Are you wondering what is the best beach in Canggu for surfing?
Bali has some of the best beaches in the world, and some of the best waves in the world.
I’ve spent so many months in Bali over the years and have surfed at all the beaches in Canggu.
It’s where I went to my first surf camp, took my first lessons, started surfing consistently, and improved the most.
If you’re visiting Bali soon and want to know what the best beach in Canggu Bali is for surfing, this is for you!
Does Canggu have nice beaches for surfing?
The beaches for surfing in Canggu (pronounced “CHANG-goo” are all beach breaks with mostly sand and rock bottom.
The beaches have black sand, as it gets much of its color from the volcanoes on the island.
This means that the water itself is also a darker color, and not crystal clear like you would see in the bukit.
You’ll find that the sand is actually magnetic, and sometimes stick to your electronics!
Although you won’t be duck diving in crystal clear water, you’ll definitely be catching lots of waves.
Plus there is no reef, so you don’t have to worry about getting cut up!
Map of Canggu Beaches
Here is a map of the best beaches in Canggu:
- Berawa Beach
- Batu Bolong Beach
- Echo Beach
- Pererenan Beach
Berawa Beach
Hidden Gem for Surfers
Berawa Beach, or Pantai Berawa, is where I first started going to surf every day, and is the best beach in Canggu for beginner to intermediate surfers.
It is a beach break on sand, and has consistent, reliable waves.
The waves, and the beach itself, are generally less crowded than the other beaches in Canggu.
If you get freaked out when there are too many people in the water, then this is the perfect spot for you to improve!
There are surfboard rentals on the beach, lots of surf schools, and there are lots of places where you can grab a post-surf coconut.
Batu Bolong Beach
Longboarding Paradise
Batu Bolong Beach, or Pantai Batu Bolong, or Pantai Batu Mejan, is my personal favorite Canggu Bali beach to surf as a longboarder.
The waves are long and mellow, and my favorite one here is called Old Man’s.
It has gotten incredibly crowded over the years with its increasing popularity, but it’s still super fun and is a beautiful beach.
This is also the most popular beach for beginners who want to learn.
There are many board rental shops on the beach, and my favorite instructor is based here. Please DM me on Instagram if you would like his contact details.
I don’t think there is anywhere in the world with as many longboard rental options!
Echo Beach
Fast and Barrels
Echo Beach is for intermediate to advanced surfers, as the waves can get fast and hollow.
It is a mix of sand and reef bottom, with a black sand beach.
I don’t surf here much, but this is where Ragz goes in Canggu as he loves getting barreled.
Over the years, the water here has been getting dirtier because of heavy rainstorms during rainy season and extreme over development.
Pererenan Beach
Fun for All Levels
Pererenan Beach is less crowded than the beaches south, and caters for all levels of surfing.
The crowds are more local and less touristy, so you will see the same faces in the water if you go every day.
What time of year is Canggu good for surfing?
Dry Season (April – November): Dry season is the best time to surf Canggu. The swells are consistent, and the winds are offshore.
Wet Season (December – March): The wet season is NOT the season to surf in Canggu as there will be little swell and onshore winds most of the time.
If you are visiting during wet season, you will want to surf on the east coast of Bali.
Read The Perfect One Week in Bali Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Can you swim at Canggu beach?
Yes! If you don’t want to go surfing, you can bring a beach towel and lay on the beach.
There are tons of little beach bars you can hang out at, from beach shacks to beach clubs.
Can you park on the beach?
Yes! There is motorbike parking at every beach. You pay a few thousand rupiah and there will be people who watch your bike or car for you.
Can you walk along the beach from Canggu to Seminyak?
Yes! Most of the west coast of Bali is walkable.
Although I haven’t done it myself, you can walk all the way down from Pererenan to Petitenget in Seminyak if you wanted to.
Is Seminyak or Canggu better?
Canggu beaches are better for surfing, hands down. There is not much surf in Seminyak, and the beaches are a lot more crowded.
If you are staying Seminyak, the beaches and beach clubs there will be more convenient.
But definitely head up to Canggu for surfing!
Final Thoughts
If you are a surfer visiting Bali, you’ll definitely want to spend some time at Canggu beaches.
Be sure to check out my other guides around Bali and other surf islands in Indonesia!
What To Do Next
- Buy travel medical insurance so you are fully covered in case anything goes wrong. Read SafetyWing review.
- Buy an eSIM card so you are immediately connected as soon as you land! Read Holafly eSIM review.
- Book flights!
Read Next
Top 5 Digital Nomad Destinations (for Surfers)!
The Perfect One Week in Bali Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Rapture Surf Camp Review | Best Bali Indonesia Surf Camp
Ultimate Travel Guide to Rote Island, Indonesia
My Digital Nomad Life in Batukaras, Indonesia