We don’t all have the freedom and flexibility to gallivant off on last-minute swell chases… life gets in the way. Work, money, family duties… You know the score. But what if you could combine your next surf trip with a family vacation? Here are my top family-friendly surf destinations.
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Costa Rica
Costa Rica has drawn surfers for decades. A truly dream destination–palm trees, sun, warm waters, fun waves, and amazing wildlife. Oh, and it’s one of the safest countries in Latin America. While Costa Rica certainly isn’t one of the world’s cheapest surf destinations, you can stay right on the beach, in front of super fun beach break waves.
Areas like Santa Teresa, Dominical, Playa Hermosa, and Tamarindo. All have beautiful beaches, with playful waves suited to all abilities. For more information on surfing in Costa Rica, check out my full guide to Playa Hermosa, Santa Teresa, and Dominical.
Need help planning a surf trip? If you want to score waves with the family in tow, book a one-to-one call with me today, and let’s make it happen.
New Zealand
Unless you’re reading this in Australia, NZ is a long way from just about anywhere. But don’t let that put you off. Once you’re here, the land of the long white cloud is custom-made for families looking for waves and outdoor adventure. It also ranks consistently among the safest countries in the world.
Piha, Raglan, and Mount Maunganui are some of my favorite spots. All of which are within a two-hour drive from Auckland, and have world-class waves on the right day. In summer, NZ is all about the outdoors, and the best way to enjoy its natural spoils is via campervan.
Australia
Australia is another fantastic family surf destination. If anywhere was designed for families who want to surf and live the beach life, it’s Australia. Seriously, the number of setups with amazing waves, clean beaches, and parks/BBQ areas for the kids to hang out at is insane. There’s just the perfect combination of weather and amenities to keep the groms entertained for days (no iPads needed).
Like NZ, Aus is all about the outdoors, and I’d highly recommend renting a camper and road-tripping up and down the East Coast. Noosa is my top pick with perfect beaches and the points along the national park. If anywhere was custom-made for surfing with the family, It’s Noosa. Coolangatta and Byron are also worth checking out, and if time allows, head south to Sydney’s Northern Beaches or inland to the Blue Mountains.
Bali
Many see Bali’s crowds and rapid development as a negative, but hear me out. You can stay in a luxury villa close to the beach for a fraction of what you can anywhere else in the world. Add in cheap living costs, a variety of fun (albeit crowded) surf breaks, and the warmest, most welcoming people on the planet, you can’t go wrong with Bali.
Portugal
Portugal is another excellent option. The place is drenched in swell all year, with every type of surf break you could ever hope to surf. Ericeira and Peniche have great accommodation options, surf schools, shops, restaurants, and cafes. If you’re travelling in the depths of winter, head down to the Algarve, where it’s a touch warmer and where you’ll have plenty of sheltered surf break options.
Need help planning a surf trip? If you want to score waves with the family in tow, book a one-to-one call with me today, and let’s make it happen.
Hawaii
The dream of all dream trips! Hawaii is the ultimate surf trip destination and an epic one to take the kids! Some of the most perfect beaches on earth, and tropical temperatures year-round create the perfect hang-out spot. The North Shore is an incredible area to experience, and while you might not be snagging Pipe bombs between family duties, the beach is stunning and very comfortable when you’re too scared to surf…
Sri Lanka
One of the cheapest surf destinations out there, Sri Lanka could be an epic choice for a family surfer. In all major surf towns, you can stay minutes from the waves in great accommodation. Towns like Arugam Bay and Hikkaduwa are two of my favorites. Both are laid-back beach towns with hotel options right on the sand.
For classic Sri Lankan point breaks, head to Arugam (between April and October) and keep the fam happy by hanging out at the beautiful Baby Point. For beach breaks and a-frame reef action, head south to Hikkaduwa and Midigama.
Maldives
The Maldives is another bucket list trip, and one every surfer needs to check out at least once. The Maldives are safe, beautiful, and boast perfect reef break set-ups. It’s exactly how you think it is. If your budget allows, stay at one of the resorts, which will give you an outstanding base, with the opportunity to swim, snorkel, and enjoy the islands to their full potential. For more information, check out my full guide to surfing in the Maldives.
Summary
All of these top surf destinations combine the comforts and conveniences you need on a family trip. And I don’t think you can go wrong with any of them. However, actually planning a trip can still be confusing. If you need more detailed information on surf spots, travel logistics, or where to stay, book a one-to-one call with me today. I can help make your dream surf trip happen.
