Affordable Surf Spots You Can Fly to for Under $500

Let’s be real, finding truly affordable surf spots these days is like trying to hit the jackpot at the casino slot machine. Do you know the feeling?

While surf travel can get pricey really fast (Yup, surfboard fees are a real pain!), there are still plenty of ways to plan a budget surf trip while scoring epic rides!

I’ve personally flown across oceans with my board for less than the cost of a new wetsuit, and I’m here to show you how you can do the same. Expect epic waves, vibrant surf scenes, and top-rated surf schools in every one of these must-visit surf towns.

Whether you’re based in the U.S., Europe, or Australia, these popular surf spots are accessible with flights under $500.

Let’s dive in, because the waves and deals won’t wait. 

How were these budget-friendly surf deals found? 

First, let me set some expectations. 

I checked all these deals with my favorite flight comparison site, Skyscanner. 

All of the destinations were searched at the exact dates (a duration of 12 days round trip), which were picked randomly and about a month in advance. Sorry last-minute people! 

Most importantly, as always, I searched in INCOGNITO mode and avoided holidays and peak seasons. 

Some say if you book a flight, it should always be on a Wednesday or something, but I’ve never noticed a difference in terms of a certain day of the week being cheaper than the other. 

Last thing, I chose big cities as the departure destination because it’s most likely the cheapest.

Ok, let’s get into it! 

What are the affordable surf spots you can for under $500? 

While there are many more, I’m sure, I’ve listed some of my absolute favorite ones here, and the first one is a dream (it’s where I celebrated my 26th birthday, and I can’t wait to go back!) 

El Sunzal, El Salvador

Why Surfers Love It

El Salvador is a Central American gem with warm water, year-round waves, and right-hand point breaks that seem to go on forever. It’s one of the cheapest surf destinations you can fly to from the U.S., and one of the most underrated.

Flight Deals Under $500

Roundtrip flights from LAX to San Salvador (SAL) start at just $357, with direct options as short as 5 hours. I found this deal flying with Volaris, one of the top low-cost carriers for Central America. To make your trip as smooth as possible, be sure to check out some tips for affordable and comfortable flights with US-based airlines.

Top Surf Spots

El Sunzal – One of the most consistent right-hand points in the country. Perfect for all levels with mellow, long rides.

La Bocana – A short walk from Sunzal, this more powerful river-mouth break offers faster lefts and rights for intermediate and advanced surfers.

Whether you’re learning or leveling up, this coastline has you covered.

Getting There

Once you land in San Salvador, it’s about a 45-minute drive to El Sunzal. You can grab a private taxi for $20–30, or take a local bus for way cheaper (though slower and less comfy, great for the adventurous)

Where to Stay & What’s Around

El Sunzal sits inside a gated community that’s super walkable and traveler-friendly. You’ll find:

Chill hostels and backpacker dorms

Private villas and surf houses with pools

A buzzing strip of bars, cafes, surf shops, and restaurants. All within walking distance to the beach.

Ericeira, Portugal

Why Surfers Love It

Portugal offers the perfect combo of consistent waves, historic charm, and surf towns that feel like they were made for nomads on a budget.

It’s one of the best surf destinations in Europe, whether you’re planning your first surf trip or just chasing your next budget-friendly surf adventure. The surf culture here runs deep, and the Atlantic delivers year-round.

Flight Deals Under $500

Flights from Paris to Lisbon start as low as $245, with quick direct flights averaging $390 and taking just 2.5 hours. With reliable airlines like Air France and dozens of departure times daily, it’s easy to plan a trip that fits your schedule.

Top Surf Spots

Ericeira – A designated World Surfing Reserve, this legendary surf town offers reef, point, and beach breaks all within close reach.

Great for all levels, whether you’re here to learn to surf or test yourself at heavier waves like Coxos.

Plenty of surf camps and hostels in town offer surf packages that include gear, lessons, and even food, perfect for a cheap surf trip setup.

Getting There

From Lisbon airport, you can reach Ericeira in about 1.5 hours by car or bus. It’s a scenic ride and makes for an easy jumpstart to your surf adventure. Rentals and public transport are both accessible and budget-friendly.

Where to Stay & What’s Around

Ericeira is a buzzing little surf town with something for every traveler. You’ll find many surf camps, affordable hostels, boutique surf villas, and co-living setups.

The nightlife is vibrant, the seafood is fresh (it is a fishing village, after all), and the surf community is as warm as the sunset views over the cliffs.

Whether you’re looking to join surf communities, book a budget surf camp, or enjoy the freedom to explore different surf breaks every day, Portugal has it all, without the heavy price tag.

Medigma, Sri Lanka

Why Surfers Love It

Sri Lanka is one of the top budget-friendly surf destinations on the planet, with warm water, palm-lined coastlines, and some of the most consistent waves in Asia.

From mellow beach breaks to peeling points, it’s ideal for every level of surfer. Add in friendly locals, vibrant surf culture, and dirt-cheap living costs, and you’ve got a surf adventure you’ll never want to end.

Flight Deals Under $500

If you’re flying from the Middle East, you’re in luck. Flights from Dubai (DXB) to Colombo (CMB) average just $465 roundtrip with direct flight times around 4.5 hours, perfect for a quick tropical getaway.

I found multiple deals with FitsAir, and even cheaper options starting at $359 with one stop. 

Top Surf Spots

Midigama, located on the southwest coast, is a surfer’s playground with over six quality surf breaks packed into just 2 kilometers of coastline.

Whether you’re looking to cruise mellow rights at Lazy Left or push yourself at Ram’s or Plantation, this stretch has something for everyone. It’s also surrounded by affordable surf camps, board rentals, and local instructors, making it a perfect spot to learn to surf or simply rack up sessions all day long.

Getting There

After landing in Colombo, getting to Midigama is part of the adventure. The most scenic option is the train ride along the coast, which takes about 4–5 hours and costs just a few dollars.

If you’re short on time, a private taxi or ride-share will get you there in 2.5–3 hours and still be super affordable compared to Western standards.

Where to Stay & What’s Around

Midigama is built for surfers. The setup is simple, hostels and homestays literally across the road from the beach, with nothing but a stretch of road dividing you from the waves.

The food is a standout too: grab a plate of rice and curry, the local favorite, for less than $2.

You’ll find a laid-back atmosphere, community vibes, and prices so low you’ll seriously consider extending your stay. With plenty of surf, daily yoga, live music, and a rotating crew of surf travelers, Midigama offers the ultimate budget surf experience without sacrificing quality.

Bali, Indonesia 

Why Surfers Love It

Bali is the ultimate budget surf destination for surfers chasing epic waves, laid-back vibes, and warm tropical waters. From beginner-friendly beach breaks in Canggu to world-famous barrels at Uluwatu and Padang Padang, Bali offers waves for every skill level—and at prices that keep surf travelers coming back year after year.

Flight Deals Under $500

If you’re flying from Southeast Asia, Bali is incredibly accessible. Direct flights from Bangkok (DMK) to Denpasar (DPS) start at just $239, with most roundtrip fares averaging around $252 and flight times under 4.5 hours. AirAsia and Thai Lion Air frequently offer these low fares, and it’s one of the easiest ways to plan a cheap surf trip in the region. 

Top Surf Spots

Canggu and Uluwatu are two of the most popular surf hubs, offering a mix of beach breaks and heavy reef waves. Canggu is ideal for daily surf, with dozens of surf hostels and affordable rentals lining the shore, while Uluwatu draws advanced surfers and photographers alike. 

Where to Stay & What’s Around

Bali is packed with surf hostels, co-living spaces, and boutique surf camps that offer everything from yoga to daily boat trips.

Local warungs (eateries) serve tasty meals like nasi goreng or mie goreng for just a couple of dollars, keeping your budget-friendly surf trip on track. 

And while Bali may be the star, it’s only one part of Indonesia’s surf-rich landscape. There are countless surf destinations around the globe, but few compare to the magic you’ll find across the islands of Indo—I’ll let you explore the rest for yourself.

How to Score Flights Under $500 (Anywhere)

Here’s a quick step by step to help you find those affordable flights anywhere in the world. 

• Use flight search tools like Skyscanner, WayAway, and Trip.com
• Use incognito mode
• Be flexible with dates and airports. Avoid holidays. 
• Set price alerts and use “everywhere” search mode
• Travel light where possible. Boardbag fees can kill a deal
• Consider regional hubs, flying to a nearby city + bus = big savings

Conclusion 

You don’t need a trust fund to chase waves around the world. With a little research and flexibility, you can fly to epic surf spots for less than $500, sometimes way less.

So if you’re staring at your bank account thinking surf travel is out of reach, think again. Your next wave could be just one cheap flight away.

Need help planning your next surf trip?
Check out the Surf Travel Starter Kit or browse our destination guides for low-budget tips, gear advice, and more.