Top World Surf Destinations for Beginners & Intermediates: Your Ultimate Guide to Surf Travel This Summer
As the Australian summer approaches and the holiday season kicks in, it's the perfect time to start planning your next surf adventure. Whether you're looking to improve your skills or simply want to surf in new and exciting places, we've rounded up some of the best surf spots around the world that cater to beginners and intermediates. From tropical beaches to world-renowned surf towns, these destinations offer perfect conditions for you to catch the waves and make unforgettable memories.
1. Bali, Indonesia 🇮🇩
Best Surf Breaks: Kuta Beach, Seminyak, Uluwatu
Top Reasons to Visit:
Bali is a tropical paradise known for its consistent surf, warm waters, and vibrant surf culture. The island offers something for every level, but it's especially well-suited for beginners and intermediates looking to progress. Kuta Beach is famous for its mellow, rolling waves, while Uluwatu and Seminyak offer more challenging breaks for those looking to level up their surfing. Bali also has amazing food, culture, and plenty of off-the-beach adventures to enjoy.
Top Surf Camp/Resorts:
Surf Goddess Retreat – A surf camp specifically designed for women, offering tailored lessons and a holistic approach to surfing.
Odyssey Surf School – Known for its fun group lessons and surf packages that cater to both beginners and intermediate surfers.
2. Costa Rica 🇨🇷
Best Surf Breaks: Tamarindo, Playa Grande, Santa Teresa
Top Reasons to Visit:
Costa Rica is a world-class surf destination, particularly for beginners and intermediates. Tamarindo offers consistent, gentle waves ideal for those learning the ropes, while Playa Grande and Santa Teresa feature a mix of friendly beach breaks and powerful point breaks. Costa Rica is also an eco-paradise with its beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and laid-back culture, making it an ideal spot for those looking to surf, relax, and connect with nature.
Top Surf Camp/Resorts:
Witch's Rock Surf Camp – Situated in the heart of Costa Rica’s surf scene, offering surf packages for all levels.
Selina Surf Camp – A more affordable option with excellent surf coaching and a great community vibe for beginners and intermediates alike.
3. Byron Bay, Australia 🇦🇺
Best Surf Breaks: The Pass, Wategos, Lennox Head
Top Reasons to Visit:
Byron Bay is one of Australia’s most iconic surf spots, offering a mix of beginner-friendly waves and more challenging breaks for intermediates. The Pass is a long, mellow point break perfect for long rides, while Wategos is a beautiful, calm bay offering smaller waves that are ideal for newcomers. Byron Bay also boasts a vibrant surf community, delicious food, and a laid-back atmosphere, making it a must-visit for anyone looking for a surf trip with style.
Top Surf Camp/Resorts:
Byron Bay Surf School – With over 30 years of experience, this school offers tailored lessons for beginners and intermediates.
The Byron Bay Surf Retreat – A wellness surf retreat that focuses on holistic development, including yoga, meditation, and surf coaching.
4. Raglan, New Zealand 🇳🇿
Best Surf Breaks: Manu Bay, Indicators, Whale Bay
Top Reasons to Visit:
Raglan is a must-visit for any surfer looking for a serene and stunning surf destination. Known for its world-class left-hand point breaks, Manu Bay offers long rides that are perfect for intermediates looking to hone their skills. Raglan is also a laid-back surf town with a strong local community, friendly waves, and a charming atmosphere. New Zealand's rugged landscapes and breathtaking nature also make it a fantastic destination for adventure seekers.
Top Surf Camp/Resorts:
Raglan Surf School – Offering surf lessons for all levels, this school is perfect for those wanting to surf in New Zealand’s pristine waters.
Solscape Eco Retreat – A sustainable surf retreat offering accommodations with a focus on eco-conscious living and great access to Raglan’s breaks.
5. Sayulita, Mexico 🇲🇽
Best Surf Breaks: Sayulita Beach, San Pancho
Top Reasons to Visit:
Sayulita is the quintessential surf town with a warm and welcoming vibe. Perfect for beginner and intermediate surfers, the waves here are consistent and fun, especially at Sayulita Beach, where you’ll find mellow rides ideal for building your confidence. Sayulita’s vibrant town offers great food, shopping, and a bohemian atmosphere, while nearby San Pancho offers a quieter spot for a more laid-back surf session. It’s a great place to connect with the surf community while soaking in the sun.
Top Surf Camp/Resorts:
Sayulita Surf School – Offering private and group lessons, this surf school caters to all levels and is perfect for beginners.
Chica Brava – A women-only surf camp known for its amazing coaches and laid-back atmosphere, ideal for those looking to progress their surfing.
6. Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
Best Surf Breaks: Hikkaduwa Reef, Dewata, Kabalana
Top Reasons to Visit:
Sri Lanka offers an abundance of surf spots that are great for beginners and intermediates. Hikkaduwa is home to some of the island’s most accessible and consistent waves, making it a favorite for those looking to learn and progress. The warm water and tropical surroundings are just a bonus! Sri Lanka is also renowned for its relaxed pace of life, fantastic food, and beautiful beaches, so you can surf and unwind in equal measure.
Top Surf Camp/Resorts:
Hikkaduwa Surf School – Offering lessons for all levels with experienced coaches in one of the most beautiful coastal areas of Sri Lanka.
Kabalana Surf Resort – A boutique surf resort that offers personalized surf lessons and is right next to some of the best surf breaks.
Final Thoughts on Surf Travel
Whether you're a beginner just starting out or an intermediate surfer looking to level up, these destinations are perfect for catching great waves, meeting like-minded people, and experiencing the surf lifestyle. And remember—surf travel isn’t just about the waves; it’s also about respecting the local culture and surf ecosystems. Always surf responsibly, stay eco-conscious, and support local surf communities.