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Every surfer worth their salt has a different favourite wave depending on his/her style, preferences and abilities. This makes creating an ultimate list of ‘best surf destinations in the world’ extremely tricky, as one surfer’s dream wave can be another’s nemesis!
From the Mexpipe to the sun-kissed beaches of Australia, every surf spot has its own unique charm and challenges – whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, there’s a wave out there waiting for you to ride it.
Here’s our rundown of the top 13 favourite surf spots in the world, each offering an unforgettable experience for wave riders of all skill levels. Use it as an aspirational guide to world-class waves (and don’t forget to let us know your favourite surf destination in the comments below…!)
Attracting surfers from around the world, Playa Colorados is perhaps the most famous surf spot in the area, particularly for the consistent barrels. Playa Colorados offers, fast, powerful and hollow wave, making it ideal for experienced surfers.
Surfers have been enjoying the lengthy and powerful ride at Bells Beach since 1939. Home to the annual Rip Curl Pro Surfing competition, Bells Beach is renowned for its powerful waves and rugged beauty. Its long, right-hand point break offers endless opportunities for big turns and barrel rides.
Whether you’re looking for big powerful waves, or clean 2-ft peelers, you’ll have the ride of your life at Bells Beach no matter what your surfing level.
Nicknamed ‘Jaws’ due to the ferocity and size of the waves, Pe’ahi (which means ‘wave’ in Hawaiian) on Maui’s north coast is home to some of the biggest adrenaline-pumping waves on the planet.
With swells reaching heights of 60 feet or more, it’s a playground for big-wave surfers looking to push the limits of what’s possible on a surfboard. Not for the faint-hearted, this mega wave will test your stamina and courage and is one of the most impressive monster waves in the world.
When considering the top surfing spots globally, Imsouane, Morocco, might not immediately spring to mind, yet it’s a treasure for those in the know. Famous for its slow-rolling waves, this picturesque village is ideal for mid-length to longboarders looking for gentle, long rides.
The bay at Imsouane, known for possibly the longest right-hand wave in the region, offers surfers a tranquil yet exhilarating experience. This serene destination not only boasts consistent waves but also stunning views of the Moroccan coastline, making it a perfect blend of leisure and adventure for surf enthusiasts.
Known affectionately as the “Mexican Pipeline,” Puerto Escondido offers some of the most powerful and challenging waves in the world. The crown jewel of Puerto Escondido’s surf scene is undoubtedly Zicatela Beach, home to the legendary MexPipe.
This infamous wave breaks over a shallow sandbar, producing massive barrels that can reach heights of 20 feet or more. Surfing MexPipe is not for the faint of heart, as it requires skill, experience, and nerves of steel to navigate its fast, hollow walls. Puerto Escondido offers a variety of other breaks catering to different skill levels, including La Punta, Playa Carrizalillo, and Playa Marinero, providing options for surfers of all abilities.
This iconic right-hand point break offers long, fast barrels that seem to go on forever. With its consistent swell and warm water, J-Bay has various sections making it a paradise for both pro surfers and amateurs looking to improve their skills on the best right-hand ride in the world.
One of the sections (Supertubes) is home to some of the most impressive tube rides in the world. Its fast, powerful waves attract surfers from around the globe, especially during the winter months when the swell is at its peak.
While it doesn’t break often, when it lights up Rincon is the best point break in California. This is one of the best surf destinations in the world, with long, steep, right-hand waves on most big northwest swells. Like all best surf spots, it can get very crowded but if you don’t mind jostling for space, Rincon delivers on every other level.
Trestles in Southern California is home to some of the most rippable waves in California, characterised by long, peeling lines and pristine conditions that make for epic surf sessions. Because of this, Trestles is one of the best high-performance waves in the world.
Translated as “The End of the Road,” due to its remote location and thundering surf, Teahupo’o in French Polynesia is famous for its thick, heavy waves that break over a shallow reef. Surfers here ride some of the heaviest barrels in the world, earning it a reputation as one of the most challenging breaks on the planet.
Autumn and Spring are the best times for the iconic waves that have put Teahupo’o on top of the bucket lists of any seriously dedicated surfer.
Siargao Island stands as a surfing mecca, and at its heart lies the iconic Cloud 9. Cloud 9 is famed for its legendary right-hand reef break, which produces thick, hollow barrels that rival those of any world-class surf spot. The wave is consistently powerful and fast, breaking over a shallow reef just a few feet from the shore.
Known for its perfect tubes and adrenaline-pumping drops, Cloud 9 offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for surfers of all levels, from seasoned pros to eager beginners looking to test their skills.
Located in the heart of Europe’s surf capital, Hossegor boasts some of the best beach breaks on the continent with impressive pro-level tubes mimicking some of Hawaii’s best surf. Its hollow waves and consistent swell attract surfers from all over the world, especially during the annual Quiksilver surf festival.
Thanks to a mighty underwater canyon that strikes its way through this part of the Bay of Biscay, it’s possible for the waves here to reach 15 feet which earns Hossegor its reputation as one of the most epic beach breaks in Europe.
Sultans is a legendary surf spot located in North Male Atoll in the Maldives.It is renowned for its long, peeling waves that break over a shallow reef, offering surfers the ride of a lifetime. The wave is characterised by its consistency, with clean lines and perfect walls that provide ample opportunities for carving, barrel riding, and high-performance manoeuvres.
While Sultans is suitable for surfers of all levels, it’s best enjoyed by intermediate to advanced riders who can handle its fast, powerful waves with confidence.
Perched on the southern tip of Bali, Uluwatu offers world-class waves against a backdrop of stunning cliffs and mystical temples. Its consistent swell and variety of breaks make it a favourite among surfers. Uluwatu is best known for its iconic waves, which break over a shallow reef and offer some of the longest, most exhilarating rides in Bali.
The main break at Uluwatu produces powerful, barreling waves that peel perfectly along the reef, providing endless opportunities for epic rides and thrilling tube experiences. The consistency of the swell ensures that there’s almost always something to ride, making Uluwatu a favourite destination for surfers year-round.
Nestled along the stunning coastline of Portugal, Ericeira stands out as one of the world’s premier surf destinations. With its consistent swell, variety of breaks, and vibrant surf culture, this charming fishing village has earned its reputation as a mecca for wave riders from around the globe.
What sets Ericeira apart is its incredible diversity of waves, catering to surfers of all levels and preferences. From mellow beach breaks to challenging reef breaks, there’s something for everyone here.
Whilst destinations around the world have mega waves and tropical weather, here in the UK we have some fantastic surf spots which easily rival some of the best surf spots around the world. See our pick of some of the best surfing destinations in the UK and why they’re worth a visit.
Whatever your preferred type of wave, we hope that our rundown of the best surf destinations in the world prickles your goosebumps and leaves you hungry for adventure. Whether you’re catching barrels at sunrise, exploring the underwater world, or simply soaking up the vibes, there are so many epic waves out there to explore for an unforgettable surfing experience that will leave you craving more.
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