The Best Countries For Cheap Surf Travel And Epic Waves

Have you ever dreamed of chasing perfect waves across the globe, but worried your bank account couldn’t keep up? What if I told you that you could surf world-class breaks, explore vibrant cultures, and create unforgettable memories without breaking the bank?

The secret lies in knowing where to go. Across the world, there are incredible surf destinations that offer both stellar waves and budget-friendly experiences.

From the tropical islands of Southeast Asia to the rugged coasts of Central and South America, these affordable surf breaks are waiting to be discovered.

In this post, I’ll take you on a journey to the best countries for cheap surf travel. Most of which I traveled to myself.

We’ll explore hidden gems where your dollar stretches further, allowing you to extend your stay and catch more waves. 

Are you ready to discover where you can score the ride of your life without spending a fortune? Let’s paddle out and explore the best countries for cheap surf travel and epic waves!

The Best Destinations for Cheap Surf Travel

Let’s get right into it, shall we?

1. Sri Lanka 

If you’re looking for a surf destination that combines warm water, uncrowded beaches, and wallet-friendly prices, Sri Lanka should be on your radar. 

I first visited Sri Lanka because I heard a lot of stories about this Island that has perfect waves for beginners and intermediates. 

Considering my level back then, I knew I had to visit this place! Sure enough, it didn’t disappoint. Not only the waves are amazing, but I didn’t have to break the bank to enjoy it all.

From affordable hostels to flavorful rice and curry meals, living costs here are refreshingly low.

One of the best things about surfing in Sri Lanka is the ability to chase waves year-round.

The island’s unique geography means that when one coast is flat, the other is often pumping. From May to September, the East Coast is the place to be.

 Arugam Bay, with its world-class right-hand point break, becomes a magnet for surfers from around the globe. Despite its popularity, you can still find peaceful spots and waves to yourself, especially if you’re willing to explore a bit.

When the monsoon shifts, so does the surf scene. From November to April, the southwest coast comes alive.

I spent a memorable week in Weligama, a beginner-friendly beach break that’s perfect for improving your skills.

Just a short tuk-tuk ride away, you’ll find Mirissa, home to a more challenging reef break that’ll give even experienced surfers a thrill.

2. Morocco

Picture yourself catching Atlantic waves with a backdrop of Saharan dunes. That’s Morocco for you – a surf destination that’s as exotic as it is affordable.

I fell in love with Taghazout, a former fishing village turned surf haven. Here, world-class point breaks like Anchor Point await, offering long, peeling rights great for intermediate and advanced surfers.

What surprised me most was how cheap it was to live well. I stayed in a surf camp that cost less than a hostel back home.

Between sessions, I’d wander the local markets, bargaining for handmade souvenirs and sampling street food that cost mere pennies.

For beginners, spots like Panoramas offer gentle waves and plenty of surf schools. 

Pro tip: Visit during shoulder season (March-April or October-November) for the best combo of good waves and low prices. Just don’t forget to pack a good wetsuit – those Atlantic waters can be chilly!

3. Philippines

Warm waters, coconut trees, and sunshine, what more do you need? This place has been on my bucket list for a while and the trip is getting closer than ever. 

Perhaps the most iconic surf spot is Cloud 9 on the island of Siargao; this is a very heavy right-hander wave that breaks over a shallow reef, so always surf within your limits! 

The best part? Getting around is cheap and easy. You can use a mix of bangkas (local boats) and motorbikes to explore, like most of the places in Asia. 

Between surf sessions, you can visit local markets (my favorite thing if you couldn’t tell by now) or hike to a waterfall. 

Remember to time your visit right—the surf season varies depending on the island. But with year-round tropical weather and an abundance of surf to suit all levels, the Philippines is a budget surfer’s dream come true.

4. Portugal

If you’re looking for a European surf destination that won’t drain your savings, Portugal is your answer. Portugal holds a special place in my heart as it was my first solo surf trip. 

I was blown away by the quality of waves and how far my euro could stretch along this sun-soaked coastline.

Ericira quickly became my favorite spot. The Ericeira World Surfing Reserve is a top-tier surf zone with eight kilometers of coastline. It features numerous excellent surf spots, including Ribeira d’Ilhas and Coxos.

I stayed at a surf camp/hostel in the fishing village of Ericira. Although I didn’t join the surf camp group, they quickly made me feel welcomed. 

On a rainy and stormy day, the waves were hitting 6-7 meters. The hostel’s management organized a beautiful barbeque (although the weather wasn’t the best for it). But it was lovely! 

The best part? I was steps away from consistent waves and surrounded by like-minded surfers from around the world. 

But that’s not all, Peniche is another great spot. This peninsula is home to Supertubos, a world-class beach break that lives up to its name with powerful, barreling waves. But don’t worry if you’re not ready for that level – there are other places to surf nearby. (Hint: Baleal Beach) 

Don’t miss the Algarve in the south. Sagres offers year-round waves and a more laid-back vibe than the central coast. Plus, the stunning cliff-backed beaches make for an unforgettable surfing backdrop.

One money-saving tip: consider visiting in the shoulder season (April-May or September-October). You’ll still get great waves and weather but with lower prices and fewer crowds.

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5. Mexico 

Mexico is a surf traveler’s dream, offering a perfect blend of world-class waves, vibrant culture, and wallet-friendly prices.

I’ve found that my pesos stretch far here, allowing for longer trips and more time in the water.

My journey started in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, home to the infamous Mexican Pipeline.

Zicatela Beach serves up some of the heaviest beach break barrels I’ve ever seen. Nearby, Playa Carrizalillo offers gentler waves perfect for beginners and longboarders.

I stayed in a simple posada near the beach, feasted on street tacos that cost less than a dollar, and beers that cost less than a bottle of water. The money I saved went straight into surfing more and exploring the rich Oaxacan culture.

Further up the coast, I discovered the laid-back surf town of Sayulita in Nayarit. Here, the vibe is more relaxed, with waves suitable for all levels.

I split my time between surfing, yoga on the beach, and sipping cheap margaritas at sunset – a perfect budget-friendly surf lifestyle.

For those seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures, I highly recommend Baja California. Ensenada offers consistent waves year-round, and you’re just a short drive from the Valle de Guadalupe wine country – because who says surfers can’t appreciate a good Cabernet?

Mexico ended my trip throughout Central America, and even though I came with a relatively low budget, I never felt I was missing anything. A good place to sleep, great food and drinks—that’s all you need for a good surf trip. Oh, and obviously, world class waves!

6. Nicaragua

Nicaragua is one of those places I’ve never dreamed of visiting, but once I did, I wanted to live there, haha.

But seriously, it has amazing waves for all levels and is one of the cheapest places in Central America. On top of that, the most friendly locals you’ll ever meet! 

I stayed in Playa Gigante, which is named after a mountain shaped like a sleeping Giant. While this fishing village has some good waves, the neighboring Playa Colorado is where everyone wants to be. 

Unfortunately, the beach access is private, so if you want to stay right in front of the wave, you’ll have to pay a big buck!

That being said, it’s about a 30-minute walk from Playa Gigante, where I paid 8 USD for a private house (Shared with my girlfriend, a total of 16 USD). And let me tell you the walk is worth it. 

But the real magic happens further north. Popoyo, with its powerful reef break, quickly became my go-to spot.

On bigger swells, it offers hollow, barreling waves that’ll challenge even experienced surfers. On smaller days, the long rides are perfect for practicing turns and cutbacks. 

There are plenty of cheap places to stay along the stretch of road leading to the break. 

Tips For Going On A Budget Surf Trip

After years of budget surf trips, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make your dollars stretch further while maximizing your wave count. Here are my top tips:

Travel Off-Season:

This is my number one money-saving strategy. Prices drop dramatically during shoulder seasons, and you’ll often find emptier lineups. Just do your research on seasonal swells for your destination.

Stay Flexible:

Some of my best surf experiences happened when I ditched rigid plans. Being able to chase swells or extend your stay in a good spot can lead to epic sessions and unexpected adventures.

Eat Local:

Not only is it cheaper, but it’s also a great way to get to know the culture. I’ve found some of my favorite meals at beachside shacks and local markets.

Choose Budget Accommodation:

Surf camps, hostels, and guesthouses are great for meeting fellow travelers and often offer good deals on board rentals and lessons. In some places, I’ve even camped on the beach to save more.

Pack Smart:

Bringing your own essentials like wax, sunscreen, and ding repair kit can save you from paying inflated prices at surf destinations. Furthermore, consider renting boards to save on baggage fees for shorter trips.

Use Local Transport:

Public buses, shared taxis, or renting a motorbike can save you a ton compared to private transfers or car rentals. Plus, it’s often more of an adventure!

Learn Basic Repairs:

Knowing how to fix minor dings has saved me countless times. A basic repair kit is cheap and can extend the life of your rental or your own board.

Volunteer or Work Exchange:

Some surf camps or hostels offer free accommodation in exchange for work. It’s a great way to extend your stay if you’re running low on funds.

By following these tips, I’ve turned what might have been a week-long trip into a month-long adventure. 

Remember, the goal is to surf more, not spend more. With a bit of creativity and flexibility, you can ride waves around the world without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

After exploring these incredible destinations and sharing my tips, I hope I’ve convinced you that epic surf trips don’t have to come with an epic price tag.

 From the tropical paradises of the Philippines to the rugged coastlines of Portugal, there’s a budget-friendly surf spot out there for everyone.

Remember, the beauty of budget surf travel isn’t just about saving money. It’s about immersing yourself in local cultures, meeting fellow wave-riders from around the globe, and pushing your surfing to new levels.

Some of my most memorable sessions have happened in places I never would have discovered if I’d stuck to more expensive, well-trodden paths.

The key is to keep an open mind, embrace the unexpected, and be willing to rough it a little in exchange for incredible experiences.

As you plan your next surf adventure, don’t let a tight budget hold you back. With a bit of research, flexibility, and a willingness to live simply, you can find yourself riding perfect waves in exotic locations without emptying your savings account.

So wax up your board, pack your bags (lightly!), and get ready to embark on your own affordable surf adventure. 

Remember, the best surfer out there is the one having the most fun – and that doesn’t have to cost a fortune. See you in the lineup!