Canggu is famous for its surf spots and if you want to come to the area to surf, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
While Canggu is definitely best for beginner surfers and intermediate surfers there are are some challenges for advanced surfers, particularly if you visit during the dry season.
Here’s everything that you need to know about Canggu’s local surf culture, including the best surf spots, where to get surf lessons and much more.
About Canggu’s Surf Scene
We love Canggu and we’re not just saying that because we’re based in Canggu, iit’s because it’s the most popular part of the island and for good reason.
It’s also, without a doubt, the best place to learn to surf here in Bali and there are an incredible number of surf schools, surf shops, surf spots, etc. to help you get to grips with the sport even if you’re only here for a few days.
However, you should be aware that there are very few regulations that support the surfing industry in Bali and that means you should do your homework before agreeing to any kind of deal here.
If you take lessons, only ever agree to do a single lesson trial before opting for a longer period of study, if you can. If you rent equipment, do a deal for a couple of hours before taking on a longer commitment and so on.
If you do take sensible care, then you can look forward to one of the best surfing experiences of your life. Every surfer loves to spend time in Canggu from beginners to advanced surfers, there’s something for everyone.
Where To Surf In Canggu – The Three Main Canggu Surf Spots And Two More
As any Canggu surf guide will tell you, the main surfing spots in Canggu are Berawa Beach, Echo Beach and Batu Bolong Beach. However, it’s also worth remembering that Pererenan Beach and Nelayan Beach are options for you to surf in Canggu too. Here’s a quick intro to each beach.
Batu Bolong Beach
Batu Bolong Beach is a very popular spot with beginner surfers. It’s an ideal place to learn proper surf etiquette and experiment with some mellow waves which are very forgiving and perfect to ease you into things.
It’s home to two reef breaks – Batu Bolong and Old Man’s both of which are extremely friendly to beginners.
This beach is very popular though and the surf schools are often packed out. So, make sure to book surf lessons in advance if you want to spend a lot of time on Batu Bolong Beach.
Berawa Beach
Berawa Beach is home to FINNS Beach Club, the world’s best beach club, it’s also a great place for intermediate surfers to tackle steep waves.
That’s because the waves here tend to move more slowly than at some of the other surf spots on the island.
The beach break here is The Peak, and there are two reef breaks – The Ledge and The Bombie (there is another break called The Bombie in Uluwatu which is not at all the same, mind you).
The Peak is a very versatile wave spot and can be used by both beginners and intermediate surfers depending on the strength of the wave on the day.
Even advanced surfers will struggle with The Ledge if the waves are too short, you can hit the bottom if you don’t get things exactly right at this spot on the West Coast.
Echo Beach
Echo Beach is not named after the song or vice-versa but it is hugely popular with surfers in Bali.
There are three breaks on this beach – Echo Beach Left (Stairs), River Mouth and The Sandbar.
Stairs attracts more advanced surfers and it breaks right in front of some of the more popular cafes in this area. The sandbar brings in experienced surfers who want to work on their aerial manoeuvring.
River Mouth is the toughest spot on Echo Beach and it’s very popular with local surfers and touring professionals.
Pererenan Beach
Pererenan has a single reef break which can go left or right. It’s not as popular as our first three beaches and tends to attract intermediate surfers looking for a challenge.
Nelayan Beach
Nelayan Beach has very variable surf, it’s OK when the wind is low, but when the wind picks up it turns into a haven for kite surfers.
It’s the least crowded of the beaches though which can be pretty handy.
Why Canggu Is Great For Learning To Surf
There are many good reasons to learn to surf in Canggu and it’s not just the availability of great surf spots like Echo Beach that could motivate you to head to this part of Bali.
We’d also note:
Equipment rental is cheap – you can rent a board for a couple of hours for 60,000 to 100,000 IDR (about $4-$6 USD or $6-10 AUD). That means you don’t need to bring a board on the plane or buy any equipment to take surf lessons from the local surf schools.
There are a lot of surf lessons to choose from – surfing is a serious sport in Bali and there are a lot of instructors around. That means you can easily find someone that works well with you.
The after-surf experience rocks – Canggu’s surf spots are all great spots for a party too. There are bars, beach clubs, restaurants, etc. galore in this area.
9 Great Surf Schools In Canggu
If you want to learn to surf in Canggu, you’ve got some good options for classes including:
Kima Surf Camp
Kima is just a very short walk from the beach and they deliver structured lessons before they take you to the beach to put the learning into practice.
Most of their instructors are retired professionals and they also use video technology to record you and then provide a detailed analysis of your performance.
They say that this helps you know that you’re improving and what to work on when you need to.
If you opt to stay at the surf camp, you’ll find it has excellent facilities for your leisure time too.
Where Is It? The Green Room Hotel, Jl. Munduk Catu Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali
Online: Kima
Rapture Surf Camp
Rapture is one of the big surfing brands here in Bali and they have multiple schools and run surf tours around Bali too.
Whatever kind of setup you’re looking for, there’s a good chance that Rapture can provide it.
Solo travellers say that the Canggu surf camp is very friendly and makes the learning experience super fun.
Where Is It? Kutuh, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali
Online: Rapture
Solid Surfhouse Canggu
There’s only one option for lessons at this surf school which provides accommodation, food, drinks and amazing private lessons.
They also use computer video analysis to help you get the most out of your lessons and ensure you’re always focused on what matters.
Solid provides some excellent post-surfing yoga lessons too at their yoga studios and it’s a great place to learn.
Where Is It? Jalan Raya Semat Gang Bekul 8, Berawa-Canggu, Banjar Tegalgundul No.8, Tibubeneng, Kuta Utara, Badung Regency, Bali 80361
Online: Solid Surf
Mojosurf Bali Surf Camp
This is one of the cheaper options for learning to surf in Canggu and there’s no associated surf camp though they can offer dormitory accommodation if you need it.
Their instructors are all very well-qualified to teach you everything from proper surf etiquette to how to tackle a shallow reef at the mid-to-high tide.
It’s owned by an Australian team that is very much focused on ensuring that you get all that you can out of the wave breaks in Canggu.
Where Is It? Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong No.78, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 08456
Online: Mojosurf
Pelan Pelan Surf Camp
This camp offers long 8-day packages to ensure that by the time you’ve finished with your learning that you feel like seasoned surfers.
Their semi-private lessons are for groups but they do tailor each individual’s instruction to ensure that they get what they need out of the lessons.
One nice thing about this camp is the capacity for lots of fun activities when the day’s surfing is done.
Where Is It? Banjar Batan Tanjung, Cemagi, Mengwi, Badung Canggu, Cemagi, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Online: Pelan Pelan
In Da Surf
A reasonably priced surf school with an incredibly well-designed product. In Da Surf has some of the best equipment available to a school on the island.
They offer bespoke training for each surf session and can help you make the most out of the best waves in Canggu.
They’re also very well known for an excellent program of social activities.
Where Is It? In Da Surf, Jl. Kayu Tulang Gg. Ebony, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Online: In Da Surf
Surf Yoga Bali
If you need more than just quality waves to obtain mastery over your balance, why not combine surfing and yoga?
This camp believes that if you can flex and bend, you’re going to be a better surfer, it’s a very peaceful retreat compared to some of the other schools too.
Where Is It? Gang Melati, Desa Kacamatan No.7, Banjar, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Online: Surf & Yoga
Serenity Eco-Guesthouse
This is a favourite spot with digital nomads in Canggu and the four-day course is cheap and great value for money.
The all-night parties at the guesthouse after the early morning surf are long forgotten and are the stuff of legends too.
Where Is It? Jl. Nelayan, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Online: Serenity
Wave House Bali
Perhaps, the poshest and most expensive school of them all Wave House offers amazing accommodation and loads of perks.
However, once you’re in the program – they offer very nice rates for returning students, which makes repeat visits more economical.
Where Is It? Discovery Villas Jl. Subak Sari No.#100, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Online: Wave House
FAQs
Is There Good Surf In Canggu?
Yes! Even experienced surfers can find some challenges on the world-class surf breaks in Canggu but beginner surfers and intermediate surfers will find that the softer waves in this area coming off the reef breaks are the ideal environment for improving their skills.
The are several surf schools and places for surfboard rentals at all the best Canggu surf spots and you can be certain of having a great time in Canggu as a surfer.
How Big Are The Waves In Canggu, Bali?
There are multiple surf breaks in Canggu and that means that there’s a large variability in the waves themselves. They can range from 1 foot to about 10 feet depending on the time of the year.
The dry season tends to have more consistent waves and the bigger waves, with the maximum height of a wave being around 5 feet during the low season.
Is Seminyak Or Canggu Better For Surfing?
The two areas are quite similar and while experienced surfers might prefer Echo Beach, some beginners might prefer the soft sands of Seminyak Beach when they’re first starting out.
Overall, we prefer Canggu’s beaches because they’re less crowded than Seminyak’s and you can find all the conditions you need in Canggu no matter what level of surfer you are. Gentle waves at mid-tide are ideal.
Which Month Is Best For Surfing In Bali?
On the West Coast, you should aim for May to September. But on the East Coast, November to March is better. That means Canggu is best from May to September.
Can You Swim At Canggu Beach?
There are no laws preventing you from swimming at Canggu Beach but we certainly wouldn’t recommend that you swim there. The current can be unpredictable and violent and drag you out to sea. It’s best to stick to swimming in the pools at FINNS Beach Club rather than risking your safety in the ocean.
Final Thoughts On Canggu Surf
As you can see Canggu has plenty to offer surfers of all abilities. Echo Beach, Berawa Beach and Batu Bolong Beach are among the most popular surfing spots in Bali.
If you’re planning a surf trip to the island, you’re going to love Canggu. It’s the best spot on the Indian Ocean for great waves, amazing surf conditions and an all-round wonderful surfing experience.
Read more:
The Complete Travel Guide To Canggu: All You Need To Know About Bali’s Hippest Destination
56 Best Canggu Restaurants: Your Guide To Eating In Bali’s Hippest Area
