8 Incredible Surf Trip Destinations For Beginners

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…

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

• Arrifana
• Amado
• Tonel Beach

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

• La Source
• Banana Point
• Essaouira

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

• Playa Santana, Popoyo
• Remanso Beach, San Juan del Sur
• Playa Amarilla, Amarilla
• Salinas Grande, Miramar

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

• The Pass, Byron Bay
• Noosa Heads
• Manly Beach

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

• Mount Maunganui
• Raglan
• Whangamata
• Shipwrecks Bay

COST OF LIVING RATING:

122rd Cheapest Country in the World

DESTINATION AIRPORT:

Auckland

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 technical nerd behind the scenes. A lover of everything entrepreneurial, and living a minimal, simple life. Surf, Travel, Create.