Surf Canggu beaches
Surfing in Canggu is one of Bali's most popular surf experiences, offering a variety of breaks for beginners to advanced surfers along a relaxed, reef-and-sand coastline in Canggu, Badung Regency. The area combines consistent swells, beach bars, and a vibrant surf culture.
Location
Canggu Beaches (Echo Beach, Batu Bolong, Berawa, Pererenan), Canggu, Badung, Indonesia
Duration
Flexible — typical sessions: 1.5–2 hours (lesson) or half-day/full-day for multiple sessions
Best Time to Visit
April to October (dry season) — most consistent swells and offshore winds. Peak surf months: May–September. Beginners may also find rideable waves year-round during smaller swells and mid-tide windows.
Pricing
Access to the beaches is free. Typical costs: surfboard rental IDR 50,000–150,000 (USD 3–10) per hour or IDR 100,000–300,000 (USD 7–20) per day; group surf lessons IDR 300,000–500,000 (USD 20–35) for 1.5–2 hours; private lessons IDR 450,000–800,000 (USD 30–55). Equipment packages and transport may increase prices.
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
Echo Beach (Batu Mejan) — popular reef break with powerful, consistent waves and lively beachfront cafés.
Batu Bolong — mellow, long rides suitable for beginners and longboarders; friendly surf crowd.
Berawa — beach with sandier bottom, versatile breaks that work on a range of tides; nearby cafes and nightlife.
Pererenan — powerful reef breaks for intermediate/advanced surfers, less crowded than Echo.
Vibrant surf culture — surf schools, board rentals, beach bars, and sunset spots.
Itinerary
Arrival and check-in at a local surf school or rental shop
Sign waivers, choose board and check tide/swell forecast. Mornings often offer offshore winds and cleaner waves.
Warm-up and safety briefing
Brief on local breaks, rips, reef locations, and surf etiquette. Beginners receive basic paddling and popping-up instruction.
In-water session (lesson or free surf)
1.5–2 hours of guided practice for lessons; intermediate surfers may do multiple short sets between rests.
Break and lunch
Many beach cafes serve healthy bowls, smoothies, and local cuisine — good time to rest and rehydrate.
Optional afternoon session or video review
Afternoon winds can pick up; check conditions before heading back out. Some schools offer footage analysis.
Safety Requirements
Know your level — choose the right break (Batu Bolong for beginners; Pererenan/Echo for experienced)
Understand tides and rips — ask local instructors about safe zones and exit points
Wear a leash and appropriate board for the conditions; reef-safe rash guards or booties for rocky/reef bottoms
Basic swimming fitness required; consider a helmet if surfing shallow reef in heavy conditions
Respect local surfers and follow surf etiquette to avoid collisions
Be aware of sun exposure — use reef-safe sunscreen and reapply regularly
Tips
Best times: early morning (clean offshore wind) or late afternoon for sunsets; avoid peak crowds midday
Hire a local instructor the first time — they know currents, safe channels, and etiquette
Board rental vs. lessons: rent if you’re comfortable paddling and catching waves; take a lesson if you’re new or want faster progress
Transport: rent a scooter to move between breaks quickly; allow extra time for parking at popular spots
Crowd management: paddle wide or choose less crowded breaks like Pererenan for more space
Respect the environment: take litter home, use reef-safe sunscreen, and avoid stepping on coral
Cash and booking: many surf schools accept cash; book high-season lessons in advance
Medical: basic first-aid kits available at reputable schools; nearest hospitals in Denpasar (approx 30–40 min by car depending on traffic)
