Canggu today is a major hub in Bali for digital nomads, yogis, and surfers seeking amazing waves, a social scene, and great food.
Surfing Canggu is perfect for beginner surfers and you won’t have any shortage of waves or company!
If you’re thinking about your very first surf session in Canggu, here is our complete guide to surfing Canggu beach breaks and navigating the area.
Summary: Most Important Things To Know
- The best waves for beginners in Canggu are at Batu Bolong beach (longboards), and for intermediate surfers – at Echo Beach (shortboards) and Berawa Beach.
- The best time for a surf trip down to Canggu is definitely during the dry season (April to October), with the best weather and most consistent waves.
- Rash guard and reef-safe sunscreen are a must to protect you from sunburn.
- Even if it is your first time, Google or insist that your instructor explains not only the theory lessons but also the rules and surfing etiquette in the water (such as taking waves, drop-ins, communication, etc.). While you’re using a rental board and dropping in on someone may not cost you much, a reckless move can cause serious damage not just to boards but to someone’s health.
Surfing In Canggu: What It’s Like?
Surfing in Canggu is amazing, in one word.
You have several breaks (river mouth, sand and reef breaks), close to each other, working great at different conditions, and a variety of waves to catch and hone your skills.
Canggu is one of the biggest surfing hubs in Bali, so you will find plenty of board rentals, surf schools (for any level!), and even a couple of surf camps.
Plus, you get some of the best beaches for sunset! With a few bintangs after the afternoon surf session, it feels fantastic to be here.
The one major downside of the Canggu surfing scene is the traffic both on the streets and on the line-up. It can be overwhelming at first, especially for the first timer, but you get used to it.
When Is Surf Season In Canggu?
The best time to surf Canggu breaks is during the dry season (April to October).
Peak season around the summer months (June to August) is known for the most consistent waves but also the biggest crowds.
You can still have amazing surf in April, May, September and October.
Time it right: the winds are strong and make bigger waves in the morning, but later in the day Southeast trade winds can make the waves break inconsistently and the waters become choppy.
Wet season (November to March) is known for onshore winds on the West Coast (where Canggu is) and the surf conditions are not that exciting.
However, early morning surfing in the wet season can be perfect for learning with softer waves.
Canggu Surf Spots For Beginners & Intermediate Surfers
Three main Canggu surf spots are Berawa Beach, Batu Bolong Beach, and Echo Beach.
Pererenan and Nelayan beaches do have waves, but aren’t very popular.
Berawa Beach Break
Home to FINNS Beach Club, Berawa Beach is a clean, sandy beach with great waves for advancing beginners to intermediate surfers.
The best surf conditions at Berawa Beach are during the dry season and different parts of the break are good to surf at different tides.
The beach break at Berawa is divided into three spots: The Peak, The Ledge, and The Bombie.
- The Peak offers punchy speedy waves for shortboards during mid-tide
- The Ledge side is a shallow reef break for advanced surfers seeking some challenge and speed and it works best with low tide.
- The Bombie promises gentle waves, a slower pace and is best for beginners.
Berawa is a great starting point for anyone who has surfed before abroad (just not in Bali), too.
Nelayan Beach
Nelayan Beach is good for a relaxed session and often has much fewer crowds than any of the other Canggu breaks.
Pros don’t favour Nelayan because waves can be inconsistent and the big rock formation hides underneath the water.
Batu Bolong Beach & Old Man’s
Batu Bolong and Old Man’s surf spots are probably one of the most popular places to surf in Canggu, Bali. Tons of surf schools and independent surfers, mostly foreigners.
Batu Bolong beach is the longboard paradise with nice long rides to the right or left.
Old Man’s is a reef break but not as challenging as Echo Beach, so even beginners can paddle out and have some fun here.
These two reef breaks are always busy for morning and afternoon sessions, and you get the right waves here pretty much year-round.
Echo Beach (Echo Beach Left, River Mouth, Sand Bar)
Echo Beach is reserved more for experienced surfers and is one of the best places to surf on the West Coast with black sand, diverse breaks, and a great surfing community.
The Echo beach break is divided into three surf spots: Echo Beach Left, River Mouth, and Sand Bar.
- River mouth is on the right side of the beach entrance and offers right-hand waves. The main downside with surfing the river mouth is the strong currents which make this particular spot better for experienced surfers.
- The Sand Bar is a northern point of the break with fast, punchy, left-hand waves that are great for advanced surfers to practice rapid turns and barrels (on a good day). More forgiving than East Coast or Uluwatu thanks to the sandy bottom but overall not a beginner wave.
- Echo Left (aka Stairs) is a hidden gem. A reef break, and a pretty shallow one, with powerful waves closing fast, delivering small barrels or a space to practice your turns.
As Echo Beach is a territory of pros and surfers who love to show off a bit, you may encounter some less friendly people on the wave. Stick to the surfing rules and keep your distance rather than engaging in open conflict. Not worth it!
Pererenan Beach
Pererenan beach has a reef break with some rocks and sea urchins attached to them underwater and the main spots to surf are on the right and left side of the beach.
It is not hugely popular among beginners as it requires very good surfing skills to know when to get out of the wave, especially on the left side of the break.
Pace is much slower here compared to Echo Beach. Your best bet to surf Pererenan is during mid tide or high tide and if you’re worried about injuries, wear water shoes or something similar.
Best Bali Surf Schools In Canggu, Bali
You can pre-book a lesson, sign up for a camp, or simply walk to any of the rental places on the beach, they often offer lessons, too.
Coco Saelan Surf School, Batu Bolong
Coco is a local star and students absolutely love him. Very patient, skilled surfer who can help beginners stand up and take a wave on the very first lesson or advancing surfers learn a trick or two.
Two-hour classes with board rental included cost 400,000-500,000 IDR (40-50 AUD) depending on your level.
Online: Instagram
Sea N Surf Bali Surf School, Echo Beach
Noa, the coach and founder of the Sea N Surf is happy to take complete beginners or intermediate surfers to his favourite breaks in Canggu.
His school is one of the most popular ones in Canggu. You can get private lessons or semi-private (1 coach for 2 people, perfect for couples), starting from 40 AUD. They even offer kids’ lessons!
Online: Instagram
Surfco Bali Surf School, Berawa
Although you can book a lesson right on the beach with one of a dozen schools, many beginners prefer booking a session with Surfco.
It is a small school with full attention of the instructor guaranteed to be yours. Best for beginners.
Online: Instagram
Mondo Surf Camp
Mondo is a whole surfing and yoga retreat with both lessons and accommodation included in the package.
It will be a great option for you, if you want to stay a bit outside of the busy areas of Canggu, and you do love yoga.
They offer lessons for beginner surfers and intermediate-level surfers.
Where Is It? Mondo Surf Camp Bali, Jalan Munduk Batu Belah, Gg Frangipani no: 9 Canggu, Pereranan, Pererenan, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Online: Instagram
Where To Stay In Canggu Near The Best Surf Spots
The key to finding a good accommodation in Canggu if you plan to surf is to stay within a short walk or a very short drive to the beach you will surf most to avoid traffic and get to the lineup as early as possible.
Surfer Paradise Villas, Pererenan
Very cheap rooms just 3 minutes from Pererenan beach with free wifi, comfy beds, and no loud noise.
It isn’t a camp-style accommodation, so it doesn’t come with any activities, and it will be better if you just travel and surf on your own.
Where Is It? Gg. Kaliasem, Canggu, Badung, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Online: N/A
Kima Surf Camp Bali, Batu Bolong Beach
Located on a quieter street just minutes away from the beach and two reef breaks of Batu Bolong, Kima is not just a surf hotel. It is one of the leading surf schools in Bali.
You get a package with a room, surf lessons, and you also have access to the shared pool at the retreat, healthy food at the restaurant on site, and Kima’s very own gym, recovery, and yoga studio with daily classes.
Where Is It? The Green Room Hotel, Jl. Munduk Catu Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali
Online: Instagram
Soleia Surf House Bali, Berawa
Soleia is an all-inclusive Canggu surf camp near Berawa Beach with ISA-certified instructors and
The best option is to pick a package that includes both accommodation and surf lessons, but you’re free to customise.
Prices start from 760 AUD per week. You will be staying in a cozy cabin or hotel-style room, depending on which package you go with.
Where Is It? Berawa-Canggu, Gg. Bekul No.8, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Online: Instagram
Wave House, Berawa Beach
Wave House is a bit closer to the beach than Soleia and has been operating as a surf camp operating in Bali since 2011, taking beginners to the best waves at Uluwatu and Canggu surf spots.
Packages are all-inclusive and come with two daily surf sessions, food, room, and some planned social events. You can sleep in a dorm or have a private room.
Prices start from 900 AUD per week, but you can get a discount if you book online.
Where Is It? Discovery Villas Jl. Subak Sari No.#100, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
FAQs
Is Canggu Good For Surfing?
Yes. Canggu offers world-class surf breaks for both beginner and advanced surfers with different surfing conditions, good vibes, and plenty of surfboard rentals.
Surfing in Canggu, Bali is good almost year-round, and the peak season falls on the dry months, from April to October.
Besides surfing, Canggu is a great place to stay, eat out, party, socialise, and spend lazy days on the beach. It is an international expat and digital nomads hub for a reason!
Is Surfing Better In Uluwatu Or Canggu?
Both, Uluwatu and Canggu breaks offer good surfing conditions. However, these breaks are different.
If you ask a pro surfer, Uluwatu offers more diversity, challenge, and different waves to hone your surfing skills, catch barrels, and enjoy bigger waves.
For beginner surfers, Canggu surf spots are great because there are a lot of soft, rolling waves that are easy to manage.
Canggu surf breaks are also located closed to each other and have easier access vs Uluwatu breaks often requiring a trek down the cliffs. Meanwhile Uluwatu beaches are generally more impressive than Canggu beaches, offering white sand, cliffs, and vegetation around.
Intermediate surfers will have fun at both, Uluwatu and Canggu breaks (Berawa beach, Echo beach).
Can Beginners Surf In Canggu?
Absolutely! Beginner surfers should start with some private lessons at Batu Bolong Beach and then can slowly progress to Berawa, although Batu Bolong can be a decent playground for long months!
Final Thoughts On Surfing Canggu
Whether you are planning on booking your first surf lesson or want to try different breaks around the island, Canggu is a great stamping ground for curious and seasoned surfers.
Three main beaches: Berawa, Batu Bolong, and Echo Beach, and two “plan B” spots like Pererenan and Nelayan beach make up a perfect playground for surfing.
