The tropics are often visited by people looking to get away from the cold or for excited honeymooners looking to start their marriages on the right foot. Hot weather, plentiful sunshine, warm water, delicious fruits, and unique cultures make it an obvious reason to travel to these places. Since the times of Plato, the tropics have held two different opposite images—on the one hand a “Garden of Eden” paradise, and on the other a primitive, backward part of the world. We can try to reconcile both of these ideas when we think of something as exotic.

As a general rule what is considered to be under a tropical climate is any non-arid climate with at least a monthly mean temperature of 18°C (64 °F). If you look in an atlas they are found between the Tropic of Capricorn in the Southern Hemisphere and Tropic of Cancer in the Northern Hemisphere. Outside of Europe and Antarctica, every continent has tropical climates.

Surfers are often fortunate being that some of the best and most consistent waves also happen to occur in the tropics. Yes, there are fun waves to be had in colder or more temperate climates but let’s be real, nothing is better than surfing in boardshorts. Here is a list of the top surf destinations in no particular order made up of different regions and countries that offer a complete and accessible experience. It’s not an absolute list, I made sure to include at least one destination in every continent with a tropical coast.

1. Indonesia

Known around the world primarily for Bali or the “Island of Gods”, this vast archipelago country is made up of thousands of islands with every type of surf imaginable some of which are still unexplored or at least with waves not yet known by surfers. There is an abundant amount of reef, point, and beach breaks throughout the country for every skill level and preferences.

The main zones along with Bali and it’s next door island Lombok are Sumatra, Java, and Timor. Each zone has their fair share of breaks which cater to the traveling surfer along with resort style accommodations to relax during your stay. Mentawais islands and Nias have been referred to as the disneyland of surfing. If you’re looking for a selection of perfect waves to take your surfing to the next level coming here is a must.

The main cultural and tourism industry is located in Bali and this has resulted in an influx of tourists and development. Even so the island still maintains it’s charm, so it’s not necessarily to be skipped(you’ll most likely end up landing here first anyways). Here you will find all the conveniences including surf equipment, lessons, entertainment and all that good stuff you’re looking for easier than anywhere else.

2. Hawaii

The birthplace of surfing(don’t that tell to Peruvians!), Hawaii is where surfing as a sport and way of life began. Most people who don’t know much about surfing still think of Hawaii as a tropical paradise with legendary waves. This isn’t terribly untrue. Arguably the standard for waves all around the world is located here and it’s where many people from around the world come and test their expertise. Hawaii has been the stomping ground for pros everywhere.

There are four main Islands in the Hawaiian chain, starting with the oldest Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island. All of them have their distinct features which make them unique to one another. Oahu is the most populated while Kauai is the most lush and rural. During November-March the North shores of these islands lights up with heavy swell from the North Pacific during May-September although smaller, gets solid swell on the South shore.

North Shore, Oahu is the mecca of surfing. Here is where much of surfing was revolutionized and where the best surfers compete every year in events like Pipeline Masters or the Eddie. You will immediately feel the surf vibes once you get up there. Even though there are big and challenging waves only for the experts, there’s no need to be intimidated. You’ll find beginner spots and lighter crowds if you are in certain spots like coves which are protected from big swells. Just respect the locals.

3. Brazil

When most people think of Brazil, they think about samba, football, and amazing beaches. These of course all part of what makes this country wonderful but sometimes not known to others though is changing since the recent success of professional surfers native to this land, is its surf culture. With 7,367 kilometers(4,578 mi) of mostly tropical Atlantic coastline, you’ll find numerous spots with underrated surf potential.

Brazil is made up three coastal regions—the Northeast, Southeast, and South. Only the South isn’t really tropical it’s sub-tropical, the waves can get good there yet will be colder for most of the year. The Northeast has miles and miles of beaches and a lot of them uncrowded from Bahia to Maranhão. For the ultimate experience check out Fernando de Noronha, a designated natural park with some of the most beautiful scenery for surfing you’ll ever encounter.

The Southeast has the most consistent surf with strong swells from the Southern Atlantic hitting a good chunk of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro coast. Saquarema in the Região dos Lagos, Rio is known as the “Maracanã” or the capital of surf in Brazil. Here is where the annual World Surf League competition occurs, and some say the best waves in the country. In Rio you get the perfect mix of city and beach living.

4. South Pacific

If Hawaii is like the king of surf spots, the South Pacific Islands is the like the queen. This is where the Polynesian culture originated and in certain islands it’s just as original as it was thousands of years ago. The only borders here are made by the seemingly endless pacific ocean. There are hundreds of islands and atolls to choose from.

The most popular spots here are in French Polynesia(Tahiti), Fiji, and Samoa. It’s not just waves that are so special here it’s also the tropical backdrop of the islands and water surrounding them make this place even better. The South Pacific islands are famous for luxury honeymooners, but also avid surfers who want to ride some of the best waves on the planet. Fiji has world class waves in Cloudbreak(Kelly Slater’s favorite) and Restaurants.

Teahupoo, in Tahiti is regarded as one of the heaviest waves in the world. It’s a thick slab which breaks over reef and when it’s big it can also be very dangerous. Even if you don’t plan on surfing the wave it it’s definitely a sight to see. If you want to spare yourself, there are breaks around the island which are geared toward more intermediate surfers.

5. Central America and Mexico

For many people Central America and Mexico is one of the first places people travel for surfing. Being an optimal location in the middle of huge population areas in North and South America, Central America offers consistent, playful, and warm water surfing for all types of surfers. The Pacific coast or the Caribbean of side of this region has waves year around.

Traveling surfers have a lot to choose from in Central America and Mexico. The tropical Southern Mexico coast has very powerful waves including Mexican Pipeline in Puerto Escondido in the state of Oaxaca. Heading down through El Salvador until Panama there are hundreds breaks catering to the advanced surfers to ones who just want to learn and even unexplored spots in the Pacific Panama side. Costa Rica is the most developed out of all the places here, though some locales such as Mal Pais/Santa Teresa still maintain its rustic feel.

Puerto Rico’s NW side gets large North Atlantic swells during November-March so you can ride great waves in a famed Caribbean backdrop. There are islands that pick up good surf like Barbados, although it can be sometimes very fickle. If you’re looking for consistency and quality in this region, Nicaragua is probably you’re best bet. Nearly daily offshore winds coming off of Lake Managua make this place rarely one where you’re praying for surf.

6. Sri Lanka

This teardrop shaped island on the bottom of the Indian continent was referred to by Marco Polo during his travels as the world's greatest island of its size. The Southside of Sri Lanka receives the same swell as the ones that come to create Indonesian hot spots just usually not as strong since it's at higher latitude. Still, it’s a unique tropical locale not with just equatorial sunshine and warm water, it also has a very interesting and diverse culture. Size of the island isn’t a factor here as you can find reef breaks, beach breaks, and points from the Southeast to Southwest. Yearly monsoons create offshore winds here as well.

In Arugam Bay on the Southeast, surf gets solid May-October. If you find the main point crowded, there are still other spots short distance toward the south. The Southwest side surf season is during the other part of the year, with reef breaks for advanced surfers and mellow beach breaks for beginners. You can find plenty of accommodation around the Mirissa and Weligama areas with spots all around.

Getting around is easy with super convenient with tuk-tuks and their drivers familiar with the surrounding areas, you might even see an elephant crossing the road! By traveling to Sri Lanka for surfing you will be in one of the most diverse lineups in the world. All different folks from around the world come to experience the country and the surf.

7. Mozambique

Like it’s Lusophone cousin Brazil, Mozambique was once a Portuguese colony although in its case only became independent in 1975. Africa is a land fewer people travel looking to surf outside of Morocco and South Africa. Those places have world-class waves, just not the tropical weather. If you’re looking for a more adventurous experience with a tropical climate and possibility to explore new spots. Mozambique is the place to-go to for African surfing.

There’s the famous Ponta d’Ouro and area around Inhambane are already recognized with top waves. Here you can ride warm water point breaks that match some of the best in the world. Rumor is that pro surfer Mick Fanning has a found a secret spot, a long and perfect peeling right hander on a sand bottom. It hasn’t been disclosed but if it’s in Africa and surf-able with trunks so there’s a high chance it’s in Mozambique.

The best time to come surfing in Mozambique is during June-August, but there's consistent swell February-October you just might have to deal with onshore winds that make things bumpy. Even if you don’t want to spend your whole time surfing, the country has interesting sights and beautiful beaches. Surf and go check out a safari.