Updated: April 2, 2024
Bali is a top destination in the world for surfing, I tell you how much it costs, what to be careful with, what time of year to go and about the sharks.
In Bali It is famous for its perfect and long waves, a dream destination for any surfer. Several world surfing championships are held there every year.
Although many beaches are ideal for professional surfers such as the stunning Uluwatu, they can be very dangerous for novice surfers.
But also There are several ideal beaches to learn from 0.
How much does it cost to surf in Bali?
1. Surf lessons
If you've never been on a surfboard, Seriously consider taking some surfing lessons, although from the shore it may seem easy... it is not.
Even if you are a more advanced surfer and it is your first time in Bali, I recommend taking some classes, at least to familiarize yourself with the waves, currents and bottoms.
On the surf island you will find many options:
- You can ask someone surfer that you find on the beachBut be careful, most locals are good surfers, but that doesn't mean they know how to teach. The average price is about 30 euros for a session, although it will depend on your negotiating power.
- My recommendation is that you go with some surf school, they will not only know about surfing, but they will also know how to teach you from scratch or help you improve your technique. Prices are around 50 euros per class, also negotiable.
2. Surf board rental
On any beach you will have the option to rent a surfboard, Prices start at 5 euros per hour. Although most sites have prices for several hours or days.
The longer you rent the board, the better the price per hour will be.
A very good alternative is this 2 hour surf class of the link with a private teacher (1 teacher per student) at a ridiculous price (less than 20 euros) 🤫.
3. Surf Course (Surf Camp in Bali)
If you really want to take advantage of your vacation in Bali to learn or improve in surfing, I recommend some multi-day surf course, I assure you will not regret.
some like this surf course in Nusa Lembongan 4 days which is very cheap (starting at 354 euros!!)
The surf camp includes accommodation, breakfast, surf lessons, yoga classes and a snorkel trip to see the manta rays.
Furthermore, Surf Camps are a great way to socialize with other travelers and local people, perfect if you travel alone, usually the atmosphere is very good.
⭐ You may also be interested in this guide on What to do in Bali: 18 essentials or in this article about 5 Best Yoga Retreats in Bali.
4 Things to be careful in Bali – especially Surfers
1. Red flags
Although Bali is considered a beach destination, some of them They can be very dangerous by their funds or currents.
On dangerous beaches you will find that they put up flags and usually there are lifeguards, If you see a red flag, never enter the water. nor to surf or simply swim.
The currents are so strong that they could drag you out to sea without lifeguards having a chance to help you.
2. Tsunamis
Indonesia is located located in the "Pacific Ring of Fire" next to the tectonic faults of the Pacific, Eurasian and Australian, with numerous volcanoes, frequent earthquakes and great risk of tsunamis.
The warning time for a tsunami in Indonesia is extremely short, it can be between 15 and 35 minutes from the time the earthquake occurs until the first wave arrives.
To minimize any disaster, many hotels in Bali comply with strict emergency and evacuation regulations. Tsunami Ready.
If you travel to Bali, it is recommended that you choose hotels that are at least 45 meters above sea level and 3 km from the coast.
In case you hear an imminent tsunami alarm, you should get away from the beaches towards the interior of the island and as much as possible climb to the top of the tallest structure you can find.
3. Sun
The sun is very strong in Bali due to its location close to the equator, which makes the incidence of the rays direct.
Remember to use sun protection at least SPF 50, especially if you surf because ultraviolet rays are reflected in the water.
Another good option is clothing with sun protection like this link t-shirt.
4. Jellyfish
There are jellyfish in Bali and it is quite common for those who spend a lot of time in the water to get stung, although mostly they are not dangerous.
The time when there are more jellyfish is once the rainy season ends and the dry season begins, but there are also them during the rest of the year.
Jellyfish stings can hurt a lot and last a few days (between 7 and 10 days) which can put a damper on the trip a bit.
To minimize the risk of a jellyfish sting if you want to spend a lot of time in the water surfing, swimming or snorkeling, I recommend wearing protective clothing., the same type that serves as sun protection.
These types of garments are perfect to avoid contact of jellyfish with the skin.
Are there sharks in Bali?
Yes, there are different species of sharks off the coast of Balinese beaches. The most common are those of white tip and reef black tip.
These reef sharks are shy and harmless to humans, although specific cases of attack have been recorded off US coasts.
In Bali, since 1990, only 5 shark attacks, specifically on Balian Beach, which is located on the west side of the island of Bali. None of those attacks proved fatal. The last attack involved a bull shark.
In 30 years there have only been 5 attacks, so the chances of a shark attack in Bali are quite remote.
You have a better chance of getting a flying surfboard or getting a coral cut known among surfers as «balinese tattoo«.
What to bring to surf in Bali?
Bali's tropical climate is ideal for surfing and you won't need to bring anything other than what you would take to the beach: a swimsuit, sunscreen and a towel.
Although it won't hurt, you take clothing with sun protection, I'll tell you more below.
1. Sunscreen
I recommend that he sunscreen be any Reef Safe like this one in the link. Normal sunscreens have ingredients that affect corals.
Reef Safe sunscreens are ideal for minimizing the impact on marine fauna and in particular on corals.
2. Clothing with Sun Protection
If you are planning to spend a lot of time in the water in Bali, I recommend bringing sun-protective clothing. This type of clothing will prevent you from putting sunscreen on the areas that cover you. In addition, it protects you from jellyfish stings.
There are different types of clothing such as surf t-shirts like the one in the link and leggings, or the surfer swimsuits for girls like the one in the link, which at the same time are more comfortable for surfing than a bikini.
⭐ You may also be interested in this article about What to wear to Bali.
What is the best time to surf in Bali?
Bali is one of the few world destinations where you can surf all year round. Although depending on the beach chosen or your level, some times will be better than others.
July is without a doubt the best month to surf in Bali, although when there are more tourists and it can be more expensive.
The period of April to October, during the dry season, It is a good time for both professional surfers and those who want to start.
The wind is from the coast (offshore wind) therefore, the western beaches are better of the island to take advantage of its waves, such as Uluwatu, Kuta, Canggu and Balian.
Check out my rainy season, from November to April, The winds change and blow from the east. At that time the southern and eastern beaches are the best, like Nusa Dua, Serangan and Sanur.
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide to surfing in Bali helps you start learning or improving your level on this fantastic island.
Before saying goodbye, I take this opportunity to leave you a link to this Bali guide, with all the articles I wrote to travel independently.
In case I have left any topic untouched, leave me a comment below and I will help you in any way I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip!
More about Bali and Southeast Asia
- Best time to travel to Bali: climate and prices
- The best Holistic Retreat in Bali
- What to do in Bali: 18 essentials
- 6 Best Villas in Bali: luxury holidays at a good price
- What to bring to Southeast Asia: 47 Essentials in your Backpack
- Surfing in Da Nang: everything you need to know
Hello, I’m Andrea, the creator and writer of Viajeros Activos (Active Travelers). I’m a nomad, so I consider myself a full-time traveler. I’m passionate about good food and always looking for new adventures.