The Best Surfing Spots in the World!

Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia

Backpackers' Rip, which got its name from being so close to the nearby bus station, sits on the south side of the beach and attracts some of the city's top surfers. Not ready to tackle that rip current? Head to the north side, where gentle waves roll. No matter which side (and difficulty level) you surf, keep an eye out for whales and dolphins, especially during migration seasons.

Les Cavaliers, Anglet, France

The powerful waves at Cavaliers make it the ideal spot to host a handful of pro surf competitions and events, including the WSL World Tour. The long, soft stretch of sand that lines the water has also been known to host many family-friendly festivals, which makes Cavaliers Beach a go-to for surfers looking to bring along the kids.

Huntington Beach, California

Set in Orange County, Huntington Beach is often known simply as “Surf City, CA” for its ability to draw surfers from around the world. Though crowds descend on Huntington, especially during warmer months, the miles of highly surfable beach give visitors plenty of room to spread out. Pro tip: Hit it in the winter if you're looking to avoid the droves.

Mavericks Beach, California

Big-wave surfers flock to Mavericks near Half Moon Bay each winter to surf the U-shaped wavefront. The strong waves can swell to massive heights—not for the novice surfer or the faint of heart. But for those chasing the ride of a lifetime, Mavericks is the spot. The area is also home to the invite-only surf competition, Titans of Mavericks.

Cloud Nine, Siargao Island, Philippines

This classic wave is known around the world for one thing: its hollow tubes. While certainly not the only must-catch wave in the area, surfers have been chasing down Cloud Nine’s thick walls since the 1980s. Looking for something a little less crowded nearby? Paddle about 330 yards down to Jacking Horse, which is better suited for beginners.

Nazaré, Portugal

If you judge a surf spot by the size of its waves, then head to Nazaré. Hawaiian surfer Garrett McNamara entered the record books when he caught a 100-footer there in 2013, and Nazaré Canyon, the 16,000-foot-deep underwater formation, is responsible for creating huge swells off the coast of this fishing village.

Playa Grande, Costa Rica

For major swells, a relaxed vibe, and unbeatable sunsets, visit Playa Grande. Beat the tourists in this classic beach town, and catch waves at either Playa Grande’s main strip or Casitas, the break found off the cost of the Palm Beach Estates. No matter which you choose, you’ll be sure to get lucky, as this little Costa Rican town is known for its remarkably consistent, supremely ridable waves.