If you’re a beginner surfer and you’re planning a surf trip but not sure where to go, you’re in the right place.
In this post you’ll discover the best beginner friendly surf trip destinations on the planet.
Warm water, sunshine, and waves for days!
If your unsure where to go on your next surf trip, keep reading...
LEARN ONLINE:
ALL COURSES, ALL LESSONS & SESSIONS $9P/M [BILLED ANNUALLY]
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A BEGINNER FRIENDLY SURF DESTINATION
There are plenty of tropical destinations with warm water and waves, but that doesn't mean it's fit or a surf trip.
You'll want to find somewhere that's safe, clean, has beginner friendly surf, and with a bit of luck doesn't cost a fortune too.
Also, it's important to have things to do outside of the surf too.
So things like natural beauty, activities and amenities, cafes & bar's etc. are important considerations too.
To help you with your decision making process I've gone and created a surf trip wish list for you below.
8 OF THE BEST BEGINNER SURF TRIP DESTINATIONS IN THE WORLD
1. BALI
29°
AV. WATER TEMP
Year Round
SURF SEASON
2-5ft
AV. WAVE HEIGHT
Over the past ten or so years Bali has become the number beginner surf trip destination in the world - and for good reason:
It’s cheap, it’s safe, the local people are epic, & the water is warm all year round.
With a winning combination like that it’s no surprise it's so popular.
BEGINNER FRIENDLY SURF SPOTS
COST OF LIVING RATING:
33rd Cheapest Country in the World
DESTINATION AIRPORT:
Denpesar
2. COSTA RICA
28°
AV. WATER TEMP
Year Round
SURF SEASON
2-5ft
AV. WAVE HEIGHT
Costa Rica is considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
With incredible flora and fauna, an abundance of native wildlife, white sandy beaches...
...and you guessed it, epic surfing conditions for beginners.
As a surf trip destination they don't come much better than this.
BEGINNER FRIENDLY SURF SPOTS
COST OF LIVING RATING:
77th Cheapest Country in the World
DESTINATION AIRPORT:
Juan Santamaria
3. SRI LANKA
29°
AV. WATER TEMP
Year Round
SURF SEASON
2-3ft
AV. WAVE HEIGHT
Sri Lanka has some of the most friendly, soft, beginner friendly waves on the planet.
Growing in popularity in recent years with the surfing community, and with an explosion of surf camps in the area, it now boasts one of the most robust learn to surf industries in the world.
With two coasts, East & West, that work best at different times of the year you'll be spoilt for options whenever you decide to go.
BEGINNER FRIENDLY SURF SPOTS
COST OF LIVING RATING:
2nd Cheapest Country in the World
DESTINATION AIRPORT:
Bandaranaike
SURF VIDEO ANALYSIS [REMOTE]
4. PORTUGAL
20°
AV. WATER TEMP
May - Sept
SURF SEASON
2-5ft
AV. WAVE HEIGHT
Portugal is the leader when it comes to surf holidays, camps, etc. in Europe.
With an endless exposure to swell, hot summers, and a beautiful coastline - you won't be let down if your surf trip destination of choice is Portugal.
The best area for beginners is at the Southern end of the country (Algarve), whereby there's plenty of protection from any big swells that roll through, and the water is warmer.
BEGINNER FRIENDLY SURF SPOTS
COST OF LIVING RATING:
72nd Cheapest Country in the World
DESTINATION AIRPORT:
Lisbon
5. MOROCCO
21°
AV. WATER TEMP
May - Sept
SURF SEASON
2-5ft
AV. WAVE HEIGHT
World renowned for it's endless supply of quality long right-hand point breaks, Morocco also throws up some surprisingly good options for beginners too.
With virtually the entire surfing industry located in the South around Thagazout, this is where you'll likely want to base yourself for your trip.
BEGINNER FRIENDLY SURF SPOTS
COST OF LIVING RATING:
21st Cheapest Country in the World
DESTINATION AIRPORT:
Marakesh
6. NICARAGUA
29°
AV. WATER TEMP
Year Round
SURF SEASON
2-5ft
AV. WAVE HEIGHT
Nicaragua sits just a little North of Costa Rica and has some the best beginner waves on the planet.
Much, much cheaper than it's more glamorous cousin - Costa Rica - yet no less lacking in quality.
You'll be surrounded by perfect sand-bottom waves, tropical water, and lovely people.
Definitely a good budget option for sure.
BEGINNER FRIENDLY SURF SPOTS
COST OF LIVING RATING:
57th Cheapest Country in the World
DESTINATION AIRPORT:
Augusto C. Sandino
7. AUSTRALIA
20° - 27°
AV. WATER TEMP
Oct - May
SURF SEASON
2-5ft
AV. WAVE HEIGHT
With no shortage of coastline, and boasting some of the worlds most beautiful beaches, Australia is a great surf trip option for beginners.
With the entire East Coast littered with options, you'll be sure to find what you're looking for here.
One word of warning though, it's damn expensive, so always consider that before booking your trip.
BEGINNER FRIENDLY SURF SPOTS
COST OF LIVING RATING:
126th Cheapest Country in the World
DESTINATION AIRPORT:
Brisbane or Sydney
8. NEW ZEALAND
16°-22°
AV. WATER TEMP
Nov - Apr
SURF SEASON
2-3ft
AV. WAVE HEIGHT
Not many people put New Zealand at the top of their surf trip destination wish lists, instead preferring the warmer climates of the tropics as their destinations of choice.
But, look under the hood a little and you'll find that New Zealand has some epic options for a surf trip full of adventure - jam packed full of waves.
You've just got to know where to look that's all.
BEGINNER FRIENDLY SURF SPOTS
COST OF LIVING RATING:
122rd Cheapest Country in the World
DESTINATION AIRPORT:
Auckland
LAST MINUTE DEALS
BOAT CHARTERS
SURF RETREATS
SURF CAMPS
Sign up for our weekly 'last minute' deal digest - discounted surf travel: Boat Charters, Retreats, and Surf Camps. Curated, and delivered directly to your inbox.
WRAPPING IT UP
If you're planning a surf trip, lucky you, you're going to have the frickin time of your life.
Surfing is all about travel, discovery, and surfing new spots, and by the sounds of it you're on the cusp of an epic journey.
Where should you go?
Well that all depends on what you're looking for.
But if you ask me, don't just look for the most expensive, most sanitised place you can, instead throw a bit of culture and adventure too.
They're always the trips you'll remember most.
Yew!
Rowan 
ROWAN CLIFFORD
Rowan is the co-founder of Surf Hub.
