9 of the Best Island Surf Destinations

Madagascar, East Africa

You don't see a lot of surf media out of Madagascar. Yet, this large island, off the coast of southeast Africa is remote, isolated and right in the swell path of swells that rip across the southern half of the Atlantic as they move from South America, under South Africa and fan out toward Australia and Indonesia. Madagascar has 5,000 kilometers of coastline, with a huge variety of waves on offer.

Hollow reefbreaks, mellow beachbreaks, pointbreaks in the island's southeast, and many of these surf spots remain uncrowded. The water's not bad either, ranging from 77°F-82°F all year round, which means you can surf in boardshorts almost anywhere, with maybe a spring suit for early mornings in the south. Try to find a 4x4 as Madagascar is remote, logistically tricky and the island's infrastructure is limited outside of major towns. One for the more adventurous surfer.

Fuerteventura, Canary Islands

Although located off the coast of Africa, the Canary Islands are technically an autonomous Spanish archipelago, made up of eight main islands, all of which have multiple surf spots on offer. But as for the best island for surfing, that is wildly up for debate—but we've thrown our hat behind Fuerteventura, mostly down to the fact that the surf spots are a bit more accessible than other islands and the infrastructure is better.

Even if nearby Lanzarote has European Pipeline off its coastline, Fuerteventura offers consistency to Lanzarote's nuanced world-class power. There is a variety of waves on offer and year-round swells, open to both north swells and south swells out of the deep south Atlantic—just make sure you surf early—prevailing winds will swing onshore in the afternoons.

Maldives, South Asia

One of the most popular surfing island nations on the planet, the Maldives is on many surfers' top-of-the-bucket list. There are many reasons why, and plenty of ways to experience the Maldives. Whether by boat or holing up on an island like Thurladoso, with access to brilliant waves like Cokes and Chickens, you can tick off just about any surf adventure you'd like in the Maldives. You can travel to the northern or southern atolls, depending on the time of year—but basically, there are year-round waves.

Even the shoulder season will be better than your local, unless your local is a powerful, consistent right-hand pointbreak, with multiple sections to throw the tail and get fully covered up. If it is, you've got no reason to travel anyway. Go to the Maldives for a straight-up AAA out-of-the-box surf experience, with little to no concern about getting skunked.

Barbados, Caribbean

Home to one of the greatest waves in the world, Soup Bowl in Bathsheba, is on Barbados' east coast. A world-class reefbreak that can be throttling at size, Soup Bowl faces straight out into the Atlantic, and the wave breaks over shallow coral and rock reef, helping to create this insanely powerful right-hand wave—with the occasional left, too. Soup Bowl is mechanical perfection personified and one of near mythical quality. As for the name, it comes from the white water that churns across the inside section after the wave explodes on the reef. The takeoff zone offers heavy, hollow sections that are among the best in the Caribbean and the world.

Tasmania, Australia

Tasmania is one of the most raw, rugged, and rewarding surf frontiers in the Southern Hemisphere. This Australian state offers a mix of powerful waves and dramatic scenery, in a mostly remote setup. Tasmania is located right in the path of the roaring forties, which are westerly winds that whip up swell across the Southern Ocean. That means the island is constantly bombarded by powerful, long-period swells, making it one of the most consistent wave zones in the world.

It's also a particularly sharky area, as Tasmania's waters are recognized as shark refuge areas, set up to help with breeding. Head here if you're looking for big, powerful waves, but go knowing what to expect; this is not a place for the casual surfer.

Tavarua, Fiji

This is a surf destination that needs little introduction. Tavarua is a tiny, heart-shaped private island in the Mamanuca Islands group in Fiji, near the main island of Viti Levu. Don't let that cute little fact fool you. Just off the coastline is one of surfing's most prized and lauded wave, Cloudbreak—a harrowing and heavy, technical and foreboding joint, only suited for the best surfers in the world.

Cloudbreak is an absolute marvel. The type of wave all surfers dream about but few get to properly experience. It is a huge draw for Fiji, but the reality is there are hundreds of other waves on offer across this sprawling archipelago. You won't have to look far to find something within your ability level. The weather's tropical, the water balmy, and it should be toward the top of your surf/travel hit list.

Mentawais, Indonesia

One of, if not the, best surf destinations on the planet. The Mentawais have been at the pinnacle of surf travel adventures for more than a generation. Seeing as there are more world-class waves in this zone than just about anywhere else, you can understand why.

Waves like Kandui, Rifles, Bankvaults, Telecopes and Greenbush all have their own distinct characteristics and their own place in surfing lore. Away from these high-performance barrels is also a variety of user-friendly options, like 4bobs, Pitstops and Burgerworld. The time it takes to travel to the Mentawais, off Sumatra, will quickly melt away under the cover of a solid surfing paradise. Book your trip, right now, and worry about everything else later.

Pohnpei, Micronesia

If you're making the mission over to Micronesia, you're going for one reason: P-Pass, one of the globe's most perfect waves. P-Pass stands for Palikir Pass, located off the coast of Pohnpei, and is a long, flawless, stand-up tube—a racey wave that has caught many surfers off guard with its speed and power. Underneath the water is a fairly forgiving reef and a deep channel running around the takeoff zone. P-Pass may be off the surfing world's beaten path because, compared to other world-class waves, it is fairly inconsistent.

For the traveling surfer, fly into Pohnpei and then jump on a boat from one of the main operators out there. Pohnpei Surf Club may show you the ropes, but make sure you check ahead of time. If you score this wave right, and all conditions align, you'll be staring down one of the best waves of all time, surrounded by a paradise backdrop.