9 Most Affordable Surfing Destinations Around the World

Surfing is undoubtedly one of the most fun activities you can ever engage in, especially if you love water. The great thing about surfing is that there are many destinations where you can do it. However, it might be hard to find a cheap location since most places are very expensive. To make the job easier for you, here are the most affordable surfing destinations that you can visit today and have the time of your life. Let’s get to it, shall we?

Puerto Escondido

This destination is a small secret paradise in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. Puerto Escondido is filled with Mexican families, backpackers, and surfers. It is also one of the cheapest places you can ever visit because you can rent a room for even less than $50 per night. Besides this, It has nice screaming hollow breaks that will allow you to surf swiftly as you polish your skills.

5 Best surf spots in Puerto Escondido

1. Playa Zicatela: Known as the Mexican Pipeline, Playa Zicatela is a world-renowned surf spot famous for its powerful and barreling waves. It attracts experienced surfers looking for challenging breaks and adrenaline-fueled rides.
2. La Punta: Located at the southern end of Zicatela Beach, La Punta offers a more forgiving and playful surf experience. With long, peeling waves and a friendly atmosphere, it’s an excellent spot for surfers of all levels to catch some fun rides.
3. Carrizalillo: This picturesque cove is perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers. Carrizalillo features gentle, consistent waves and a sheltered bay, creating a calm and inviting environment to learn and improve your skills.
4. Puerto Angelito: With its beautiful sandy beach and smaller waves, Puerto Angelito is another ideal spot for beginners and those seeking a more relaxed surfing experience. The tranquil atmosphere and stunning surroundings make it a favorite among families and casual surfers.
5. The Point: Located at the northern end of Zicatela Beach, The Point offers a mix of hollow and powerful waves that cater to intermediate and advanced surfers. Its position creates a unique wave formation, making it a thrilling spot for those seeking an exciting challenge.

Whether you’re an experienced charger or a beginner looking to catch your first wave, Puerto Escondido offers a variety of surf spots to suit different skill levels and preferences. From the adrenaline-pumping breaks of Playa Zicatela to the inviting waves of Carrizalillo and Puerto Angelito, each spot provides a unique and memorable surfing experience in this vibrant Mexican surf destination.

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Phuket, Thailand

If you ask long-time budget surfers, they will tell you that Phuket has the best waves on the planet and is one destination you should consider visiting. You will get the best waves to surf around May to September. However, you can always surf at any time of the year along the Andaman Sea. If you love to experience even bigger thrills, then you should check out the Pansea beach here.

Besides, this place has beautiful islands and landscapes that you can enjoy when you are there. Also, food and accommodation here are very cheap, allowing you to stay for a longer period hence more fun.

5 Best surf spots in Phuket

1. Kata Beach: Located on the west coast of Phuket, Kata Beach offers consistent surf throughout the year, making it a popular spot for both beginners and experienced surfers. The sandy bottom and gentle waves create a relaxed environment, perfect for honing your skills or enjoying a fun session.
2. Kalim Beach: Situated just north of Patong Beach, Kalim Beach is known for its powerful waves during the monsoon season. It attracts experienced surfers seeking challenging breaks and barrels. Beginners are advised to exercise caution due to the strong currents and rocky bottom.
3. Surin Beach: Surin Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand that occasionally produces decent waves, particularly during the monsoon season. It is popular among longboarders and intermediate surfers looking for mellow and rideable waves in a picturesque setting.
4. Nai Harn Beach: Nai Harn Beach is a peaceful and scenic spot that offers occasional surfable waves, especially during the monsoon season. It is suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers, with long, rolling waves that are perfect for practicing turns and improving your skills.
5. Pansea Beach: Tucked away between Surin and Bang Tao, Pansea Beach is a hidden gem known for its secluded and uncrowded waves. It is a great spot for experienced surfers seeking challenging breaks and powerful waves. Due to its remote location, it offers a more peaceful and serene surfing experience.

While Phuket is not typically known as a premier surf destination, it does offer a variety of surf spots that can cater to different skill levels and conditions. From the relaxed waves of Kata Beach to the more challenging breaks of Kalim Beach, there are opportunities for surfers of various abilities to enjoy the waves and beauty of Thailand’s largest island.

Philippines

The Philippines has many world-class reefs and more than 7000 islands, making surfing paradise that you should visit today. This destination has the best consistent waves on the planet hence qualifying it as a great place to surf, especially from July to November. The Siargao Island, San Fernando, Vigan, Baler, Borongan, and Catanduanes island are the best places to check out here. If you live in the Philippines, you need a car with a surfboard roof rack installed to take you to these destinations to blow some steam off.

5 Best surf spots in Philippines

1. Cloud 9, Siargao Island: Known as the surfing capital of the Philippines, Cloud 9 is an internationally acclaimed surf spot. It features powerful and hollow waves that attract experienced surfers from around the world. The famous “Cloud 9” wave is a must-ride for any avid surfer seeking an exhilarating and challenging ride.
2. Sabang Beach, Baler: Situated in the province of Aurora, Sabang Beach is a popular surf spot for both beginners and intermediate surfers. Its consistent waves and sandy bottom create a welcoming environment for learning and improving skills. Baler’s friendly surf community and laid-back atmosphere add to the overall experience.
3. Puraran Beach, Catanduanes: Nestled in the province of Catanduanes, Puraran Beach offers world-class waves that cater to experienced surfers. The “Majestic” wave, famous for its powerful barrels, attracts advanced riders looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure. The beautiful surroundings make it an idyllic setting for a surf trip.
4. Lanuza Bay, Surigao del Sur: Lanuza Bay boasts a variety of surf breaks suitable for all skill levels. From gentle beach breaks to more challenging reef breaks, there is something for everyone. The picturesque bay and warm waters create a pleasant surfing atmosphere, making it a favorite among surfers seeking a diverse range of waves.
5. San Juan, La Union: Considered the birthplace of surfing in the Philippines, San Juan in La Union is a vibrant surf town with a lively surf culture. The consistent beach breaks and laid-back atmosphere make it an ideal spot for surfers of all levels. Its proximity to Manila also makes it easily accessible for a quick surfing getaway.

The Philippines is blessed with a multitude of surf spots, offering a range of waves and experiences. Whether you’re seeking powerful barrels, beginner-friendly breaks, or a mix of both, these five surf spots showcase the diverse surf scene in this tropical paradise.

Puerto Rico

The US surf holiday is always expensive and is always crowded with many people. You can avoid all that by visiting a great destination like the Northwest coast of Puerto Rico. This place attracts many surfers from across the world due to its white sandy beaches and clear waters. Also, it is rare to find crowds in Puerto Rico, allowing you to have the most fun.

One part of Puerto Rico that you should check out if you are a novice is Rincon. It has great cool waves and also hosts a surfing school where you can have excellent lessons. The food and rentals in Puerto Rico are also inexpensive, allowing you to spend within your budget.

5 Best surf spots in Puerto Rico

1. Rincon: Located on the western coast of Puerto Rico, Rincon is a world-renowned surf destination with consistent waves year-round. It offers a variety of breaks suitable for surfers of all levels, from the mellow and long rides of Maria’s Beach to the powerful barrels of Tres Palmas. Rincon’s laid-back vibe and beautiful scenery make it a must-visit spot for any surfer.
2. Jobos Beach: Situated in Isabela, Jobos Beach is a popular surf spot known for its consistent and fun waves. It features a sandy bottom and a reef break, providing opportunities for both beginners and experienced surfers. With its inviting atmosphere and surrounding beach town, Jobos Beach offers a memorable surfing experience.
3. Wilderness: Located near Aguadilla, Wilderness is a hidden gem with world-class waves. It’s known for its powerful and hollow breaks that cater to experienced surfers seeking a thrilling ride. This secluded spot offers a less crowded and more pristine surfing experience for those willing to venture off the beaten path.
4. Sandy Beach: Found in Rincón, Sandy Beach is famous for its picturesque setting and excellent surf. It features a sandy bottom and consistent waves that cater to intermediate and advanced surfers. Sandy Beach is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, with its lively atmosphere and great waves.
5. Aviones: Located in Piñones, Aviones is a popular surf spot with consistent waves and a vibrant surf community. It offers a sandy beach break and reef break, providing options for surfers of various skill levels. Aviones is known for its fun and playful waves, making it a favorite among locals and tourists looking for an enjoyable surf session.

Puerto Rico is a surfer’s paradise, with its warm waters, consistent swells, and diverse surf breaks. Whether you’re a beginner looking for friendly waves or an advanced rider seeking challenging barrels, these five surf spots in Puerto Rico offer a range of experiences that will leave you stoked and wanting more.

Agadir, Morocco

Not so many people know that Morocco has some very nice surf breaks. Agadir is the best place to surf as it has many surfing spots, especially from December to February. This is the time when the beaches are usually uncrowded, and you can also get the cheapest accommodation.

Agadir waters are quite cold most of the time hence making it vital to be prepared with a wetsuit. If you are a female surfer, then you should even be double prepared when it comes to wetsuits.

5 Best surf spots in Agadir

1. Taghazout: Known as Morocco’s surfing mecca, Taghazout is a must-visit surf spot in Agadir. It offers a variety of breaks suitable for all levels, from gentle beach breaks to more challenging point breaks. The consistent waves, vibrant surf culture, and beautiful surroundings make Taghazout a top destination for surfers from around the world.
2. Anchor Point: Considered one of the best right-hand point breaks in the world, Anchor Point is a legendary surf spot located just north of Taghazout. It offers long and powerful waves that can provide exhilarating rides for experienced surfers. With its consistent swells and incredible scenery, Anchor Point is a bucket list wave for many surf enthusiasts.
3. Panorama Beach: Situated in the Tamraght area, Panorama Beach is a popular surf spot for both beginners and intermediate surfers. It features a sandy bottom and gentle waves that are ideal for learning and improving skills. The laid-back atmosphere and stunning panoramic views make it a favorite among surfers of all levels.
4. Devil’s Rock: Located south of Taghazout, Devil’s Rock is a versatile surf spot that caters to surfers of various abilities. It offers a mix of beach breaks and reef breaks, providing a range of wave options depending on the swell and tide. Devil’s Rock is known for its fun and consistent waves, making it a great spot for surfers looking for a reliable session.
5. Banana Point: Situated between Taghazout and Tamraght, Banana Point is a long and peeling right-hand point break that can produce epic rides. It offers a combination of mellow sections and fast walls, making it suitable for intermediate and advanced surfers. The picturesque setting and quality waves make Banana Point a standout surf spot in Agadir.

Agadir is a surfing paradise with its year-round waves, warm climate, and vibrant surf culture. Whether you’re a beginner learning the ropes or an experienced surfer seeking challenging breaks, these five surf spots in Agadir offer a diverse range of waves and experiences for surfers of all levels.

Portugal

If you are looking for a great opportunity to ride one of the best waves you can find, Portugal is a destination to consider. You will find some very affordable surf camps here, enabling you to have more fun as you get to interact with other surfers from across the world.

You can start with some great regions such as Costa da Prata, Alentejo, Algarve, and North Porto. If you are a beginner, Portugal also has something for you as there are fun and cool waves around Ericeira, Lagos, Peniche, and Cascais.

5 Best surf spots in Portugal

1. Supertubos, Peniche: Located in Peniche, Supertubos is a world-class beach break known for its powerful and hollow waves. It is a favorite spot among experienced surfers seeking barreling rides and challenging conditions. With its consistent swells and high-performance waves, Supertubos is often a stop on the professional surfing circuit.
2. Coxos, Ericeira: Coxos is a renowned reef break situated in the charming town of Ericeira, a World Surfing Reserve. It offers long and fast right-hand waves that provide exhilarating rides for experienced surfers. Coxos is known for its consistent swells and picturesque surroundings, making it a must-visit spot for wave enthusiasts.
3. Praia do Norte, Nazaré: Praia do Norte in Nazaré gained global fame for its massive, record-breaking waves. It is home to some of the biggest surfable waves on the planet, attracting big wave surfers from around the world. While Praia do Norte is not for the faint-hearted, it has become synonymous with pushing the limits of what’s possible in surfing.
4. Arrifana, Aljezur: Arrifana is a picturesque beach located in the Algarve region. It offers a versatile surf experience with both beach breaks and point breaks suitable for surfers of all levels. The consistent swells and beautiful natural surroundings make Arrifana a popular choice among surfers seeking a relaxed and enjoyable surf session.
5. Praia do Guincho, Cascais: Situated in Cascais, near Lisbon, Praia do Guincho is known for its powerful and wind-swept waves. It offers excellent conditions for both windsurfing and surfing, attracting water sports enthusiasts from around the world. Praia do Guincho’s stunning coastline and unique wave characteristics make it a memorable spot for any surfer.

From the world-class breaks of Supertubos and Coxos to the awe-inspiring Praia do Norte and the more relaxed vibes of Arrifana and Praia do Guincho, Portugal has something for every surfer, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. Grab your board and explore the waves of this incredible surfing destination.

Bali

Bali is one place that comes to most surfers’ minds when they hear the word Indonesia. It is a top surfing destination because it enables you to experience the Southern Ocean swells and a nice water temperature that never exceeds 29 °C.

Bali is also a very budget-friendly destination because it has cheap accommodation, surf lessons, and even food. You can even enjoy some surf camps here for some extra dollars. Bali’s best time is around May to September, which is usually a dry season on the west coast or between November to March during the rainy season.

5 Best surf spots in Bali

1. Uluwatu: Situated on the southwestern tip of Bali, Uluwatu is a world-famous surf spot known for its consistent and powerful waves. It offers several breaks, including the legendary Uluwatu left-hander, which provides long, barreling rides. Uluwatu is a magnet for experienced surfers seeking epic waves and breathtaking ocean views.
2. Padang Padang: Located nearby Uluwatu, Padang Padang is another renowned surf spot with a reef break that produces some of Bali’s best barrels. It requires skill and confidence to handle its fast and hollow waves, making it a favorite among advanced surfers. The beautiful beach and intense surf atmosphere add to the allure of Padang Padang.
3. Canggu: Situated on the southwest coast of Bali, Canggu offers a range of breaks suitable for all levels. The popular Echo Beach is known for its fun and consistent waves, perfect for intermediate surfers. Batu Bolong and Berawa also provide great waves and a vibrant surf community. Canggu’s chilled-out vibes and trendy beachfront scene make it a popular destination for surfers and travelers.
4. Seminyak: Located north of Kuta, Seminyak is known for its lively atmosphere and great waves. While it may not be as powerful as some other spots in Bali, Seminyak offers a mix of beach breaks and reef breaks that cater to various skill levels. It’s a popular choice for surfers seeking a fun and social surf experience.
5. Medewi: Located on Bali’s west coast, Medewi is a long left-hand point break that offers a more mellow and relaxed surfing experience. It’s a great spot for longboarders and cruisy rides, with a wave that peels along the coastline. Medewi is known for its scenic beauty and the opportunity to enjoy long, leisurely rides.

Bali’s surf scene is diverse and caters to surfers of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner learning the ropes or an experienced charger seeking challenging waves, these five surf spots in Bali provide a mix of world-class breaks and enjoyable surf experiences.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is another excellent destination if you do not like crowded places. It is among the best places where you can learn to surf, which explains why people praise it so much. Costa Rica water temperatures are usually about 30 °C and awesome barreling waves, which are just the combination you need to have fun.

Also, you will be surprised by how cheap everything is in Costa Rica, and you will realize that you can survive here for a significant amount of time with very little cash. The biggest waves in Costa Rica can be found on the Caribbean coast, but the North Pacific coast is the most popular part here.

5 Best surf spots in Costa Rica

1. Playa Hermosa, Jacó: Playa Hermosa, located near the town of Jacó, is known for its consistent waves and powerful beach break. It attracts surfers from all over the world, offering a variety of peaks suitable for different skill levels. Playa Hermosa is famous for hosting international surfing competitions and providing an exhilarating surf experience.
2. Pavones: Situated on the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Pavones is renowned for having one of the world’s longest left-hand waves. This point break can provide rides that stretch for hundreds of meters, making it a dream spot for longboarders and experienced surfers seeking an epic and unforgettable session.
3. Santa Teresa: Located on the Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa offers a combination of beach breaks and reef breaks that cater to surfers of various levels. This laid-back surf town is known for its consistent waves, beautiful scenery, and vibrant surf culture. Santa Teresa is a great spot to enjoy quality surf, soak up the sun, and immerse yourself in the Pura Vida lifestyle.
4. Tamarindo: Tamarindo, situated on the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, is a popular surf destination offering a mix of breaks suitable for all skill levels. The beach break at Playa Tamarindo provides fun and accessible waves for beginners, while nearby breaks like Playa Grande offer more challenging surf for experienced riders. Tamarindo is also known for its bustling surf scene and vibrant nightlife.
5. Salsa Brava, Puerto Viejo: Located in Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast, Salsa Brava is famous for its heavy and powerful reef break. It’s considered one of the most challenging waves in Costa Rica, attracting experienced surfers looking for a thrilling and adrenaline-pumping ride. Salsa Brava’s reputation as a heavy and barreling wave has put it on the map as a must-visit surf spot for advanced riders.

Costa Rica offers an abundance of surf spots with consistent waves, warm waters, and breathtaking surroundings. Embrace the pura vida spirit and catch some incredible waves in Costa Rica’s surf wonderland.

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is another vibrant country that is filled with cultural influences from different continents. This destination also has consistent seasonal swells and intense watercolors hence making your surfing an experience worth reliving. All the activities here are also inexpensive, including accommodation and food.

5 Best surf spots in Papua New Guinea

1. Vanimo: Located in the Sandaun Province, Vanimo is a renowned surf destination in Papua New Guinea. It offers a variety of breaks, including beach breaks and reef breaks, suitable for all levels of surfers. Vanimo’s consistent swells and beautiful surroundings make it a popular choice for those seeking uncrowded waves and a unique surf experience.
2. Kavieng: Situated on the northern tip of New Ireland, Kavieng is known for its world-class reef breaks and pristine surf conditions. It offers a range of waves, from long and peeling walls to powerful barrels. Kavieng’s remote location, untouched beauty, and exceptional surf make it a hidden gem for adventurous surfers.
3. Madang: Located on the northern coast of mainland Papua New Guinea, Madang is home to a variety of surf breaks. From the gentle and fun waves of the Madang Lagoon to the more challenging reef breaks along the coastline, Madang provides options for surfers of different skill levels. The area’s lush landscapes and vibrant local culture add to the overall experience.
4. Wewak: Situated in the East Sepik Province, Wewak offers an array of surf breaks along its coastline. From beach breaks to point breaks, there are waves to suit all abilities. Wewak’s tropical beauty and rich cultural heritage make it a unique surf destination that combines great waves with a fascinating cultural experience.
5. New Hanover: Located in the New Ireland Province, New Hanover is a remote and relatively undiscovered surf spot in Papua New Guinea. It features several reef breaks that provide consistent and high-quality waves. New Hanover offers a sense of adventure and the opportunity to surf uncrowded breaks surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery.

These five surf spots showcase the country’s diverse surf scene, offering a range of waves and experiences for surfers seeking adventure and unique cultural encounters.

In Summary

Surfing is a great activity that not so many people indulge in nowadays. You can enjoy it just by watching other people do it. Luckily, there are some destinations where you can both watch and learn how to surf at very low prices. Additionally, staying there for a few days will also not cost you much, making it a must-try activity.