12 Best Surf Towns in the World Under $50/Night

You do not need a trust fund to live the surf life. Some of the best waves on the planet break in front of towns where a comfortable room costs less than dinner in most Western cities. These twelve surf towns deliver consistent waves, strong surf communities, and accommodation under $50 a night — most well under that.

1. Canggu, Bali — Indonesia ($8-40/night)

Canggu is the surf capital of Bali and one of the most popular surf towns on earth for good reason. The breaks range from the mellow longboard-friendly Old Man’s to the punchy Echo Beach and the heavy barrels at Pererenan. Board rentals cost $5/day, and a hostel dorm bed with a pool is $8-12. Private rooms in surf camps with daily lessons and breakfast run $25-40. The food scene is incredible — eat at warungs for $2-3 or splurge at the cafes for $6-8.

Best months: April through October (dry season, consistent swells) Best for: All levels, especially intermediate surfers

2. Taghazout, Morocco ($10-35/night)

This fishing village north of Agadir has become one of Europe and Africa’s premier surf destinations. The coastline between Taghazout and Tamraght is stacked with point breaks, reef breaks, and beach breaks. Anchor Point is the crown jewel — a long, peeling right-hander that works on northwest swells. Surf camps with full board, lessons, and airport transfers run $30-45/night. Independent hostels and guesthouses start at $10.

Best months: October through March (winter swell season) Best for: Intermediate to advanced surfers, beginners at beach breaks

3. Dahab, Egypt — Red Sea Coast ($5-25/night)

Wait, Dahab has surf? Not exactly — but the windsurfing and kitesurfing are world-class, and we are stretching the definition because Dahab is too good to leave off any adventure budget list. Consistent wind, flat warm water, and accommodation starting at $5/night make this the cheapest water sports destination on the planet. If you want actual surfing, the Mediterranean coast near Alexandria gets winter swells that nobody talks about.

Best months: March through May, September through November Best for: Kitesurfers and windsurfers of all levels

4. Ericeira, Portugal ($15-45/night)

Europe’s only World Surfing Reserve, Ericeira packs a ridiculous number of quality breaks into a small stretch of coastline north of Lisbon. Ribeira d’Ilhas, Coxos, and Pedra Branca are standouts. The town itself is charming — whitewashed buildings, cobblestone streets, and seafood restaurants where a full grilled fish dinner costs $8-12. Hostels with ocean views start at $15/night. Surf houses and camps with lessons and gear run $30-45.

Best months: September through November (warm water, consistent swell) Best for: Intermediate to advanced surfers, beginners at Foz do Lizandro

5. Santa Teresa, Costa Rica ($12-45/night)

This Pacific coast town has evolved from a dusty backpacker stop into one of Central America’s best surf destinations while keeping its laid-back vibe. The main break is a consistent beach break that works for all levels. Playa Hermosa nearby delivers more powerful waves for experienced surfers. Hostels run $12-20/night, and cabinas (small local guesthouses) with kitchens go for $25-40. The town runs on surf, yoga, and cheap casados (set meals) for $4-6.

Best months: May through November (rainy season brings the best swell) Best for: All levels, especially beginners and intermediates

6. Huanchaco, Peru ($8-25/night)

One of the oldest surfing cultures in the world — locals have been riding waves on reed boats called caballitos de totora for over 3,000 years. The long left-hander in front of town is perfect for longboarders and intermediates. The town is mellow, authentic, and ridiculously cheap. Hostels with ocean views from $8/night. Full meals at local restaurants for $2-4. Surf lessons run $15-20 for two hours including board.

Best months: March through June (biggest swells) Best for: Longboarders, beginners, culture-focused surfers

7. Siargao, Philippines ($10-35/night)

Cloud 9 is one of the most photographed waves in Asia — a thick, hollow right-hander that barrels over a shallow reef. But Siargao has much more than that. Jacking Horse, Stimpy’s, and Rock Island are all world-class, and the island’s beach breaks work for beginners. Fan rooms (basic accommodation with a fan) start at $10/night. Nicer rooms with air conditioning and a pool run $25-35. Street food is $1-2 per meal.

Best months: August through November (Habagat season) Best for: Intermediate to advanced surfers, beginners at Pacifico or Daku

8. Tofo, Mozambique ($8-30/night)

Tofo is one of Africa’s best-kept surf secrets. Consistent beach breaks along a beautiful coastline, whale sharks and manta rays in the water, and hardly any crowds. Accommodation is basic but cheap — backpackers from $8/night, beach bungalows from $20-30. The town has a small, tight-knit surf community and the kind of raw, undeveloped charm that Bali had decades ago. If you want surf plus marine wildlife, there is nowhere better on this budget.

Best months: April through September (offshore winds, consistent groundswell) Best for: Intermediate surfers who want empty lineups and marine life

9. Muizenberg, South Africa ($12-40/night)

Cape Town’s surf suburb is the best place to learn to surf in Africa. A long, gentle beach break with warm-ish water (by Cape Town standards), colorful beach huts, and a strong local surf community. Board and wetsuit rental costs $10-15 for a full day. Backpackers and hostels line the main road from $12/night. The nearby breaks at Kalk Bay Reef and Danger Beach deliver more serious waves for experienced surfers.

Best months: November through March (summer, smaller and cleaner conditions) Best for: Beginners and intermediates

10. Puerto Escondido, Mexico ($10-40/night)

The “Mexican Pipeline” is one of the heaviest beach breaks on the planet — massive, hollow barrels that attract big-wave surfers from around the world. But the area also has gentler options. La Punta, a few kilometers south, is a mellow right-hand point break perfect for longboarding. Zicatela is where the heavy stuff happens. Hostels on the hill above the beach start at $10/night. Beachfront rooms with a view of the barrels run $25-40. Street tacos are $0.50-1 each.

Best months: May through September (south swell season for the big waves) Best for: Advanced surfers at Zicatela, all levels at La Punta

11. Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka ($8-30/night)

The east coast of Sri Lanka lights up from April to October when the rest of the island is in monsoon season. The main point break at Arugam Bay is a long, peeling right-hander that is one of the best waves in South Asia. Further south, Peanut Farm and Okanda offer emptier lineups. Guesthouses start at $8/night, and beachfront cabanas run $15-30. Rice and curry meals cost $2-3. The vibe is slow, friendly, and completely surf-focused.

Best months: April through September (east coast dry season) Best for: All levels, especially intermediates on the main point

12. Tofino, Canada ($25-50/night)

The most expensive entry on this list, but Tofino earns its spot through sheer dramatic beauty. Cold-water surfing on Vancouver Island’s wild west coast with ancient rainforest and Pacific Rim National Park as the backdrop. The water is cold (thick wetsuit territory) but the waves are consistent and the scenery is unmatched. The HI Hostel and surf camp packages run $25-50/night. Camp in the national park for even less. Board and wetsuit rental costs $25-35/day.

Best months: October through March for experienced surfers (bigger swells), June through September for beginners (calmer conditions) Best for: All levels, especially those who appreciate cold-water aesthetics

How to Pick Your Surf Town

The right town depends on your skill level, budget, and what kind of experience you want:

• Learning to surf: Canggu, Muizenberg, Santa Teresa, or Huanchaco offer gentle waves, cheap lessons, and forgiving conditions.
• Improving your surfing: Ericeira, Taghazout, and Arugam Bay have waves that push intermediates without breaking them.
• Chasing barrels: Puerto Escondido, Siargao, and Tofino in winter deliver serious waves for experienced surfers.
• Cheapest possible: Dahab, Huanchaco, and Tofo let you live on $15-25/day including accommodation and food.
• Best overall vibe: Canggu and Santa Teresa combine good waves, cheap living, and communities of like-minded travelers.

Pack a rashguard, buy a board when you arrive, and stay as long as you can. The best surfer in the water is the one having the most fun.