7 Best Surf Beaches in Phuket
What are the Most Popular Surf Beaches in Phuket?
Surfing in Phuket is certainly the best in Thailand! The island supports a small but lively surf community and, as the sport becomes more established and the prices of board rentals drop, the throngs of tourists gets bigger and bigger.
The surfing season starts as the high season is ending. With the wind direction switching from east to west around April, the west-coast seas go from perfectly flat to ideal for riding—a situation which lasts until the winds settle down again around October. At the same time, the air and water temperatures are usually pleasing and the lower number of visitors means there are fewer obstacles in the water, making Phuket a comfortable and safe place to surf.
What are the best surf beaches in Phuket?
1. Kalim Beach
Rocky beach with coral reefs and one of Phuket’s better surf breaks
Good for: Adventure, Budget
Kalim Beach is certainly one of the best surfing spots in Phuket, but it’s also not for beginners. Located just north of Patong Beach, the central part of the beach is where one should head with a properly waxed surfboard. Here, surfers can ride a swell spanning approximately 100-meters, with waves reaching up to 3-meters in height.
It’s best to visit during mid to high tide, and cautious landing is advised as the shore is pretty rocky and hides a shallow coral reef. Kalim Beach hosts yearly surfing contests including a few events sponsored by the Quiksilver Thailand Surf Competition. Nearby, you’ll find plenty of waterfront bars and restaurants like Nevermind and Amritsr. Read more
Location: Kalim Beach, Kathu, Kathu District, Phuket 83150, Thailand
Kalim Beach
2. Kamala Beach
Blissful beauty spot beloved by longboarders
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Families
Kamala Beach is a tranquil stretch of powdery sand that draws novice surfers to its southerly end (between the temple and the village). It boasts a gentle swell that can be surfed when the waves reach over 1-meter. It’s sandbanks also create waves of up to 3-meters, which are more suited to advanced and experienced riders.
At the northern end is a small but tricky reef point break, which is widely considered the best surfing spot on the beach. The Kamala Go Surfing Club offers board rentals and lessons. You’ll find it in front of Cafe Del Mar near the InterContinental Resort. Read more
Kamala Beach
3. Kata Beach
Secluded surfing haven with sublime turquoise water
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Families
Kata Beach is considered the surfing mecca of Phuket Island. The southern end of the beach is where you should head for a great surfing experience. Due to its popularity, the place can be crowded at times but the atmosphere remains friendly. Check out the local surf shops to rent or buy equipment, and to see what lessons are available—the best breaks are right in front of them.
With a maximum wave height of 2-meters, beginners and advanced riders can have fun here. If you’d like to experiment with surfing in a super-safe environment beforehand, try out the FlowRider at Phuket Surf House. Kata Beach hosts yearly international surf contests. Read more
Location: Kata Beach, Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100, Thailand
Kata Beach
4. Nai Harn Beach
Seaside resort with surfing during the southwest monsoon
Good for: Adventure, Budget, Photo
Nai Harn Beach features a surf break at its southern end and a surf and reef break at its northern end. Winds are variable and waves can reach up to 3- meters in height. Surfable at all tides; Nai Harn is not considered too challenging a place by experienced surfers and its mountainous backdrop makes for wonderful photos.
The two ends of the beach allow for different surfing experiences: at the north end, right in front of the Royal Phuket Yacht Club, one can enjoy big swells. The southern end of the beach has a permanent sandbank in front of a small lagoon and offers a fast and long ride. For a fabulous al fresco dinner, head to Jasmine Seafood on the waterfront. Read more
Location: Nai Harn Beach, Rawai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket, Thailand
Nai Harn Beach
5. Surin Beach
Stunning surf sanctuary for advanced riders only
Good for: Adventure, Budget
Surin Beach is a fabulous surfing spot, though some of its heaviest waves make it appropriate for advanced and experienced surfers only. The two ends of the beach are where to head, as there’s a rock formation in the central part (it’s visible at low tide and is definitely best avoided).
The northern end of this rock formation sometimes creates a small sandbank that results in a fast and short wave to ride. The sandy bottom all along the beach (apart from its extremities) assures a safe landing from waves that can reach up to 2 -meters. For the latest gear, swing by WayDoo eFoil Surf Rentals and Haad Surin Water Sports Club. Read more
Location: Suring Beach, Choeng Thale, Phuket 83110, Thailand
Surin Beach
6. Bangtao Beach
Expansive beach that’s perfect for beginners
Good for: Adventure, Budget, Food
Bangtao Beach is a pretty good place for beginners to develop their surfing skills, thanks to a headland that keeps the waters relatively calm. The middle of the beach is protected from bigger swells and some smaller waves are eminently rideable.
Head north along the beach and the waves can reach up to 3-meters, as the water is more exposed to the wind. Shifting sandbanks make the going unpredictable, but sometimes it’s near-perfect. When you’re not riding waves, head to one of the many beachside bars and eateries like Anna, Nidtaya, and Sweetcorn Man. Read more
Location: Bang Tao Beach, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand
Bangtao Beach
7. Kata Noi Beach
Scenic retreat beloved by skilled wave riders
Good for: Adventure, Budget, Photo
The right-hander waves at photogenic Kata Noi Beach are usually found off the northern headland and can be quite fast and thrilling at times. Winds blow southeasterly to northeasterly, creating swells of up to 2-meters.
Experienced surfers should visit between May and October when the rainy season is in full swing and the tide is at its most dramatic. If you fancy lessons, visit the clubs north of this pristine stretch of coast like Jimmy Kata Surf School, Coconut Surf, and Kata Beach Surf School & Nautilus Dive. They’ll show you the ins and outs before you take to the ocean. Read more
Location: Kata Noi Beach, Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100, Thailand
Kata Noi Beach
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