When is the Best Time of Year to Surf in Bali for Beginners?
Planning your dream surf retreat? Here’s when the waves, weather, and vibe align perfectly for beginner surfers in Bali. Why Timing
Planning a Surf Trip to Bali? Here’s the Ultimate Spot-by-Spot Guide
Your regional breakdown of Bali’s best surf spots from cruisy beginner breaks to legendary barrels in the spirit of sun, salt, and the soulful surf goddess lifestyle.
Whether you’re just learning to pop up or you’re chasing world-class barrels, Bali has a wave with your name on it. This tropical island paradise is a dream surf destination with warm waters, stunning scenery, and a surf culture that’s as laid-back as it is legendary.
In this ultimate guide, we’re breaking it down by region so whether you’re staying in bustling Canggu, the cliff-fringed Bukit Peninsula, the lesser-known East Coast, or beyond, you’ll know exactly where to paddle out.
Ready to plan your surf adventure in Bali? Let’s ride.
South Bali: Easy Access & Laid-Back Vibes
South Bali is perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers. The waves here are generally more mellow, the beaches are lively, and it’s easy to find surf schools, rentals, and beach bars to unwind after your session.
Top Surf Spots:
- Kuta Beach – Bali’s most famous beginner spot. Soft waves, sandy bottom, and endless foamies. A great place to learn or brush up on basics.
- Legian Beach – Slightly quieter than Kuta, with similar wave patterns. Ideal for early intermediates.
- Seminyak Beach – Stylish and surfable. Best during mid to high tide. Watch out for stronger currents further north.
Good to know: This region is well-developed and easy to navigate. If you’re joining a Goddess Retreat, we often kick off surf experiences here with gentle waves and all-girl good vibes.
Bukit Peninsula: Home of the Pros & Iconic Waves
Bali’s Bukit Peninsula is legendary. Think towering limestone cliffs, epic reef breaks, and surf spots that host world championships. This is where experienced surfers go to get barreled.
Top Surf Spots:
- Uluwatu – World-renowned for its consistent, powerful left-hand waves. Not for beginners, but an unforgettable experience for skilled surfers.
- Padang Padang Left – Bali’s answer to Pipeline. Best suited for advanced surfers looking to get deep in the barrel.
- Bingin – Short, intense waves over sharp reefs. Best surfed at mid tide for the perfect barrel.
- Impossibles – Long, fast lefts. A challenge even for confident surfers.
Local tip: The Bukit’s surf breaks require reef knowledge, tide awareness, and sometimes a paddle through caves. Respect the lineup, and you’ll be just fine.
East Bali: The Underrated Gem
While often overlooked, East Bali offers great surf and fewer crowds. Conditions here vary depending on wind and swell direction, making it a great alternative when the west coast gets blown out.
Top Surf Spots:
- Keramas – A fast, right-hand reef break known for its black sand beach and pro-level waves. Morning sessions are best.
- Jasri – More off-the-radar, this right-hand reef break is mellow and suitable for intermediate surfers.
- Sri Lanka (Nusa Dua area) – A good option when swells come from the east. Can offer long rides when conditions align.
Goddess Vibe: This side of the island has a slower, more spiritual energy. Combine your surf with a temple visit or a sunrise meditation by the sea.
West Coast & Beyond: Sunset Surf & Long Lefts
The west coast of Bali is a surfer’s playground, with everything from soft beginner waves to peeling left-handers for longboard lovers. Canggu in particular has become a hub for surf nomads, yogis, and wellness seekers.
Top Surf Spots:
- Batu Bolong (Canggu) – The quintessential Bali longboard wave. Ideal for beginners and cruisy rides.
- Echo Beach – Punchier and faster than Batu Bolong, great for intermediate surfers looking to progress.
- Pererenan – Right next to Echo, offering consistent rights and lefts with a fun reef setup.
- Medewi – Located further north, it’s a dreamy long left-hand point break, perfect for longboarders and mellow shortboard rides.
Why We Love It: The Canggu area is our home base at Surf Goddess Retreats, where you can surf in the morning, hit the spa in the afternoon, and sip a coconut at sunset all in the same day.
Make It a Goddess Surf Retreat
Want to take the guesswork out of your surf trip? At Goddess Retreats, we’ve been guiding women on soulful, surf-filled getaways in Bali for over 20 years. Whether you’re catching your first wave or chasing perfection at Uluwatu, we’ve got your back board, bikini, and all.
Book your surf retreat today and let the magic of Bali meet your inner surf goddess.
Explore Surf Goddess Retreats →
FAQ’s
Kuta Beach, Batu Bolong, and Seminyak are perfect for learning to surf in Bali.
Uluwatu is Bali’s most iconic surf spot, known for powerful left-hand reef waves.
Absolutely. Bali is one of the best places in the world to learn to surf, with soft beach breaks and plenty of surf schools.
The dry season (May–September) is ideal, especially for the west and south coasts. The east coast works better in the wet season (November–March).
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