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I want to go on my first surf trip. Where should I go?
I remember how confusing it can be.
You search for the best surf destinations. Then another one pops up. Then another. Portugal looks great. So does Morocco. Then you see Costa Rica, Sri Lanka, Bali and the Canary Islands.
Suddenly, choosing your first surf trip feels harder than actually learning to surf.
I want to make it easier.
I’ve picked the destinations I think make the most sense for a first surf trip. Places with beginner-friendly waves, surf schools, surf camps and beaches where you can actually learn.
And importantly, I’ve focused on places where you can surf without needing a car.
So you can arrive, drop your bags and get in the water.
Quick Guide To Top Places For A First Surf Trip
| Destination | Highlights | Beginner Rating | Best Months |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Warm water & easy surf |
5/5 |
Dec-Apr |
|
|
Surf, sunshine & variety |
4/5 |
Jun-Sep |
|
|
Laid-back beach life |
4/5 |
May-Sep |
|
|
Surf camps & mellow beaches |
5/5 |
Apr-Sep |
|
|
Long, relaxed waves |
5/5 |
Apr-Oct |
|
|
Beaches, town life & easy access |
4/5 |
Jun-Sep |
|
|
Gentle waves & beautiful beaches |
5/5 |
Feb-May |
|
|
One of the easiest places to learn |
5/5 |
Nov-Apr |
Swipe to compare surf destinations →
In This Guide
8 Surf Destinations I Recommend for Your First Surf Trip
Tamarindo, Costa Rica
- My pick for a warm-water first surf trip
If you want warm water, sunshine and an easy surf town, Tamarindo is hard to beat.
The main beach has consistent waves and plenty of surf schools. The town is compact too, so you can walk between the beach, restaurants, accommodation and surf shops.
That makes life easy.
You do not need to rent a car just to get to your surf lesson.
I also like Tamarindo because you can start with gentle waves and progress from there. When you are ready, there are other breaks nearby.
Best for: First-time surfers, warm water, social trips and surf camps.
My tip: December to April generally brings smaller, cleaner conditions that can work well for beginners.
Corralejo, Fuerteventura
- My pick for a European surf escape
Corralejo gives you a different kind of first surf trip. Think sunshine, beaches, surf schools and lots of different breaks.
Some of the surf around Corralejo is powerful. But there are also more forgiving beaches and conditions, particularly during the smaller summer swells.
It’s a good option if you want to combine learning to surf with exploring Fuerteventura.
Best for: European surf trips, sunshine and surfers who want plenty of variety.
Caleta de Famara, Lanzarote
- My pick for a relaxed beach town
Caleta de Famara has a completely different feel. It’s laid-back. Surf-focused. And right beside a huge sandy beach.
This is the kind of place where your day can be very simple. Wake up. Check the waves. Have breakfast. Surf. Eat. Repeat. It’s appealing if you want your first surf trip to feel more like a proper escape than a busy holiday.
Best for: Beach lovers, beginners and slow surf trips.
Tamraght, Morocco
- My pick for a surf camp experience
Tamraght is one of my favourite options if you want to join a surf camp. The village is small. The atmosphere is relaxed. Several beaches and surf breaks are close by.
You can walk to some breaks or use a bike. Many surf camps also organise transport when conditions are better elsewhere. That takes a lot of planning off your plate. Tamraght can also work well if you want to meet other surfers.
Best for: Surf camps, solo travellers, social trips and beginner surfers.
Imsouane, Morocco
- My pick for long, mellow waves
Imsouane is different. It’s quieter. Smaller. Slower.
The famous Bay is known for long waves that can be fantastic for learning and progressing. You can walk around the village. Walk to the surf. Grab food. Repeat.
There’s less nightlife than some of Morocco’s other surf towns. For me, that is part of the appeal.
Best for: Learning, longboard-style waves, slow travel and a quieter surf trip.
Lagos, Portugal
- My pick for a first surf trip in Portugal
Lagos gives you the best of both worlds. You get a proper Portuguese town, plenty of restaurants and things to do, plus beaches and surf close by.
Meia Praia is a great place to start when conditions are suitable. You can walk or cycle around. That means less time worrying about transport. More importantly, you have plenty to do when you are not surfing.
Best for: Beginners who want surfing plus a proper holiday.
My tip: June to September can bring smaller, more mellow waves around Lagos.
Noosa Heads, Australia
- My pick for an Australian first surf trip
Noosa is a brilliant place and option if you want beautiful beaches with mellow waves.
Main Beach is protected and often has smaller, friendlier waves. You also get one of Australia’s most enjoyable beach towns. And you can walk or cycle between different areas.
It’s a great choice if you want your first surf trip to feel easy rather than adventurous.
Best for: Australian surf trips, beginners, couples and relaxed beach holidays.
Weligama, Sri Lanka
- My pick for learning to surf
If your main goal is simply to learn, Weligama deserves a serious look. The long sandy bay is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular beginner surf areas.
There are surf schools everywhere. You can stay close to the beach, book lessons and spend your days practising. It’s not complicated.
That’s exactly what I want from a first surf trip.
Best for: Complete beginners, surf lessons and affordable surf trips.
So, Where Should I Go?
Want warm water?
Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Want Europe?
Lagos, Portugal
Want a surf camp?
Tamraght, Morocco
Want a tropical trip?
Weligama, Sri Lanka
Want a laid-back escape?
Famara, Lanzarote
Want long, mellow waves?
Imsouane, Morocco
Want Australia?
Noosa Heads
Want a social surf trip?
Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Still unsure? Start with Tamarindo, Weligama or Tamraght. They’re three of my favourite options for a first surf trip. Beginner-friendly waves. Plenty of surf lessons and surf schools.
Best of all, you can get around without a car. Spend less time worrying about transport and more time surfing, meeting people and enjoying the trip.
When Should I Go?
This is one of the most important things to get right. A destination can be perfect for beginners in one season and much harder in another. That’s why I would never choose a surf destination based only on the name. I always check the conditions for the month I want to travel.
Going in summer? Look at destinations such as Portugal, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Australia and parts of Sri Lanka.
Going in winter? Costa Rica, Sri Lanka, Morocco and the Canary Islands can all be worth looking at, depending on the exact month and conditions.
The best destination for your first surf trip is not necessarily the destination with the best waves. It is the destination with the right waves when you are going.
Do I Need to Join a Surf Camp?
No. But I think a surf camp can make your first surf trip much easier. You arrive, your accommodation is sorted, your board is sorted, your lessons are sorted and you meet other people. You do not have to figure everything out yourself.
That was one of the things I liked most about surf camps. They remove a lot of the small decisions.
If you’re considering Morocco, for example, my guide to 6 Yoga and Surf Retreats in Morocco is a good place to start.
Portugal is another great option, especially if you’re looking for Beginner Surf Camps in Portugal where you can combine lessons with a social trip.
Costa Rica is worth considering too, particularly if you want warm water and a tropical setting. I’ve put together a guide to the Best Costa Rica Surf Camp and Yoga Retreats. And if you’re looking at the Canary Islands, I’ve also rounded up 5 Epic Surf Camps in the Canary Islands.
If you’re heading to Sri Lanka, Top Rated Surf Camps in Weligama, Sri Lanka is another option I’d look at, especially if learning to surf is your main goal.
If you’re nervous about travelling alone or learning to surf for the first time, I would seriously consider a surf camp. Having the accommodation, lessons and other surfers around you can make those first few days much easier.
Do I Need to Rent a Car?
No. That’s the whole point of Surf Without A Car.
I have chosen these destinations because you can build a surf trip around walking, bikes, public transport, local transfers and surf camp transport. Some places are easier than others, but you should not need to spend your trip behind the wheel just to get to the beach.
That means more time surfing and less time driving.
My Advice for Your First Surf Trip
Do not try to do too much. Pick one destination and stay for at least a few days. Ideally, give yourself a week.
Your first surf session might be messy. That is normal. You will fall off. A lot. Then something clicks. You stand up, you ride a wave and suddenly you understand why people become obsessed with surfing.
That first wave is what you are travelling for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best destination for a first surf trip?
Tamarindo, Weligama and Tamraght are three of my favourite choices. They have beginner-friendly waves, surf schools, accommodation options and enough going on to make travelling without a car easy.
How long should my first surf trip be?
I’d aim for at least a week. This gives you enough time to settle in, take several surf lessons and have a few slower days between sessions.
Do I need to know how to surf before my first surf trip?
Not at all. Many surf destinations have beginner beaches and surf schools where you can start from scratch. You just need to be comfortable in the water and ready to learn.
Do I need to stay at a surf camp?
No. You can book a hostel, guesthouse or hotel and arrange surf lessons separately. However, a surf camp can make your first trip much easier, especially if you are travelling solo.
Can I go on a surf trip without renting a car?
Absolutely. That’s the whole point of this site. Look for destinations where the beach, accommodation, surf schools and restaurants are within walking distance or connected by local transport.
What is the best time of year for a first surf trip?
It depends on where you go. The best beginner conditions can be very different from the main surf season. Always check the conditions for your specific destination and month before booking.
Is a solo surf trip a good idea for beginners?
Yes. In fact, it can be a great way to start. Surf schools, hostels and surf camps make it easy to meet other travellers, while staying somewhere walkable means you don’t need to worry about hiring a car.
