Hey there my fellow travel enthusiasts and welcome to my post where we will check out my 7 best beaches in Phuket for surfing this year. Phuket is a beautiful island and a popular destination for tourists from all over the world, and for surfers, it’s a paradise. With its warm tropical climate, consistent swells and variety of breaks, Phuket is an ideal destination for surfers of all levels.
If you’re looking for the best surf beaches in Phuket, you’re in luck as there are several spots around the island that offer excellent waves and beautiful scenery. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, you’ll find a spot that suits your level and preferences. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best surf beaches in Phuket, so you can plan your next surfing adventure with ease.
- Patong Beach
- Kata Beach
- Kalim Beach
- Karon Beach
- Surin Beach
- Nai Harn Beach
- Bang Tao Beach
Map Of Phuket Surf Beach Locations
Use this map to identify the locations of the best surfing in phuket listed below:
10 Best Beaches in Phuket for Surfing
So, let’s wax up and explore the best surf beaches that Phuket has to offer.
1. Patong Beach
If you’re looking for the ultimate surfing experience in Phuket, Patong Beach is the place to be. This popular beach is known for its great waves and beautiful scenery, making it one of the best surf spots in the area.
Surfing Conditions
The waves here are perfect for both beginners and experienced surfers, with a variety of breaks to choose from. The best time for surfing Patong Beach is during the dry season from May to October when the waves are at their best.
Amenities and Facilities
Patong Beach is a popular tourist destination, so you’ll find plenty of amenities and facilities here to make your surfing experience more enjoyable. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars nearby, as well as surf shops where you can rent equipment or buy new gear. The beach is also equipped with showers and changing rooms, so you can freshen up after your surf session.
In addition, there are plenty of accommodation options nearby, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts. So whether you’re on a tight budget or looking for a more upscale experience, you’ll find something to suit your needs.
Check out these: 10 Best Beaches in Phuket
2. Kata Beach
If you’re looking for the best-known surfing beach in Phuket, Kata Beach is the place to go. The southern end of the beach near The Boathouse resort has the most wave-riding action. Surfers of all levels, from beginner to advanced, can enjoy surfing here and whilst it can get busy, it’s rarely overcrowded.
Surfing Conditions
Surfers can find decent waves at any tide level, but the conditions are best mid-tide. The waves are generally consistent and range from 2-4 feet, with occasional larger sets. The best time to surf at Kata Beach is during the monsoon season from May to October, when the waves can reach up to 6 feet.
Amenities and Facilities
Kata Beach has a range of amenities and facilities to make your surfing experience more comfortable. There are plenty of surfboard rental shops and surf schools along the beach, so you can easily rent equipment or take lessons if you’re a beginner. You can also find beach chairs, umbrellas and vendors selling food and drinks as well.
If you need a break from surfing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy at Kata Beach too. You can try snorkeling, kayaking or even take a ride on a banana boat. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars nearby if you want to grab a bite to eat or a drink.
Check out these: 5 Best Beaches in Phuket for Families
3. Kalim Beach
If you’re looking for a surfing spot in Phuket that’s not too crowded, Kalim Beach is the perfect destination. This small bay, located north of Patong Beach, is known for its consistent waves and is a popular spot for local surfers during the low season. Here’s what you need to know about surfing at Kalim Beach.
Surfing Conditions
Kalim Beach is considered one of the best surfing spots in Phuket with waves that can reach up to three meters during the off-season. The beach has a rocky seafloor which creates a reef break that produces hollow and fast waves. The best time to surf at Kalim Beach is from May to October when the waves are at their highest however even during the low season, there are still plenty of waves to ride.
Amenities and Facilities
The rocky seafloor at Kalim Beach makes it unsuitable for swimming however, if you’re a surfer, you’ll find everything you need at Kalim Beach. There are several surf shops and rental places nearby where you can rent surfboards and other equipment. Additionally, there are a few restaurants and bars in the area where you can grab a bite to eat or a cold drink after a long day of surfing.
4. Karon Beach
If you’re looking for a beautiful beach with reliable surf, Karon Beach is another great option. Located on the west coast of Phuket, Karon Beach is a 3 km stretch of soft white sand and clear turquoise water. Here’s what you need to know about surfing and amenities at Karon Beach.
Surfing Conditions
Karon Beach has an exposed beach break that offers consistent surf throughout the year although the best time to surf is during the dry season from May to October. During this time, you can expect waves that range from 2 to 6 feet, with occasional larger swells. The best wind direction is from the east and the ideal tide level is mid-tide.
Karon Beach is suitable for beginner and intermediate surfers, but it may not be challenging enough for advanced surfers. The waves are generally forgiving and the beach is relatively uncrowded, making it an ideal spot for learning to surf.
Amenities and Facilities
Karon Beach has plenty of amenities and facilities to make your surfing experience comfortable and enjoyable. There are several surf shops and rental places where you can rent surfboards and other equipment. In terms of safety, Karon Beach has lifeguards on duty during the day, and the beach is generally safe for swimming and surfing. However, it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings and follow basic safety precautions when surfing.
There are also several accommodation options available near Karon Beach, ranging from budget hostels to luxury resorts. If you’re looking for a place to stay, you’ll have no trouble finding something that fits your budget and preferences. And you can also find several restaurants and cafes along the beach where you can grab a bite to eat after surfing as well.
5. Surin Beach
If you’re looking for a quieter and less crowded spot to surf in Phuket, Surin Beach is definitely worth checking out. Here’s what you need to know about this surf spot.
Surfing Conditions
Surin Beach is an exposed beach break that has inconsistent surf however the best time to catch waves is during the dry season from May to October. Groundswells are more frequent than windswells, and the best swell direction is from the southwest whereas ideal winds are from the east.
The waves at Surin Beach are suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers and can range from waist-high to overhead with breaks that are fast and hollow. However, they can be unpredictable so it’s important to be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
Amenities and Facilities
Surin Beach has a few amenities and facilities that make it a comfortable spot to surf. There are several restaurants and cafes nearby where you can grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink after a session and you’ll also find a few surf shops where you can rent or buy equipment.
The beach is relatively quiet and peaceful, so it’s a great place to relax and unwind and if you’re looking for accommodation, there are several hotels and resorts in the area.
6. Nai Harn Beach
If you’re looking for a great spot to surf in Phuket, Nai Harn Beach should definitely be on your list. This beach is known for attracting small groups of mostly local surfers and it offers decent waves ranging from a half-meter to 3-meter swells at each end.
Surfing Conditions
At the northern end of the beach near The Nai Harn resort, there’s a beach and reef break whilst at the opposite end near the lagoon, a permanent sandbar helps create waves for long and fast rides. The best time to surf at Nai Harn Beach is during the high season, from November to April, when the waves are bigger and the winds are calmer.
Amenities and Facilities
Nai Harn Beach is a beautiful and quiet spot, perfect for a relaxing day in the sun. There are plenty of amenities and facilities available including showers, toilets and a few restaurants and bars. The beach can get crowded during peak season, so it’s best to arrive early to secure a good spot.
7. Bang Tao Beach
If you’re looking for a surfing spot in Phuket, Bang Tao Beach is definitely worth a visit. This beach is one of the longest in Phuket and is located on the west coast of the island, halfway between the airport and the popular tourist hub of Patong Beach.
Surfing Conditions
Bang Tao Beach offers decent waves for intermediate surfers that can range from half a meter to three meters in height. The best time to surf at Bang Tao Beach is during the monsoon season, which runs from May to October. During this time, the waves can get quite big and powerful, so make sure you’re prepared for some serious surfing.
Amenities and Facilities
Bang Tao Beach has plenty of amenities and facilities to make your surfing experience as comfortable as possible. There are several surf shops and schools located near the beach where you can rent equipment or take lessons if you’re a beginner. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars nearby where you can grab a bite to eat or a cold drink after a long day of surfing.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, there are several hotels and resorts located near Bang Tao Beach including several luxury options so if you’re looking for a bit of pampering after a long day of surfing, you’re in luck.
Overview of Surfing Phuket
If you’re looking for some great surfing spots in Thailand, Phuket is the place to be. With its beautiful beaches and consistent waves, it’s no wonder that surfing has become a popular activity on the island. Here’s what you need to know about surfing in Phuket:
- Surf Spots – Phuket has several surf spots that cater to different skill levels. Some of the popular spots include Kata Beach, Surin Beach, Nai Harn Beach, Kamala Beach and Kalim Beach. Kata Beach is the most well-known surfing beach in Phuket, with the most wave-riding action at its southern end near The Boathouse resort. Surfers of all skill levels will enjoy surfing here, and while Kata can get busy, it’s rarely overcrowded.
- Best Time to Surf – The best time to surf in Phuket is during the low season, which runs from May to October. During this time, the waves are consistent and can reach up to three meters in height. However, it’s important to note that there can be some rainy days during this season, so it’s always a good idea to check the weather before heading out.
- Surfing Conditions – The surfing conditions in Phuket are generally good with consistent waves and warm water temperatures. The waves are best mid-tide and surfers should find decent waves at any tide level. The water temperature ranges from 27-30°C, so you won’t need a wetsuit unless you’re surfing during the cooler months.
- Surf Schools and Rentals – If you’re new to surfing or want to improve your skills, there are several surf schools in Phuket that offer lessons and rentals. Prices for board rental and courses drop during the low season, making it an affordable option for beginners. Some of the popular surf schools include Surf House Phuket, Saltwater Dreaming Surf School, and Phuket Surf School.
Best Time to Surf in Phuket
If you’re planning a Phuket surfing trip, it’s important to know the best time to catch the waves. The ideal time for surfing in Phuket is during the low season, which runs from April to September. During this time, the west coast of Phuket experiences consistent swells and offshore winds, making it perfect for surfing.
The high season, from November to March, is not the best time for surfing in Phuket. The waves are smaller and less consistent, and the winds tend to be onshore, making the waves choppy and difficult to ride.
It’s important to note that the weather can be unpredictable in Phuket, so it’s always a good idea to check the surf forecast before heading out. You can use websites like MagicSeaweed Kata Beach or Windguru to get up-to-date information on the swell, wind and tide conditions.
Safety Tips for Surfing in Phuket
Surfing in Phuket can be an exhilarating experience, but it is important to take proper safety precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable time. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when surfing in Phuket:
- Know Your Limits – It is important to know your skill level and only surf in areas that are appropriate for your abilities. If you are a beginner, stick to beaches with smaller waves and avoid areas with strong currents or reefs.
- Check the Weather and Surf Conditions – Before hitting the waves, check the weather and surf conditions. Be aware of any potential storms, swells or rip currents that could make conditions dangerous.
- Wear Proper Gear – Wearing proper gear can help protect you from injury. Make sure to wear a leash, which attaches your board to your ankle and a rash guard to protect your skin from the sun and surfboard wax. Additionally, consider wearing a helmet, especially if you are a beginner or surfing in areas with rocks or reefs.
- Know the Local Laws and Regulations – Be aware of any local laws and regulations regarding surfing in Phuket. Some beaches may have specific rules for surfing such as designated surf zones or restricted surfing hours.
Conclusion
There you have it, my seven best beaches Phuket has to offer for surfing. I hope it has been helpful and as usual, please let me know of your experiences here or if there are any other surf breaks you think should be added to the list.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
