As we look ahead to 2024, it’s time to start planning your surf adventures for the coming year. From tropical paradises to remote breaks, there are endless possibilities for surfers to explore and conquer. Here are the top 10 dream surfing destinations to add to your bucket list for 2024.
1. Maui, Hawaii, USA
Hawaii is often considered one of the top surfing destinations in the world. Many of Maui’s surf breaks are located on the west and northwest coasts, with spots like Jaws, Honolua, Woody’s, Hot Sands, and Rainbows being popular. Paia is a more accessible surf town on Maui that is great for intermediate surfers and families.
2. Byron Bay, Australia
Byron Bay is a popular town popular among international transient tourists and its legendary surf scene. The town offers 70 km (43 mi) of sandy beach and stunning natural beauty. While Byron Bay is culturally appealing, beginners should be cautious and avoid taking on waves that may be too challenging. Some notable surf spots include the Wreck, Belongil Beach, The Pass, Clarkes Beach, Wategoes, Suffolk Park, and Tallow Beach. The best time to surf in Byron Bay is from June to September.
3. Costa Rica (north Pacific coast)
The coast of Guanacaste province offers consistently good surf year-round. Playa Grande and Tamarindo are popular surfing spots, with other charming spots like Playa Negra, Naranjo, and Nosara nearby. Costa Rica is highly regarded as a surfing destination in Central America, known for its natural beauty and biodiversity. The north Pacific coast is a popular destination with a relatively low permanent population.
Surfers Love Rapture Surfcamps
4. Ilha de Santa Catarina, Brazil
Santa Catarina, an island off the southeast coast of Brazil, is known for its abundant beach resorts and consistent waves, making it a popular surfing destination. With 42 beaches and 7490 km of coastline, there is a variety of waves and atmospheres to enjoy. Floripa, or Florianopolis, is the vibrant city on the island that serves as a top spot for surfers, with beaches like Mocambique, Santinho, Joaquina, Barra Da Lagoa, Campeche, Praia Mole, and Lagoinha do Leste offering great surfing opportunities. Additionally, Santa Catarina is known for its lively nightlife, making it a popular party destination among young Brazilians.
5. Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain
Fuerteventura is the second largest Canary Island and is known for its pleasant weather and top surfing conditions. It is often compared to Hawaii for its surfing opportunities. Surfing is best from October to March, with smaller waves for beginners from April to August. The Bubble is a famous right-hand tube on the island, but there are many other breaks suitable for surfers of all levels. These include Los Lobos, Rocky Point, Generrosa, El Hierro, Mejillonas, Harbour Wall, Cotillo, Esquinzo, German Rights, and Shooting Gallery.
6. Barbados
Rihanna isn’t the only Barbadian attraction— it’s got some of the Atlantic’s best barrels. Barbados offers excellent surfing opportunities, with popular spots like the Soup Bowl and Surfer’s Point attracting both international surfers and beginners. The island’s clear warm waters and relatively empty surf breaks make it a Caribbean destination worth considering.
7. Tavarua Island, Fiji
Fiji’s Tavura Island is a popular vacation destination with 7 main surf breaks. There is a variety of breaks for all levels of surfers, from beginners at Kiddieland, all the way up Cloudbreak for experienced surfers. The island’s coral reef provides great opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling. Kiddieland, as the name suggests, is where you should head if you’re just starting out, while the world-famous Cloudbreak is a haven for big wave daredevils, offering up 10-metre (50-ft) swells. Tavura Island is surrounded by a coral reef so it also offers excellent opportunities for scuba diving and snorkelling.
8. Teahupo’o, Tahiti
Teahupo’o is a village on the island of Tahiti in French Polynesia known for its incredible surfing opporutnities. It is considered the “heaviest left” with epic barrels that attract expert surfers. The village has been a mainstay of the ASP World Championship Tour for many years. The hollow-breaking waves at Teahupo’o are best suited for professional and experienced surfers.
9. Biarritz, France
Biarritz has been a resort town for about 150 years and is known as the birthplace of the French surf scene. It is a great place to enjoy surfing along with luxury holiday experiences. La Grande Plage in the town center offers excellent waves but can get crowded, especially during holidays. For more space and variety, check out other top surfing spots like La Côte des Basques, Anglet, and Guethary. The best surfing months in Biarritz are September to November, although there are good waves all year round from the north Atlantic swells.
10. Taghazout, Morocco
Taghazout in North Africa is compared to California for its waves like those in Southern California, attracting surfers from all over. The surf includes some of the best point breaks in the world, enjoyed by French, Spanish, local Moroccans and Berbers. Beginners can start at Panoramas and Crocodiles, while more experienced surfers head to Anchor Point and Killer Point for powerful waves. Surfing is great all year round, with bigger waves from September to April. Taghazout is a small, affordable fishing village that doesn’t attract large crowds. If you have time, consider visiting Essaouira and Marrakesh too.
That wraps up our alternative World’s top 10 surfing destinations. If you are looking for a surf camp in Bali or Portugal, we have some exciting options for you.
Visit our site to check out our surf camps in Bali and other locations.
