Top 5 Digital Nomad Destinations in 2026 (Surf Edition)

Today I’m sharing the best places in the world to realistically live out your dream of consistent waves and a lifestyle that actually supports your work. I break down (from experience) where I recommend traveling to if you are a digital nomad who surfs or wants to surf!

Tune in or read the blog version below!

If you’re a digital nomad who surfs, wants to surf, or wants to build your life around the ocean without giving up productivity, this episode is for you. In 2026, the digital nomad lifestyle isn’t just about working from anywhere. It’s about choosing places where your lifestyle actually feels good. Places where you can surf regularly, work focused hours, and still have quality of life.

I’ve been living this lifestyle for years, traveling full-time, building my online business The Wanderlover, and basing myself in surf destinations around the world. These places aren’t just pretty beaches. They’re destinations where surfing and working online actually work together.

Today I’m counting down my top five digital nomad destinations for 2026, surf edition, starting with number five and working our way to number one.

If you’re new here, hi my love, I’m Danielle. I’m a travel influencer, online business coach, new mama, and long-time surfer. I’ve traveled to over 65 countries while running my online business, and surf has always been a big part of how I choose where I live. Let’s get into it.

#5: Biarritz, France

Biarritz is an underrated surf destination for digital nomads, especially if you want European living with consistent waves and a slower pace. This is not a party surf town. It’s refined, calm, and very lifestyle-oriented.

The surf here is reliable, the coastline is beautiful, and the town itself is walkable with great cafés and a strong sense of routine. It’s easy to build a daily rhythm that includes morning surf, focused work, and relaxed evenings.

Biarritz is best for digital nomads who already have stable income and want quality over chaos. It’s not the cheapest destination, but if you’re in a season where you want peace, beauty, and surf without distractions, it’s an incredible base.

#4: Ericeira, Portugal

Ericeira is one of the best surf-centric digital nomad destinations in Europe in 2026. It’s a World Surf Reserve, which means waves for all levels, and it has a strong digital nomad and expat community.

What makes Ericeira special is the balance. You get consistent surf, good WiFi, coworking spaces, and a slower pace of life without feeling isolated. It’s easy to meet people, but it never feels overwhelming.

Ericeira is ideal for digital nomads who want surf to be part of their daily routine while still staying productive. It’s especially popular with entrepreneurs and creatives who want nature, community, and focus all in one place.

#3: Oahu, Hawaii

Oahu is a dream destination for digital nomads who surf and want top-tier infrastructure. The surf culture here is deeply ingrained, and the island offers waves for every level, year-round.

What sets Oahu apart is how easy life feels. You have excellent healthcare, reliable internet, good roads, grocery stores, and everything you need to live comfortably while working online. You can surf before work, work during the day, and still have energy to enjoy life.

Oahu is best for digital nomads with established income who want a high-quality, healthy lifestyle. It’s especially great for couples or families who want safety, stability, and access to nature without sacrificing modern conveniences.

#2: Bali, Indonesia

Bali continues to be one of the strongest surf and digital nomad destinations in the world. In 2026, it’s a full ecosystem where surf, work, wellness, and community all coexist.

The surf is accessible year-round, there are endless cafés and coworking spaces (check out my top 5 I recommend here) designed for remote work, and the community aspect is huge. It’s easy to meet people, build routines, and feel supported both professionally and personally.

Bali is best for digital nomads who value creativity, wellness, and connection alongside surf. For the right person, it can be incredibly inspiring and transformative, both in life and in business.

#1: Florianópolis, Brazil

Florianópolis is my number one digital nomad surf destination for 2026. It’s a beach city with real infrastructure, and it’s one of the best places in the world to combine surf, work, and long-term living.

You have multiple beaches, surf beaches, strong WiFi, coworking spaces, modern apartments, and good healthcare. The lifestyle balance here is unmatched. You can surf regularly, work focused hours, and still have a social life that feels grounded and real. If you want a breakdown of costs I have a full blog post about that here.

Florianópolis is especially ideal for digital nomads who want a slower pace without sacrificing productivity or comfort. It works incredibly well for long-term stays, couples, and families, and the quality of life you get here for the cost is hard to beat.

How to Choose the Right Surf Nomad Destination for You

The best surf destination for you depends on your season of life. Some places are better for progression and focus, some are better for community and inspiration, and some are better for long-term stability.

In 2026, surf nomads are choosing destinations where they can surf consistently without burning out or constantly moving. Slow travel and choosing a strong base often leads to better waves, better work, and a better life.

Final Thoughts

The digital nomad surf lifestyle isn’t only about perfect waves every day. It’s about designing a life where surf supports your work and expands what you are creating, not competes with it.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, leave a review if you’re listening on the podcast, and let me know in the comments which surf destination you’re dreaming about for 2026. Thank you 

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Danielle Hu

Danielle Hu

Danielle Hu is a multiple 6-figure travel influencer, business coach, and Host of The Wanderlover Podcast. She has traveled to over 65+ countries running her online business and surfing in remote tropical destinations. Her mission is to help creatives and coaches achieve time freedom, location freedom, and financial freedom through online entrepreneurship.

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Hi, I’m Danielle

My mission is to help you achieve time freedom, location freedom, financial freedom through online entrepreneurship.

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