Surfing in Phuket – Ride the Island’s Tropical Waves

Phuket may be famous for its beaches and nightlife, but it’s also home to a surprisingly vibrant surfing scene. From gentle beach breaks ideal for beginners to stronger monsoon swells that draw seasoned riders, surfing in Phuket is growing in popularity every year. Add to that the island’s year-round warmth, laid-back beach towns, and surf-ready beaches, and it’s easy to see why Phuket is becoming a serious surf destination in Thailand.

If you’re planning a trip and want to catch a wave or two, whether for the first time or the hundredth, this guide will take you through the best surf spots, when to go, where to rent a board, and how to make the most of your surfing adventure on the island.

When Is the Best Time to Surf in Phuket?

The best surf season in Phuket runs from May to October, during the southwest monsoon. This is when the Andaman Sea stirs up consistent swells that reach beaches on the island’s west coast. Expect waist-to-head-high waves depending on the day and location. The rest of the year, from November to April, the sea becomes calmer and flatter—great for swimming and snorkeling but not so much for surfing.

Mornings tend to bring the cleanest waves with less wind and fewer crowds. You’ll often find surfers out at sunrise, taking advantage of the glassy water and softer light. As the day warms up, so do the winds, which can make conditions more choppy and unpredictable.

Top Surf Spots in Phuket

Phuket’s best surf beaches are all located on the west coast, facing the open sea. Each has its own vibe and wave personality, catering to different levels of surfer.

Kata Beach

Kata Beach is widely considered the best all-around surf beach in Phuket. With consistent waves, a sandy bottom, and plenty of board rental shops and surf schools, it’s the ideal spot for beginners and intermediate surfers. The waves here are usually mellow, and the beach is long enough to find your own space even on busy days.

Surf lessons are easy to book right on the beach, with packages that include a board, rash guard, and personal instructor. During peak season, you’ll see everyone from first-timers to local rippers sharing the break.

Kalim Beach

Just north of Patong, Kalim Beach is known for its reef break and punchy waves. It’s one of the more advanced spots in Phuket and becomes a playground for experienced surfers when the swell picks up. The take-off zone is tight, and timing is everything. Kalim is best surfed at mid to high tide and isn’t ideal for beginners due to the rocky reef below.

When the waves aren’t working, the beach is still worth visiting for its trendy cafes and sunset views.

Nai Harn Beach

Tucked into the southern part of Phuket, Nai Harn Beach offers a clean, quiet break that’s a favorite among locals. It’s less crowded than Kata and gets decent waves during the monsoon season. Swells here are often cleaner and more rideable, making it a nice choice for intermediate surfers who want less hustle.

With a lush green backdrop and calm vibe, it’s also a great beach for a post-surf picnic or dip in the sea.

Surin Beach

Surin used to be one of Phuket’s top surf destinations, and while it has been affected by changing beach regulations and development, you can still catch good waves here on the right day. The beach is beautiful and less commercial than Kata or Patong. The waves break close to shore and can get heavy, especially during storms.

Kamala Beach

Kamala offers a long, forgiving beach break that’s beginner-friendly and never too intense. It’s perfect for learning to pop up, catch whitewash waves, and build confidence. The surf zone stretches across a wide part of the beach, so it’s rare to feel crowded. The nearby surf schools provide hourly rentals and lessons throughout the season.

Where to Learn Surfing in Phuket

Phuket has a thriving surf school scene, especially around Kata and Kamala. Whether you’re a total beginner or looking to level up your skills, instructors are available for group and private lessons.

Popular surf schools in Phuket include:

• Surf House Phuket (Kata Beach)
• Saltwater Dreaming (Bang Tao)
• Kamala Surf School (Kamala)
• Andaman Sea Surf (Kata Beach)

Most schools offer 1-2 hour lessons for around 1,000 to 1,500 THB, which includes all equipment. Longer surf camps and multi-day packages are also available for those who want to fully dive into the lifestyle.

Surfboard Rentals and Gear

You’ll find board rental stands directly on the beach in Kata, Kamala, and Patong. Daily rental rates are around 200 to 300 THB per hour or 800 to 1,000 THB for a full day. Shortboards, funboards, and soft-tops are all available, depending on your skill level.

If you’re staying a week or more, some shops offer multi-day deals and even allow you to swap boards based on conditions. Rash guards and reef booties are usually optional, but sunscreen is a must.

What to Bring and Wear

Surfing in Phuket doesn’t require much gear thanks to the tropical climate. A swimsuit or board shorts, a rash guard to prevent board rash and sunburn, and waterproof sunscreen will serve you well. If you’re hitting a reef break, consider wearing reef-safe booties to protect your feet from sharp coral.

Lockers are rare at beach rental stalls, so leave valuables at your hotel or keep them in a waterproof pouch.

Events and Competitions

The Phuket Surf Series brings local and international talent to the island’s beaches every year, with competitions hosted at Kata and Kalim. These events are exciting to watch, and the surf village that pops up around them often includes food vendors, surf gear pop-ups, and live music.

Even outside the competition season, local surfers often gather to free surf and show off impressive tricks. Watching the locals ride the monsoon swells can be as entertaining as catching your own wave.

Beyond Surfing

Surfing is a perfect way to start your day in Phuket, but there’s plenty more to enjoy once you towel off. Here are some great ways to round out a surf day:

• Grab a smoothie or coffee at local cafes like The Coffee Club, Surf & Turf, or Break Point
• Shop at Kata’s beach markets for handmade souvenirs, surfwear, and art
• Get a relaxing beach massage after your session
• Explore the viewpoint above Kata Noi for a stunning sunset
• Visit the surf-themed FlowRider at Surf House Phuket for dry-land practice or rainy days