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Where Are The Best Solo Surf Destinations?
Travelling alone can actually make a surf trip easier.
You don’t have to organise around anyone else. Surf when you want. Eat when you want. Take a day off when your body needs it. You can stay somewhere social, join a surf camp or simply meet people as you go.
And you don’t need a car.
That’s one of the biggest reasons I like solo surf trips. Choose the right destination and you can walk to the beach, grab food nearby and meet other surfers without constantly worrying about transport.
But not every surf town works as well when you’re travelling alone.
Some are easy to get around. Others are much more spread out. Some have a great social scene, while others are better suited to surfers who want peace and quiet.
So these are eight destinations I’d put at the top of my list for a solo surf trip.
Quick Guide To The Best Solo Surf Trip Destinations
| Destination | Highlights | Safety | Social | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Surf & Community |
4/5 |
4/5 |
$ |
|
|
Social & Easy |
5/5 |
5/5 |
$$ |
|
|
Beaches & Nightlife |
5/5 |
5/5 |
$$$ |
|
|
Beginners & Meeting People |
5/5 |
5/5 |
$ |
|
|
Social & Surf Culture |
4/5 |
5/5 |
$$ |
|
|
Social & Colourful |
4/5 |
5/5 |
$$ |
|
|
Surf & Social |
4/5 |
5/5 |
$ |
|
|
Surf & Nightlife |
3/5 |
5/5 |
$ |
Swipe to compare surf destinations →
Ratings are my general guide for solo travellers. Conditions, costs and the overall experience can vary depending on where you stay and when you visit.
In This Guide
What Makes A Great Solo Surf Trip?
For me, the best solo surf destinations make travelling alone feel easy. A social atmosphere makes meeting people much easier. Hostels, guesthouses and surf camps can all help.
You want somewhere you can get around without a car. A walkable surf town helps too.
Then there are the things that matter beyond surfing. Affordable food. Local culture. Things to see and do. And somewhere that feels comfortable when you’re travelling on your own.
That’s what I’ve looked for when choosing the destinations below.
Taghazout, Morocco
- My pick for surf camps & Moroccan culture
Taghazout is one of the classic solo surf destinations.
Surfing is at the centre of everything. There are surf schools, camps, cafés and plenty of other travellers around. That makes it relatively easy to meet people, even if you arrive alone.
The town itself is small enough to explore on foot, and you can combine surfing with Moroccan food, local markets and trips along the coast.
If you’re nervous about travelling alone, a surf camp can be particularly useful here. You arrive with a ready-made group. Then you can decide how much time you want to spend with them.
Tamarindo, Costa Rica
- My pick for an easy, social solo surf trip
Tamarindo is one of the easiest places to settle into when you’re travelling alone.
The town is walkable. The beach is right there. Surf schools are everywhere. And there are plenty of other travellers around. That makes meeting people easy.
You can stay in a hostel, book a surf camp or find your own accommodation and take lessons separately. The surf is also beginner-friendly, which makes Tamarindo particularly good if you’re travelling alone and learning to surf.
If you want to arrive without knowing anyone and quickly find your feet, Tamarindo is hard to beat.
Lagos, Portugal
- My pick for Europe, beaches & nightlife
Lagos is a great choice if you want your solo surf trip to include more than surfing.
You have beaches, restaurants, bars, shops and plenty of things to do when you’re not in the water. It’s also easy to explore without a car, which makes it a practical choice for solo travel.
There is a strong social scene too.
Stay in a hostel and you’re likely to meet other travellers. Join a surf lesson and you’ll have another easy opportunity to meet people.
If you want a European surf trip where you can surf during the day and go out in the evening, Lagos is an easy choice.
Weligama, Sri Lanka
- My pick for beginners travelling alone
Weligama is one of my favourite destinations for a solo surf trip. The long sandy bay is beginner-friendly. Surf schools are easy to find. And there are plenty of other travellers around.
That makes meeting people easy.
You can book a surf lesson, join a camp or simply spend the day around the beach and see who you meet. There’s also plenty to do away from surfing, from cafés and restaurants to exploring more of Sri Lanka’s south coast.
If you’re travelling alone and want to learn to surf, Weligama would be high on my list.
Canggu, Indonesia
- My pick for socialising & surf culture
Canggu is busy. Very busy. But if you’re travelling alone, that can actually work in your favour.
There are surf schools, hostels, cafés, restaurants, gyms, yoga studios and plenty of other travellers.You won’t struggle to find something to do or someone to talk to.
The downside is the traffic. Getting around isn’t as simple as it is in a small walkable surf town.
Still, if meeting people is one of your biggest priorities, Canggu is hard to ignore. It’s also a great place to combine surfing with yoga, food and nightlife.
Sayulita, Mexico
- My pick for a colourful, social solo trip
Sayulita has a different kind of energy. It’s lively. Colourful. Social.
The town is easy to explore on foot, with restaurants, cafés, shops and the beach all close together. That’s a big advantage when you’re travelling alone.
You can spend the morning surfing, grab lunch in town and head out again in the evening without needing to organise transport. There are also plenty of hostels, guesthouses and surf schools, so meeting other travellers doesn’t take much effort.
If you want your solo surf trip to feel like a holiday as well as a surfing adventure, Sayulita is a great option.
El Tunco, El Salvador
- My pick for a surf-focused social trip
El Tunco is small. That’s part of what makes it work so well for solo travellers.
You quickly get to know the places around town. The beach, surf breaks, restaurants and accommodation are all close enough to make the destination feel manageable.
There’s also a strong surf community. If surfing is the main reason you’re travelling, you won’t have to look far to find other surfers.
Surf camps can make the experience even easier. You arrive, meet people and already have something in common.
Montanita, Ecuador
- My pick for surfing & nightlife
Montañita is not the place I’d choose if you want complete peace and quiet. It’s social. Very social.
That’s exactly why it works for solo travellers who want to meet people. The town has plenty of restaurants, bars, accommodation and activities, while surfing remains a big part of the experience.
You can spend the day in the water and still have plenty to do after dark.
It is more energetic than some of the smaller destinations on this list, so choose Montañita if you want your solo surf trip to have a real social side.
Is A Solo Surf Trip Actually Lonely?
It can be. But it doesn’t have to be.
That’s one of the things I like about surf travel. You already have something in common with the people around you.
You can meet someone at a surf lesson. Chat to someone at your hostel. Join a surf camp. Grab breakfast with people from your accommodation. You don’t need to force friendships.
Surf camps can make this even easier. Your day already has some structure. Surf lesson. Breakfast. Yoga. Dinner. Maybe a trip somewhere.
There are plenty of natural opportunities to meet people. And you can still have time to yourself. That’s the beauty of travelling solo.
Should You Stay In A Surf Camp?
You don’t have to. But if you’re travelling alone, I’d seriously consider it.
A surf camp gives you an instant social environment. You can surf together, eat together and meet other travellers without having to organise everything yourself.
Weligama is a great example, with plenty of surf camps and a friendly atmosphere. We’ve put together a guide to Best Surf Camps In Weligama Sri Lanka if you’re considering staying at one.
You also don’t need to book a camp for your entire trip. A few nights can be enough. Start at a camp, meet some people, then move into a hostel or guesthouse.
In Peniche, a surf hostel can be a cheaper way to meet other surfers. Our guide to 5 Cheap Surf Hostels In Peniche covers some good options.
And if you’re heading to Indonesia, we’ve compared the Top 7 Indonesia Surf Camps to help you find the right one.
The goal isn’t to spend your whole trip at a surf camp. It’s to make those first few days easier, more social and more fun.
Solo Surf Trip Safety
Travelling alone doesn’t mean you need to be nervous. It does mean you should use a little common sense.
Choose a walkable base if possible. Stay somewhere with good reviews. Ask locals about surf conditions before paddling out. Don’t leave valuables sitting on the beach.
Be more careful after dark. Use official taxis or trusted transport. And tell someone where you’re going if you’re heading to a quieter surf spot alone.
The biggest thing is knowing your limits in the water. Don’t let a social atmosphere push you into waves that are beyond your ability.
A good solo surf trip should feel fun. Not stressful.
What About Food & Culture?
One of the best things about travelling alone is the freedom. You don’t have to compromise.
Want street food for dinner? Go for it. Want to spend an afternoon exploring? Do it. Want to surf twice and skip the sightseeing? That’s fine too.
Morocco is a great example. You can surf in Taghazout, eat Moroccan food and explore the surrounding coastline.
In Sri Lanka, you can mix surfing with cafés, markets, temples and day trips. Mexico gives you tacos, local restaurants and colourful towns. Portugal gives you beaches, seafood, old towns and nightlife.
And Costa Rica lets you combine surfing with a much bigger adventure.
You’re not just booking a surf holiday. You’re travelling.
How Much Does A Solo Surf Trip Cost?
Solo travel can be surprisingly affordable. But there is one catch.
You don’t have anyone to split costs with.
A private room, taxi or rental car can become expensive when you’re paying for everything yourself. That’s another reason I prefer destinations where you can walk or use public transport.
You can keep costs down by staying somewhere walkable, eating locally and using public transport.
And if you choose a surf camp, compare what is included. Some packages cover lessons, boards, meals and activities, while others are much more basic.
| Trip Type | Typical Budget | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
|
Budget |
$ |
Hostel, local food & public transport |
|
Mid-range |
$$ |
Private room, restaurants & some activities |
|
Surf Camp |
$$$ |
Accommodation, surfing, lessons & social activities |
|
Comfort |
$$$$ |
Private accommodation, transfers & extras |
So, Where Should You Go?
Want the easiest overall trip?
Tamarindo or Weligama
Want to meet lots of people?
Canggu, Sayulita or Montañita
Want a surf camp?
Taghazout, Tamarindo or Weligama
Want surfing and nightlife?
Lagos, Canggu, Sayulita or Montañita
Want a more relaxed surf community?
El Tunco or Taghazout
Want culture and great food?
Morocco, Mexico or Sri Lanka
Want Europe?
Lagos, Portugal
Want warm water and a tropical trip?
Tamarindo, Weligama or Canggu
You don’t need to find the perfect destination. You just need to find the one that fits the way you want to travel. You want a place where getting around is easy, meeting people feels natural and surfing is the main reason you’re there.
Ready To Plan Your Solo Surf Trip?
Travelling alone can be one of the best ways to experience a surf trip.
You set your own schedule. Surf when you want. Meet people along the way. Take a day off when you need it.
The destinations in this guide make solo travel easier, too. You can get around without a car, stay somewhere social and find plenty of opportunities to surf and meet other travellers.
You don’t need to overthink it.
Pick a destination that suits your style and the rest tends to fall into place once you’re there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a solo surf trip a good idea?
Absolutely. Surfing gives you an easy way to meet people, while surf schools, hostels and camps provide plenty of opportunities to socialise. You can also keep your days completely flexible.
What is the best destination for a solo surf trip?
I’d start with Tamarindo, Weligama or Taghazout. They combine a strong surf scene with accommodation, surf schools and opportunities to meet other travellers.
Is it easy to meet people on a solo surf trip?
Usually, yes. Surf lessons and surf camps are particularly easy places to meet people. Staying in a hostel or guesthouse can also help.
Should I stay in a surf camp if I'm travelling alone?
You don’t have to, but it can make your first few days much easier. You have accommodation, surfing and a built-in social environment from the moment you arrive.
Can I take a solo surf trip without renting a car?
Yes. Choose your destination carefully. Walkable surf towns and good public transport make a huge difference. That’s one of the main things I look for when choosing destinations for this site.
Is solo surfing safe?
It can be, provided you use common sense and understand your limits. Check local conditions, ask about unfamiliar surf spots and avoid paddling out alone at isolated beaches if you’re unsure.
Is solo surf travel expensive?
It doesn’t have to be. Hostels, local food and public transport can keep costs down. Travelling alone can make private rooms and taxis more expensive, but avoiding a rental car can save a lot.
