As the nights draw in and the wind gets cold, I know I’m not alone in dreaming about heading somewhere warmer for a bit of winter surf and sun. With so many top surf destinations firing in Autumn and Winter, it can be hard to narrow down your choice or find the best value option. We’ve done the research for you and come up with our top surf destinations for a winter surf holiday.
Best for a Short Break – Sri Lanka
November and December is when the West Coast of Sri Lanka really gets going with clean, empty waves, warm water and plenty of sunshine! It may seem like a fairly long way to go just for a week or two, but direct return flights with Sri Lankan Airlines from London Heathrow start at only £500 even during this peak holiday time, and once you are there it is a very easy country to get around. To get to the main surf spots in the South West of the island only takes 2 – 3 hours in a taxi or minibus from the airport, so you can get straight to the beach to start your holiday! Add to that the amazing food, cheap accommodation and beer and friendly locals and you have a top destination to head to this winter!
Ticket To Ride have just opened up a Surf House in Ahangama right opposite one of the most consistent waves in the South West of the island. They offer tailored accommodation, surf coaching and yoga packages suitable for all abilities in their very smart new house complete with rooftop bar/ yoga space. Ticket To Ride are known for their top coaching and sociable trips so are perfect for anyone looking to improve their surfing (whatever their current ability) and meet like minded people in a beautiful setting.
Best for Adventure – South Africa
Voted as one of the top cities to visit in the World this year, Cape Town has a bit of everything to excite even the itchiest of feet! With only a two hour time difference, you can flit from cold dark UK winter, to warm summer with minimal disruption to your body clock! As well as world-class waves to surf, you can see penguins on Boulders Beach, spot the Big 5 on safari, try the world’s highest bridge bungee jump, climb Table Mountain, go wine tasting in the nearby Vineyards and enjoy a sunset Braii all on one amazing adventure.
African Soul Surfer is a great hostel right on the seafront on Muizenberg Beach, offering surf lessons, hire and yoga for the perfect trip for those who like to be on the go!
Photo by Tobias Fischer on Unsplash
Best for a Shorter Journey – Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
You may think to escape the UK winter, you need to try pretty far – either to the Southern Hemisphere or somewhere on the Equator at the very least! But with affordable flights from many UK regional airports such as Bristol, Manchester, Newcastle and Birmingham, and only 4 hours in the air to get there, Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands may be the perfect place to head to in November/ December for some warm weather and waves!
With temperatures in the mid 20s even in November/ December and solid Atlantic swell, Fuerteventura offers a perfect last minute winter escape. As an island, there is invariably surf to be had on any coast depending on wind direction and swell. Hiring a car to get around is easy and helpful to fully explore this beautiful volcanic island. For accommodation, surf lessons and hire, check out Planet Surf Camp who can arrange trips to the best spots each day to fully make the most of your well-earned break!
Photo by Michael Baccin on Unsplash
Best for Relaxing – Costa Rica
If chilled vibes, hot weather, great food and surf are exactly what you need this November and December, then Costa Rica will not disappoint. Everything about this beautiful country makes it an easy place to travel around and relax. Head to Santa Teresa for beautiful tropical beaches and fun places to stay. We love Funky Monkey Lodge, close to the beach and in the jungle, for ultimate relaxing accommodation surrounded by nature. If a daily routine of yoga, surfing, reading your book in a hammock and keeping up your energy with plenty of tasty food sounds good, then get planning your trip now!
Photo by Drew Sullivan on Unsplash
Have the best winter whether you head somewhere warm or stay for the winter swells in the UK! Get in touch if you need any gear for your trip, from a new surfboard to a rash vest or winter wetsuit if you are staying put!
