Here is our countdown of the biggest waves in the world. In the world of surfing, big waves are the ultimate test of skill, courage, and respect for the ocean’s raw power. From massive reef breaks to deepwater monsters, these waves attract the best big wave surfers and of course, the most daring spectators. Big wave surfing leads to some of the most spectacular surf contests such as The Eddie Invitational.
While many surf spots close out or become unsurfable on massive swells, a few legendary breaks around the world truly come alive. These unique locations have earned a place in the pantheon of big wave surfing, thanks to their ability to hold and shape waves of extreme size and intensity.
No more waiting, here is our list of the 10 best surf spots to see or surf the biggest waves on the planet
10. Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Located on Playa Zicatela, Puerto Escondido has earned its nickname as the “Mexican Pipeline” for a reason. While it’s a fun beach break on smaller days, when a powerful swell rolls in, this wave becomes one of the heaviest beach breaks in the world.
Expect gigantic A-frames, bone-crushing barrels, and frequent broken boards. Big wave surfers from across the globe wait for the next Pacific XXL swell to charge this beast.
Read our surfing guide to Puerto Escondido, Mexico
9. Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii
Banzai Pipeline, on the North Shore of Oahu is one of the most iconic and deadly waves in surfing history. While not the tallest, its combination of steep takeoffs and hollow barrels breaking over shallow reef makes it one of the most technical and dangerous waves on Earth.
On a big NW swell, Pipeline can hit 20ft+ and is just meters from the beach, making it an incredible place to watch giant waves break up close.
Read our surfing guide to Oahu, Hawaii
8. Cortes Bank, California
Located over 100 miles offshore from Southern California, Cortes Bank is one of the most elusive and powerful big wave spots on Earth. This underwater seamount rises from the deep Pacific, allowing massive swells to unload in open water.
With waves sometimes exceeding 60 feet, Cortes Bank is not only remote—it’s one of the biggest surfable waves on the planet.
7. Waimea Bay, Oahu, Hawaii
Waimea Bay is a legendary place in surfing history and remains a core location for big wave surfing. On extra-large swells, this North Shore surf spot lights up when many other spots close out.
The Bay is also home to The Eddie Aikau Invitational, one of the most prestigious big wave events in the world, held only when conditions meet extreme size thresholds of 40 feet and above.
6. The Right, Western Australia
Few waves match the raw power of The Right, a terrifying slab off the coast of Western Australia. With thick, churning barrels and unpredictable steps on the face of the wave, this is one of the most dangerous and visually shocking waves out there.
Strictly a tow-in surf spot, The Right is fast, shallow, and sharky—making it one of the gnarliest big waves on Earth.
5. Shipstern Bluff, Tasmania
Hidden away in the wilds of Tasmania, Shipstern Bluff is known for its freakish “steps” which are mid-wave ledges that launch surfers into freefall during their rides.
On the biggest days, Shipstern delivers chaotic, monstrous slabs that have become infamous in big wave surf footage.
Read our surfing guide to Tasmania, Australia
4. Mavericks, California
Situated in Half Moon Bay, Mavericks is one of the most feared and respected big wave surf spots in the world. It’s cold, sharky, and capable of producing waves over 60 feet.
Unlike many big wave locations, Mavericks is a paddle-in spot, demanding precise timing and incredible bravery from surfers as they take off on massive, moving mountains of water.
3. Teahupo’o, Tahiti
Teahupo’o, located on the south-east side of Tahiti, is home to arguably the heaviest and most picturesque wave ever surfed. On big swells, this reef break becomes a tow-in monster, pitching square barrels over razor-sharp coral.
This wave produces some of the most mind-blowing surf photography in existence—thanks to the deep channel just meters from the break.
Read our surfing guide to Tahiti, French Polynesia
2. Jaws (Peʻahi), Maui
Also known as Peʻahi, Jaws is the ultimate stage for giant wave surfing in Hawaii. This powerful reef break comes to life on swells of 15 feet and up—but it can hold waves more than 70 feet high.
Despite its size, Jaws can offer clean, rideable faces and deep barrels. Whether paddling in or getting towed, Jaws is where elite surfers go to push the limits.
Read our surfing guide to Maui, Hawaii
1. Nazaré, Portugal
There’s no debate, Nazaré is where you’ll find the biggest waves in the world.
In 2020, Sebastian Steudtner surfed a record-breaking wave here, estimated at over 86 feet. Fueled by an underwater canyon that funnels Atlantic swells into the cliffs of Praia do Norte, Nazaré regularly produces monster waves unlike anywhere else.
Every winter, the global surfing community watches in awe as surfers get towed into the most massive waves ever recorded.