Home to one of the world’s heaviest waves, Puerto Escondido regularly tops the list of Mexico’s best surf spots, making it a great place to learn. Playa Zicatela is where the waves are at their most intense, so if you’re a beginner, take a private class on Playa Carrizalillo and La Punta, both perfect for getting to grips with the water. Plus, nearby Palmarito Beach boasts its very own Sea Turtle Rescue offering evening release tours, making for a great way to unwind after a day’s surfing.

Perched on Portugal’s Atlantic Coast—all of which is a bucket-list destination for boardmasters—the tiny and traditional fishing village of Nazaré really packs a punch when it comes to giant waves: Garrett McNamara, Rodrigo Koxa, and Sebastian Steudtner have all broken Guinness World Records here for riding the biggest waves ever recorded. Take a day trip from Lisbon to learn more about the town’s high surf legacy or look up a local school to best your own chances of breaking records.

Turquoise waves lap the black sands of this ultra-cool spot on the Indonesian island of Bali. As famous for its waves as for its yoga studios, boutique shops, and bougie brunch spots, Canggu serves up swells that have a reputation as some of the region’s most fun. The resort offers lesson and location options for beginner through to advanced-level surfers and is within easy reach of other island attractions, such as Tanah Lot Temple and the white-sand beaches of Seminyak.

Haul on your wetsuit before heading to the beach breaks along Cape Town’s gorgeous coastline. Just 30 minutes from the city center, Surfer’s Corner in Muizenberg is ideal for beginners, while the more advanced swells of the uncrowded Scarborough Beach, out towards Cape Point, promise to deliver thrills and spills aplenty on this jagged South African peninsula.

Thanks to their prime position between Africa and Europe, the Canary Islands are exposed to strong off-shore winds that result in top-class surfing opportunities. While Lanzarote and Tenerife both offer excellent breaks, the surf town of Corralejo on Fuerteventura is home to several surf schools offering beginner-friendly tutorials and intermediate sessions, plus easy access to further-out beaches including Cotillo and El Hierro, both surrounded by dramatic volcanic landscapes.

While the accolades of highest and heaviest waves have already been snapped up, Chicama on Peru’sNorth Coast boasts the longest. Hailed as one of Peru’s top surfing destinations, alongside the party town of Mancora and the relaxed fishing village of Huanchaco, Chicama has the best surfing conditions during the summer months of December through March. You’ll need time to practice riding the long-peel waves, so look out for a full-day class.

No self-respecting list of top surf spots could skip Australia, home to the literal Surfers Paradise. This world-famous beach resort might be backed by high-rise hotels, but a bohemian surf culture still reigns supreme—the beach is awash with surf schools ready to teach every level of surfer. After, stay in the water on a snorkeling tour that reveals the rich variety of Queensland’s marine life.

Hailed as the homeland of the sport—12th-century cave paintings show people riding waves on early boards—Hawaii is the ultimate surfing destination. Oahu’s North Shore offers breaks ideal for both experts and beginners, with fully customizable classes available. It’s also home to Ehukai Beach, where you’ll find the world-famous Banzai Pipeline. For something a bit less intense, Waikiki is also a great spot to catch some sweet swell in a small-group session.

Hemmed in by the Pacific and Caribbean oceans, Costa Rica benefits from constant swells on both sides. While there’s stiff competition for the country’s best surf town, the crest crown has to go to Tamarindo—a town built on waves. It might be much busier than other hot spots, but a single bay with breaks for every level makes it the ideal place to learn and develop your surfing skills. Plus, there’s plenty of wildlife to discover, as well as a fun-packed party scene for after the sun sets.