Best Places to Surf Around the World

All levels of surfers can enjoy these epic waves.

If you’re a traveler who loves visiting historic destinations and touring museums, but you’re also seeking adventure and something different, a surfing vacation may be just the ticket. At beautiful destinations around the world — including ancient cities and even deserts — you can hit the waves for a heart-pounding experience.

You don’t need to be an experienced surfer to try these hotspots, either. Every one of our picks are meant for serious bros and pros right down to barneys and kooks (what surfers call newbies!) — as well as anyone who wants to watch the show from the safety of the beach.

If you’re ready to hang 10, take a look at these awesome spots.

Kuta Beach – Bali, Indonesia

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Bali’s clear blue waters and dramatic scenery lure visitors from all over the world to enjoy paradise. Surfers can also take advantage — many newcomers to surfing learn to ride the waves at Kuta Beach, where great breaks have provided all-day fun for every skill level since the 1930s.

More experienced surfers can paddle their way through a cave and rocks to reach Uluwatu, where strong currents and a reef make for an epic surf break.

Best time to surf: March through November

Best surf event to watch: Corona Bali Protected surf contest in May

Fistral Beach – Newquay, United Kingdom

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When you think of surfing, you probably don’t envision doing it off the coast of England. But Fistral Beach is a renowned, albeit chilly, surf area.

The big beaches of Cornwall are backed by dunes and nestle up to Atlantic Ocean waters that have been home to numerous international surfing competitions.

Yet they are also perfect for beginners ready to give the waves a go. Because the beach is so wide, there is plenty of room to ride, as well as to separate surfers of different skill sets.

Best time to surf: March through October

Best surf event to watch: British Longboard Union Championships in September

Tofino – Vancouver Island, Canada

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Canada’s top surfing destination is Tofino, off of Vancouver Island. Here, mountains covered in evergreens loom in the background as you ride reliable beach breaks. The beach features reefs and points that bring the best surf during winter swells — this means you will definitely need to wear full gear in these frigid waters.

Tofino is Vancouver Island’s longest sand dune, and while it gets touristy in the summer, the waves are not consistent then. You’ll enjoy better surf and fewer crowds during the fall.

Best time to surf: September through November

Best surf event to watch: Rip Curl Pro Tofino Canadian Surfing Championship in May

Côte Basque – Biarritz, France

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This western French town located near the Spanish border provides a surf haven due to its location at the crook of the Bay of Biscay. Part of the La Côte des Basque (Basque Coast), Biarritz has historically been known as the surf capital of Europe. Surf championships are also held here, including longboard competitions.

Newbies have nothing to fear; there are more than two dozen surf schools here, ready to educate the curious.

Best time to surf: May, June, September and October

Best surf event to watch: Quicksilver Pro France in October

Tamarindo Beach – Tamarindo, Costa Rica

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Located on Costa Rica’s Nicoua Peninsula, Tamarindo Beach connects the Pacific to the Tamarindo River Delta, providing awesome conditions for beginners looking to learn how to surf on their vacation.

The beach can get crowded for this reason, so more experienced surfers can head just across the river mouth to El Estero, which provides longboarders with a solid break, or La Casita, with fast beach breaks.

Walking distance just north of both surf spots is Playa Grande, where waves are frequent and crowds are few.

Best time to surf: March through October

Best surf event to watch: There aren’t any major events coming up, but this is a great spot to kick back and watch surfers in action any time during the season.

Killer Point – Taghazout, Morocco

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Don’t let the name of this beach deter you — it got its moniker from the the killer whales that used to swim its waters off the coast of Morocco. These aren’t killer waves, but they are pretty fab, earning top wave-quality marks. In fact, Taghazout’s waters are considered some of the most consistent point breaks.

Beautiful cliffs provide a picturesque setting, while the swells serve up barrels during high tide. Soft-board riders don’t need to try Killer Point; surf lessons are offered at nearby Panorama Beach and allow you to build up to bigger and better Moroccan swells.

Best time to surf: September through April

Best surf event to watch: Agadir Open in March

Rincon – Puerto Rico

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Nicknamed the “Surf Capital of the Caribbean,” wave-runners flock to Rincon, on the western side of Puerto Rico. The destination — which first became popular after the Surfing Championships were held there in 1968 — is home to a number of beaches, which means all levels can find the right spot and the right wave.

Tres Palmas is best for experienced surfers who can handle the reef break and up to 25 feet of ride. Consistent and mellow waves are found at the Domes, which combines beach and reef breaks. Kooks should select Little Malibu in the marina, which is also perfect for swimming in only-in-the-Caribbean-blue water.

Best time to surf: September, November, April and May

Best surf event to watch: 50 Surf Fest in August

Manu Bay – Raglan, New Zealand

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Known by the locals as “The Point,” Manu Bay came onto the global map after the 1966 surf movie, “Endless Summer,” was filmed there. Now world-famous, it’s where more experienced riders give the breaks a go. (They also flock to the even-more-challenging breaks at nearby Whale Bay.)

If you’re going to be renowned for your surf, of course you’re going to offer lessons for newbies too. All ages can enjoy mild waves at Ngaranui Beach, where the bottom is long, flat and sandy.

Best time to surf: October through January

Best surf event to watch: Raglan Rip Curl Pro in April

Montanita Beach – Montanita, Ecuador

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Travelers heading to Ecuador on their way to hit up the Galapagos often miss out on one of the most consistent beach breaks for surfers of all levels. With its sandy bottom, beginners will love this spot, where small waves average 2 to 4 feet.

More experienced riders can head to The Point (or “La Punta”), where waves are as consistent as the beach and swells can reach 10 feet.

Best time to surf: December through May

Best surf event to watch: Montanita hasn’t hosted a major event since the 2013 World Masters Surfing Championships, but you can catch surfers any day of the week during the season.

Zicatela Beach – Puerto Escondido, Mexico

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Surfers love the Pacific Coast of Mexico, where the waters are warm and the waves are rolling. Some of the best surf can be found in southern Oaxaca, where winds also roll down from the mountains to hit the water, causing a collision at the sandbars found at Zicatela Beach. Here, far-out riders will find barrels and waves that can reach heights of 40 feet along the “Mexican Pipeline.”

Those just starting out will find milder waves at nearby Carrizalillo and La Punta, where plenty of surf schools are available.

Best time to surf: May through September

Best surf event to watch: Puerto Escondido Cup in June

Bundoran – Ireland

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Think the Irish don’t surf? Think again! In Donegal Bay, on Ireland’s northwest coast, Bundoran features prime surf conditions, including “The Peak,” a world-renowned reef break. Bundoran is the “Surf Capital of Ireland,” and the locals call it “TurfnSurf.”

Although you’ll need your wet suit in these waters, they aren’t as cold as you’d expect, with the Gulf Stream flowing warm Caribbean currents all the way to Ireland.

Surf shops will help outfit barneys, and all levels can enjoy surfing the bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Best time to surf: September through May

Best surf event to watch: Irish National Surf Championships in November

Eisbach – Munich, Germany

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Munich is nowhere near an ocean, but that doesn’t mean you can’t hang 10 in the heart of Bavaria. The Eisbach River, German for “ice brook,” is a man-made river where you can actually surf year round.

Located in the English Garden, surfers politely wait along the banks for their turn to give the river waves a go. It was once illegal to surf this river, which has been welcoming daredevils since the 1970s, but the city finally legalized the spot as a surf destination in 2010.

Best time to surf: Year-round

Best surf event to watch: There aren’t any official events held here, but you can watch the surfers in action from the river banks of the park.

Surf Pool – Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

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You can even surf in the middle of the desert at the Wadi Adventure Wave Pool in Al Ain. More than an hour outside Dubai (a city that likes to bring the unnatural to its borders — it even has a ski slope!), this man-made adventure facility allows you to catch the perfect wave. Seven different types of waves are on the surf menu, or you can try a surf pool that makes 10-foot swells every 90 seconds.

Not a surfer? They’ll teach you how.

Best time to surf: Year-round

Best surf event to watch: Enjoy the water park and watch the surfers ride waves from the sidelines.

Surfrider Beach – Malibu, California

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Of course, California has to make this list; its 840 miles of coastline and serious swells make it a certified surf-friendly state.

Of all the places to try, visit Surfrider Beach, credited with kicking off Cali’s surf culture. This beach is so beloved by surfers, part of it is closed off just for riding waves, and it was declared the world’s first-ever Surfing Reserve in 2010 (a designation meant to protect it from development). Surfers particularly love its long right-hand break.

Located in tony Malibu, just north of Los Angeles, beginners may feel a little intimated by the caliber of world-class surfing here. But nearby Zuma Beach makes an excellent place to fall in love with the sport.

Best time to surf: March through October

Best surf event to watch: The Malibu Surfing Association offers events throughout the year.

Byron Bay – Australia

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If there is anywhere in the world that is top-notch for surfing, it’s most definitely Australia, and Byron Bay on the eastern tip has it all. South of Brisbane, Byron Bay is home to Belongil Beach, offering southeasterly ankle busters (small and ideal for beginners). Locals love “The Wreck,” a popular surf break.

Seven additional surf areas highlight the bay, many with waves easy enough for all levels. For experienced riders, there’s Clarkes Beach, where the swells are always going off. Be prepared for long runs.

Best time to surf: December to April

Best surf event to watch: Byron Bay Surf Festival in February