The 5 Most Affordable Surfing Destinations Worldwide, Outside of Europe
Review 2023: Where to Travel on a Low Budget?
Author: the vagrant Surfer
As surfers, we’re familiar with the financial dilemma that comes with planning a surf vacation. We aim to save as much money as possible to extend our stay at a magnificent surf spot. However, a seaside surf vacation doesn’t have to break the bank.
Personally, as a surfer, I always look for the ideal surf destination that meets the following criteria:
Affordable flights from Germany
Low cost of living
A non-excessively touristy atmosphere
Perfect waves and good swells
Pleasant climate, along with captivating nature and culture
A safe environment
What is the cheapest travel destination for surfing in comparison?
There are many budget-friendly travel countries in Asia such as Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Also, in South America, for example, in Panama, you can travel on a low budget. The most cost-effective travel destination near Europe is Morocco. These are some of the most budget-friendly travel countries that we will take a closer look at and compare. As a surf beginner, you can also find affordable surf camps in these destinations.
When is the cheapest and best time to travel there?
Peak season or off-season, surf season, summer or winter in Europe: Sometimes these times overlap in the travel destination, allowing for the best travel time for surfers.
This article about the 5 most affordable travel destinations for surfing will answer these questions for you, provide valuable tips and tricks for your surf trip, and introduce a price comparison with a surf travel budget plan.
Are you a surfer on a tight budget? Then pay close attention now. Let’s go!
Price comparison overview: All travel destinations with their respective travel costs.
#1. Low Budget Surfing Destination: Taghazout in Morocco
The first place on the list is Taghazout in Morocco. This small fishing village is probably unknown to many outside the surfing community. However, it is a hotspot for surfers and has a lot to offer for tourists as well.
For those living in Europe, Taghazout is the easiest and best way to experience a short and cost-effective surf vacation with cultural adventures. It is the most budget-friendly surfing destination near Europe.
Finding Cheap Flights from Germany to Agadir:
From cities like Düsseldorf, Karlsruhe, Cologne, or Frankfurt, you can find direct flights to Agadir in Morocco for as low as around €40. If you are traveling from Berlin, the price for a flight with a stopover is approximately €60.
What are the Accommodation Costs in Taghazout?
In Taghazout, you can find good hostels starting from €10 per night. However, please note that the quality may vary. Good hotels that I know from my own experience are “Sunny Wave” and “Teddy Pirates.” During the off-season, hostel prices can be slightly higher, as many Moroccans take vacations during the peak season.
When is the Best Travel Time for Surfers in Morocco?
The good news is that the surf season in Morocco coincides with the off-season. From Oct./Nov. to April, continuous large swells along the coast provide good waves. During this period, hotels and beaches are less crowded with tourists, as most Moroccans prefer to travel in the summer.
What is the Climate like in Morocco?
Oct. to May offers the perfect climate in Morocco. During these months, it is pleasantly warm, and almost every day is T-shirt weather, while Europe is cold. In the summer, daytime temperatures can rise to up to 37 degrees Celsius.
What is the Nature like in Morocco?
Morocco is a paradise for desert hikes. Day trips on camels into the desert are affordable and provide a welcome change from surfing. Otherwise, Morocco is very dry, with sparse vegetation and rocky coastlines. If you expect lush flora and fauna, you will be disappointed in Morocco.
What is the Culture like in Morocco?
Morocco guarantees cultural diversity. If you are visiting Morocco for the first time, you will be enchanted by the culture. The places evoke images of “1001 Nights” or “Aladdin.” The hospitable people and culinary diversity make your stay an adventure. However, keep in mind that Morocco is a Muslim country where alcohol is only allowed in closed bars. Unlike some Latin American countries, there is not much dancing here, so you should adjust your expectations.
What about Safety in Morocco?
Morocco is a relatively safe country, contrary to some assumptions. I traveled in the country for three months and never experienced thefts or felt unsafe. However, be careful not to be overcharged. Taxi drivers and other vendors often try to charge more if you don’t negotiate. During the off-season, vendors tend to be more reserved. You can also expect fair treatment in hostels and restaurants.
The greatest danger lies in food. Never drink tap water, always opt for bottled water. Ask your hostel host for the best dining options in the area. Earthquakes and natural disasters can, of course, pose a safety risk in Morocco.
What is the Conclusion about Taghazout?
Morocco offers the cheapest option for a surf vacation in the winter, especially if you live in Europe. If you want to learn more about Morocco, this post will help you: “Marokko — der Surf Report, Surfen wie in 1001 Nacht” or my article on Medium: “Morocco: From 1001 Nights to Endless Waves — The Oriental Surf Experience”
#2. Low Budget Surfing Destination: Lombok, Indonesia
Lombok is an island located right next to Bali. Nowadays, every surfer knows about Bali. Tourists and surfers flock to the island because they can surf perfect waves there and find relatively low living costs. However, Bali is no longer as budget-friendly as it used to be a few years ago.
Lombok, Bali’s eastern neighbor, still benefits from Bali’s past advantages. Accommodations and meals there are very affordable, but the surfing opportunities are just as good as in Bali.
So, let’s take a closer look at Lombok: How to get there, and what are the costs for a surf vacation there?
When is the surf season, and the best time to travel to Lombok?
• High Season (May — October)
Most surfers come during the high season (Apr. — Oct.) because the waves are particularly big during this time, reaching up to 6 feet (1.8m). However, the off-season is also excellent for surfing, especially for beginners.
• Off-season (November — April)
The off-season also falls during the rainy season, which can be a problem on Bali. During the rainy season, a large amount of trash is washed into the sea, making surfing impossible the next day. Fortunately, Lombok is largely spared from this issue.
During the off-season, waves in Lombok are on average smaller, about 3 to 6 feet, but they are cleaner since the swell usually comes from the south, increasing the chances of offshore winds. This travel time is ideal for surf beginners.
Finding Cheap Flights from Germany to Lombok:
A flight from Germany to Lombok can be expensive, and due to the small size of Lombok International Airport, it may also involve longer travel times.
A more cost-effective option is to fly to Bali and then take a ferry to Lombok. The ferry crossing costs about $12 and takes about 4 hours. This also provides the opportunity to make a side trip to Bali.
Flight prices from Germany to Bali or Lombok can vary depending on the departure city. In the fall, you can find flights from Germany to Bali for about €450 — €600 and to Lombok for around €650 — €800. As always, it’s advisable to book early and choose flexible travel dates to save money.
If there is a cost-effective direct connection to Lombok from your home airport, it may be worthwhile to avoid the layover in Bali. Typically, connections with multiple layovers can be time-consuming, with up to three transfers. Therefore, a layover in Bali is often the better option.
What are the Accommodation Costs in Lombok?
Accommodations in Bali are mostly more expensive and quickly booked compared to those in Lombok. In Lombok, you can find hostels starting at €3 per night, while in Bali, you should budget at least €15 per night to stay right on the surf beach. For a longer stay of several months, choosing Lombok can be financially rewarding.
Example:
• 2 months: 60 days x €5 = €300 — Lombok
• 2 months: 60 days x €15 = €900 — Bali
How is the Climate, Nature, and Safety in Lombok?
Regarding climate, nature, and safety, Lombok and Bali are very similar. However, Lombok slightly outperforms Bali in these aspects. Due to heavy tourism, Bali has suffered in recent years. Traffic has increased, environmental pollution has become a problem, and there have been more cases of tourist scams.
Although this trend is slowly spreading to Lombok, the island has largely remained unaffected. Especially in Bali, heavy rain can wash a lot of dirt into the sea, making surfing dangerous the next day due to the risk of infection.
If you’re looking for more information on surfing in Bali, this post will help: “Bali 2023 | Diving into the Surfer’s Paradise.”
How much does Surfboard Rental cost in Lombok?
If you plan to stay longer in Lombok, it’s worth buying a surfboard from someone who is leaving the island and doesn’t want to take the board with them. Otherwise, you can buy surfboards cheaply and sell them again when you leave.
What is the Conclusion about Lombok?
Lombok is one of the best alternatives for a good and budget-friendly surf vacation. Its impressive natural beauty and some of the best waves in the world at fantastic surf spots make it a top destination.
Due to the high flight costs, it’s more cost-effective for longer-term stays. Since Lombok is very popular, hotels fill up quickly, so flexibility may be limited. If you want an affordable surf vacation there, it’s advisable to make a decision quickly and book well in advance.
Attention:
Please note that for Indonesia, you need an online tourist visa — “Visa on Arrival 30 Days.” Such a visa must always be applied for and can be extended for an additional 30 days once. In both cases, you must apply for it online, and it costs approximately 30€ for 30 days. You can find more information on this here.
#3. Low Budget Surfing Destination: Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, also known as the “Pearl of India,” is arguably the most budget-friendly travel destination worldwide and is home to some of the most beautiful surf spots. You’ve probably heard surfers raving about Sri Lanka. The island is undoubtedly a surfer’s paradise.
But that’s not all. It’s the affordable flights and low cost of living, especially, that make Sri Lanka an ideal surf destination for an extended stay. As a German citizen, you can spend up to 6 months there even without a visa.
Since the surf season in Sri Lanka lasts from November to April, it provides an opportunity to escape the European winter. Furthermore, it falls directly during the off-season for Lombok and Phuket. When the surf season ends there, it begins in Sri Lanka.
The island offers numerous advantages for surfers that are worth taking a closer look at. If you want to learn more about Sri Lanka, this post will help you: “Sri Lanka — An Exotic Surf Paradise with Cultural Highlights.”
What about the safety situation in Sri Lanka? — The domestic political situation
Since the island has been in an economic crisis since 2019, prices are very low for Europeans. What is a catastrophe for the population of Sri Lanka ironically opens up opportunities for others (as crises can also offer opportunities).
However, the crisis also has its downsides. The Foreign Office warns of protests that could lead to violent clashes between the Buddhist majority population and other religious communities. However, it has been very quiet in recent months.
How affordable are flights from Germany to Sri Lanka?
The most cost-effective flights from Germany to Sri Lanka land at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). These flights are available for as low as approximately €230, depending on your departure location in Germany. The flight duration is approximately 17 hours and may include up to 2 stops. You can always find the cheapest flight from your home airport on kiwi.com.
The surf spots in Sri Lanka are mainly located in the south of the island. The taxi ride from CMB airport to the south takes about 2.5 hours.
What are the accommodation costs in Sri Lanka?
There are numerous good hotels and hostels right at the surf spots. There is a wide selection of budget-friendly hostels. With booking.com, you can easily find a good and affordable hostel near a surf beach on the map. The cheapest beds average around €4 per night.
How is the food in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lankan cuisine is excellent, healthy, and, above all, affordable, as mainly local ingredients are used.
How is the climate, nature, and tourism in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is not as overrun by tourists as some other countries, such as Bali. The island offers plenty of surf spots to find quiet places with few surfers. The nature is breathtaking, and the climate is particularly warm and pleasant, with temperatures around 27 degrees, especially from November onwards.
What is the conclusion about Sri Lanka?
In terms of cost, Sri Lanka is the best choice for an extended surf stay. The option to extend the visa for up to 6 months contributes to this. If you want to bridge the dark winter months in Europe and have a small budget, the surf season in Sri Lanka from November to April is a perfect alternative for you.
If you are planning a surf trip to Sri Lanka now, this post will help you: “Sri Lanka — An Exotic Surf Paradise with Cultural Highlights.”
#4. Low Budget Surfing Destination: Phuket, Thailand
Phuket in Thailand is the next affordable surf travel destination for your low-cost surf vacation.
If you want to surf all year round, Phuket is a great option after Sri Lanka. When the surf season in Sri Lanka ends, it begins in Phuket, and vice versa.
The island is not only a surfer’s paradise but also a party hub for tourists and locals alike. What Mallorca is to Germans, Phuket is to Thais. The “Full Moon Party” is celebrated there every full moon, where everyone paints their bodies with fluorescent colors.
When is the surf season and the best time to travel to Phuket?
The optimal surf season coincides with the southwest monsoon between early May and early October. The best months for surfing in Phuket are typically June and early September. Even at the end of September, there is still about a 60% chance of good waves.
Where is the best surf spot in Phuket?
Kata Beach is the center of Thai surfing. Not only does the name remind you of Kuta Beach in Bali, but it also offers surf shops, surfboard rentals, surf schools, budget surf camps, and even an artificial standing wave. The waves at Kata Beach are well-protected from the wind and often run very cleanly towards the shore. The Phuket Surfing Contest, where the national champion is crowned, has been held here for years.
Finding Cheap Flights from Germany to Phuket:
The one-way flight from Germany takes about 22 hours and includes two layovers. Prices vary between €400 and €500. There is a good selection of connections with short layovers, allowing for flexible travel.
What are the accommodation costs in Phuket?
The west coast of the island offers several surf spots with a variety of accommodation options. On Booking.com, you can find good hostels or hotels right on the surf beach for as low as €5 per night.
How is the food in Phuket?
As for Thai cuisine, there’s not much to add. The trip is worth it just for the food, starting at only €3 per meal.
How much does surfboard rental cost in Phuket?
Renting a surfboard is not as cheap as in places like Sri Lanka or Lombok. In Phuket, the widespread surf tourism reflects in the prices. You can negotiate a deal to get a more affordable surfboard rental. The longer you rent the surfboard, the cheaper it becomes.
• 400 baht (€10) for half a day
• 600 baht (€15) per day
• 1,500 baht (€40) for 3 days
• 2,600 baht (€68) for a week
How is the climate, nature, and tourism in Phuket?
Phuket is very touristy, especially popular among young people. The Full Moon Parties there are world-famous and offer a lot of fun. The beaches are stunningly beautiful, and the sheltered bays are not only picturesque but also excellent for surfing.
To the east of Phuket lies the island group around Ko Phi Phi Don in the Andaman Sea. The movie “The Beach” by Danny Boyle is based on the novel of the same name by Alex Garland. Leonardo DiCaprio plays the American student Richard Fischer, who embarks on an adventurous backpacking journey through Thailand.
What is the conclusion about Phuket?
As an affordable surf travel destination, Phuket is definitely a good choice. Although the island is slightly more expensive compared to Sri Lanka, it offers more amenities. The Thai cuisine and surf infrastructure are significant advantages, as well as the vibrant nightlife scene. Besides surfing, you can have a lot of fun going out there.
#5. Low Budget Surfing Destination: Playa Venao, Panama
Last but not least, we have Playa Venao in Panama. This small bay is probably only known among surfers because it offers optimal surfing conditions.
Panama itself has the advantage of not being on the radar of many tourists yet. Therefore, it is still relatively affordable compared to countries like Costa Rica, its northern neighbor. At the same time, Panama is politically stable, and there are no conflicts. While Nicaragua is also relatively cheap, it can experience unrest that disrupts the country.
Additionally, you can surf there all year round. When the surf season ends in March on the Caribbean Sea, the surf season on the Pacific, where Playa Venao is located, begins.
The airport in the capital, Panama City, is a central hub for air travel in Central America, making flights there relatively inexpensive.
If you want to learn more about surfing in Panama, I recommend this article: “Panama | Playa Venao & Santa Catalina — 2. Sexy Surf Spots” or my medium article: “Panama: Unveiling the Underrated Gem of South America for Surf as well as Travel”
Finding Cheap Flights from Germany to Panama City — Cheap Flights:
A flight to Panama City takes between 14 and 17 hours, depending on whether there are one or two layovers. If you choose a flight with only one layover, expect to pay at least €500 per flight.
What are the accommodation costs at Playa Venao?
There are plenty of excellent hotels in Panama. However, prices have increased significantly due to inflation. This is also because Panama uses the US dollar as its currency. Since the Euro has lost value compared to the dollar, countries like Panama have become more expensive for Europeans. The prices theoretically haven’t necessarily gone up, but the exchange rate has become less favorable.
There are still hotels like “Selina Playa Venao” that are reasonably priced at around €25 per night.
How is the food at Playa Venao?
The food in Panama is very good, especially the Patacones (fried plantains). Occasionally, a farmer may drive by the beach and sell fresh fruit from the back of his truck. During such times, you can buy papayas for $1 or plantains to cook yourself.
How is the climate, nature, and tourism in Panama?
There is little tourism at Playa Venao, but the nature is beautiful, and the climate is very pleasant. Latin American culture also has a lot of charm. If you like Reggaeton and enjoy dancing, Panama is perfect for you.
What is the conclusion about Panama?
Panama is one of the more expensive surf travel destinations, with costs of around €55 per day. Nevertheless, it offers some of the best surf spots in all of Central America. In addition to Playa Venao on the Pacific, there are also some excellent surf spots on the Caribbean coast.
From Panama, you can quickly reach other countries such as Costa Rica, Nicaragua, or El Salvador, where you will find even more fantastic surf spots.
The strong dollar has made Panama somewhat more expensive for Europeans, but that can change again.
The country remains one of the best surf travel destinations in Central America.
If you want to learn more about surfing in Panama, I recommend this article: “Panama | Playa Venao & Santa Catalina — 2. Sexy Surf Spots” or my medium article: “Panama: Unveiling the Underrated Gem of South America for Surf as well as Travel”
Image of Playa Venao:
Why is surfing so popular that some are willing to go to great lengths for it?
This question may arise for many who have never surfed or haven’t experienced the thrill of it. It might seem crazy: staying in one place for months, staying in the cheapest hotels, cooking your own meals every day even though you’re on vacation, all just to surf every day. But that’s how it is.
For anyone curious about unraveling the mystery of surf fever, these two blog posts are recommended: “7 Reasons Why Surfing Is Good for the Soul” and “FEAR, STOKE & HAPPINESS: How Surfing Replenishes Your Body & Mind.“
Last Words:
I hope this brief overview and tips have been helpful for your next surfing vacation. There are, of course, more budget-friendly surfing destinations, such as El Salvador or Nicaragua. Gran Canaria is also relatively inexpensive and close to Europe. Argentina is cost-effective due to the country’s economic situation, but the security situation has worsened.
Traveling doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive, and the longer you stay in one place, the cheaper it becomes. Often, a lot of money is simply spent on flights and transportation.
If you’re looking for an affordable and budget-friendly surf camp in Europe, these blog posts will help you: “Top 4 Surf Camps in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria” and “Fantastic Portugal Surf Camp Review 2023: Comparing the 5 Best Surf Camps in the Algarve.”
Originally published in “the vagrant Surfer” on Sep. 12, 2023 in German.
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