These are the best surfing spots in the world

Welcome to the take-off zone.

Everybody has their preference, from Hawaii’s sensational Pipeline to the seductive beauty of Namibia’s Skeleton Beach. Others are only whispered; passed from surfer to surfer, like a message in a bottle. Secretive. So while the answer might be blowing in the wind, we decided to reach out to our network of local contacts and asked them for their recommendations; and then we decided to put together some of the best and most unusual surfing experiences you can book with us.

Salt-licked, sun-kissed, with the sand between your feet. It’s time to grab your wetsuit.

Hawaii

It’s on the majestic beaches of Kauai that you’ll join Titus, a surfing Grand Master. It’s his task to imbue you with the knowledge of the Hawaiian sport of kings. Whether you’re a maestro yourself or this is your first taste of surf (called hee nalu in Hawaiian), there are few better or more sublime places on earth to hit the waves. Pair that with our wider Hawaiian island-hopping experience, and you’ll find moments to absorb the culture and landscape that have made surfing not just a sport, but a part of Hawaii itself.

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Costa Rica

Santa Teresa is a surf town that takes the sport seriously indeed, albeit with a decidedly bohemian twist. As a surfing spot, this is undoubtedly world-class – with tropical warm waters and waves all year round. Happily, the conditions are perfect for those learning to surf; and it’s why so many people come here from across the world to get their first taste of the experience. Fringed by jungle, banana plantations, and volcanoes, there’s also much else to attract your time and attention. It’s why Santa Teresa forms such a crucial part of our ultimate Costa Rican trip, which you can explore below.

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Sri Lanka

This tear-drop shaped island nation is renowned for its surf, attracting both experienced and novice surfers year-round. However, its best waves are said to roll between April and November. We’re particularly fond of Unakaruwa Beach, which has a right-hand break suitable for advanced and professional surfers, while Nilwella Beach is ideal for beginners – with its sandy bottom and both right- and left-hand breaks. And once you’re (eventually) finished with the coast, this experience will introduce you to the undulating, tea-scented hinterlands, ancient monuments, and national parks of Sri Lanka. Unless you can’t pull yourself away.

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New Zealand

Here’s a surfing trip with a difference. Each day you’ll set off with your pilot, flying over glaciers, waterfalls and rainforest to reach deserted reefs and beaches. You can expect around 3-4 hours flying time a day from your base at Queenstown with stops along the way to test the surf. Travelling by helicopter from beach to beach not only gives you excellent bragging rights, but it also gets you access to isolated wave breaks, escaping the crowds and getting the cleanest barrels all to yourself.

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Indonesia

The property of NIHI Sumba has earned a (well deserved) reputation as having access to one of the world’s most coveted waves. Known as “God’s Left”, or often “Occy’s Left” (after Australian surfer Mark Occhilupo), the wave is popular for its distinctive and memorable character. Searching for perfect waves is what surfing is all about though, and a private ‘surf safari’ from Nihi Sumba will take you to several other breaks located between 30-60 minutes away.

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Israel

Another surfing spot with a difference. On this experience, you’ll head north of Tel Aviv to a remote stretch of beach called Sdot Yam. Here your instructor will be Gal Fridman, proud winner of a gold Olympic medal. Prepare for a water sports experience extraordinaire with SUPs, Kayaks and more. Alternatively, Hilton Beach is favoured by many of the world’s surfers as the best break in Tel Aviv. Waves generally break wide and regularly, although with a rocky outcrop for a beach to navigate, this particular spot is for seasoned surfers only. Dolfinarium Beach is a little more user friendly, a few miles North from Hilton and with a gentle break closer to the shore, these ankle snappers are perfect for beginners and children.

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Norway

Here’s something a little bit different – with the opportunity to surf beneath the Northern Lights. While it doesn’t naturally spring to mind as one of the world’s most obvious surfing destinations, this is more about the thrilling combination of surf and sky. It’ll be hard to keep your head down.

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Portugal

Whilst Portugal may not spring to the minds of many as an obvious surf destination, its wild Atlantic Coast is proving it ought to. Starting on the windswept bohemian beaches of Comporta and working down to the sun-drenched Algarve, a surf safari in Portugal offers a more laid back take on pounding the waves, whilst still packing in enough adrenaline to entertain enthusiasts. Starting off just outside Lisbon on the shoreline of Comporta, guests will test the waters at Carvalhal Beach alongside an expert instructor before continuing down to the Algarve Coast. Here’s they’ll set sail on a luxury yacht from the walled fishing town of Lagos to follow the historical routes of Portuguese seafarers before heading to the beautiful beaches of Beliche or Tonel.

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Morocco

Taghazout in Morocco has become famous for having some of the most consistent world class surfing conditions in the world. Typically better between September and April when big storms create swell in the North Atlantic, Killer Point is a favourite among local and not so local surfers. Named due to the annual migration of Killer Whales, long and fast barrels combined with a long wave period, Killer Point is a must for any new surfer looking to perfect their technique. We can arrange private surf lessons in the area.

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