Where to Surf in April: A Guide by Region and Skill Level

Peniche is arguably Portugal’s most versatile surf town, offering a variety of waves for all levels.

The beaches of Baleal and Supertubos sit north and south of town respectively, meaning you can almost always find offshore conditions when the wind blows from the N, E, or SE, which is key in unpredictable spring months.

Peniche is also home to one of the largest concentrations of surf camps in Portugal, making it ideal for first-timers who want quality teaching. While it gets busy in peak season, April is quieter, meaning more waves and fewer crowds.

Water will be a bit chilly, so bring a 4/3.

Where to stay? The Salty is one of the leading surf camps in the country and are brilliant at beginner surf camps.

Pretty much anywhere in Portugal is a solid choice in April, but we like to look south because the weather warms up faster.

That’s where you’ll find Aljezur, a quaint hill town with a Moorish castle, tucked on the side of the west-facing Costa Vicentina.

The variety of waves here is what makes it special—Arrifana is ideal for beginners, while more advanced surfers can hit heavier breaks nearby, like Carrapateira or the rivermouth at Praia de Monte Clérigo.

Plus, the south coast of the Algarve is just a short drive away for more protected surf.

Logistically, you’ll need a rental car, as Aljezur is about 10 minutes from the beach. For an authentic stay, book a self-catering cottage in the old town.

Where to stay? Hillside 2 Aljezur Old Town. April is still cool enough to warrant a fire at night in this cozy old town cottage. It’s very vibey.

Located just outside Bilbao, Sopelana is one of the most accessible surf spots in northern Spain, with year-round flights into Bilbao Airport (In other words, yes, they still fly in April!).

It offers a great mix of waves, but it’s best suited for intermediates due to its punchy beach breaks that benefit from the tail end of the NW swell season in April.

The town is beautiful and relatively affordable, with self-catering apartments and surf lodges available. However, it’s not a major surf school hub, so it’s better for those who already know their way around a lineup.

Where to stay? Moana Eco Surf House is super cool, has a Scandi-style beachhouse design, and rooms suited to couples and families alike.

Coffee Bay might just be the best surf town in South Africa that you’ve never heard of.

It’s a small place, with just a clutch of coastal lodges and surf shacks facing a beautiful beach on the rugged Wild Coast.

A headland to the south of the main beach hooks in loads of S swells, which start firing in earnest come April and offer long, clean right-handers.

The main beach itself is great for beginners because the dominant south trade winds turn slightly offshore here. There are a few surf hostels that cater to learners, but more advanced surfers will love the uncrowded regional breaks dotted along this coastline, though you’ll need a car for that.

Where to stay? Coffee Shack Adventure Backpackers & Self-Catering. This is the place to stay for sure. It’s a backpacker/surfers hangout and they organize surf rentals/teaching if needed.

We won’t pretend that April in Puerto Rico is a safe bet. There’s a real chance that the north swells have totally dried up by this time. Worst-case scenario? You’ll be stuck lazing on some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.

But the gamble is worth it imo because in my experience, the biggest crowds—especially those coming on East Coast USA strike missions—have thinned by this point so that the best spots are rideable.

Rincón is the heart of the surf scene, but you can explore all along the north coast between San Juan and Rincón to find waves.

April is right in between Nicaragua’s peak surf season and the smaller swell time of the summer months. That said, Playa Maderas works on almost any swell from SW to NW, meaning it’s almost never flat.

Conditions this month are especially good for improvers, as it’s not too massive but still consistent and punchy enough to be a challenge.

The jungle setting behind the beach is stunning, and there are plenty of eco-lodges and surf stays tucked into the hills.

Where to stay? Agora at Playa Maderas have a series of casitas in the jungles literally a min’s walking from the waves.

Santa Teresa is one of Costa Rica’s most consistent surf towns, offering year-round waves. April sits in the transition between the dry season and the green season, which means it’s not too big, not too small.

Almost every break here is a beach break. Beginners can enjoy whitewash and advanced surfers can time sessions for low tide when things hollow out and speed up on the main playa.

It’s a tropical paradise, but prices are rising every year as more people discover its magic, though that does mean there’s now a pretty solid array of lux hotel options in with the hostels.

Where to stay? Zeneidas Garden have a 6-day surf camp package that’s a real Costa Rican experience: Surf every day, yoga every day, great food, beachfront accomodation.

April is the tail end of the dry season in Goa, which makes it a small-wave paradise.

Expect hot weather, warm water, and scenic beaches galore.

This isn’t the place for a hardcore surf trip—it’s more about enjoying the Goan food, the laid-back culture, and getting a few mellow waves.

Ashwem, Mandrem, and Palolem are some of the best beginner-friendly beaches, where you can come in the spring to get knee-high waves. Generally not an intense surf culture at all, so localism is basically non-existent.

Where to stay? Vaayu Kula Mandrem – One of the few hotels in the region with its own in-house surf school. Also, it’s bloody gorgeous.

Recommended for: Intermediates+

The Bukit Peninsula is Bali’s most iconic surf region, home to legendary waves like Uluwatu, Padang Padang, and Bingin.

April marks the start of the main swell season, but the trade winds do tend to slacken nicely, meaning cleaner conditions on that famous western side of the peninsula.

It’s a bit of a gamble if you want the best of the best conditions—some years, the waves turn on mid-April, and other times it’s still transitioning.

Padang Padang and Bingin are great areas to base yourself in, with everything you need from a surf town, including some of the most ridiculous surf hotels out there today.

Where to stay? Terra Cottages Bali – As good for the Instagram feed as they are for your comfort, the cottages here are luxury. Pool is amazing and there’s walking access to Bingin Beach.