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THE MILESOPEDIA COLLECTION

Best Surf Spots in the World

8 destinations across 6 continents. Find your next perfect wave.
Find your next experience

LET THE CALENDAR INSPIRE YOU

When will you go?

A month. A season. Somewhere new.

8 surf spots

Destination
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The experiences

  • Gold Coast, QLD · Australia

Gold Coast

Best months
Feb · Mar · Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug
Wave type
point-break
Level
intermediate
  • Superbank — world's longest sand-bottom wave
  • Snapper Rocks WSL venue
  • Multiple world-class breaks
  • Hossegor · France

Hossegor

Best months
Sep · Oct · Nov
Wave type
beach-break
Level
advanced
  • Europe's best beach break
  • WSL Championship Tour stop
  • Powerful barrels
  • Guanacaste · Costa Rica

Nosara

Best months
Jan · Feb · Mar · Apr · May · Dec
Wave type
beach-break
Level
beginner
  • Playa Guiones — perfect learner wave
  • Warm water year-round
  • Yoga + surf lifestyle
  • North Shore, Oahu · USA (Hawaii)

Pipeline

Best months
Jan · Feb · Nov · Dec
Wave type
reef-break
Level
expert
  • Legendary Banzai Pipeline barrel
  • Triple Crown of Surfing
  • Powerful Backdoor right
  • Santa Barbara, CA · USA

Rincon

Best months
Jan · Feb · Mar · Oct · Nov · Dec
Wave type
point-break
Level
intermediate
  • The Queen of the Coast
  • Perfect right-hand point break
  • Long rides up to 300 yards
  • Taghazout · Morocco

Taghazout

Best months
Jan · Feb · Mar · Nov · Dec
Wave type
point-break
Level
intermediate
  • Anchor Point — Morocco's best right
  • Affordable surf trip
  • Year-round sunshine
  • San Clemente, CA · USA

Trestles

Best months
Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct
Wave type
point-break
Level
intermediate
  • World-class cobblestone point break
  • WSL Championship Tour stop
  • Multiple peaks (Uppers, Lowers, Middles)
  • Bali · Indonesia

Uluwatu

Best months
May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep
Wave type
reef-break
Level
advanced
  • Iconic left-hand barrel
  • Temple cliff backdrop
  • Multiple sections

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A CLOSER LOOK

A little planning. A better experience.

The context and practical tips to plan your next trip.

Surf Travel for Americans: From California to the World's Best Breaks

The United States offers world-class surfing along both coasts and beyond, from the legendary breaks of Hawaii's North Shore to California's Malibu and Trestles, from the powerful East Coast swells at Outer Banks to the warm waters of Puerto Rico. For American surfers looking to explore internationally, destinations like Bali, Costa Rica, Portugal, and the Maldives offer unforgettable wave experiences that pair perfectly with points-based travel strategies.

Surfing in America: Coast to Coast

Hawaii remains the ultimate American surf destination, with Oahu's North Shore hosting the world's most prestigious big-wave competitions. California's coast stretches from Mavericks' massive winter swells to San Diego's consistent beach breaks. The East Coast delivers surprising quality at spots like Wrightsville Beach (NC), Cocoa Beach (FL), and Montauk (NY). Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands provide warm-water alternatives without a passport.

International Surf Destinations Worth the Trip

Bali offers perfect barrels at Uluwatu, affordable living, and a vibrant surf culture. Costa Rica combines Pacific and Caribbean coasts with wildlife and eco-lodges. Portugal's coastline (especially Ericeira and Nazare) provides European surf culture plus Michelin-starred dining. The Mentawai Islands (Indonesia) and Maldives offer remote luxury surf experiences. Flights from LAX, JFK, or ORD to these destinations are frequently bookable using airline miles.

Planning Surf Trips with Points

The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 3x on travel and dining, making it ideal for surf trips that combine flights, accommodation, and beachside dining. Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to partners like Hyatt for surf-adjacent resorts in Hawaii, Bali, and the Maldives. The Amex Platinum provides lounge access for long international flights to destinations like Indonesia and Australia.

Surf Travel Tips

Research swell seasons before booking: Hawaii and California's North Shore peak in winter (November-February), while Indonesia and the Maldives are best in the dry season (April-October). Board bags count as checked luggage on most airlines, but verify size limits and fees. Consider travel insurance that covers board damage and medical evacuation from remote surf spots.

YOUR QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions About Surf Travel

A few answers before you book.

When is the best time to surf in Hawaii?

The North Shore of Oahu peaks from November through February with massive swells ideal for experienced surfers. Summer months (June-August) bring smaller, more beginner-friendly waves to the south shore, including Waikiki. Year-round surfing is possible, but winter delivers the legendary big waves Hawaii is famous for.

Can I fly with a surfboard using airline miles?

Yes. Most airlines accept surfboards as checked luggage for an additional fee ($75-$200 each way depending on the airline). Award flights booked with miles still require paying the surfboard baggage fee. Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest offer competitive board bag rates. Consider a quality board bag with padding to protect your equipment.

What credit card is best for surf travel?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 3x on travel and dining, includes trip delay insurance, and provides primary car rental coverage for surf trip road adventures. The Capital One Venture X offers flexible points that can offset any travel expense. Both cards have no foreign transaction fees, essential for international surf trips.

What are the most affordable surf destinations accessible from the US?

Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Mexico's Pacific coast offer excellent waves with low daily costs ($50-$100/day for accommodation and meals). Puerto Rico provides domestic convenience with warm water and consistent surf. Portugal is affordable by European standards and has direct flights from the US East Coast.

Do I need travel insurance for a surf trip?

Strongly recommended, especially for remote destinations. Surf injuries can require medical evacuation from areas with limited healthcare. Ensure your policy covers adventure sports activities. The Chase Sapphire Reserve includes emergency medical evacuation coverage, but check the specific terms for surf-related activities.

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