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Ride the Waves: Top Surfing Spots in the World

If your ideal trip involves beaches, boards, and the thrill of riding the perfect wave, the world is brimming with amazing surfing spots.

2.5min read

Published 12 August 2024

Sophie Baker

Guest Blogger

If your ideal trip involves beaches, boards, and the thrill of riding the perfect wave, the world is brimming with amazing surfing spots.

From the legendary beaches of Hawaii to the shores of our very own South Africa, here’s a list of the best destinations for surfers.

In this blog

Jeffreys Bay, South Africa

Starting at home, the surfing town of J-Bay is a destination that draws ocean lovers from across the globe. Known as one of the world’s best right-hand point breaks, Jeffreys Bay is a surfer’s paradise. The long, fast barrels and consistent waves make it a must-visit for surfing enthusiasts. Every year, the J-Bay Open attracts professional surfers from across the world, all eager to showcase their skills on these high-quality waves.

Besides surfing, you can enjoy the local wildlife at Addo Elephant National Park or explore the town's charming shops and cafes. Getting there is easy with regular flights to Port Elizabeth, just an hour's drive away.

Pipeline, Hawaii

Next, we head to the legendary Banzai Pipeline on Oahu’s North Shore. There’s a reason Hawaii makes you think of floral shirts, slip slops, and surf. This spot is iconic in the surfing world, famous for its powerful, hollow waves that challenge even the most seasoned surfers – as the name suggests, they look like pipes! The winter months bring the biggest swells, and you can get cheaper deals on accommodation if you head out there in winter too.

Beyond surfing, you can explore the scenic hiking trails, visit Pearl Harbor, or relax on Waikiki Beach with a cocktail and a camera. Though it’s an incredible spot for surfers, there’s plenty else to do too – but keep in mind that it’s one of the more expensive destinations on this list.

Gold Coast, Australia

Australia’s Gold Coast is another top-tier surfing destination, boasting some of the best surf breaks in the world. Snapper Rocks, part of the famous Superbank, offers long rides and consistent waves. It’s almost tropical in terms of climate here, so the warm waters and vibrant surf culture make it a popular spot year-round.

When you're not surfing, you can visit theme parks, enjoy vibrant nightlife, or explore the lush hinterlands. You can fly into Brisbane and spend a few days there before taking a drive up to the Gold Coast for your surfing part of the trip. And while you’re there, we definitely recommend a detour to Sydney or Melbourne to experience the more cosmopolitan side of Down Under.

Uluwatu, Bali

Bali is a popular holiday destination for South Africans, whether they surf or not. Cheap and delicious food, gorgeous forests and beaches, and loads of cultural attractions all keep visitors coming back year after year. If you fly into Denpasar, you can also head up to Uluwatu, another of the best surfing destinations in the world.

If you’re an advanced surfer, it’s a dream. The breaks are challenging and powerful, and you’ll leave the water feeling exhausted but fulfilled each day. And the dramatic cliffs is a gem for those seeking powerful waves and stunning scenery. The surf breaks here are best suited for advanced surfers, offering challenging and exhilarating rides. The picturesque setting, with its dramatic forested cliffsides doesn’t harm, either! When you’re not in the water, you can visit Uluwatu Temple, enjoy traditional Balinese dance performances, or relax at one of the many beach clubs in the area.

Gold Coast

Australia

Expert tip

The Gold Coast includes over 50km of coastline, top to bottom. Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach are famous for offering a central location to some of the city’s best shopping, nightlife and attractions.

Lea Ahokava

Hossegor, France

When you think of France, you probably think of Paris, alpine ski escapes, or maybe the famous lavender fields of Provence. But it’s surprisingly good for surfers too, and easily accessible from South Africa. If you’re looking to escape South African winter for a surfing trip, you’ll want to consider Hossegor.

Known for its powerful beach breaks, fast, hollow waves draw a serious surfing crowd and you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stumbled into a Californian beach town, with surf shops and beach buggies parked on every corner. The surf scene here is complemented by beautiful beaches and a charming town atmosphere – but know that the currents can be very strong for swimmers.

When you're not on the waves, you can go shopping at the local markets, enjoy fine dining at one of the many top-notch restaurants, or take a short drive to the picturesque Basque Country. It also has a gorgeous reservoir.

How to Plan Your Surfing Trip

Booking a surfing trip can seem complex, much like booking a skiing trip. Without inside intel, it can be overwhelming, and you risk ending up in a spot that doesn’t meet your needs. Luckily, Flight Centre makes it easy to book a trip to the best surfing destinations in the world.

Our travel experts can help you find the best surfing spots, accommodation, and flights, ensuring you have everything you need for an epic surf adventure. Whether you’re planning a trip to Jeffreys Bay or Pipeline, we can tailor your itinerary to match your surfing level and preferences.

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Sophie Baker

Guest Blogger

Adventure & Active

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