- Dry Season (April - October): The legendary season. Offshore winds from the east groom the waves on Bali's western coasts (like Canggu, Uluwatu, Balian) into perfection. Swells are consistently bigger, creating epic conditions for intermediate to advanced surfers. Mornings are particularly magical.
- Wet Season (November - March): Don't write this season off! The wind switches, making the eastern coasts (like Keramas, Serangan, Sanur) the place to be. Swells are smaller and more manageable, offering fantastic conditions for beginners and longboarders. You'll also enjoy fewer crowds and lusher, greener landscapes.
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- Uluwatu: The king of Bali surf. A long, fast, and barreling left-hander that breaks over a shallow reef. It's actually a series of waves—Temples, The Peak, Racetracks, Outside Corner—that can connect on a big day for a ride of over 500 meters. Skill Level: Advanced to Pro. Best Tide: Mid to High. Bottom: Sharp reef.
- Padang Padang: "The Balinese Pipeline." A thick, hollow, and incredibly powerful left-hand barrel that breaks onto a shallow reef. It's a high-performance wave that hosts annual international competitions. Skill Level: Pro. Best Tide: Low. Bottom: Sharp reef.
- Bingin: A fun and more accessible left-hander than its neighbors. It offers a fast, walling section followed by a hollow inside. The take-off can be tricky, but the reward is a long, rippable wave. Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced. Best Tide: All tides, but best on mid. Bottom: Reef.
- Batu Bolong ("Batu Bol"): The iconic beginner and longboard wave. A mellow, forgiving beach break that peels both left and right. It's always crowded for a reason: it's incredibly fun. Perfect for learning and logging. Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate. Best Tide: All tides. Bottom: Sand & slight reef.
- Berawa: A faster, more powerful beach break than Batu Bolong. Handles bigger swell well and can produce some great, hollow sections. The inside reform can be a long, playful right-hander. Home to the famous Finns Beach Club! Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced (depending on swell). Best Tide: All tides. Bottom: Sand.
- Echo Beach: A right-hand reef break that gets hollow and fast on mid-to-high tide. Can be a great alternative when the beach breaks are too swamped. More suited for confident intermediates. Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced. Best Tide: Mid to High. Bottom: Reef.
- Keramas: Bali's premier high-performance right-hand reef break. Fast, barreling, and electrifying. It's famously surfed at night under stadium lights. Not for the faint of heart. Skill Level: Advanced to Pro. Best Tide: All tides. Bottom: Sharp reef & lava rock.
- Serangan ("Secret Point"): A fun, man-made left-hand reef break that works on all tides. It's very consistent and offers a long, mellow wall, great for practicing turns. Can get crowded with surf schools. Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate. Best Tide: All tides. Bottom: Reef.
- Sanur Reef: A long, left-hand wave that breaks far out over a reef. Requires a boat trip (or a very long paddle) to reach. Offers a more isolated and raw surfing experience. Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced. Best Tide: Low to Mid. Bottom: Reef.
- Wave Variety: Within a 5km radius, you can surf a beginner-friendly beach break (Batu Bolong), a punchier beach break (Berawa), and a reef break (Echo Beach). This allows you to progress rapidly without needing to travel for hours.
- The Vibe: Canggu is a vibrant mix of traditional Balinese culture and a buzzing international scene. After your surf, you can refuel at incredible cafes, enjoy sunset cocktails at beach bars, get a massage, and soak in the infectious energy.
- Central Location: Canggu is perfectly positioned for day trips. The Bukit Peninsula is a 45-60 minute scooter ride south, and the East Coast is about 60-90 minutes away. You get the best of all worlds.
- Daily Guided Surf Sessions: Our expert local guides will take you to the best spot for the conditions and your skill level that day. No guesswork, no missing out.
- Video Analysis: We film your surf sessions and provide constructive, personalized coaching to help you break through plateaus and correct your technique.
- Community: Connect with a tribe of like-minded surf travelers. Share stories, share waves, and make friends for life.
- Rest and Recovery: Our camp is designed for surfers. Enjoy our pool to cool off, comfortable accommodation to rest, and healthy food to refuel.
The wet season (November – March) generally offers smaller, more manageable waves on the western coasts like Canggu, making it an excellent time for beginners. However, with our expert guides, Sōleïa provides fantastic beginner coaching year-round.
It's not necessary. Bali is the surfboard factory of the world! There are countless rental shops with decent boards for every level, and high-performance rentals are also readily available. Many of our packages at Sōleïa include board rental.
The most famous spots (Uluwatu, Canggu beach breaks) can get very crowded, especially during peak season. However, a key part of the Sōleïa experience is our local knowledge. We know where to go to find the best waves with the fewest people, whether it's choosing the right tide or exploring lesser-known breaks.
Like any sport, there are risks. The main concerns are reef cuts, strong currents, and crowded lineups. The single best thing you can do for your safety is to surf within your ability and get local guidance. Our coaches at Sōleïa ensure you're in the right place and give you crucial safety briefings for each spot.
Absolutely! Bali is one of the best places on earth to learn. The warm water eliminates the need for thick wetsuits, and the consistent waves provide endless practice. Our beginner programs at Sōleïa are designed to get you standing and riding waves confidently in just a few days.
Essentials include: reef-safe sunscreen, a first-aid kit (for minor cuts), a rash guard, board shorts/bikini, ear drops (to prevent surfer's ear), and a sense of adventure! We provide most other necessities.
