Best Budget Surf Trips That Won't Break the Bank (Much)

One of the main reasons surfers tend not to travel further afield is down to one thing—cost. Why should you spend your hard-earned coin going halfway round the world when you can find decent surf way closer to home for half the price? Surf travel can be transformative—but that doesn't mean much if you've broken your bank beyond repair to get there.

Some surf locales over the globe relish in an ultra-luxury offering, with exclusive waves, spas, pools, AAA restaurants and the comforts of home. Others focus on one thing: giving you a bed, safe in the knowledge that you'll be surfed out after a day in the drink, and where that bed is doesn't really matter.

If you're leaning towards a budget-friendly surf tip that's not going to make your bank account flip out, here's a list of where to go and when.

El Salvador – Pointbreaks Galore

Surf City is where you want to head to in El Salvador—the stretch of coast that encompasses El Tunco, La Libertad and Punta Roca, a wave-rich area where you won't be short of options. Think consistent point breaks, warm water and surf culture built around affordable hostels and hotels. Flights from many airports are often short and cheap, compared with other international trips. And once you're there, the cost on the ground tends to be low.

El Salvador is good for the surfer looking for right-hand point perfection. Hostel dorms or guesthouses start from $10 to $30 per night. Local meals will set you back a couple of bucks, and surf guides and board rentals are priced for budget travelers. Head out in the shoulder season months, April to June, to maximize budget efficiency.

Nicaragua – The Boom

If you love beachbreak barrels—pop Nicaragua at the top of your budget surf bucket list because you are unlikely to find anything quite like this close to home. Warm water, mostly chilled in the water—and enough beaches to make you grin, Nicaragua's a solid choice for the cash-strapped surfer. Surf camps and hostels are massively affordable and often include lessons or board rental packages that keep daily costs down.

It’s an excellent choice for groups and for surfers who like to road-trip between breaks. Hostel packages and all-inclusive meals can help reduce costs; however, expect somewhat modest transfer fees from Managua. Consider renting a car and splitting the cost among your buddies for full flexibility.

Mexico – Baja Peninsula and Beyond

Baja's a right of passage. From the West Coast, Mexico's favorite peninsula is a short trip and a cheap one, too. Ensenada, Scorpion Bay and nearby surf spots offer long waves rolling into the distance and rustic surf towns where you can camp or stay in inexpensive hotels.

A bit further south, Puerto Escondido is one of the best big waves on the planet. It can be pricier during peak season, but traveling off-peak helps keep costs down. Domestic flights can be affordable if booked in advance or during a sale. Street food and mercado meals will also help cut daily expenses. Head out in May through October for the best waves.

Related: 5 of the Most Luxurious Surf Resorts on the Planet

Peru – World's Longest Wave

One of the longest waves in the world is housed in Peru. Chicama is a wave marvel and can run for kilometers into the distance. It's also relatively easy to get to without breaking the bank. Northern spots near Trujillo and Chicama can be really affordable, local surf hostels offer package stays and eating is cheap.

Peru is particularly budget-friendly for extended trips where accommodation and food dominate costs. If you go to Peru, it's best to travel slower. Stay for longer in one town to keep rates lower and a better chance of getting to know the points around the country. Also, fun tip: Look for surf packages that include transfers to remote pointbreaks to save cash.

Portugal – Algarve

For those on the U.S. East Coast, the Old Continent's not too far away. You're looking at a seven-hour flight straight to Lisbon, and from there, you can travel north to Nazaré or south to the warmer climates of the Algarve.

What makes Portugal a budget-friendly surf trip is that the locations around the Algarve can be relatively inexpensive to stay, especially in the wintertime when you get the best swells rifling in from the North Atlantic. The crowds are way lower in the fall and winter months, too—you'll need a 3mm wetsuit, but that's kind of it. You can always fly into Faro, too, and consider basing yourself along the south coast or in surf towns like Sagres. That way, you have access to both coastlines. Hire a car for ease and explore the area without putting a strain on your wallet.

Tips To Make Surf Travel Cheaper

Consider booking a surf camp with everything included—meals, board rental and transfers. Set up flight alerts and keep your calendar open if you can. Cheap flights pop up all the time, so it's worth figuring out how to be agile. If you go with pals, you can split the cost of everything, including car hire, rooms and even the food bill if you go self-catered. A good example of ultra-budget rooms should cost between $25 and $45 per day in a hostel. For a private room, you can expect to pay around $50 to $100 per day.

Base your trip around the flight prices, as this will be your major investment point. El Salvador will give you the best bang for your buck in terms of wave quality. Peru offers relentless pointbreaks, and if you're happy with flights costing a bit more, head to Portugal for a quintessentially European surf adventure.

Related: These 9 Island Surf Destinations Are Totally Worth the Trip