Surfing is an amazing sport that can have you travelling all over the world in the pursuit of your passion, whilst enjoying great weather and getting fit whilst you’re at it! We’ve compiled a list of some amazing surfing holiday locations, from world-renowned hotspots to hidden gems from around the globe. With these surf paradises in mind, you will be sure to find the perfect mix of great surfing and a great holiday destination on your next trip abroad.
Maldives
Where better to start than Maldives, an island nation which is considered one of the best surf locations in the world. The waves found on this island paradise aren’t always huge, but they are long-running, reliable and great fun. Intermediate to advanced surfers will find the Maldives the perfect surfing experience, due to the consistency of the waves and the fact that they are not incredibly powerful. The surf around the 26 Atolls making up the Maldives is generally best from April to October, with March and November offering the best weather. There are literally hundreds of spots to surf in the Maldives and they are often in close proximity, meaning that there is no need to travel about for hours to find a great place to surf. Another benefit of the Maldives is that on the rare occasions that the surf isn’t great, you can get involved in activities like snorkelling and fishing to ensure that you still enjoy the crystal clear water of this paradise.
Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura is a mecca for surf lovers around the world with great weather, heavy surf and world-class waves. The monthly average temperature on the second largest of the Canary Islands ranges between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius, meaning a comfortable but warm surfing temperature all year round. Fuerteventura is only around a 4.5 hour flight from the UK, making it one of the premier locations for British Surfers. The premier surfing season in Fuerteventura is between October and March, where you will find areas like ‘The Bubble’, which creates an amazing right hand tube for experienced surfers. Other popular waves include German Rights, The Rocky Point and El Hierro amongst many other excellent surf spots.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an excellent developing surf location, with some great beaches, gorgeous weather and huge waves! The nation certainly isn’t the first place that comes to mind as a surfer’s paradise, but as this video shows, Sri Lanka provides an amazing mix of a beautiful location, refreshingly different wildlife and some gorgeous surfing conditions. You will find surf spots all along the south coast of Sri Lanka, with regular waves over 3ft and surf culture building in the nation year on year!
Vietnam
Vietnam may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of surfing, but over recent years, there has been a massive increase in surfing on the nation’s beaches. If you are a beginner surfer, or are trying to get your friends of children into your passion, you will find a trip to Vietnam a highly rewarding one. There are a number of surf schools around the nation, making it an amazing place to learn, as well as most beaches being far less crowded than more established surf locations. The City of Da Nang has become established in recent years, due to the long surfing season, busy downtown and the affordability of the area as a whole. The waves in Da Nang aren’t the largest in the world, but they are very consistent and the beaches are rarely over crowded with surfers. As well as the great urban areas surrounding many of Vietnam’s beaches, the nation is an incredibly breath-taking location, with surreal landscapes and an incredible cultural identity, as well as world-renowned cuisine for you to enjoy after a hard day in the water!
Sydney
Sydney has a huge number of great beaches for surfers to choose from, no matter what your ability level. If you are a beginner surfer you would be best off starting off at Mackenzie’s Bay or Palm Beach, you may recognise the name as the television series ‘Home and Away’ was filmed at Palm Beach. Waves are fun and regular at this beach and are great to introduce kids as well as getting started yourself. The world famous Bondi Beach is another spot where you can surf at any ability level, as well as enjoying a hot climate and views of the beautiful city around you. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, Whale Beach is a great place to catch some epic waves, due to an underwater rock ledge which creates a large wedge which is perfect for experienced surfers. Similarly, Shark Island is famous for creating an incredible swell, but the shallow water at this location means it must only be battled if you are an experienced surfer. As well as surfing, Sydney has an amazing amount for holidaymakers to get involved in, including the famous Port Jackson, a staggering array of restaurants and bars and the beautiful Darling Harbour.
Surf’s up!
Choose from a hand-picked selection of holidays to the world’s best surfing locations.