There are only a handful of magical places in the world that offer world-class scuba diving and world-class waves. Hence, these are the ultimate holiday destinations for surfers and divers alike, and for those who love both. Scroll down to discover these rare gems and learn about the best places to surf and scuba dive!

Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia

With relatively warm water, pristine reefs, perfect point breaks, and incredible visibility all year round, Nusa Lembongan is one of the best places in the world to surf and scuba dive. Luckily, the best time of year to do both falls between June and September. During these months, the water becomes colder, bringing the elusive mola mola, whale sharks, and occasionally thresher sharks, all in addition to residential year-round manta rays and vibrant coral reef life.

This time of year also sees the trade winds, making all surf breaks on Nusa Lembongan glassy or fun offshore, and also brings in pumping ground swells from the deep Indian Ocean. Even though you might have to dive in a 5mm wetsuit and surf in a 2mm top, it is a small price to pay when diving and surfing in paradise.

Costa Rica

Some of the world’s best diving is found in the Cocos Island Marine Park, a little ways off the coast of mainland Costa Rica. Best visited on a liveaboard, you can be lucky enough to witness spectacular sights of congregating hammerheads, giant and reef manta rays, tunas, dolphins, and a wealth of other pelagic species.

On mainland Costa Rica, the east and western coastlines are littered with surf spots and waves for all levels of surfers. The dry season months of December to March are better for beginner surfers, and the wet season months of May to November are more suitable for the rippers, with bigger swells arriving, though more inconsistent weather. Time this with the best months of diving in between June to September and you will have the best surf and scuba diving holiday ever!

South Africa

A vast and diverse nation, it’s safe to say that in terms of scuba and surf, South Africa is famous for its sardine run diving and top-tier breaks such as Jeffrey’s Bay. Though it might not be fast to get from point A to B, this vibrant land is a bucket list essential for any scuba diving surfer.

Some of the best shark diving in the world takes place off the coast of South Africa. Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks offer the rare chance to dive with bull sharks, tiger sharks, hammerheads, blacktips, guitar sharks, and even mysterious wrecks. If you’re aiming specifically for the sardine run, the months of June and July should be your target to visit the southeast coastline.

Fortunately, June to August are also the best times of the year to surf the breaks in Durban, just 50km north of Aliwal Shoal. Warmer and more assessable than J-Bay, Cape Town, and other well-known southern breaks, this can be your go-to surf town whilst also catching the once-in-a-lifetime sights of the sardine run!

Mozambique

Just north of South Africa lies the underdog gem of Mozambique. Up and coming, Mozambique has some of the most fun waves in the region, coupled with some of the best marine megafauna diving in the world.

The best time to surf in Mozambique is between June to July, when the swells are most consistent and the winds are offshore or not blowing at all. Of the many novelty waves, the most reliable are the breaks surrounding Tofo. This little idyllic surf town happens to be the perfect dive settlement too. Famous for manta rays, turtles, and whale sharks, the months of August to September will not let you down in seeing all the ‘big stuff’!

Farther south is Ponta do Ouro. A perfect place to learn how to surf, Ponta do Ouro also possesses some of the most spectacular diving in Africa. Juvenile hammerheads, bull sharks, and humpback whales frequent these waters between July to August, giving you the chance to work your way down the coastline of Mozambique and experience it all - the best surf and diving holiday in the world!

Now that you know it is possible to go on a surf and scuba dive adventure, don’t wait to try it out! Pack your boards, dry your gear, and join us on the road today!

Written by Kayli Wouters

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