Are you looking for a Robinson Crusoe worthy adventure? Do you want to get off the beaten path and go visit some waves few surfers get a chance to surf? The world is full of remote and unexpected surf breaks. Let’s check out some of the best exotic surf destinations, pick our favorite and start booking plane tickets.
Why look for unusual surf destinations?
There is no bigger thrill than paddling out at a new break for the first time. You never know exactly what to expect. The feeling is even better if the surf break is uncrowded and under-the-radar. Bragging rights are included.
1. The Maldives
Maldives have some of the most epic barreling waves this planet has to offer. Since Maldives are mostly famous for resorts, honeymoons and crystal-clear water.
But I’m telling you, the surf is unreal. Out in those vast expanses of the Indian Ocean, there are plenty of reefs just waiting for the next swell to hit.
Maldives on a budget
It’s the price tag that keeps most surfers away from this real-life paradise. But any skilled traveler can experience Maldives on a budget. You can stay in the capital, Malé, far from the resorts. Just bring a bunch of surf-hungry friends and a budget for renting speed boats and even Seaplanes to get around.
If you are interested in the most affordable surf destinations, check out my guide .
Which time should you visit to maximize the surf potential?
The surf season in Maldives starts mid-February, with favorable winds and goes on until November. So there are plenty of months to choose from.
Who is the Maldives for?
There are a couple of beginner breaks in the Maldives, but most of the breaks are suitable for intermediate and advanced surfers. Those perfect turquoise waves come down unexpectedly quickly.
If you want to go barrel hunting, Maldives is the place to be.
Things to consider before choosing Maldives as your top pick
The surf breaks in the Maldives are reef breaks, that’s what makes them so fast and fun. Make sure you pack your reef boots.
2. Mauritius
East of Madagascar, (which is already an exotic and unusual surf destination,) is the small Island nation of Mauritius.
It’s been on the radar of traveling surfers since the 70s when a Californian surfer made an epic surf movie about some of the breaks. The movie is called The Forgotten Island of Santosha.
This year is the time for you to pay homage to this movie and visit the country for yourself.
Who is the Mauritius for?
One of the most famous surf breaks; Tamarin Bay has a couple of good sandbanks suitable for beginners. The wave is a long, slowly peeling left that breaks over a sandy bottom.
Get a hotel or hostel close by and enjoy surfing bliss.
For more experienced surfers I recommend renting a car to explore some of the more remote breaks. Head to Le Morne for more surfing opportunities and friendlier locals, or head to the more remote Rivière des Galets for a true Robinson Crusoe surf experience.
When is the surf season?
The best time to surf is June to November, but for beginners or lower intermediate, the whole year is good. If you like small wells shaped waves you can absolutely go in the winter.
Things to consider before choosing Mauritius as your top pick
Mauritius is known for having a lot of aggressive local surfers who like to tell foreigners to get out of the break.
I know, pretty crazy.
Beginners don’t need to worry since they are not a threat to the local experienced surfers. But for good surfers, it can be a hassle, especially on good days.
The Island itself is so dreamy with perfect turquoise water so it is still worth a visit. Even paradises have snakes, right?
If your biggest mission is to avoid other surfers, make sure you read my article .
3. Iceland
Now it is time to take our imaginary journey visiting the best exotic surf destinations around the world, in a colder direction. An epic surf trip doesn’t need to include your stereotypical tropic paradise, it can be cold and strange.
Iceland is like another planet, nature-wise. The water is freezing so you need to gear up with a thick wetsuit and get covers for everything that can be covered.
The challenge is part of the adventure.
Who is Iceland for?
Well, it is probably not the place you go to learn to surf. It is a destination for a lover of extreme sports. Surfers in Iceland is a tribe of crazy dedicated wave lovers. Check out their joy and struggle here.
Anyone looking for solitude in the water should consider Iceland.
How do you surf in Iceland?
The trick to being able to score in Iceland is to understand the forecast. This is more important than most other countries, most people who dream of surfing in Iceland get crappy waves (but stunning scenario, so still worth it.) Because of this, I recommend hiring a local guide. You can check out this company Arctic Surfers, which organizes surf trips in Iceland.
Where to go?
The most popular and well-known breaks are located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, so you can get to them in 30 30-minute drive from Reykjavík.
But with 4,000 miles of coastline, there is a lot of untapped potential.
When is the surf season?
Winter sees the biggest waves, but the lack of daylight is a real challenge. In the summer, on the other hand, you can surf very early and very late thanks to the long hours of light. How cool is that?
4. Norway
We are going to seize the opportunity to visit another epic exotic cold-weather surf destination.
Norway is a majestic country with fjords and mountains and yes, there is also surf.
What makes Norway special as a surf destination is the long rugged coastline delivering a bit for everyone.
Who is Norway for?
Since the swell doesn’t hit Norway in full force, it is actually very suitable for beginners. So grab a soft top and let’s explore these mellow cold waves.
How do you surf in Norway?
There are 3 main surf places in Norway and one of them is Lofoten, more about that further down.
The other two are Norway’s beginner paradise Hoddevik and the self-proclaimed surf mecca; Jæren.
Choose one of those destinations and decide if you will rent or bring equipment. You need full coverage to be protected from the cold, that’s also part of the charm.
Surfing north of the Arctic Circle
Lofoten is a paradise for any adventurer. The remoteness and icy landscape make this trip completely different from all trips you’ve taken before.
Summer is for beginners and winter is for thrill-seeking advanced surfers.
When is the surf season?
It is the same as the Norwegian winter, from September to March.
Do expect snow.
In the summertime, the surf is dependent on if any swells are hitting the coast. But for beginners or anyone looking for longboard waves, the summer can be a treat with the 20-hour daylight.
5. Namibia
No list of the best exotic and unusual surf destinations would be complete without a trip to Africa. Most surfers never visit Africa (not counting Morocco, which is one of the most popular places for surfers on the road.)
This is a big mistake. If you are dreaming of uncrowded surf (and who doesn’t?) you should head to Africa and Namibia to be more precise.
How do you surf in Namibia?
One of the most legendary surf spots is located in Namibia, charmingly named Skeleton bay, it only works during very specific conditions. So, aim for something more consistent and less intimidating.
Swakopmund is where most surfers base themself. From there you can make camping trips out in the desert, searching for empty barrels.
Who is Namibia for?
Namibia is a great place to learn, there are plenty of beach breaks. Intermediate surfers will find challenging waves for their level.
Things to consider before choosing Namibia as your top pick
Not much, since the local surfers are very welcoming and friendly. The country is safe and stable, so don’t worry about that.
The desert is indeed vast and full of sand, but that’s exactly what you would expect, right?
When is the surf season?
June to October sees the biggest and most consistent swells.
Honorable mentions for the best exotic and unusual surf spots
6. Fiji. Like Hawaii but less famous and exploited.
7. Colombia’s Pacific coast. My brother keeps wanting to make the trek and challenge the jungle. Send him an email and maybe the two of you can finally figure it out.
8. Reunion. I had a friend who always waxed lyrical about the surf there when we lived in Sri Lanka. (Wherever you are in the world, you always feel things could be better somewhere else.)
9. The Andaman Islands. Similar story, another friend couldn’t stop talking about how great Andaman Island was. Fewer people, better waves.
10. Zanzibar. Nothing makes me think of Robinson Crusoe and a remote paradise island more than this place. Apparently, the surf is amazing.
Final words on the best exotic and unusual surf spots
It is in human nature to explore. We like to make things difficult for us and go to remote places. In the era of Instagram, we also like to get those epic pictures of rarely surfed waves.
Have a look around the world and go somewhere unexpected next time you pack your gear and head out to search for your new favorite wave.
