Surfing has transformed from a sport into a way of life, connecting individuals to the boundless ocean. Riding the waves imparts an unparalleled sense of freedom and adventure.
Here are the 32 best surfing countries in the world where enthusiasts can experience the thrill of the sea.
Ocean Beach, San Francisco, USA
Best Time: March to August
The Closest Airport: San Diego (SAN) Airport
Getting there:
- Bus and Taxi.
- Private Transfers: A stress-free and comfy trip to this surfer paradise with a black car service provided by AirportTransfer.com.
Highlights: A top U.S. surf spot with constant waves and diverse breaks, famous for its stunning views. It is one of the best surfing in the world for beginners.
Jeffreys Bay, South Africa
Best Time to Visit: May to August
The Closest Airport: Port Elizabeth International Airport
Getting there:
- Taxi
- Private Transfers: Private transfers at AirportTransfer.com prioritise your privacy and personal space.
Highlights: A pro surfers' haven with tall waves and great weather year-round. One of the best places to surf around the world.

Image by Chalo Garcia via Unsplash
Popoyo, Nicaragua
Best Time to Visit: December to April
The Closest Airport: Managua (MGA) Airport
Getting there:
- Taxi and Bus
- Private Transfers: Private transfers via AirportTransfer.com spare you the hassles of public transportation.
Highlights: Pro-level waves, challenging conditions with hurricane winds and strong currents.
Mentawai Islands, Indonesia
Best Time to Visit: April to October
The Closest Airport: Minangkabau International Airport
Getting there:
- Flying
- Private Cruise Transfers: swift and convenient access to the Mentawai Islands thanks to AirportTransfer.com's private cruise transfers.
Highlights: Mentawai's islands offer epic surf breaks and serene Sumbawa beaches for all levels.
Nazare, Portugal
Best Time to Visit: October to March
The Closest Airport: Lisboa (LIS) Airport
Getting there:
- Bus and Taxi
- Private Transfers: AirportTransfer.com's luxury and exclusivity elevate your travel experience.
Highlights: Nazare's big waves draw surfers and spectators worldwide. Praia do Norte hosts record-breaking rides.

Image by Jessica Wong via Unsplash
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Best Time to Visit: December to February
The Closest Airport: Gold Coast (OOL) Airport
Getting there:
- Bus and Taxi
- Private Transfers: Enjoy a worry-free scenic journey provided by AirportTransfer.com without the hassle of driving or parking.
Highlights: Gold Coast's famous surf draws enthusiasts of all levels.
Skeleton Bay, Namibia
Best Time to Visit: December to April
The Closest Airport: Walvis Bay International Airport
Getting there:
- Bus and Taxi
- Private Transfers: Seamlessly transition from the airport or Skeleton Bay with a private transfer taxi service that can be booked from AirportTransfer.com.
Highlights: Skeleton Bay in Namibia offers the world's longest left-handed surf break, perfect for experienced surfers.
Banzai Pipeline & Backdoor Surf, Oahu, Hawaii
Best Time to Visit: November to February
The Closest Airport: The Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
Getting there:
- Bus and taxi.
- Private Transfers: English-speaking and professional drivers of AirportTransfer.com make your journey more pleasant.
Highlights: Famous spots like Banzai Pipeline and Backdoor Surf with massive waves for skilled surfers.
Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia
Best Time to Visit: June to August
The Closest Airport: Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (BNK)
Getting there:
- Bus and taxi
- Private Transfers: AirportTransfer.com's private taxi services are ideal for travellers with heavy luggage or surf equipment.
Highlights: Byron Bay has 70 km of powerful waves on sandy beaches, suitable for all surfers.
Teahupoo, Tahiti
Best Time to Visit: November to April
The Closest Airport: Moorea Airport (MOZ / NTTM)
Getting there:
- Bus and Taxi
- Private Transfers: AirportTransfer.com's private transfer services can be tailored to your schedule for maximum travel flexibility.
Highlights: Challenging for beginners due to shallow waters, but better in June and August.
Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia
Best Time to Visit: April to October
The Closest Airport: Bali Denpasar Ngurah Rai (DPS) Airport
Getting there:
- Bus and Taxi
- Private Transfers: Pre-book from AirportTransfer.com to ensure a vehicle awaits your arrival.
Highlights: Uluwatu, Bali is Small but has challenging waves, not for beginners.
Florianopolis, Brazil
Best Time to Visit: December to April
The Closest Airport: Florianopolis (FLN) Airport
Getting there:
- Bus and Taxi
- Private Transfers: Personalised service tailored to your needs from AirportTransfer.com.
Highlights: The region has year-round waves, beautiful tropics, and diverse surf spots, for all skill levels.
Buxton, North Carolina, USA
Best Time to Visit: December to February (Partly May)
The Closest Airport: Raleigh/Durham (RDU) Airport
Getting there:
- Bus and Taxi
- Private Cruise Transfers: Direct and efficient transportation with a private cruise transfer from AirportTransfer.com.
Highlights: Buxton, US Atlantic coast, famous for powerful waves, all levels.
Surin Beach, Phuket, Thailand
Best Time to Visit: May to October
The Closest Airport: Phuket International Airport
Getting there:
- Bus and Taxi
- Private Transfers: Skip the queues and eliminate transportation worries with a private pickup service from AirportTransfer.com.
Highlights: Surin Beach, Thailand, beginner-friendly waves.

Image by Luis Diego via Unsplash
Black's Beach, San Diego, California, USA
Best Time to Visit: All Year Round
The Closest Airport: San Diego International Airport
Getting there:
- Bus, Tram and Taxi
- Private Transfers: The comfort of a limousine transfer from AirportTransfer.com is especially appreciated after a long flight.
Highlights: Black's Beach, California, experts-only, cold water, powerful waves, picturesque.
Baja Malibu, Mexico
Best Time to Visit: December to March
The Closest Airport: Tijuana International (TIJ) Airport
Getting there:
- Taxi
- Private Transfers: You'll be greeted with a warm welcome and assistance with your belongings.
Highlights: Baja Malibu, Mexico, experienced surfers, strong winter swell, risks: rip currents, rocks.
Sidi Ifni, Morocco
Best Time to Visit: September to May
The Closest Airport: Agadir Al-Massira International (AGA) Airport
Getting there:
- Taxi
- Private Transfers: AirportTransfer.com offers a time-saving solution, helping you avoid potential traffic delays.
Highlights: Sidi Ifni, Morocco, all levels, challenging waves, changing conditions, careful timing.
Jaws (Peahi), Maui, Hawaii
Best Time to Visit: December to March
The Closest Airport: Kahului Maui (OGG) Airport
Getting there:
- Bus and Taxi
- Private Transfers: Enjoy the convenience of door-to-door service with private cab service of AirportTransfer.com.
Highlights: Jaws, iconic big wave surf spot, massive waves, elite surfers.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
The Closest Airport: Cornwall Airport Newquay
Getting there:
- Bus and Taxi
- Private Transfers: AirportTransfer.com offers 24/7 availability for stress-free travel to Fistral Beach.
Highlights: Fistral Beach in the UK's southwest boasts consistent waves for all skill levels.
Raglan, New Zealand
Best Time to Visit: December to March
The Closest Airport: Hamilton International Airport
Getting there:
- Bus and Taxi
- Private Transfers: Ensure a seamless, comfortable journey to Raglan with a private transfer at AirportTransfer.com.
Highlights: It's great for all surfers, including beginners who can enjoy gentler waves at Manu Bay.
Playa Grande, Costa Rica
Best Time to Visit: November to March
The Closest Airport: Liberia Airport (LIR)
Getting there:
- Bus and Taxi
- Private Transfers: AT drivers provide a secure and knowledgeable travel experience.
Highlights: Playa Grande in Costa Rica, Guanacaste Province, is a nesting ground for leatherback turtles.
Tofino, British Columbia, Canada
Best Time to Visit: October to March
The Closest Airport: Tofino-Ucluelet Airport
Getting there:
- Bus and Taxi
- Private Transfers: The ideal option for surfers seeking a hassle-free, secure, and cost-effective journey to Tofino is at AirportTransfer.com.
Mundaka, Spain
Best Time to Visit: September to April
The Closest Airport: Bilbao (BIO) Airport
Getting there:
- Bus and Train
- Private Transfers: The direct and fixed-price feature of private transfers of AirportTransfer.com ensures that your surf trip begins without delay.
Highlights: Mundaka has top European waves and challenging conditions. One of the best surf spots in Europe.
The Box, Western Australia
Best Time to Visit: April to October
The Closest Airport: Perth (PER) Airport
Getting there:
- Bus and Taxi
- Private Transfers: Choose from various vehicle sizes to match your group and gear transport requirements at AirportTransfer.com.
Highlights: The Box, Western Australia: Intense, hollow waves for experienced surfers.
Bells Beach, Victoria, Australia
Best Time to Visit: March to September
The Closest Airport: Melbourne (MEL) Airport
Getting there:
- Bus, Train and Taxi
- Private Transfers: Book from AirportTransfer.com to safeguard your surfboards and gear during transit, ensuring their safety.
Highlights: Iconic surf spot with powerful, consistent waves.
Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica
Best Time to Visit: April to August
The Closest Airport: San Jose Juan Santamaria International (SJO) Airport
Getting there:
- Bus and Taxi
- Private Transfers: Enjoy a seamless door-to-door experience, saving time and effort on your journey to the beach by booking from AirportTransfer.com.
Highlights: Year-round surf destination with waves for all levels.
Taghazout, Morocco
Best Time to Visit: September to April
The Closest Airport: Agadir Airport
Getting there:
- Taxi
- Private Transfers: Fixed pricing convenience for multiple pick-up or drop-off spots to suit your group is available at AirportTransfer.com.
Highlights: Top surf destination for all skill levels with charming local culture.
Zavial, Algarve, Portugal
Best Time to Visit: September to April
The Closest Airport: Faro (FAO) Airport
Getting there:
- Train, Bus and Taxi
- Private Transfers: AirportTransfer.com's 24/7 availability offers flexibility to match your travel time with surf conditions.
Highlights: Consistent waves, all skill levels. The beach gets crowded. Warm waters, dramatic cliffs.
Snapper Rocks, Queensland, Australia
Best Time to Visit: December to February
The Closest Airport: Gold Coast Airport
Getting there:
- Bus and Taxi
- Private Transfers: Snapper Rocks is a renowned surf destination, and private transfers from AirportTransfer.com add convenience to your journey.
Highlights: Renowned surf spot, all skill levels. Hosts Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast.
Encuentro Beach, Dominican Republic
Best Time to Visit: November to April
The Closest Airport: Puerto Plata International (POP) Airport
Getting there:
- Bus and Taxi
- Private Transfers: Flexible transportation for your surfing equipment is a key benefit of private transfers. Book from AirportTransfer.com now.
Highlights: Consistent waves, all skill levels. Surf schools, board rentals.
Bundoran, Ireland
Best Time to Visit: December to February
The Closest Airport: Dublin (DUB) Airport
Getting there:
- Bus and Taxi
- Private Transfers: Direct and fixed-price transfers of AirportTransfer.com provide efficient access to the beach.
Highlights: Varied wave sizes, all skill levels. Cold water, bring a wetsuit.
Pedra Branca Ericeira, Portugal
Best Time to Visit: October to May
The Closest Airport: Lisbon Portela (LIS) Airport
Getting there:
- Bus, Train and Taxi
- Private Transfers: Private transfers of AirportTransfer.com offer peace for pre-surf preparation.
Highlights: Pedra Branca Ericeira Beach, near Lisbon, unique nature reserve, powerful reef breaks, and huge waves.
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