Lesser-Known Surfing Destinations for Adventurous Surfers
Mention travelling to surf enthusiasts and the same places are bound to come up in conversation. Spots such as Oahu in Hawaii, Byron Bay in Australia and Bundoran in Ireland are world famous for their ripping waves and beautiful beaches. However, what if you want to catch a wave away from the crowds? From jungle-flanked point breaks in Colombia to secluded New Zealand coves, a global array of less-known surfing destinations are waiting to be discovered – you just need to know where to find them.
New Chums Beach – Whangapoua, New Zealand
Wave type: point and beach breaks; Level: all
New Zealand boasts some unforgettable beaches. This secluded strip of white sand and cerulean water is one of them, requiring a 40-minute hike from the north end of Whangapoua Beach, situated on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. A trickling stream gives way to a stony coastal trail that passes over the headland and through a forest of native nikau and pohutukawa trees before the beach is revealed.
Wainuiototo Bay has several peaks along New Chums offering both right and left handers, including a cove with a pearly right that peels around an outcrop, along with a beach break in the center of the strip. Due to its sheltered location, the bay requires decent swell to break and is best enjoyed around mid-tide.
Halawa Beach Park – Moloka’i, Hawaii
Wave type: point and beach break; Level: advanced.
Legend has it that early Moloka’i chiefs once surfed at Halawa Bay, where Kaili and Kaiwili beaches are separated by a rocky outcrop. The island is known for its rich heritage and pride in its indigenous culture. Today, residents ride the strong winter waves that crash onto the black sand, set against sweeping views of mountains and waterfalls. While summertime swimming is enjoyed by visitors, respect is essential at this unspoilt, low-key location, both to the locals and to the powerful waters.
Praia da Amoreira – Aljezur, Algarve, Portugal
Wave type: beach and point break; Level: all.
Nestled along the western coast of The Algarve in the middle of Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, a beautiful park that stretches over 100km, Amoreira Beach sits at the mouth of the River Aljezur, forming a tranquil lagoon system alongside the incoming waves. This unique beach is ideal for swimming, kayaking, and surfing, and while it enjoys fairly consistent waves, it is rarely crowded even in ideal conditions.
Philippes – Ngor Island, Dakar, Senegal
Wave type: reef break; Level: professional.
Peaceful Ngor – a small island off the tip of Dakar, Africa’s most western point – offers a range of reliable surf options. Although featured in the iconic 1966 documentary The Endless Summer, Ngor island remains relatively uncrowded, making Senegal an often overlooked surfing destination boasting some world-class waves.
Philippes is a heavy wave that picks up swell directly from the north Atlantic Ocean, providing a short, rocky ride with a heavy barrel. While this spot is intended for professionals, Ngor Island has other locations suitable for all levels.
Aoshima Beach – Kyushu, Japan
Wave type: beach break; Level: all.
Shrouded in palm trees and surrounded by unique wave-like rock formations called the Devil’s Washboard, Aoshima is a tiny island complete with a Shinto shrine, located on the southeastern coast of Kyushu, Japan. This area is popular in spring and summer, hosting various international competitions, yet it remains quiet compared to other well-known spots like Okinawa or Chiba.
Pico de Loro – Nuquí, Colombia
Wave type: point break; Level: advanced.
Pico de Loro features staggered outcrops that jut from the sea. It’s accessible only via a short boat ride from Nuquí, offering consistent swells and rideable waves. The beach is surrounded by a dense jungle thicket, with opportunities to spot colourful birds and whales. Surfers should fly from Medellín to Nuquí and coordinate their trip through local guides or hotels.
Ballyhiernan Bay – County Donegal, Ireland
Wave type: beach break; Level: all.
Located only 30 minutes by car from Letterkenny, County Donegal is a striking example of Ireland’s rugged beauty. Ballyhiernan Bay is a highlight along the Wild Atlantic Way coastal route, featuring long sandy beaches backed by low-lying sand dunes and rocky headlands. This area is perfect for surfers, swimmers, and casual coastal walkers seeking tranquility.
La Saladita – Guerrero, Mexico
Wave type: point break; Level: all.
La Saladita, located a 40-minute drive north from Ixtapa, boasts smooth, long-peeling left point breaks known to provide some of the longest rides in Mexico. The beach offers excellent longboarding opportunities throughout the year, with smaller waves in winter.
