5 Really Cool Spots to Surf

Surfing is a lifelong passion for many; and nearly everyone from 8 to 80 can participate. Serious surfers have their favorite places and secret spots they return to again and again. They also have a bucket list of locations around the globe they would love to go to ride the waves.  We thought we’d make our own bucket list and  looked at locations that might surprise some of you.

1. Taghazoute, Morocco: This might not seem an obvious choice at first. But surfers have been coming here since the 1960s, so it has many devotees. And, when you add the fascinating blend of Middle Eastern and African cultures and mild winters, Morocco is an excellent choice for a unique winter getaway. The Taghazout area is in the region of Agadir, and could be added to our Morocco: Splendors of the Berber South.
2. Montanita, Ecuador: Not many travelers know about this small coastal town about 180 kilometers northwest of Guayaquil. But Montanita is an increasingly popular destination on the international surfing circuit. Include a visit to Montanita in our Ecuador Mainland journey.
3. Bali, Indonesia: Indonesia is a classic surfer’s paradise; and the island of Bali beckons to surfers from all over the world. Uluwati has famous waves, but serious surfers might have some competition to find their own space. The nearby Kuta Bay is a good place for beginners. You’ll find plenty of opportunities for catching the waves during our Indonesia In Depth.
4. Mancora, Peru: There are areas to surf along Lima’s coast, and indeed it is practiced all along the coast of Peru.  It has a long tradition in Northern Peru. Our Northern Peru & Lake Titicaca travels to northern areas where you can incorporate a surfing stopover in Mancora into your itinerary. The water is warm year-round due to the Panamanian current which only affects the extreme northern coast of Peru.
5. Raglan, New Zealand: Raglan, a two-hour drive south of Auckland, is best known for its surf. Manu Bay, aka The Point, came to international attention in 1966 in the movie ‘Endless Summer’. Manu Bay is the site of several international surfing competitions.  Incorporate a surfing jaunt in Natural New Zealand.