The world’s best surf charter destinations.

From the Maldives to Fiji or Indonesia, discover some of the world’s best surfing locations on board a surf yacht charter holiday with Burgess.

Set sail for adventure aboard a yacht of your choosing and discover a brave new world of surf. When relaxing in calm seas no longer hits the sweet spot, a surfing yacht charter might just be the answer. Ride a wave of opportunity across the globe, from Indonesia and Australia to the Maldives and Fiji, and experience hidden pockets of the planet from both yacht and surfboard.  

What is a surf charter? 

A yacht charter is about sharing unrivalled experiences with friends and family in a private setting with first rate service. A surf charter is about gaining access to the best uncrowded waves possible, surfing whatever time of day you choose, and hopping between locations to keep variety and interest high. When combined, the ultimate surfing platform comes into play, where sports and exploration unite in the most unprecedented way. 

Where should I go on a surfing yacht charter? 

As with all yacht charters, the world is your oyster. When dedicating your days at sea to the gnarly sport of surfing, selecting a region where the waves are guaranteed will help to optimise your charter experience. From the barrel waves of French Polynesia to Australia’s point break, life-affirming opportunities ride high for all ages and abilities, paired with the activities, privacy and hottest anchorages that are par for the course on a superyacht charter. 

Mentawai Islands, Indonesia  

The Mentawai Island chain is located off the western coast of Sumatra in Indonesia. Offering orangutan jungle trekking and slow boat sailing, the Mentawais are also renowned for producing some of the world's best surf. A Mentawai surf charter places guests in the heart of big rollers, with dedicated surf resorts, such as Kandui, providing a slice of surfer chic paradise. With over 15 waves on the island and an additional 30 waves just a short boat ride away, the options are endless, from the fun of the consistent Four Bobs to the left-hand barrels at Dog Reef. 

North Male, Maldives 

Best known for thier white sands, palm-fringed beaches and shallow waters, the Maldives are not widely recognised as an archetypal surf destination. But with central atolls awash with south-facing reefs that produce a large selection of breaks, and the wind-protected North Male atolls that deliver regular swells and perfect reef setups, the Maldives archipelago has fast become a surfing mecca. The best time for a dedicated Maldives surf charter is from May to August when the waves peak. To avoid crowds, head for South Male Atoll, which receives less swell but is more secluded and offers greater opportunities for surfers of all ages to score empty line-ups. 

Tavarua Island, Fiji 

Surrounded by a coral reef and recognised by its distinctive heart shape, Tavarua Island in Fiji is a hot yachting surf spot. Founded in 1981 by resort owner Dave Clark, Tavarua Island is now an eco-focused legend among surfers. The entire island is ringed by incredible waves and pristine underwater seascapes, but a trip to Tavarua must include a visit to Tavarua Rights. Located on the south-west side of the island, this right hander wave ranges from playful to challenging depending on the swell. It's best experienced on a medium to high tide providing fun for all levels of surfers and all types of boards. 

Gold Coast, Australia 

When you think of Australia, you think of the surf. So, it’s unsurprising that a Gold Coast yacht charter enjoys a symbiotic relationship with the sport. The Gold Coast has some of the best and most consistent waves in the nation, with 70km of beaches and four epic point breaks. It even has a suburb named Surfers Paradise, but those in the know head to Currumbin Alley (known to locals as 'the Alley'), one of the most famous breaks on the Gold Coast with consistent, world-class waves, or Queensland’s Superbank, a large, man-made sandbank that creates one of the longest wave rides in the world. And it’s all located along the yachting hub of the Great Barrier Reef. 

Surin Beach, Phuket 

At Surin Beach, an 800m-long stretch of sandy heaven, intermediate and higher-level surfers ride with waves reaching up to two metres high. It sits in an area known as Millionaire's Row on Phuket's west coast. Its multitude of high-end boutiques and resorts make it an ideal stop off on a surfing yacht charter, though development along Surin Beach itself has reversed in recent years gifting those who visit with a pristine, untouched stretch of sand offering big swells and fast barrel waves. 

Tahiti, French Polynesia 

The French Polynesian islands set in the South Pacific offer an abundance of secluded anchorages and some of the most spectacular diving in the world. Lesser known is the French Polynesian surfing scene, with Tahiti proving one of the biggest draws for its sheer range of surf. Whether relative beginners or seasoned surfers, Papenoo Rivermouth on the north shore of Tahiti Nui is one of the top beach breaks. Experienced surfers should head to Taapuna, a fast and powerful break, while Vairao offers steep, hollow barrel waves and a wall of water hundreds of metres long. 

Byron Bay, Australia 

Australia’s Byron Bay is a year-round charter and surf destination. That said, those looking for consistent, big swells will find the winter months of June to August the optimum time to visit. The beauty of Byron Bay, aside from its endless days of summer, is the variety of waves and beaches guaranteed to suit all types of surfers, board and experience. For the locals, however, it’s all about the Cape, which sticks further out into the Pacific than any other piece of Aussie mainland providing an ideal anchorage. On the tip where a reef and sand point break combine is Watego's and Little Watego's, but the Pass is Byron's serious point - a long, winding right that starts close to a rock outcrop and peels down toward Clark's Beach. 

Uluwatu and Kuta, Indonesia 

For many charter guests, it’s the privacy that a superyacht offers that appeals the most, so a surfing destination that provides a similar level of seclusion is high on the list. Indonesia’s Bali beaches do just that. At Kuta, the waves break all along the two-kilometre stretch, gifting beginner surfers with space to spread out and learn at their own pace on waves that are soft waist-to knee-high runners. For the more serious contenders, Uluwatu  is a world-famous favourite located on the southern tip of Bali and offering up some of the best waves around. 

Himmafushi Island, Maldives 

If you’ve heard of Jailbreaks, you’ve no doubt visited the top-rated surf spot in the Maldives. Himmafushi Island pairs right-hand waves with clear, bath-warm waters. It’s one of the closest islands to the capital city of Malé, which makes it a highly popular, well-trafficked area. Arrive early, get in some incredible morning surfing, and then head out on the yacht once the day trippers arrive. 

Kata Beach, Phuket 

Phuket’s Kata Beach is prized for its beauty, facilities and stretch of renowned breaks. Year-round it forms the core of Thailand's surfing culture, but during monsoon season, it ups the ante, peaking as a surfing haven. Keen surfers from far and wide head to the long stretch of beach to catch waves rolling into the beach break. Just be mindful that when the waves are decent, the crowds gather. 

Discover your perfect surf charter destination with Burgess. Enquire now 

To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for charter and yachts for sale, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.