Canggu consists of small coastal villages and features five main beaches, each with unique characteristics and surf spots:

• Echo Beach
• Batu Bolong Beach
• Berawa Beach
• Pererenan Beach
• Nelayan Beach

Some of these beaches offer multiple breaks for different skill levels, making Canggu a versatile spot for surfers of all abilities.

Echo Beach

One of Canggu’s most iconic beaches, Echo Beach, is known for its black sand and stunning views. It features three main surf spots: Echo Beach Left (also known as Stairs), The Sandbar, and River Mouth.

• Stairs (Echo Beach Left)
  Named after the stairs that connect the beach to nearby cafes, this left-hand reef break offers barreling sections perfect for advanced surfers. It works best at mid to high tide, as low tide exposes the reef.
• The Sandbar
  Located between Stairs and River Mouth, this A-frame wave allows both left and right rides. It’s ideal for advanced maneuvers and aerials, thanks to its sandy bottom and punchy peaks.
• River Mouth
  The highlight of Echo Beach, this right-hand break is known for its powerful barrels and challenging energy. Best suited for experienced surfers, it shines at high tide.

Batu Bolong Beach

Located near Canggu’s bustling center, Batu Bolong is perfect for beginners and longboarders. It features two main breaks:

• Batu Bolong
  A mellow left-and-right break that stretches over 100 meters, ideal for beginners. The gentle slope of its waves attracts crowds, so surfing early in the morning is recommended.
• Old Man’s
  Situated across the channel, Old Man’s is also beginner-friendly with consistent and soft waves. However, during bigger swells, the right-hand waves tend to close out, leaving the lefts in better condition.

Berawa Beach

Berawa offers a mix of beach and reef breaks, making it ideal for intermediate surfers. Its main spots include:

• The Peak: A versatile wave that can run up to 80 meters, great for beginners on smaller days.
• The Ledge: A reef break that activates with larger swells, offering fast rides for advanced surfers.
• The Bombie: Located further out, this right-hand wave breaks with big swells and is less crowded than other spots.

Pererenan Beach

This black-sand beach north of Echo Beach features both left and right reef breaks. It’s a quieter option, ideal for intermediate surfers.

Nelayan Beach

A peaceful stretch between Berawa and Batu Bolong, Nelayan offers decent waves, though its quality can be affected by wind. It’s also a popular spot for kitesurfing when the wind picks up.

Beginners:
Batu Bolong and Old Man’s are the best spots for beginners, with their gentle and forgiving waves. The Peak at Berawa Beach is another great option on smaller days.

Intermediates:
Berawa and Batu Bolong are ideal, as their waves are easy to read and provide ample time for maneuvers. Echo Beach and Pererenan are additional options, though often busier.

Advanced:
Experienced surfers will love the challenging peaks at Echo Beach and Pererenan, especially at River Mouth or The Sandbar.

Bali offers waves year-round, but the best time to surf in Canggu is during the dry season (April to October). During this period, southeast trade winds create clean and consistent waves.

The wet season (November to March) also has its charm. While rain is frequent, the waves are smaller and more stable, making it a great time for beginners. The quieter lineups during this season provide a more relaxed experience.

Accommodation:
Beachfront options are limited and pricey, but there are plenty of affordable places inland, just a 10-minute scooter ride from the beaches.

Food Scene:
Canggu is a culinary haven with new restaurants opening constantly. There are a lot of perfect places for enjoying breakfast or lunch with ocean views.

Activities Off the Water:
The nightlife in Canggu is lively, with beach clubs. Yoga studios, gyms, spas, and coworking spaces also make it a favorite for digital nomads.

Tides and Conditions
Canggu is a surf versatile destination regarding tides, but each spot has its optimal point:
• Low tide: Tends to work best at beaches like Batu Bolong and Old Man’s, where the sandy bottom is safer.
• Mid-high tide: Ideal for Echo Beach and Pererenan, as the reef is less dangerous, and the waves tend to be more powerful and defined.
Additionally, wind is a crucial factor. Mornings are usually calm, offering ideal offshore wind conditions, while afternoons, especially during the dry season, can be affected by onshore breezes that can make the sea messy.

Wave Size
• Small waves (1-2 feet): Perfect for beginners, with gentle breaks at Batu Bolong and The Peak in Berawa.
• Medium waves (3-5 feet): Ideal for intermediate surfers, with optimal conditions at Echo Beach and Pererenan.
• Large waves (6 feet and above): Challenging for advanced surfers, with spots like River Mouth and The Bombie in Berawa offering faster and more powerful sections.

Crowd and Water Etiquette
Canggu is known to be a very crowded destination, especially at popular spots like Batu Bolong and Echo Beach. Surfers must practice water etiquette, respecting turns on the waves and avoiding snaking (taking someone else’s wave).
To avoid the crowds:
• Surf early in the morning (before 7 am).
• Look for less crowded spots like Pererenan or The Bombie.
• Explore spots further from the main areas.

Recommended Board Types
The type of board you choose depends on your level and the conditions:
• Beginners: Soft-top boards or longboards are ideal for the gentle, long waves at Batu Bolong and Old Man’s.
• Intermediate: Funboards or shortboards for maneuvers at Berawa and Echo Beach.
• Advanced: High-performance shortboards or step-ups to handle the powerful waves at River Mouth or The Bombie.

Canggu is a great place to improve your surf skills, as it hosts numerous surf schools and experienced coaches. Classes typically include theory, water practice, and video analysis to correct techniques. Some notable options include:
• Group classes for beginners
• Advanced or intermediate coaching at more challenging spots. If you already have experience and want to take your skills to the next level, you can hire a coach to analyze your technique and help you improve specific aspects like maneuvers and wave positioning.

• Recommendations: Look for certified instructors with good reviews. A session with a good coach can make a significant difference in your progress.

One standout recommendation is our school, Elite Surf Coaching, offering expert instructors and a combination of theory and practice to elevate your surfing skills.

Crowds: The more famous spots can fill up quickly, especially during high season. This can make it hard for beginners to find space to practice.

Variable conditions: Although Canggu is known for its consistency, tides and winds can change quickly, affecting wave quality.

Reefs and currents: Beaches like Echo Beach and Pererenan have reef bottoms that can be dangerous during low tides. Additionally, some spots have strong currents, so it’s important to be cautious and heed local advice.

While the popular spots are the most mentioned, there are some lesser-visited corners that might be interesting:
• Pecos: A small spot in Pererenan that works well with medium waves. Ideal for those looking for quality waves without much competition.
• Secret Spot in Berawa: On the far right of Berawa, often less crowded, you can find fast and consistent waves, especially with mid-tide.

Beyond the waves, the surf community in Canggu is very diverse and welcoming. From beginners to professional surfers, it’s easy to find people to share experiences with in and out of the water. The relaxed atmosphere of the cafés and beach clubs offers ideal spaces to socialize and enjoy the surf culture.
Surfing in Canggu doesn’t stop when you leave the water. This town is also famous for its laid-back lifestyle and numerous options to unwind:
• Cafés and Restaurants: Enjoy healthy breakfasts and acai bowls at places like Crate Café or Shady Shack.
• Yoga and Relaxation: Many studios in Canggu offer yoga and meditation classes, perfect to complement your surf routine.
• Nightlife: After surfing, stop for a cold beer and good music.
Canggu is also a great place to make friends, thanks to its international surf community that shares a common love for the waves and lifestyle.

• Respect local rules: Locals have priority on waves. Be polite and avoid conflicts by following surf etiquette.
• Use eco-friendly sunscreen: Protect your skin and care for the marine ecosystem by using biodegradable sunscreens.
• Proper equipment: Beginners should opt for larger foam boards for greater stability, while advanced surfers can use shortboards.
• Avoid the crowd: If you want to enjoy less crowded waves, try surfing early in the morning or at sunset.
• Explore at sunrise: You’ll not only find better conditions in the water, but also less crowded beaches.
• Know the lunar calendar: During full moon or new moon, tides are more extreme, which can influence conditions.
• Connect with locals: Local surfers often have valuable information about the day’s conditions and the best times to surf.

Canggu has become the heart of surfing and modern life in Bali. With a mix of waves for all levels, a vibrant community, and leisure options for every taste, this destination has something to offer both surfers and those looking to relax in a dynamic environment.
Canggu combines waves for all levels, a welcoming community, and a lifestyle that encourages relaxation and connection. Whether you’re a beginner surfer or a veteran, this destination has something special for you. Its landscapes, energy, and culture make Canggu a unique place in the world.

Prepare your board and get ready to experience the best of Canggu surfing! We guarantee it will be an unforgettable adventure.