Surf the World’s Best Waves by Skill Level and Season. Discover top surf destinations, the best times to go, and where each break suits beginners, intermediates, or experienced surfers.

Fact-Checked By: Maya Whitfield—Senior Travel Editor at WakaAbuja

I learned to surf badly in my late twenties on a rented foam board in Waikiki, and I have spent the years since chasing better waves in worse conditions. What I have learned is that “best” is meaningless without context. The best wave in the world is a three-story closeout for a beginner and a gentle ripple for a pro.

This guide sorts 20 of the world’s top surf destinations by skill level and season, with named breaks, wave types, and the honest trade-offs that most glossy lists leave out.

Jump to: Comparison Table | Best for Beginners | Best for Intermediate | Best for Advanced | Best Time to Go | Best Value | FAQ

Key takeaways

• Match the break to your ability, not the destination’s reputation. Pipeline and Teahupo’o will hurt you if you are not ready.
• The best beginner destinations are Waikiki, Kuta, Taghazout, and Nosara. All have gentle beach breaks and reliable surf schools.
• The best months for the Northern Hemisphere are April to October. For the Southern Hemisphere, November to March.
• Water temperature varies wildly. Pack a 4/3 wetsuit for Portugal and California in winter, and board shorts for Bali and Costa Rica year-round.
• Ericeira, Portugal, is the best value world-class destination in Europe. Wave quality rivals Hawaii at a fraction of the cost (confirm the latest price directly with the operator).
• Book surf camps 2 to 3 months ahead for peak season. Popular camps in Bali and Costa Rica sell out fast during July, August, and December.

Best Places to Surf at a Glance

If you want the short version, this is it. Each destination is categorized by skill level, best season, and what kind of break you will find there.

What Are the Best Places to Surf for Beginners?

The best beginner destinations share three things: gentle beach breaks, sandy bottoms, and reliable surf schools. If a wave breaks over a reef, do not start there, no matter how beautiful the photos are.

Waikiki, Hawaii

Waikiki is the most forgiving surf destination in the world for beginners. The waves at Canoes and Queens are long, slow, and predictable, and the water is warm year-round. The main downside is crowds. On a Saturday morning, you will be sharing the lineup with hundreds of other learners and a fleet of outrigger canoes. Take a lesson from one of the beach boys at Waikiki Beach Services for the best local knowledge.

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Kuta Beach, Bali

Kuta is the classic beginner spot in Southeast Asia. The waves are soft, the water is warm, and a lesson with board rental costs around $30 for two hours (confirm the latest price directly with the operator). The main downside is the noise and traffic. If you want a quieter version, head north to Canggu or south to Jimbaran.

Taghazout, Morocco

Taghazout has become a surf camp hub for Europeans seeking cheap, consistent waves. The main beach break is gentle enough for beginners, and there are dozens of surf camps offering week-long packages with accommodation and lessons. The water is colder than Bali or Hawaii, so bring a 3/2 wetsuit in winter.

Nosara, Costa Rica

Nosara’s Playa Guiones is one of the most consistent beach breaks in the world, which means you will find something to ride almost any day of the year. The wave is forgiving, the bottom is sand, and the town has become a hub for yoga and surf retreats. It is not cheap by Central American standards, but it is reliable.

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What Are the Best Places to Surf for Intermediate Surfers?

Intermediate is the hardest stage. You can paddle, you can catch waves, but you are not yet comfortable in heavy water or big sets. The best destinations for this stage are reef breaks with predictable takeoff zones and point breaks that give you long, forgiving rides.

Uluwatu, Bali

Uluwatu is one of the most famous waves in the world, but it is also one of the most manageable at intermediate level if you respect it. The main peak has a long, fast wall that is ideal for improving your turns. Paddle out at mid-tide to avoid the sharp reef at low tide. If the main peak is too crowded, Racetracks is a slightly easier option nearby.

Ericeira, Portugal

Ericeira is a World Surfing Reserve with over 10 named breaks within a few miles. The variety is what makes it perfect for intermediate surfers. Ribeira d’Ilhas is the classic point break. Foz do Lizandro is the beach break for softer days. You can surf a different wave every session for a week.

Hossegor, France

Hossegor is famous for its heavy beach breaks, but there are intermediate-friendly peaks between the serious sandbars. The town has a strong surf culture and reliable autumn swells. The main downside is the crowds during the European summer holidays. Go in September or October for the best combination of waves and space.

Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Santa Teresa is a smaller, more laid-back alternative to Nosara. The main break at Playa Carmen is a consistent beach break with a forgiving takeoff. The town has a mix of surf camps, yoga retreats, and small hotels, and the vibe is quiet and friendly.

What Are the Best Places to Surf for Advanced Surfers?

Advanced surfers are looking for something different from the rest of the list: heavy waves, hollow barrels, and consequences. These destinations deliver all three, but they also demand respect.

Pipeline, Hawaii

The pipeline is the most famous wave in the world and one of the most dangerous. It breaks over a shallow reef and produces some of the heaviest barrels on the planet. If you are not a genuinely advanced surfer, do not paddle out. Watch from the beach and respect the pecking order.

Teahupo’o, Tahiti

Teahupo’o is a slab wave that breaks below sea level over a razor-sharp reef. The wave is a spectacle, but it is also one of the most dangerous in the world. The lineup is short and dominated by locals. Watch the Tahiti Pro event or get a boat ride to see it from a safe distance.

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Supertubos, Portugal

Supertubos is a fast, hollow beach break on the Portuguese coast that produces European barrels to rival Hawaii. It is less deadly than Pipeline or Teahupo’o, but it still demands experience. The wave is best on a mid- to high-tide with a west swell. Peniche is the nearest town and hosts a Championship Tour event every October.

Cloudbreak, Fiji

Cloudbreak is a world-class left-hand reef break that only works on a boat trip. The wave is long, powerful, and hollow, and the setting is spectacular. Access is by boat from the Tavarua or Namotu Islands. It is not a destination for casual surfers, but it is worth it if you are experienced and prepared.

When Is the Best Time of Year to Surf?

The best time to surf depends on the destination. The general rule is that the Northern Hemisphere has its best waves from April to October, and the Southern Hemisphere has its best from November to March. But each destination has its own pattern.

If you are planning a trip and want to maximize your chance of good waves, check the historical swell data for your destination before you book. Wave heights and wind patterns vary dramatically by month, and the difference between a great trip and a flat week is often just picking the right window.

Where Are the Best Value Surf Destinations?

Surf travel does not have to be expensive. Some of the best waves in the world are in countries where your money goes three times as far. Here is where I would go on a budget.

Frequently asked questions about the best places to surf

Plan your trip: booking platforms we trust

These are the platforms I use to plan surf trips. For surf camps specifically, book direct when you can, but always cross-check with these to see if there is a package deal.

For more planning help, see our travel planning guides, our hotel reviews, our things to do section, and our visa category. When you are ready to book flights, start with our discounted flights page.

WakaAbuja does its best to keep all information accurate at the time of publishing. Prices, policies, and availability change regularly. Always verify with official sources before you travel. We are not liable for errors caused by outdated information. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.