11 Cheap Surf Destinations For Low-Cost Surf Tripping

Our guide to cheap surf destinations will help you steal away to epic surf breaks this year for less. Let us help you plan a cheap surf trip in 2024…

Here’s something nice to hear in the midst of 2024’s cost of living crisis: The quest for the perfect wave no longer necessitates a hefty bank account; surf travel no longer demands a second mortgage.

There’s a whole load of bargain options scattered across the globe. They’re the spots that offer incredible waves and stunning beaches for a price tag that shouldn’t keep your accountant awake at night.

The Surf Atlas team actually has a bit of a soft spot for keeping costs low. Yes, last year did involve dollar-heavy trips to East Oz and Costa Rica, but we also managed to case out the surf breaks in spots that more suited to a budget surf trip.

That’s what we’ll focus on here: Affordable surfing destinations around the globe. We’ve listed options that are suited to advanced surfers, others that have surf guides ready to take you off the beaten track, places with uber-cheap surf lessons, and others with bargain surf camps.

There’s some good variety – Sri Lanka, El Salvador, Indo. Let’s begin…

Central America

El Salvador

Surf season: May to October brings the most consistent swells and offshores.

Why it’s great for a surf trip: El Salvador‘s Pacific coast offers consistent waves (those S swells are a doozy!) that cater to both beginners and advanced surfers. The country is renowned for its right-hand point breaks, with Punta Roca being a world class right hander that barrels into tantilizingly long tubes. The coastline is dotted with surf spots that remain uncrowded and – a lot of the time – totally unexplored. We think it’s a budget-friendly option that really lends itself towards more experienced surfers, since there are challenging breaks here that will really push your limit if you know where to look for them.

How cheap is it? The cost of living in El Salvador is low. Hiker‘s Bay estimates that you need just $211 for a whole week’s trip here, which includes food, accommodations, and travel, though admittedly that’s on a backpacker budget. Lonely Planet lists El Salvador as one of the cheapest destinations in the whole of Central America.

Best surf camp: For under $1,000, Casa Makoi will show you the creme-de-la-creme of surf spots in El Tunco. It’s a place with world class waves, which you’ll prep for with an 8-week surf conditioning program prior to departure.

Nicaragua

Surf season: March to November.

Why it’s great for a surf trip: Nicaragua is blessed with an offshore wind pattern that creates ideal surf conditions almost all year-round. Places like Popoyo, better for more advanced surfers, and San Juan del Sur, better for beginners, offer a variety of waves, from gentle beach breaks to challenging reef barrels. The country’s surf spots are relatively uncrowded, too, and you can get a surf camp with serious style for just a fraction of what it will cost you in, say, Costa Rica.

How cheap is it? On average, a day’s expenses in Nica can range from as little as $20 for backpackers to $50 for those preferring more comfort. Accommodation in hostels starts at around $5-10 per night, while mid-range hotels can cost between $20-40. Meals are a bargain, with local dishes at street food stalls or markets costing around $2-5. Public transportation is incredibly cheap, with local bus fares under $1. For surfers, renting a surfboard typically costs about $10-15 per day, while two-hour group surf lessons cost around $35 per person.

Best surf camp: Dreamsea Surf Camp are legendary, offering one of the best-balanced surf packages in Central America. Prices start at just $600 per person but the stay is, simply, to die for. Plus, Playa Maderas, perhaps the country’s most beautiful top surf spot is right on the doorstep.

South America

Ecuador

Surf season: December to May.

Why it’s great for a surf trip: Ecuador has had some political turmoil in recent years, so you – and, crucially, your travel insurance company will need to make peace with that if you plan to go. The payoff is an affordable surfing destination that’s among the cheapest in South America. There are two main surf towns: Montanita, a lively backpacker spot that’s good for beginners, and Mompiche, which has point breaks and beach breaks and is better suited to more serious surfers.

How cheap is it? The surf towns of Ecuador are known for their laid-back vibe and affordable lifestyle, making them attractive to surfers looking to stretch their dollars. Don’t believe us? We actually found a 3-day surf camp in Mompiche for under $120, including two nights accomodation and surf lessons!

Best place to stay: The Free Spirit Hostel Ecuador highlights why Ecuador simply has to be one of the cheapest surfing destinations out there. They run a week-long package with three surf lessons in a stunning seafront location, all for just $340 per person!

Peru

Surf season: April to October but you can do a surf trip year-round.

Why it’s great for a surf trip: Peru is home to some of the longest left-hand waves in the world, such as Chicama, which offers rides of up to 2 kilometers if your thighs can handle it. The country’s northern coastline is a swell magnet, attracting surfers with its consistent waves and variety of breaks. It’s also the more tropical side of the country, with temperatures that rarely get chilly in or out of the water. Surf camps remain cheap here, mainly becuase Peru remains better-known for its trekking and mountains than its ocean.

How cheap is it? Peru is generally seen as a fine option for a cheap surf trip. There are hostel-based surf camps in the Trujillo region that offer 6-day packages for under $200. Meals in local restarants will cost you about $2-4/per person. Nights in good hotels on the coast, within walking distance of the waves, can be just $50-70.

Best place to stay: The Indigan Surf Hostel run a bargain surf camp that includes 5x group lessons for under $200. Yep, you read that right!

Asia

Indonesia (but not Bali!)

Surf season: May to September, though some places – Lombok – are an all-round surfing destination.

Why it’s great for a surf trip: Indonesia is one of the world’s undisputed surf paradises. Made up of 17,000 islands, the country is known for its crystal-clear waters and perfect barrels. Bali is where most go, but we’d say that’s hardly cheap these days. Much better is the next-door isalnd of Lombok, which has a south coast peppered with amazing surf spots for all levels, from small fun waves in Tanjung Aan to steep, wally rights in Ekas (we rate it as one of the top places to start surfing reef breaks). Advanced and intermediate surfers, meanwhile, can score seriously epic waves in the Mentawai Islands, on boat charters that might seem expensive but offer real bang for your buck in terms of amount of money for amount of time actually on the waves. Oh yea, and Indo has arguably the most luscious white sandy beaches of anywhere on the globe!

How cheap is it? Despite its soaring popularity, Indonesia remains a budget-friendly surfing destination. The cost of living is low, and there are plenty of affordable accommodations, from surf camps to guesthouses. We did a full week’s camp in Lombok at the start of 2023 adn it came to under $1,000 for two people, including breakfast and four hours of surfing each day.

Best place to stay: Xanadu Surf & Yoga are fantastic bang for buck. It’s about $1,000 for a whole week’s surf guiding and tuition on incredible waves, in one of the most luxurious stays on Lombok island.

Sri Lanka

Surf season: November to April (West and South Coasts), May to October (East Coast). When it’s rainy season on one side of Sri Lanka, you move to the other.

Why it’s great for a surf trip: What makes Sri Lanka a surfing paradise is that there’s always somewhere in season. You can hop from one coast to the other to dodge the monsoon and find clean-line barrels and reef breaks alike. May to October is the turn of Arugam Bay, which is a haven for right-hand points and hosts the world class waves of Main Point. The rest of the year is for the southwest coast, which hosts the beginner haven of Weligama and the upcoming hipster strip of Ahangama.

How cheap is it? Sri Lanka is a standout for cheap vacationing in South Asia. Meals here – and we’re talking seriously nice meals of curry and rice and roti – will cost like $5 per person. There are also now so many surf camps in key areas that competition keeps rates low. It’s possible to get a full week with breakfast and a bed in a shared room for $300-400. Alternatively, a surf hostel close to Main Point in Arugam the Sri Lanka east coast can be as little as $6/night per person!

Best place to stay: The Salty Pelican – Yoga twice a day and lessons on lovely beach breaks and reefs of Hiriketiya Beach. Or there’s Marshmellow, a small-group camp that we really love, offering access to the waves of what’s arguably the most popular newest surfing destination in Sri Lanka: Ahangama, where you’ll find deep reef break and beach breaks like Kabalana.

The Phillipines

Surf season: The best waves come with the SE swell, between September and December, but you can score waves any time of the year here. (Be warned that the rainy season lasts from July to December).

Why it’s great for a surf trip: The Phillippines has emerged as one of Asia’s top surfing destinations in the last decade thanks to one place: Siargao. That island paradise has fine exposure to the Pacific Ocean, which powers a series of reef breaks up and down the western shoreline throughout the whole year. There’s Jacking Horse, a chilled cruiser of a surf spot for beginners. There’s Daku and Cemeteries, the go-to surf spots for intermediate surfers. And then there’s Cloud 9, one of those world class waves that will leave you drooling just looking at it (though we’ve heared the recent cyclone might have changed the shape of it a little?) – it’s for pros and experienced riders only. Siargao isn’t the only option, though. You could hit up the very relaxed surf scene in Puraran Beach, or try somewhere like La Union or Zambales – they’re all likely to be a bit cheaper!

How cheap is it? Very. This remains one seriously budget friendly destination, though hotel rates have gone up in the last five years as Siagao became an Instagram hit (down with influencers!). It’s still possible to get a full meal for under $3 and a beer for $1.30 ish.

Best place to stay: If money isn’t an object, then consider the program from Awake Siargao Retreats, who do a week’s package in a stunning hotel that includes 5x daily surf guides and even Filipino massage treatments. To keep it cheap, consider Majestic Puraran. It’s not on Siargao but enjoys consistent swells on the remote island of Catanduanes, which has cruisy beach and reef break spots alike.

Africa

Morocco

Surf season: October to April.

Why it’s great for a surf trip: Morocco’s Atlantic coast is lined with surf spots that offer a range of waves, from the legendary point break of Taghazout’s Anchor Point to the hollow tubes of Safi. For learners, the area around the sandy beach of Tamraght has recently come into its own. It’s a beach break that gets gentle and fun waves close to the city of Agadir. The country has become a winter escape for European surfers due to its warm weather and consistent swell. Our advice? Don’t comprismise on surf season – Morocco might look like a fine option for that next budget surf trip but the winds blow a gale in the summer months.

How cheap is it? Morocco is another destination where your money goes further, with affordable accommodations, delicious Moroccan cuisine at low prices. The going rate for a two-hour surf lesson is $35, which is only $10 more than in Bali. A traditional tagine meal in a local kitchen costs around $3 each. Surf camps, meanwhile, can be real bargains, with options in Taghazout starting at around $150 for four full days, including transport to surf spots and acccomodation throughout.

Ghana

Surf season: April to September is when most surf spots come into thier own in Ghana and is certainly the best time for experienced surfers.

Why it’s great for a surf trip: Ghana’s coastline, stretching over 500 kilometers, is dotted with everything from fun waves to big overheads. Notable spots like Busua and Kokrobite are renowned for their friendly waves and welcoming surf communities – there’s famously not much in the way of localism! The best months for surfing are from April to August, during the southwest monsoon, when S swells march up the coast in big lines with big periods. We’d say this is prime territory for intermediate surfers, and one of the cheapest surfing destinations on the planet

How cheap is it? Accommodation in surf towns like Busua is incredibly affordable, with options as low as $10 per night. Additionally, the cost of living is low; a hearty local meal can be enjoyed for just a couple of dollars. Surfboard rentals and lessons are similarly budget-friendly, ensuring that surfers can enjoy long sessions in the water without worrying about expenses.

North America

Mexico

Surf season: March to September for experienced surfers, but anytime works since this is perhaps the most reliable surfing destination in North America – there are always surf spots pumping.

Why it’s great for a surf trip: The west coast of Mexico has established itself as a bit of a must visit destination for surfers in North America. It’s cheap, it’s got breaks suitable for all levels, and it’s a downright fantastic place to be. Puerto Escondido, the surfing capital of Oaxaca state, is one of the mainstays. There, the world class breaks of Zicatela beach are now iconic among big wave surfers. However, we actually prefer Sayulita and Cabo since they have a multitude of consitent waves for beginners, intermediate and advanced surfers alike. Sayulita is fine all year but Cabo is better in the summer, when the southern ocean swells move north.

How cheap is it? Mexico has luxury hotels that will set you back loads, but it’s also super, super cheap compared to other North American spots, and certainly one of the cheapest surfing destinations on the continent. We visied back in 2019 and found most hotels within walking distance of the beaches were around $50-70 a night, while hostels were a fraction of that. Food in Mex is really cheap – tacos for $1 anyone?

Best place to stay: The Mita Surf House have a four-day surf trip that’ll see you surf the world class breaks of the Bay of Banderas. It’s in one of Mexico’s most iconic surfing destinations: Punta Mita. Prices start at under $400 per person.

Europe

Portugal

Surf season: All year, but it’s summer for beginners and winter for bigger and more consistent waves.

Why it’s great for a surf trip: Portugal is consistently rated among the best surf destinations on the planet. It’s home to famous surf towns like Ericiera – the hub of a World Surfing Reserve with a buzzy nightlife and lively atmosphere – and has epic waves like the XXL monsters of Nazare (the biggest surfable waves on the globe). Does all that pedigree mean you can’t get a baragain? Not a chance. It’s true that Portugal won’t be as cheap as Nica or Mexico (it’s probably more on par with Central America’s pricier destinations, like Costa Rica) but if you’re limited to Europe then there are lots of options. Located north, Porto has glamping-surf camps with a difference, but the upcoming region of Alentejo would be our pick if you want to keep costs low in 2024. That’s a quiet part of the country with fine beach breaks, gentle waves in the summer, and surf spots for all levels.

How cheap is it? The all-new Rapture Surfcamp Portugal in Vila Nova de Milfontes (Alentejo) is now welcoming surfers for under $500 for eight-night/seven-day packages, including 5x surf lessons, all your surfing equipment, and a hiking outing to enjoy the untouched beauty of the Alentejo region. More generally, Portugal is one of the cheapest places to travel in Western Europe – beers here can still cost $1. It’s a low price tag for great waves and rich cultural heritage.

Best surf camp: Aside from the bargain Rapture camp packages, you can score a whole host of budget surf hostels in Portugal. They’re perfect for that cheapo next surf trip, offering dorm beds for as little as $20/night in the country’s most celebrated surfing destinations (Ericiera, Peniche).

Incredible waves and legendary surf breaks on a budget

Don’t be put off by the fact you’re low on cash. We think it’s important to note that you can still come and surf some of the best waves on the panet without too much cash. Of course, what you spend is all relative. Some people will say that $2,500 on a 14-day boat charter in the Ments is great value, and we’re inclined to agree, since that means hitting perfect barrels from morning until night.

However, it’s also possible to travel for WAAAY less than that. Take Sri Lanka as an example. That stunning island paradise has the perfect peeling point break of Arugam and a map peppered with surf spot after surf spot on the south coast, but you can get by on <$50/day if you had to.

Budget surf camps

A surf camp is a wonderful thing. They offer fully-fledged surf travel packages that usually include accomodation, food, transport to the best waves, and all your surfing equipment from start to finish.

Some surf camp trips can cost a bomb – there are ones in Costa Rica and Indo that will set you back like $2k for the week!

But it doesn’t have to be that way…

There are now also oodles of budget-friendly surf travel packages out there that will make it a no brainer to go for a camp over a DIY surf trip. We’re talking access to great waves and great surf guiding for under $500 per seven days.

Interested? We’ve touched on some of the best cheap camps in our destination sections above, but we also have a complete guide that runs through the best bargains currently on offer in some of the world’s most iconic surf nations, from Costa Rica to Spain, Portugal to Sri Lanka.

Our guide to cheap surf destinations in 2024 – conclusion

Skip Costa Rica and the other pricy surf travel hotspots out there this year by choosing one of our bargain destinations. They’re all over the globe, from Sri Lanka to El Salvador, offering access to point breaks for rippers and breaks suitable for total beginners alike.

What’s clear is that you no longer need gazillions of $$ to score the best waves in the best destinations. Surf travel is on the menu for shoestring travelers who only have a few hundred to drop on that next holiday.