For decades, surfers have been travelling around the globe, looking for the world’s best and most challenging waves. Whether it is in Indonesia, Australia, Hawaii or Mexico, many surfers now claim that they found the perfect wave.
Here are 25 of the world’s best waves and surf spots that should be on every surfer’s bucket list…
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Anchor Point, Morocco
Morocco is known for having several world-class right-hand waves along its coastline. One of them is Anchor Point, an iconic surf spot located near Taghazout, the country’s most popular surf town.
Anchor Point is a forgiving point break that can be surfed by all types of surfers as long as the swell isn’t too big. This long, perfectly peeling wave is hands down one of the best waves on the African continent and in the world.
Read our full surf guide to Taghazout, Morocco
Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa
Jeffrey’s Bay is a series of several points which will sometimes connect to form an epic wave that can run for more than a couple miles. This wave requires a certain skill level to generate enough speed to make every section. More often than not, it will also offer a few barreling sections…not only is this Africa’s surfing mecca, but it is also considered as one of the three best waves on Earth by several pro surfers.
Read our full surf guide to Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa
Pasta Point, Maldives
This wave is a very consistent left-hander and also one of the best breaks in Maldives. Located on a private island near the capital city and its international airport, Pasta Point is a long, challenging and catches swells more than any other spots in North Male.
Read our full surf guide to the Maldives
Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii
The North Shore of Oahu is probably the world’s most iconic surfing destination. Not only is it the birthplace of several surfing heroes, it is also home to some of the world’s best surf spots. One of them is Pipeline, the deadliest, yet most amazing wave on this planet. This gem breaks consistently on a NW swell, generating perfect A-frame barrels. Experts only, crowds guaranteed.
Read our full surf guide to Oahu, Hawaii
Punta de Lobos, Chile
One of the world’s best left-hand waves, Punta de Lobos works from knee size to tow-in triple overhead. Located near Pichilemu, in Chile, this point break is a true gem of the South American continent.
In winter, conditions are very hostile with massive swells coming from the south Pacific producing gigantic waves and water temperatures being close to the freezing point. This is when big wave chargers thrive and score epic Punta de Lobos.
Read our full surf guide to Pichilemu, Chile
Skeleton Bay, Namibia
Skeleton Bay is often referred to as the world’s longest barrel. It may not be the most consistent wave, but when it’s on, it gives a hell of a show.
Every year, pro surfers go on strike missions to Namibia in order to get that crazy footage of a 45 seconds tube and simply enjoy the wave of a lifetime.
Read our full surf guide to Namibia
Superbank, Australia
One of Australia’s most popular (and most crowded) waves is Superbank, in Coolangatta, Gold Coast. This point break offers several high-quality sections with barreling potential and works most days of the year.
On a good day, this wave runs for a couple miles all the way from Snapper Rocks to Kirra.
Read our full surf guide to the East Coast of Australia
Pavones, Costa Rica
Located on the southern end of Costa Rica, Pavones is definitely one of the longest waves in Central America. This point break is usually not so busy compared to the rest of Costa Rica due to its remote location. However, on a good day, this principle doesn’t really stand and you can expect a good amount of surfers.
Here is our favorite surf camp in Pavones, Costa Rica
Mundaka, Spain
Mundaka is a dreamy point break with a few hollow sections allowing to either go straight down the line or stall in the pit for some cover, if desired.
This wave is considered as one of the best surf spots in Europe and works best from low to mid tide.
Honolua Bay, Maui, Hawaii
Honolua Bay is a true Hawaiian gem and a mythical wave. Located on Maui’s west side, this right-hand point break works consistently over winter and provides epic waves generally more suitable for experienced surfers due to its shallowness and power.
From the takeoff spot, several barreling sections will take you all the way into the bay for what will become a ride to remember!
Read our full surf guide to Maui, Hawaii
Cloud Nine, Philippines
Cloud Nine could be known as the Asian version of Pipeline and Backdoor. A short, punchy barreling wave that tends to get pretty heavy and scary on medium to large swells. Although swells rolling into the Philippines are not nearly as consistent and massive as what we see during a Hawaiian winter, Cloud Nine still works more often than not and offers epic rides to whoever adventure themselves to the island of Siargao.
Read our full surf guide to Siargao Island, Phillippines
Uluwatu, Bali
Our countdown wouldn’t be complete without a Balinese wave. This surfing mecca is home to some of the world’s most incredible and consistent breaks.
Uluwatu is one of the few amazing left-hand reef breaks that can be found around the Bukit Peninsula, located on Bali’s south side.
A fast and hollow wave that is very challenging, yet more forgiving than Padang Padang or Impossibles, for example.
Uluwatu usually has 3-4 peaks which can connect on larger swells and create a very long wall going on for a few hundred meters.
Read our full surf guide to Bali, Indonesia
Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka
Arugam Bay is a small town located on the east side of Sri Lanka, away from all the big city noise. In the area, multiple point breaks provide nice and mellow waves, perfect for any levels of surfers.
Arugam Bay is the most accessible wave, being located right in the bay, just a short walk from town. Every other break, like Peanut Farm and Whiskey Point will require a scooter or car.
Read our complete surf guide to Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka
Teahupo’o, Tahiti
Often considered as one of the heaviest waves on Earth, Teahupo’o is a truly mesmerizing wave…
Not only is the wave itself absolutely unique, but the whole setup is just remarkable. A backdrop like no other, crystal clear water and a channel packed with boats and photographs, are all aspects that make Teahupo’o stand out even more.
Read our full surf guide to Tahiti, French Polynesia
Yo-yo’s, Sumbawa, Indonesia
Sumbawa is another great Indonesian island to visit on a surf trip with several world-class waves like Scar Reef, Super Suck, Lakey Peak and, of course, Yo-yo.
The reason why we make Yo-yo stand out from all these other great breaks is because of its consistency.
Known for being a swell magnet, Sekongkang bay catches every bit of energy coming from the south-west which means if there is swell, Yo-yo’s will work.
The wave itself is a punchy right-hander, which is already pretty rare in Indo (most waves in Bali, Lombok and Sumbawa are lefts) that provides a great setup either for airs, barrels or rail game.
Read our full surf guide to Sumbawa, Indonesia
Lance’s Right, Indonesia
Lance’s Right, also known as HT’s is one of the world’s most perfect and high performance barreling wave. Located in the Mentawai Islands, a real surfing paradise, Lance’s Right handles pretty much any swell and offers consistently clean conditions through the whole season.
HT’s should only be surfed by experienced riders as the reef is very exposed and sharp. In season, many boats can take you to the break and crowds will be a factor.
Read our full guide to the Mentawai Islands, Indonesia
Manu Bay, Raglan, New Zealand
First put on the map by the movie “Endless Summer” back in 1966, Raglan is now known as the surfing capital of New Zealand and one of the world’s best surf spots.
The main attraction in Raglan is Manu Bay, a long and consistent left-hand point breaking over smooth pebbles. On a good day, every point can link together from Indicators and Whale Bay all the way down to Ngaranui Beach.
Read our full surf guide to Raglan, New Zealand
Scorpion Bay, Mexico
In the dry heat of Baja California’s desert is hidden an absolute gem of a pointbreak…
On a normal day, Scorpion Bay has 4 to 5 distinct points and takeoff spots. However, when a decent-size swell lines up properly and hits Baja California’s coastline, this wave becomes one of North America’s longest point break.
Its remote location and lack of infrastructure also prevents it from being overcrowded. Definitely worth the trip…
Read our complete surfing guide to Baja California Sur, Mexico
Desert Point, Lombok, Indonesia
Desert Point is nothing less than Lombok’s best wave. A dreamy barreling wave with a respectable length that should only be attacked by experienced surfers as it requires speed and agility to simply make the ride.
Without these abilities, the sharp and shallow reef will literally eat your skin. Desert Point is without a doubt, one of the world’s best left-hand waves.
Read our full surf guide to Lombok, Indonesia
Soup Bowl, Barbados
Soup Bowl is a punchy right-hand wave located on the east side of Barbados, in the lesser Antilles. In the winter months, when good swells push in from the Atlantic, barrels are insane and very common. It is even one of Kelly Slater’s favorite waves in the world!
Read our full surf guide to Barbados
Rincon, California
Rincon is located near Santa Barbara and is arguably California’s best wave. This classic point break works on a westerly swell and is a truly mythical wave for its length and perfection.
When conditions align, Rincon is considered by many people as one of the world’s best waves.
Cloudbreak, Fiji
Cloudbreak is a mythical wave located near Tavarua, a small island in Fiji. It has been hosting the World Surf League for a good period of time and is also a big strike mission target for professional surfers hunting the world to catch the best waves.
Cloudbreak is a fast and hollow reef break that works from 3 feet to triple overhead. It isn’t a very accessible wave for the common surfer due to its remote location but it definitely should be on every surfer’s bucket list. A once in a lifetime surf trip.
Read our complete surf guide to Fiji
P-Pass, Federated States of Micronesia
This wave is the reason why Pohnpei, in the Federated States of Micronesia, was first put under the surfers radar. Professionals started shooting this unbelievable right-hand barrel reminding everyone of the Hawaiian and Indonesian type of waves, with barely anyone out in the water. An actual dream, making it one of the best surf spots in the world.
Since then, regular tourists are starting to realize the potential of P-Pass and the surrounding breaks.
It surely is hard to get access to the waves, but the reward is astonishing.
Read our full surf guide to The Federated States of Micronesia
G-Land, Indonesia
G-Land is a classic Indonesian wave located on the island of Java that delivers stunning barrels all the way across its super long point. There are multiple sections and takeoff zones that connect on decent swells, most of which will offer great barrel opportunities.
On smaller days, G-Land can be attacked by less experienced surfers but it generally is a high-level wave.
Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Playa Zicatela, in Puerto Escondido is often referred to as the “Mexican Pipeline”. During the swell season, this spot becomes a massive beach break where chargers from all around the world rush to in order to catch one of those giant barrels.
During the slow season, families and beginners can even catch some waves either at the point or at any of the surrounding and more sheltered beaches.
Through the years, Puerto Escondido has built for itself a reputation of being nothing less than the Mexican surfing mecca and one of the world’s best waves.
Read our full surf guide to Puerto Escondido
Coxos, Portugal
For many people, Coxos is Portugal’s best wave. A heavy and challenging right-hander that works consistently on the NW swell throughout the year. It breaks on an exposed reef and should be kept for experienced surfers who know how to handle themselves in crowded spots.
Praia dos Coxos is located in Ericeira, a surf town close to Lisbon that was designated a World Surfing Reserve in 2011.
Read our full surf guide to Ericeira, Portugal
Winkipop, Torquay, Australia
The legendary town or Torquay is home to one of the world’s most iconic surfing brand, Ripcurl. It also is home to Bells Beach and Winkipop, two very popular surf spots in Australia.
Winkipop is a decent point break that peels nicely and offers wonderful walls to set up carves and work on your rail game. Torquay also hosts the World Surf League every year for what became the oldest and most prestigious event on tour.