13 Best Surfing Destinations Around the World Every Surfer Needs to Visit

Whether you are a seasoned surfer or you just recently joined a surf camp to learn, there’s always that urge to find a new spot to try to surf on. There are those that you want to try because of their wind patterns. The ones you want to go to because the tide schedule matches yours. A lot of people travel all over the world in search of that one perfect spot they can ride to work on their riding skills. Here is our list of the best surfing destinations around the world every surfer needs to visit.

#1. Waikiki, Hawaii

Discovering new destinations is always cool but we should also never forget about the roots of this sport. While most would agree that California is the capital of surfing, Hawaii is where the sport has its roots.

Waikiki offers warm waters with waves rolling gently that help make the rides long. The beachfront region of Honolulu has gotten bad raps from surfing’s hard-core, however, it is now coming across fresh favor from visitors simply wanting sultry and tropical beach holiday.

Be delighted with this surfing spot’s slow-breaking waves that are perfect for any surfer on the months of May, June, September, or even October.

#2. Banzai Pipeline, Hawaii

Often referred to as the “Seven Mile Miracle,” Banzai Pipeline covers the coastline of the North Shore, bringing out 26 top-notch surf break. Banzai Pipeline is known for its dangerous and unforgiving waters that attract so many experienced riders. Hence, it’s no wonder that the Banzai Pipeline is the place where the Surfing Professionals Worlds Tour finishes off every year.

Come and see for yourself how Banzai Pipeline gets full of surfing legends every December, and understand why it has been included on this list.

#3. Hossegor, France

Forty minutes north of Biarritz, Hossegor is where you will find the best of France, the US East Coast, and California all rolled into one. With its sand dunes and cozy warm beaches, this is the heartland of European surfing.

You will enjoy longboarding with the variety of coastlines that has frequent swells from offshore winds that make them epic ”“ from the 1-ft riding to the 8 up to 20-ft rides down the face. And if that’s not enough, Hossegor is also the perfect place for summer vacation with calmer waters and fewer tourists around.

#4. Tofino, Vancouver Island, Canada

A sleepy but magical town located on Vancouver Island, Tofino is the best place to visit during fall through spring. A 5-hour drive away from Victoria, this surfer town is one of the best surfing destinations in the world, but it’s also ideal for your outdoor activities and fine dining.

It is not just fall through spring that you can ride the waters of Tofino, you can do so in just about any time of the year. Experience calm, small waves in the sheltered bay, along with the breathtaking rocky coastline on every side you look at.

#5. Safi, Morocco

Perfectly situated on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, “The Garden,” the biggest wave in Safi is where massive winds whip the water up, for the powerful forces that create the best waves on the planet. The Garden has the waves breaking on lovely beaches outfitted by warm and welcoming locals making it a world-famous surfing destination.

Hence, it’s no surprise that professional surfers are well-acquainted with the best waves in Safi. The point breaks that start breaking and can hold 12ft make the most powerful tube in Morocco. Kelly Slater rode it in 2009 and surfing virtuoso Edouard Delpero also gave it a go and rode it for 15 seconds.

#6. Nazare, Portugal

For many years, Nazare seaside in Portugal was a spot were fathers would remind their youngsters to avoid because of the biggest waves that crashed against nearby cliffs. The central coast can be easily accessed from Lisbon and it actually holds the biggest and most consistent waves in Europe.

However, it wasn’t until Garrett McNamara, a surfer from Hawaii, who recently held the world record for the highest wave ever surfed, describing it as the “Holy Grail” and the “Elusive Wave,” that Nazaré became a surfing destination.

The uncharted waters had McNamara conquer 78-ft wave, turning him into a world-record holder while also putting Nazare into the surfing map throughout the surfing world.

#7. Ulu Watu, Bali

Bali is not just famous for its Hindu temples and stunning beaches but its professional-grade waves. The island makes it to most people’s bucket list and is filled with great surfing spots but Ulu Watu is probably the most famous one among them all. Located at the southwestern tip of the Bukit Peninsula, it is just beneath the iconic 11th-century Hindu temple.

5 amazing spots of Ulu Watu that you should try depending on the time of day and swell are The Peak, Racetrack, Outside Corner, Temples, and The Bombie.

If you’re in the area and are looking for some other adrenaline activities, you should also check out the Hidden Canyon of Bali.

#8. Cloud Nine, Siargao Island, Philippines

Siargao is one of the most beautiful islands in Asia such as Malapascua Island, Luzon, Boracay, and Mindanao but also home to one of the best surfing spots in the world. A Malapascua Island travel adventure is always exciting but you can also find places like the Cloud Nine that offer both beautiful beaches and fun activities with its perfect barrels that are brought by relatively short waves that guarantee satisfaction.

Cloud Nine is perfect during mid to high tide. The picturesque island has mesmerizing beaches but also hollow tubes, and it’s no wonder that it’s popular among holidaymakers and surfers alike. Ride the waves from November to April when the swells are abundant. Experience the extra inches of water lift that get you comfortable above the reef.

The best thing is feeling the warmth of the sun as you dash across swells of clear waters and abundant sea life.

#9. Lagos, Portugal

Lagos is one of the best holiday spots in Portugal but surfing the waves of Lagos is also an incredible experience that attracts a lot of surfers from around the world.

During the high tide, waves can go a little soft but on a low tide, it can speed up and can be a boundless ripper of waves. While it is very accommodating to professional and experienced surfers, it can be very welcoming to newbies, too. The coastline of Lagos is also home to numerous surf schools likes, Algarve Surf School, Fil Surf School, Extreme Algarve, Algarve Watersport, and Raven Surf School.

#10. Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa

Another haven for surfers is located in Jeffrey’s Bay in South Africa. It stretches far and wide boasting a picturesque surfing mecca that generates the finest right-hand surf break in the world.

Jeffrey’s Bay is a place where the legends are created because of the waves they have shredded and their egos that got bruised and eventually boosted. Surfing in Jeffrey’s Bay is easy- just grab your board and just about every beach will offer an epic surfing condition. No wonder this is one of the best surfing destinations in the whole world.

#11. Tel Aviv, Israel

As if history and religious significance aren’t enough, another reason for you to hop on that plane to Tel Aviv is the vibrant beach scenes with waves tapping on all year round. Amid the ancient buildings are loads of opportunities to surf.

Tel Aviv is a city gleaming with history, one of the oldest cities in the world, but also the most popular surfing spot in Israel. With surf schools dotting the city’s coastline, surfboards and surfers are seen everywhere. The long Tel Aviv Beach has Hilton, Maravi, and Dolphinarium. All of which have wave conditions that are ideal for all-year-round surfing. It must be why the country has embraced the sport.

#12. Les Cavaliers, Anglet, France

With hollow tubes at offshore winds, Les Cavaliers is one of the best surfing spots in Europe. Furthermore, the two rocky girders that border the canyon, give surfers the chance to paddle into some killer waves. This grinds effectively during the season of offshore winds with west swells.

Les Cavaliers’ consistency of swells sees over 100 surfers in the water during peak summer and autumn season. With everyone rivaling for the strong swells that meet nicely through the river mouth and unfurling over the outer banks at low tide, this river instantly makes it to the list of best surfing spots around the world.

#13. Bells Beach, Victoria, Australia

The list of best surfing destinations in the world wouldn’t be complete without at least mentioning a spot from Australia. Known as one of the premier surfing destinations, it doesn’t disappoint surfers with the various beaches that make up Australia’s coastline.

Home to the Rip Curl Pro Surfing and Music Festival, Bells Beach in Victoria gives you the chance to hit waves, whether you are a beginner or a professional. With pro surfers and amateurs getting into the grips of huge swells, it is no surprise Rip Curl also made it the spot for their annual event.

Are you a fan of surfing? Do you think surfing is a good way to stay fit when on vacation? Did you like this list of the best surfing destinations in the world? Do you think we didn’t mention some other great surfing spots? Let us know in the comments!

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