Best Places to Surf in the World

30 Nov 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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:

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 AirportMelbourne (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

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 AirportGold 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

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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