The Best Places To Surf in the World
By Claire Heginbotham | Published: March 8, 2022 | Updated: March 6, 2026
Many people say the best surfing in the world is their home break. But visiting some of the best places to surf in the world taught me that even in the most unlikely coastlines, there's always good surf to be found. All you need is a mode of transport, an epic quiver and friends to share the experience.
So, grab your passport and let’s check out the lineup of the best surf destinations on the planet.
Key Takeaways: The Best Places To Surf in the World
- ● Jeffrey’s Bay (J-Bay) near Port Elizabeth, South Africa, has one of the longest right-hand breaks on the planet.
- ● Padang Padang beach in Bali, Indonesia, is one of the lesser-known pipes — not for the fainthearted.
- ● Punta Borinquen in Puerto Rico was the first World Surfing Reserve in the Caribbean.
- ● The western coast of Barbados is home to the famous “Soup Bowl,” where waves reach over 15 feet.
- ● Moorea, an island near Tahiti, offers warm water and slowly curling reef breaks.
- ● Waimea Bay in Hawaii is perfect for advanced or professional surfers and a popular day trip for those cruising to Oahu.
- ● Taghazout in Morocco attracts adrenaline seekers and world-class photographers.
The Best Countries for Surfing: A Breakdown (Not a Break Point)
Some of the best countries for surfing include South Africa, Bali, Puerto Rico and Barbados — each famous for iconic waves, local surf culture and reliable swell. Jeffreys Bay and Elands Bay in South Africa deliver legendary point breaks, while Bali’s Padang Padang offers clean barrels in a tropical paradise — when the time’s right. The Caribbean’s Punta Borinquen in Puerto Rico and Barbados’ Soup Bowl are known for their powerful, consistent swells.
Other highly recommended spots include Moorea in Tahiti, Durban’s Hole-in-the-Wall, Morocco’s Killer Point and Baby Padang for beginners in Bali. So, what can you expect at these coastlines?
J-Bay, South Africa: One of the Longest Right-Hand Breaks in the World
Sunny South Africa is one of the best surf destinations in the world. Here, you'll find the famous triple barrel at Jefferys Bay and hundreds of picturesque surf spots up the west coast. Every year, as the crowds of summer tourists flock back to their home cities, the large winter swell starts to roll through. And that's when things start cooking.
Check out the surf breaks for various skill levels at Supertubes, Boneyards, Albatross and Kitchen Windows. And if you’re looking for a few spots nearby, South Africa offers even more.
Muizenberg Beach, South Africa: The Beginner’s Playground
Elands Bay, South Africa: Left-Hand Lines for the Bold
Elands Bay is just over a two-hour drive from Cape Town and is home to one of the most drool-worthy left-hand waves in the world. A powerful point break offers the best surfing in South Africa for high-performance speed runs, turns and carving.
Weekend warriors make up the bulk of surfers here, so if you want to snag a quiet, peaceful session, head up during a weekday and rent out an Airbnb or hire a campervan and make your base at the local campsite. The town is known as a sleepy little vacation "dorp" on the beautiful west coast. Named after the nearby historic cave paintings of Eland — a large type of antelope — there's plenty of sightseeing for you to do after or between surf sessions.
The East Coast of South Africa: The Dream Run
South Africa’s east coast is your proverbial oyster. Follow the gently curving coastline up to Durban and indulge in epic surf spots like Hole-in-the-Wall along the way! (Tip: Watch Blue Crush 2 for some South African surf trip inspiration.)
Luckily, adulting isn't an affliction that concerns surfers. The moment we see the waves working, we drop work, call in sick, make excuses to our partners, and practically sprint toward the water. Professional sports surfers aside, all that expended energy means we like a good chill sesh on either side of our surf. And what better place is there to chill than Bali— an island where flowers scent the air and locals are always smiling?
Padang Padang Beach: The Best Surfing in Bali
Padang Padang beach in Bali is one of the lesser-known pipes in the world, but well worth the trip. However, Padang Padang's powerful waves aren't for the weak of heart. The wave here is an epic left barrel that's been coined by professional surfers as "the Balinese Pipeline." If you're a beginner surfer, head to the friendlier inside break called Baby Padang.
In my experience, Padang Padang doesn't fire all day, every day — be prepared to wait for the perfect conditions. You need the swell, wind, period and tide to line up. But once they do, the ride is pure perfection, whisking you away in a deep barrel for some 50 meters. This spot is famous among Balinesians and goofies, so the lineup is going to be crowded when the waves are firing. Expect to see pros and experts in the water, too. As an intermediate surfer myself, I prefer to sit on the beach during those days. Just watching pros carve is like learning how to paint a masterpiece.
But when Bali gets crowded, there's another corner of the world that I just can't get enough of — the Caribbean. It's home to thousands of paradise islands, where waves of all sizes glisten like gems in the warm, gentle trade winds. All. Year. Long.
Punta Borinquen, Puerto Rico: Surf the Caribbean’s Crown Jewel
Puerto Rico stands out because it's home to Punta Borinquen, the first Caribbean destination to be classed as a “World Surfing Reserve.” It's no wonder this area was top of the list; the entire 5-mile coastline is dotted with surfing beaches. A surf spot called Gas Chambers often has thundering right-hand barrels, and the nearby Wilderness is home to a massive open ocean that's a true playground for experienced surfers.
The nearby town of Aguadilla thrives with a healthy reggae-like culture, and you'll find plenty of rentals, lessons, surfing shops, surfing tours and nearby accommodations. Did I mention that U.S. citizens don't need a visa? All you need is a flight and you're ready to go!
The West Coast of Barbados: Atlantic Swells for the Brave
While many surfers know Barbados to be “just for the mega-rich," I can assure you there’s more to it than the platinum coast. Forget what the tourist books tell you. On the other side of the island, along the western coast, you'll find the true soul of Barbados surfing alive and kicking. This side of the island is a long-held secret where locals will swear you to secrecy to protect their empty lineups.
There are dozens of spots that are cooking all year long, including the famous "Soup Bowl," where the traveling Atlantic swell culminates into powerful double overhead sets. The wave is super punchy and shallow as it breaks over the reef, which makes it feel heavier than it looks. Experienced to advanced surfers only on this one!
Moorea, Tahiti: Warm Water Reef Breaks
Waimea Bay, Hawaii: Advanced Surf on the North Shore
Waimea Bay in Hawaii is sacred ground for big wave surfers. Located on Oahu’s North Shore, this spot comes alive in winter, with waves often exceeding 30 feet. Beginners and intermediates beware: Waimea Bay is typically recommended for advanced surfers — and many of them will tell you it’s the best surfing in Hawaii.
The main break is a powerful right-hander that carries a force when big swells hit. And when Waimea goes into turbo mode, it’s one of the most incredible spectacles on earth.
Taghazout, Morocco: The Atlantic’s Unexpected Wild Side
Morocco isn't typically a go-to spot when people think of surf destinations, though it definitely needs to be on your world surfing bucket list. I can't quite put my finger on why Morocco is so fun to travel to, but something about it just keeps you coming back. Near the sandy town of Taghazout, you'll find epic barrels at Killer Point, a break that got its name from recurring visits by majestic killer whales.
Nearby surf spots only increase in intensity, with Draculars, Boilers, and Anchor Point drawing adrenaline seekers and world-class photographers. If you want epic conditions to practice your shortboard tricks and epic photos to boot, this is the place to do it!
