Surfing in the Americas
Though Hawaii and the United States may have been the driving force in bringing surf culture into the mainstream, we can’t overlook the rest of the Americas or the Caribbean who have ridden the wave of popularity and attracted surfers from around the world to their shores! After all, this diverse collection of countries borders the Pacific, Atlantic, and Caribbean seas, in addition to wild rivers and lakes – which presents surfers with plenty of opportunities.
Grab your board and take a ride with us through some gnarly swells and mellow waves from Canada to the reaches of South America, then book your ultimate surfing trip with us at Tripmasters!
North America: North America spans Canada, the USA, and Mexico, and while we cover the USA on another post, there are still more than enough excellent surfing destinations to cover.
Let’s start with our great northern neighbor: Canada. Perhaps the most surprising entry on this list lands us in Victoria (Vancouver Island), British Columbia! Head to Jordan River for its three famous breaks: the Point, Sewers, and Rock Piles.
Next, Mexico’s west coast is popular for surfers worldwide! With beginner-friendly rollers and barreling breaks, there is something for everyone. Baja California and Mazatlan offer particularly well-known surf camps, but it is Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca (pictured) farther south that takes the crown! Known as the “Mexican Pipeline,” this surfing mecca is often compared to Hawaii’s famous pipelines.
Central America & the Caribbean: With balmy climates and favorable waters, it is often possible to surf year-round in Central America and the Caribbean – something die-hard surfers do not take for granted.
Make your way to these popular spots whenever you feel like it! Costa Rica and Panama are perhaps surfer’s favorites, with Jaco, Tamarindo, and Santa Teresa in Costa Rica taking top billing, while in Panama surfers flock to Bocas del Toro.
The Caribbean islands, apart from their mega-resorts and duty-free shopping, often attract surfers because of their reliable swells, offshore winds, and stunning reefs. Some of the most popular spots to hit include Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, Rincon Beach in Puerto Rico, and colorful Barbados Island!
South America: Blessed with captivating coasts and enviable waves and breaks, South America has grown in popularity among surfers. Just remember, in South America the best surfing conditions happen in what we normally consider winter, typically December through May.
Colombia has some gorgeous coastline, and we suggest trying out the Cartegena Jetty or Pradomar near Barranquilla (pictured) to catch waves on the sparkling Caribbean Sea! On the Pacific side, we recommend San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands off Ecuador, Lima and Mancora (in the beaches north of Piura) in Peru, and Arica, Chile. The Atlantic coast counts Arpoador in Rio de Janeiro as the genesis of surfing in Brazil and is home to some of the world’s best competitive surfers.
If you want to explore more, click here to head back to the main page and find even more recommendations!
