Bali Surf Spots
Bali offers various surf spots all over the island! Bali should be on your list whether you're a total beginner and never even touched a board or if you're a pro looking for some barrels and you want to work on your backflip skills! We talk about the west and east coast when choosing the perfect Bali surf spots for you.
The west coast has perfect waves in the dry season, which is typically from April to November. From our Canggu camp, which is located in the western part of Bali, you can access our home break “Old Man” within a few minutes walking. Our Seminyak camp is just a stone's throw from spots as “Kudeta”, “Gado Gado” or “Nixoma”.
You should take the time to visit the famous surf spot Uluwatu, which is located on the Bukit peninsula, the southern part of beautiful Bali. “Ulus” sports the perfect left-hander break, and when the largest swell hits Bali it turns into big-wave surfing. Our Camps in Bukit and Uluwatu offer quick access to all the spots in the Bukit: “Padang Padang”, “Dreamland”, “Bingin” to name just a few.
Perfect waves are available almost every day in Bali, but the east coast offers better conditions in the so-called wet season from December to March. Grab your board and let our drivers bring you to stunning spots like the “Mushroom”, “Green Bowl” or “Sanur Reef”. Your Kima Surf experts compiled a list of 37 highly recommendable Bali surf spots for you, ranging from easy to hard within our Six-Star session planner with detailed information on the type, best season and the nearest camps.
Safety Tips when Surfing in Bali
To directly answer the most asked question for safety tips when surfing in Bali: Are there sharks in Bali? Yes, there are BUT according to the statistics and compared to all the surf spots around the world, Bali is one of the safest places to surf. The existing White Tip and Black Tip Reef Sharks in Bali are pretty shy and there haven't been any serious, let alone fatal, shark attacks in Bali so far.
But what to do if you see a shark when you're in the water? Of course, without any doubts, leave the water as quickly and as calmly as possible and avoid excessive splashing or noises.
Besides that, there are some more safety tips when surfing in Bali that we can give you to always stay safe in the water:
- 1. Choose a surf spot that suits your skill level:
The surf spots in Bali offer waves for all levels. From gentle beach breaks to powerful reef breaks. Before entering the water, you should research the spot and choose spots that match your skills to avoid getting into dangerous situations. Our custom-built six-star session planner can help you, choose the best spot. - 2. Respect local rules and know the surf etiquette:
Every surf spot in Bali has its own set of unwritten rules. Observe and respect these rules to avoid conflicts with local surfers. Obviously, never forget about the surf etiquette, including waiting your turn and not dropping in on others. - 3. Be aware of rip currents:
Rip currents are common in Bali. A rip current is a strong, localised current of water that moves directly away from the shore. It is also the area were the waves don't break and is therefore used by surfers as a “channel” to make their way faster to the line-up. It is a very good way to avoid breaking waves but for beginner surfers it can also be dangerous. Follow these tips in case you see yourself caught in a rip current:- 1. Don't panic! Try to stay calm and focused to think about the next steps.
- 2. Stay on your surf board and start paddling sideways, parallel with the shoreline. Try to reach the shallow water zone, where the waves will be breaking in order to come back to the shore.
- 3. Don't ever swim or paddle against the rip! It is physically and mentally exhausting and don't lead you anywhere.
- 4. If you are not able to swim out of the currents, call or wave for help.
- 4. Stay sun protected:
Bali's tropical climate can be intense. Wear sunscreen and protect yourself from the sun during surfing with accessories like surf hats. - 5. Watch out for Marine Life:
Bali's waters are home to various marine creatures like sea urchins and jellyfish. Be cautious when entering and exiting the water. Especially when entering reef breaks without booties you should be careful. Watch here how to enter a reef break without booties:
By following these safety tips, you can fully enjoy the incredible waves Bali has to offer. Remember, surfing is not just about riding waves; it's also about respecting the ocean and the local community that shares it.
So, wax up your board, put on your sunscreen, and catch those Bali waves. Happy surfing!