Top Travel and Surf Holidays Around the World

Experiencing a sunset gathering on Playa Guiones is a must for any surfer in Costa Rica
Experiencing a sunset gathering on Playa Guiones is a must for any surfer in Costa Rica
Siobhan Grogan

From Costa Rica to Bali – hit the water and ride the waves on these surfing experiences across the globe with Culture Trip.

The ocean isn’t always a crucial ingredient when it comes to travel. Yet for surfers or would-be surfers, there’s no compromise. If there’s no ocean, there’s no fun. That’s why you can now find – and book – dedicated surfing trips and holidays in some of the world’s best surfing spots. Often this also means the chance to dabble in other water sports like sailing, snorkelling and stand-up paddleboarding – not to mention fire-lit beach parties and fresh seafood served up every day. So pack your swimwear and book on to one of these water-centric Culture Trip adventures.

Winter Sale
Surfing at sunset on a crowded Dreamland beach in Bali, Indonesia

Bali, Indonesia

Surrounded by warm water and rolling waves, Bali is a hotspot for combining travel and surf to great effect. On our trip, you’ll have the chance to surf at Echo Beach and Batu Bolong – and get to snorkel with sea turtles along Gili Meno’s west coast. When you’re ready to come out of the water, there will be picture-perfect beaches waiting, both on Bali and the smaller island of Gili Trawangan. If you can handle bigger waves, your knowledgeable Local Insider will be on hand to give you top tips on where to find the island’s best surfing spots.

From US$1929

Next available from 20th Apr 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Bali, Indonesia

arrow pointing to the right

ENDS AT

Bali, Indonesia

DURATION

12

GROUP SIZE

18

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

info icon

STYLE

Discovery

info icon
A surfer turning at the foot of a wave on Playa Guiones

Tamarindo, Costa Rica

There are a few surfing hotspots in Central America, but none quite so popular as Tamarindo in Costa Rica. Surf travellers from all over the world flock here to ride Pacific rollers – and indulge a little (or a lot) in the vibrant nightlife. It’s also a great place to come and learn how to surf, with countless surf camps and schools for beginners to choose from. Save yourself the headache by joining our eight-day Costa Rican trip. Not only will you have a chance to surf in Tamarindo, but you’ll also get to go white-water rafting in La Fortuna, stay in a luxury ecolodge in the Arenal Volcano National Park, spot sloths in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and hike through tropical forests in search of secret waterfalls.

From US$2199

Next available from 6th Apr 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

San Jose, Costa Rica

arrow pointing to the right

ENDS AT

Tamarindo, Provincia De Guanacaste

DURATION

8

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

info icon

STYLE

Discovery

info icon
People walking on beach at sunset in Unawatuna, Sri Lanka

Southern Province, Sri Lanka

Island nations naturally tend to offer lots of surf, and that’s certainly the case in Sri Lanka. This is a year-round wave-riding destination, with the east coast best from May to October and the west coast offering perfect conditions from November to April. The southwest region within Southern Province is our favourite stretch of coastline in the country, with the seaside town of Hikkaduwa proving to be one of the most popular surf spots. Our 10-day Rail Trip through Sri Lanka takes a while to hit the coast – scenic train rides, ancient fortresses and luscious tea plantations are on the cards first – but we round off the trip in the spectacular coastal fort city of Galle. This area is surrounded by beautiful beaches and you’ll have a full day to explore them. For the very best surf we recommend taking the 30-minute train to Unawatuna or the hour-long train to Hikkaduwa.

From US$1679

Next available from 9th Mar 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Colombo, Sri Lanka

arrow pointing to the right

ENDS AT

Colombo, Sri Lanka

DURATION

10

GROUP SIZE

12

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

info icon

STYLE

Discovery

info icon

Josh Taylor and Gethin Morgan contributed additional reporting to this article.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Winter Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

X
Edit article