The best surfing getaways for this winter

Stef Zisovska

Surfing is an extremely fun and challenging water sport that you’ll find you can’t live without once you start. When you learn how to stand up on a board and conquer the first wave, there is no force on earth that can stop you from chasing waves, taking you to some strange and amazing places that you’ve probably never even heard of.  For people in the US and Canada, winter is a perfect time to visit Central and South America and find a remote surfing village to spend an extended weekend or maybe even move south for the season. Here are some of the best surfing spots that you can visit this winter.

 San Juan del Sur and Popoyo, Nicaragua

San Juan del Sur beach, and the hill with the Christ of Mercy atop – Author: Fashiondetective – CC BY-SA 3.0
San Juan del Sur beach, and the hill with the Christ of Mercy atop – Author: Fashiondetective – CC BY-SA 3.0

Nicaragua is not the great touristic secret anymore, and it’s loaded with American surfers every winter. If you are a surfer or want to become one, visit this magnificent country and the beaches around San Juan del Sur. Gentle swells and huge breaks, you name it you’ll find it there. Here you can find all you need, depending on your surfing skill level. Another cool place in Nicaragua is Popoyo where you can either visit the thick jungle or head to one of the many white-sandy beaches.

Punta Roca, El Salvador

Punta Roca, El Salvador
Punta Roca, El Salvador

If you are an experienced surfer who doesn’t mind some rocks, then this remote spot is a perfect choice for you. The point break of Punta Roca creates some seriously powerful waves, so make sure you are a good surfer before going there. Just be nice to the locals, and you will have the best surfing experience ever.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Medano is the main beach of Cabo San Lucas, pictured here with Land’s End in the background – Author: Cristo Vlahos – CC BY-SA 4.0
Medano is the main beach of Cabo San Lucas, pictured here with Land’s End in the background – Author: Cristo Vlahos – CC BY-SA 4.0

Cabo is known for its beach nightlife, but there is also some good surfing here, especially for beginners. If you are a professional, you can check the waves in Monuments, Zippers, or Santa Lucia de Los Cerritos. Flights from and to Cabo can be found at affordable prices. Low-cost deals on accommodation are also available during the winter season.

Mancora, Peru

Mancora, Peru
Mancora, Peru

The Pacific coast has many perfect surfing spots that you can visit, and one of them is the surfing-party town of Mancora in Peru. Ask any experienced surfer, and he will have heard about the Mancora surfing life. If you’re not a surfer, this place may also interest you because of its famous parties and night beach gatherings.

Montañita, Ecuador

Montañita, Ecuador – Author: mariaflorine – CC BY 2.0
Montañita, Ecuador – Author: mariaflorine – CC BY 2.0

Another small beach town famous also for its crazy nightlife. If you are a fan of both, then Ecuador should be your number one destination for this winter. Big waves, surfing championships, beautiful sunsets, and cheap exotic cocktails. If you’re looking for some extra excitement this winter and want a change of scene, Montañita is waiting for you. Ridiculously cheap accommodation is available in the town, as well as the nearby towns of Olon and Manglaralto.

Santa Catarina, Brasil

Praia de Matadeiro, Florianópolis – Author: Herbert Vieira – CC BY 2.5
Praia de Matadeiro, Florianópolis – Author: Herbert Vieira – CC BY 2.5

The waves never stop here! The swells from the North Atlantic that go south and the swells from the Antarctica that go north, produce waves throughout the whole year. You can visit the capital, Florianopolis, as well. The only negative thing about surfing in Brazil is that maybe the flights from the States are not that cheap in comparison with Central America.

Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Costa Rica, Tamarindo
Costa Rica, Tamarindo

Tamarindo is the most famous surfing beach in Costa Rica for North Americans, therefore it’s often called Tamagringo. The beach is expansive, so there is enough space for beginners and professional surfers at the same time. A lot of people go to Tamarindo and its surrounding neighborhood beaches, while others move there and stay forever. It’s hard to stop surfing when you know how it feels. Choose a favorite place or take a break from your city life and visit them all! Good luck!

If you have any comments then please drop us a message on our Outdoor Revival Facebook page

If you have a good story to tell or blog let us know about it on our FB page, we’re also happy for article or review submissions, we’d love to hear from you.

We live in a beautiful world, get out there and enjoy it. Outdoor Revival – Reconnecting us all with the Outdoors.

stef-zisovska

stef-zisovska is one of the authors writing for Outdoor Revival