March is genuinely one of the best months on the surf calendar — and one of the most underrated. In the Northern Hemisphere, winter swells are still pumping but starting to lose their worst aggression, giving intermediates a real window to surf spots that would have been too heavy in January. In the Southern Hemisphere, the season is flipping: swell consistency builds, crowds thin, and water stays warm. Whether you want barreling reef breaks, long mellow points to work on your turns, or a tropical first-timer trip — March delivers.
Ten destinations worth your attention this month: eight that earn their spot on every best-of list for good reason, and two your mates probably haven’t heard of.
Quick Overview — Where to Surf in March
- Mentawai Islands, Indonesia — Season opener, first SW swells, 70+ world-class breaks, almost no crowds
- Taghazout, Morocco — Long point breaks, warming weather, 90% swell consistency
- Santa Teresa, Costa Rica — Season just opening, warm water, no wetsuit needed
- The Maldives — Indian Ocean season starting, hollow reef breaks, luxury setting
- Sri Lanka — End of season magic, warm reef points, incredible value
- Ericeira, Portugal — Europe’s surf reserve, powerful winter swells still firing
- El Salvador — Uncrowded right-hand points, first south swells arriving
- Byron Bay, Australia — Cyclone swells building, warm water, iconic surf town
- Dakhla, Western Sahara — Hidden gem: Sahara meets the Atlantic, almost no crowds
- Rote Island, Indonesia — Hidden gem: Feels like Bali in 2005, still virtually undiscovered
Mentawai Islands, Indonesia
March is when the Mentawais wake up. The South Indian Ocean starts generating its first serious winter swells, the charter boats are barely a third full compared to June peak season, and you’re surfing Rifles, Macaronis, Bank Vaults, and Lance’s Right with lineups that would be unthinkable two months later. Over 70 world-class reef breaks scattered across 70 islands, 150 km off the coast of Sumatra — still one of the most wave-dense places on the planet. The early-season swells tend to sit in that 4–6 ft range that is powerful enough to deliver the barrels the Mentawais are famous for, without the 10 ft closeouts that separate the serious from the suicidal. Glassy mornings are the norm near the equator, the water is 27–28°C year-round, and the remote jungle backdrop makes it feel like you discovered surfing all over again.
Season opener — first SW swells, empty lineups, 70+ world-class breaks.
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Early-season SW swells, half-empty charter boats, glassy mornings. Intermediates find Macaronis and Pitstops very surfable; advanced surfers get Rifles and Bank Vaults nearly to themselves before the crowds arrive in May.
Where to Stay
- Kandui Villas — Playgrounds, Siberut · ★ 4.9 · eco-friendly boutique resort steps from Rifles and Bank Vaults, all-inclusive with dedicated surf boats and expert local guides
- Macaronis Resort — North Pagai · ★ 4.8 · one of the original Mentawai land camps, private island directly in front of Macaronis, suits intermediates and advanced equally
- Liveaboard charter (Indies Trader / Huey / Tengirri) — Full archipelago · ★ 4.8 · the classic Mentawai experience, wake up at the break, chase the swell across 70+ islands, prices from ~$250/day all-inclusive
Taghazout, Morocco
Morocco in March sits in a golden window most surf travelers miss. The heavy winter swells have calmed — no more dodging 12 ft closeouts — but the Atlantic is still very much alive. Consistent 4–6 ft point breaks all day, warming sun, thinning crowds. Anchor Point delivers long mechanical rights for experienced surfers. Hash Point and Panoramas are more forgiving. And between sessions: markets, mint tea, tagines, and coastal scenery that’s easier to reach from Europe than it has any right to be.
Mechanical right-hand points, warm sun, empty shoulder-season lineups.
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90% swell consistency, warming weather, and crowds thinning after peak winter. Beach breaks for beginners, world-class points for the rest. Morocco over-delivers every time.
Where to Stay
- Zen Surf Morocco — Taghazout · ★ 4.9 · only camp directly on the beach at Banana Point, rooftop terrace, pool, yoga included
- Hashpoint Surf Camp — Taghazout · ★ 4.8 · ocean-view rooms, stone’s throw from Hash Point & Anchor Point, surf guiding all levels
- Chillout Surf Camp — Tamraght · ★ 4.8 · family-friendly, all-inclusive meals, pool, 15+ years experience, great for solo travelers
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
March marks the opening of Santa Teresa’s main surf season — 81% swell consistency and barely any crowds yet. The beach breaks over volcanic rock and sand, offering mellow rollers in the morning, punchier sections mid-day, and occasional proper barrels for those who know where to sit. No wetsuit. Warm water, jungle backdrop, fresh ceviche, monkeys between sets. Go before the high season catches on.
Beach break paradise at season open — warm, uncrowded, all levels.
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Season just opened, crowds haven’t arrived. Multiple peaks along a long beach mean you always find your spot. Boardshorts, warm water, jungle vibes — easy yes.
Where to Stay
- Lapoint Surf Camp — Santa Teresa · ★ 4.9 · 5-min walk from beach, all levels, yoga included, jungle + ocean setting
- Dreamsea Santa Teresa — Playa Hermosa · ★ 4.8 · beachfront, all-level waves on the doorstep, social atmosphere
- Blue Surf Sanctuary — Mal Pais · ★ 4.8 · boutique bungalows, Billabong-sponsored, near Suck Rock break, yoga & massage on site
The Maldives
March is the opening act of the Maldives surf season and arguably the best time to go — waves are building, peak-season crowds haven’t arrived, and the water is crystal clear over coral. Fast, hollow reef breaks, spitting lefts, rights with multiple sections. Most breaks are accessed by boat from a resort or liveaboard, which keeps lineups small and wave count high. This is not a beginner destination — shallow reef is unforgiving. For everyone else, it’s a trip you’ll talk about for a long time.
Fast, hollow Indian Ocean reef breaks — pre-peak season, small lineups.
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Boat-access breaks keep crowds minimal. Reef booties essential. Pack reef-safe sunscreen only — protected marine environment. Worth every penny of the higher price tag.
Where to Stay
- Six Senses Laamu — Laamu Atoll · ★ 4.9 · 5-star eco-luxury, 5 surf spots on doorstep, world-class guiding program
- MV Adora Liveaboard — North Malé Atolls · ★ 4.8 · luxury tri-deck yacht, all-inclusive, hits Cokes, Chickens, Sultans & Jailbreaks
- Surf Yoga Maldives — Himmafushi Island · ★ 4.7 · budget-friendly local island stay, 10-min walk to Jailbreaks, yoga sessions included
Sri Lanka
March sits right at the tail end of Sri Lanka’s west and south coast surf season — and that’s exactly why it’s worth going now rather than waiting. The Indian Ocean swell is still consistent, the crowds of peak December–February have thinned, and the water is warm enough to surf in boardshorts all day. Arugam Bay on the east coast is technically in its off-season in March, but the south coast gems — Midigama, Weligama, Ahangama — are still very much alive. Long, gentle reef points, affordable everything, and a pace of life that makes it very easy to stay longer than planned.
Gentle reef points, warm Indian Ocean, incredible value — end of season sweet spot.
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Midigama’s Lazy Left is a mellow, forgiving wave perfect for progression. Ahangama reef breaks add a bit more punch for intermediates. Everything is affordable, the food is exceptional, and the south coast remains genuinely beautiful.
Where to Stay
- Naomi Beach Hotel — Midigama · ★ 4.9 · right on Coconuts Beach, ocean-view rooms with pool, 100m paddle to the break
- Lapoint Sri Lanka — Ahangama · ★ 4.8 · consistently top-rated, ISA instructors, strong community, good reef access
- Dreamsea Sri Lanka — Ahangama · ★ 4.8 · beachfront, all levels, great social atmosphere, surf lessons 6 days a week
Ericeira, Portugal
Europe’s only World Surfing Reserve, and in March it’s still firing. Winter swells haven’t fully died down yet, which means Ribeira d’Ilhas — Ericeira’s crown jewel right-hand point — is working with overhead surf and relatively manageable crowds compared to its October–February peak. It’s cold by tropical standards (water around 15°C), but the quality of waves more than compensates. Forty minutes from Lisbon, you get world-class surf, excellent seafood, and one of the most authentically Portuguese surf towns still left in Europe.
Europe’s surf reserve, winter swell still pumping — cold water, world-class waves.
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95% swell consistency in March. Ribeira d’Ilhas hosts WSL events for good reason. Coxos for heavy barrels, Pedra Branca for intermediate reef. 40 minutes from Lisbon — the most accessible world-class surf in Europe.
Where to Stay
- Rapture Surf Camp — Ericeira · ★ 4.9 · traditional Portuguese villa on Foz do Lizandro beach, legendary in-house chef dinners
- Lapoint Ericeira — Ericeira · ★ 4.8 · cliff-top with Atlantic views, all levels, yoga + healthy breakfast included
- Laneez Surf House — Ericeira · ★ 4.8 · boutique oceanfront, fireplace rooms, run by ex-national longboard champion, 30m from surf
El Salvador
Late March is El Salvador’s sweet spot — the dry season is wrapping up, temperatures are perfect, and the first south swells of the year start arriving to light up the right-hand points. Punta Roca is the headline act: a long, mechanical right that lets you link maneuver after maneuver on walls that seem to go on forever. El Zonte and El Tunco offer more forgiving options for beginners and intermediates. El Salvador doesn’t get the attention of Costa Rica or Mexico, which means the lineups are cleaner, the prices are lower, and the vibe is more relaxed. Arguably Central America’s most underrated surf destination.
Right-hand points firing as the first south swells arrive — Central America’s hidden ace.
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Punta Roca is world-class — long rights, multiple sections, ideal for linking turns. El Zonte for intermediates, El Tunco for the social scene. Late March is the sweet spot: dry season + first south swells = perfect timing.
Where to Stay
- Puro Surf Hotel & Academy — El Zonte · ★ 4.9 · El Salvador’s premier surf resort, infinity pool over the break, first professional surf academy in the country
- Lapoint El Sunzal — El Sunzal · ★ 4.8 · right in front of El Sunzal point break, walking distance to El Tunco restaurants and nightlife
- Boca Olas Resort — El Tunco · ★ 4.7 · nicest resort in El Tunco, rivermouth location near La Bocana break, great pool and vibe
Byron Bay, Australia
March is when Byron Bay starts to come alive again after a relatively quiet summer. Cyclone season in the Coral Sea sends groundswells up the east coast, swell consistency climbs to around 85%, and the summer holiday crowds have gone home. The water is still warm at 23°C, the vibe is relaxed, and The Pass delivers one of Australia’s most enjoyable right-hand point breaks. Not the heaviest surf you’ll ever find, but one of the most fun — and Byron’s combination of waves, lifestyle, and scenery is hard to beat anywhere in the world.
Cyclone swells building, summer crowds gone — Byron Bay at its most enjoyable.
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The Pass is one of Australia’s great point breaks — long, mellow rights that suit all levels. Wategos for longboarders. Broken Head for more power. 85% swell consistency and warm water through March. The vibe alone is worth the flight.
Where to Stay
- Soul Surf School Camp — Byron Bay · ★ 4.9 · TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 15 years running, 2025 NSW Tourism Award, beachfront access
- Surf Camp Byron Bay — Byron Bay · ★ 4.8 · the original (since 1996), absolute beachfront, 1-min walk through dunes to the breaks
- Mojosurf Byron Bay — Byron Bay · ★ 4.7 · Arts Factory Lodge, bohemian vibe, 2–7 day packages, daily lessons + transport included
Hidden Gems — March Edition
These two won’t show up on your competitors’ roundups. Harder to get to, less polished, and exactly worth it for that reason.
Dakhla, Western Sahara
A long sand peninsula where the Sahara desert meets the Atlantic Ocean. The lagoon side is vast, turquoise, and flat — beloved by kite surfers. The ocean side gets consistent swell with left-hand points and beach breaks and, in March, virtually nobody out. Pink desert sunsets, dunes meeting ocean, silence between sets. Infrastructure is basic — that’s the trade-off for surfing quality waves in a place that looks like a fever dream. If you want something genuinely different this month, Dakhla is it.
Where the Sahara meets the swell — completely empty lineups.
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Punchy beach breaks and left-hand points with almost no one out. Dawn sessions are completely empty. Direct flight from Casablanca. Small kite and surf camps on the peninsula — basic but great local knowledge.
Where to Stay
- Dakhla Attitude — Dakhla Peninsula · ★ 4.8 · most established camp on the peninsula, surf + kite packages, great local guides, desert-meets-ocean setting
- Ocean Vagabond Dakhla — Dakhla Peninsula · ★ 4.7 · beachfront bungalows, full-board packages, surf and kite guiding, one of the originals in Dakhla
Rote Island, Indonesia
Two hops west of Bali, past Lombok, Sumbawa, and Flores — Indonesia’s westernmost island, and one of its best-kept surf secrets. T-Land (Boa Beach) is the main break: a long, wrapping left with multiple barrel sections, playful shoulders, and rides that last longer than they should. Warm water, clear over coral, and lineups that feel like what Bali must have been in the early 2000s. Pack spare fins — there is no surf shop on the island, and the nearest one is in Kupang.
Indonesia’s best-kept secret — a wrapping left that goes on and on.
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The journey is the filter — and that’s exactly what keeps it uncrowded. Fly Bali → Kupang → Rote, add a day each way, and arrive somewhere that still feels like a discovery. Pack spare fins and a repair kit. No surf shop on the island.
Where to Stay
- Nemberala Beach Resort — Nemberala · ★ 4.8 · best-known stay on the island, bungalows steps from T-Land, knowledgeable local guides
- Tirosa Surf Camp — Nemberala · ★ 4.7 · small, intimate camp, right by the T-Land lineup, simple and honest surf-focused setup
