Surfing has always been “cool”, but it has become even more mainstream over the past decade as it has welcomed people from all walks of life. The benefits of surfing have also hit the headlines, such as improving your physical fitness and balance.
These are some of the best cheap places to surf around the world:
•Sri Lanka
•Portugal
•Mexico
•Philippines
•Thailand
•Morocco
•Nicaragua
Sri Lanka
Let’s start with one of the most unknown, Sri Lanka. Make sure you head to Main Reef which is one of the most accessible options on the island. It is also only a 3 hour drive from Colombo and offers warm waters and incredible conditions for you to jump on your board. Sri Lanka is relatively undiscovered but it won’t take long before the secret is out and everyone will be heading here for the surf.
Grab a hotel for next to nothing and while you are there, you can explore more of everything the beautiful island has to offer including Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary which is home to more than 70 varieties of coral a few 100m off shore. Flights to Colombo cost around $1,000 for a return trip from New York, Washington DC or LA.
Portugal
Due to its location, Portugal has some of the best waves in Europe, hours upon hours of sunshine, and over 1,000 miles of coastline to play along. There are an abundance of places to surf in Portugal including Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, Ericeira, Peniche, Nazaré, Porto and Viana do Castelo. The surf is good all year round, especially in the spring, and offers surfing for both beginners and the experienced. Flights to Portugal cost around $780 for a return trip from New York, Boston or Miami. Then, rent a car for cheap to travel around the country.
Phuket
Anyone who surfs knows that Phuket offers some of the best surfing in the world, and with cheap flights, cheaper accommodation and even cheaper drinks, Thailand is popular with surfers from all over the world. The best waves hit the Thai coast from May to September throughout the monsoon season and there are plenty of activities to do including hiking, biking and relaxing. If you are a beginner, head to Kata Beach to start with some smaller waves. Experienced surfers can head to Pansea Beach. Flights to Phuket cost around $750 for a return trip from San Francisco or LA.
You can then rent a car to drive to your dream locations and find cheap hotels by comparing prices here.
Flight deals to Phuket from $551 roundtrip
Nicaragua
If you are an experienced surfer, this is the place to go. Nicaragua has some of the best conditions in the world for adrenaline junkies and wave searches. In this beautiful country, you have warm waters, cheap food and accommodation, and year-round surfing. The “Papagayo Winds” as they are called, make for an adventure for surfers on the waves, or if you are new to it all, there are hundreds of surf camps dotted along the coast. Flights to Nicaragua cost around $300 for a return trip from Miami.
Philippines
With over 7,000 islands, the Philippines make the perfect setting for surfers wanting to hit the waves. The country offers a tropical surfing paradise with warm weathers, waves to die for and uncrowded reefs. The best time of the year to visit is July to November, and we would recommend Siargao Island, Catanduanes Island, Borongan, Baler, Badoc and San Fernando as the best cheap destinations to surf. Flights to the Philippines cost around $800 for a return trip from Miami, Honolulu or San Francisco.
Flight deals to the Phillippines from $504 roundtrip
Morocco
On the up, Morocco is offering surfer a new playground with surfing spots all up the coast from Agadir to Tangier. Say goodbye to the sweaty walks around the market at midday and instead hit the sea for a bit of action on the waves. Best time to travel is from December to February, and you can find accommodation fairly cheap. Remember Morocco is a muslim country and bring along your wetsuit so that you can cover up even when you are out at sea. Flights to Morocco cost around $1,000 for a return trip from New York or Washington DC. You can also rent a car for cheap.
Puerto Rico
The northwest region of Puerto Rico is a surfer’s heaven! The country is well-known for its quality point breaks and warm waters. Due to the conditions being very windy, it makes for an even better great cheap surf destination. It is best to visit between November and February when the weather is best and conditions mean you can ride some impressive waves. Head to Rincon, Aguada and Aguacate for some of the best waves on the coast (rent a car to get around easily). Flights to Puerto Rico cost around $300 for a return trip from Miami or Orlando.
About the Author | ||
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Sophie Davis// Sophie’s Suitcase
Sophie’s Suitcase is an award-winning luxury travel and lifestyle blog with a focus on travel around a 9-5. I cover all aspects of travel, adventure and culture, whether that be visiting my hometown London, exploring the souks of Marrakech or a luxury weekend in Milan. Sophie’s Suitcase has grown considerably since its launch five years ago; it has loyal readers from all over the world. Sophie’s Suitcase won Best Travel Blog at the Cosmopolitan Blog Awards 2015, was shortlisted in the Cosmopolitan Influencer Awards 2016 and is ranked in the top #25 travel blogs in the UK.
