best for: surf history, Waikiki lessons, and watching iconic waves.
Ericeira, Portugal
Ericeira is one of Europe’s strongest surf towns, with surf schools, seafood, coastal scenery, and a relaxed village feel. Beginners can book lessons at gentler beaches, while experienced surfers can find more powerful breaks when conditions are right.
It is also easy to reach from Lisbon. Before booking around peak dates, check Portugal Public Holidays 2026: What Travelers Should Know.
Best for: European surf culture and easy Lisbon access.
Gold Coast, Australia
The Gold Coast is a classic Australian surf holiday choice. Snapper Rocks, Burleigh Heads, and Currumbin give the area serious surf credibility, while long sandy beaches and surf schools make it accessible for beginners too.
Best for: sunny beach culture, surf lessons, and long coastlines.
Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Tamarindo is a friendly first surf holiday destination. It has warm water, board rentals, surf schools, and a relaxed beach-town rhythm. The wider Guanacaste region also offers wildlife, nature, and other beaches.
Best for: beginners, surf camps, and relaxed beach days.
Taghazout, Morocco
Taghazout is a small Moroccan surf town with beginner beaches, surf camps, and famous right-hand point breaks for more experienced surfers. It is a good winter sun option and can be more affordable than many long-haul surf destinations.
Best for: surf camps, winter sun, and good value.
Siargao, Philippines
Siargao is the surf capital of the Philippines, best known for Cloud 9. That wave is better for experienced surfers, but the island also has lessons, island-hopping, lagoons, and a relaxed tropical feel.
Best for: tropical scenery, island life, and intermediate surfers.
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Santa Cruz, California, USA
Santa Cruz has deep surf roots and an easy coastal feel. It is close to San Francisco and San Jose, but still feels like a true beach town. Surf schools, redwood forests, scenic drives, and local food make it a rounded California stop.
Best for: California surf heritage and nature nearby.
Hossegor, France
Hossegor is one of Europe’s most respected surf towns. Its beach breaks can be powerful, so it suits intermediate and advanced surfers best. Casual travelers can still enjoy the Atlantic coast, food, cycling, and beach-town style.
Best for: stylish surf culture and stronger waves.
Jeffreys Bay, South Africa
Jeffreys Bay, often called J-Bay, is one of South Africa’s most famous surf destinations. Its long right-hand point breaks are legendary, especially Supertubes. Beginners should use local schools and choose suitable conditions.
Best for: iconic waves and experienced surfers.
Pick Waves That Match Your Level
Surf conditions can change quickly by season, tide, swell, wind, and beach. Beginners should choose destinations with surf schools, sandy beach breaks, and clear instructor support. More experienced surfers can plan around heavier waves, but local advice still matters.
Keep Surf Travel Simple
Surf holidays often involve checking forecasts, messaging instructors, booking rides, finding beaches, and moving between towns. Eskimo offers a Global eSIM plan, useful for multi-country surf trips across Asia, Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Australia.
Personal hotspot support is helpful when sharing data with a laptop, tablet, or travel partner. New Eskimo users can also get free 500MB of Global Data valid for 2 years.
FAQ
What is the best place to surf in the world for beginners?
Waikiki, Tamarindo, Bali, and Taghazout are strong beginner-friendly choices. They have surf schools, board rentals, and beach areas where lessons are common.
What is the best surf destination for a holiday?
Bali is one of the best all-round surf holiday destinations because it has warm water, beginner lessons, advanced reef breaks, food, culture, and plenty to do away from the ocean.
Is Bali good for beginner surfers?
Yes, parts of Bali are good for beginners, especially Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu when conditions are suitable. Uluwatu and other reef breaks are better for experienced surfers.
Where is the best surfing in Europe?
Ericeira in Portugal and Hossegor in France are two of Europe’s best-known surf destinations. Ericeira is better for a mixed-level surf holiday, while Hossegor is known for stronger beach breaks.
Which surf spots are better for advanced surfers?
Jeffreys Bay, Hossegor, the North Shore of Oahu, Uluwatu, and Cloud 9 in Siargao are better suited to intermediate and advanced surfers.
