Surfing is one of the most thrilling ocean sports, attracting adventure seekers from across the globe. From powerful reef breaks to gentle beginner-friendly waves, several coastal destinations offer exceptional surfing conditions at different times of the year.

Knowing where and when to visit can make a significant difference in the experience. Here are some of the world’s most renowned surfing locations and the best seasons to enjoy them.

Oahu, Hawaii

Oahu in Hawaii has long been recognized as one of the world’s premier surfing destinations. The island is famous for its powerful waves, which can rise more than six meters during peak surf conditions. The breaks here differ from many other ocean surf spots, offering challenging rides for experienced surfers.

The best surfing season runs from November to March, when large swells arrive along the island’s North Shore. Popular surf areas include Backdoor, Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, and Kahuku Point. While these locations are suited for experienced surfers, beginners can still enjoy the calmer waves along Waikiki Beach.

Jeffreys Bay, South Africa

Located in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, Jeffreys Bay is widely known for its long, fast-breaking waves that attract surfers from around the world. The bay’s unique geography allows several wave sections to combine, producing ideal conditions for long rides.

Experienced surfers often challenge the powerful waves, while beginners can practice at the Kitchen Windows break. The best time to surf here is between May and September, when consistent swells create ideal surfing conditions.

Teahupo’o, French Polynesia

Teahupo’o, situated off the southwest coast of Tahiti in French Polynesia, is considered one of the most powerful surf breaks on the planet. Its waves are often ranked among the heaviest and most intimidating in the world.

This destination is best suited for highly experienced surfers due to the intensity of its reef breaks and the strength of the waves. The most consistent conditions occur between April and October. Surfers visiting the area also enjoy the striking scenery of crystal-clear waters and dramatic ocean swells.

Uluwatu and Kuta, Indonesia

Bali, Indonesia, is one of the most popular travel destinations for surfers. Beyond its scenic beaches and lush landscapes, the island offers several world-class surfing spots.

Uluwatu, located in southern Bali, is famous for its left-hand reef break and powerful waves. At times, three peaks can combine to create a wall of water extending more than 200 meters. These fast and hollow waves are typically suited to advanced surfers.

In contrast, Kuta Beach is an excellent destination for beginners. Its gentler waves provide an ideal environment for those learning to surf or improving their skills.

Mavericks, California, United States

California is among the top global surfing regions despite having a shorter coastline compared with Florida or Alaska. One of its most famous surf breaks is Mavericks, located near Half Moon Bay, about 30 miles south of San Francisco.

Here, massive waves build and crash against the rocky coastline near Pillar Point. The surf is considered extremely challenging and is recommended only for experienced surfers. Mavericks typically produces its largest waves between November and April.

Hossegor, France

Hossegor, located along the southwestern coast of France in the Landes region, is widely regarded as Europe’s surfing capital. The area is known for beach breaks and powerful tube waves similar to those found in Hawaii.

The prime surfing season runs from May to November. Notable surf spots include Les Culs Nus, La Gravière, Le Penon, and La Bourdaines. The area also hosts international competitions, including the Quiksilver Pro France surf contest held annually in September.

Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Puerto Escondido in Mexico has become a global hotspot for surfers, particularly due to the famous Playa Zicatela break. This beach produces massive waves from May to September, attracting professional surfers and spectators from around the world.

For beginners, Playa Carrizalillo offers calmer conditions between November and March, making it a great place to learn. The destination is suitable for surfing throughout the year, depending on skill level and wave preference.

Cloud 9, Philippines

Cloud 9 in the Philippines is considered one of Asia’s most iconic surf spots. Often compared to the famous Pipeline and Backdoor breaks in Hawaii, this location offers powerful waves for intermediate and advanced surfers.

Although the waves may appear smaller than those in Hawaii, they can be heavy and challenging. Cloud 9 is also a popular venue for international surfing competitions. The best time to visit is from September to November.

Sultans, Maldives

Sultans is a well-known surf break located along the North Malé Atoll near the uninhabited island of Thamburudhoo in the Maldives. The site features open reef breaks that generate strong and consistent waves.

Outer reef waves here are especially attractive for experienced surfers. The ideal period to surf in this region is between March and October, when clear swells approach from the southern Indian Ocean.

Gold Coast, Australia

Australia’s Gold Coast is one of the world’s most famous surfing regions. The area features a two-kilometer stretch of engineered sandbanks that help create some of the longest rideable waves in the world.

Surfing conditions are available year-round, attracting thousands of surfers annually. However, the most favorable period is between December and March, when wave consistency and weather conditions are ideal.

Qatar Airways has cautioned passengers that refund processing times may be extended due to ongoing operational pressures, while emphasizing that teams are actively working to handle requests as efficiently as possible.

The airline confirmed that travelers holding confirmed bookings with departure dates between February 28 and April 30, 2026, can opt either to request a full refund or modify their travel dates without penalty.

According to the carrier, refunds returned to the original method of payment could take as long as 28 working days to complete. Passengers are advised to monitor their email for updates after submitting a request, as this will provide the latest status of their application.

Qatar Airways noted that reimbursement amounts will reflect the unused portion of the ticket. Any additional services purchased, such as seat selection, will be processed and refunded separately.

Customers looking for further information or support with their bookings are encouraged to consult the airline’s official travel updates portal for the most recent guidance.

Source: Zawya

India is set to abolish temporary limits on domestic airfares from Monday, according to a government directive reviewed by Reuters, as the aviation sector shows signs of recovery and carriers face mounting cost pressures.

The fare restrictions were introduced in December after widespread flight cancellations by leading airline IndiGo led to a spike in ticket prices across the market. The government intervened to stabilise fares during a period of reduced capacity.

In its latest order, the civil aviation ministry said operating conditions have improved, pointing to restored flight capacity and a return to more stable operations. The directive, dated Friday and examined by Reuters on Saturday, has not been officially released. Officials from the ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

Airlines had called for the removal of the caps, saying the controls were contributing to substantial revenue losses while operating expenses continued to rise. Higher jet fuel prices, partly driven by the conflict involving Iran, have added to the financial strain.

Although airlines have not disclosed specific loss figures, analysts at HSBC estimate that a $1 per barrel increase in fuel prices could raise IndiGo’s annual fuel costs by roughly 3 billion rupees.

Under the temporary rules, fares for flights up to 500 kilometres were capped at 7,500 rupees ($80.07), while routes between 1,000 and 1,500 kilometres—including New Delhi to Mumbai—had a maximum fare of 15,000 rupees.

Despite lifting the caps, the government has directed airlines to keep ticket prices fair and transparent, ensuring they reflect market conditions without harming passenger interests.

Source: Khaleej Times

Singapore Airlines (SIA) has announced plans to begin non-stop services between Singapore and Riyadh from June 2026, marking a significant step in its Middle East network expansion. The airline intends to operate the route four times a week using its Airbus A350-900 medium-haul aircraft.

The aircraft will be configured with 303 seats, including 40 in Business Class and 263 in Economy Class, offering passengers a two-cabin travel option.

Pending regulatory approval, flight SQ498 will depart Singapore at 18:20 local time on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, arriving in Riyadh at 21:45. The return service, SQ499, is scheduled to leave Riyadh at 23:00 on the same days, landing in Singapore at 12:15 the following day.

From 25 October 2026, minor schedule adjustments will take effect. Departures from Singapore will shift to 17:40, arriving in Riyadh at 21:35, while return flights will depart Riyadh at 22:50 and arrive in Singapore at 11:50 the next day.

Lee Lik Hsin, Chief Commercial Officer of Singapore Airlines, said the move reflects Riyadh’s growing economic significance. He noted that the Saudi capital’s rapid development and strong business environment position it as a key destination in the region. He added that the new route could also enhance collaboration with partner airlines, providing customers with broader travel options across the Middle East.

Riyadh will become the second Saudi destination served by the SIA Group, complementing Scoot’s existing four-times weekly flights to Jeddah.

As the capital and financial hub of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh offers a mix of cultural and modern attractions. Visitors can explore historic landmarks such as Diriyah and Masmak Fortress, alongside museums, high-end hotels, and diverse retail and dining experiences.

Ticket sales for the new service will be introduced gradually through Singapore Airlines’ distribution channels, subject to final approvals.

Philippine Airlines has suspended all flights between Manila and the Gulf hubs of Dubai and Doha until April 30, leaving thousands of overseas Filipinos and other travellers rushing to adjust their plans.

The flag carrier’s decision, driven by heightened security risks and airspace uncertainties in parts of the Middle East, extends an earlier series of short-term cancellations and effectively wipes out PAL’s Dubai (PR 658/659) and Doha (PR 684/685) services for the rest of April.

For affected passengers, PAL is offering a range of options. Travellers can rebook to a later date once services resume, with the airline waiving rebooking fees in line with its current advisories. Those who no longer wish to push through with their trip may opt to convert the value of their ticket into a travel credit for future use, or request a refund subject to the fare conditions.

Passengers are urged to first check if their flight falls within the suspension period using PAL’s online manage booking facility or by contacting the carrier’s customer service channels. From there, they can decide whether to secure the earliest possible rebooked flight after April 30, bank their ticket value for a later trip, or cancel altogether.

Travel agents and community groups in the Gulf are also advising Filipino workers and residents to consider alternative routings on other airlines while PAL’s Middle East operations are on hold, especially for those with urgent travel needs such as contract changes, medical emergencies or planned vacations.

With the situation in the region still fluid, Philippine Airlines has encouraged passengers to monitor its official advisories regularly, noting that any further extensions, resumptions, or special flights will be announced through its website and social media channels.

Saudia announced an increase of 20 flights connecting Riyadh and Jeddah with the Red Sea destination during the Eid Al-Fitr holiday. Carried out in coordination with the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and the Red Sea destination, the move raises the total number of round-trip services on these routes to 44.

The expanded schedule is part of a broader partnership between Saudia and the STA designed to promote Saudi tourist sites and support the tourism sector’s development. Officials said the collaboration focuses on offering travelers more convenient flight options and enhancing the onboard experience.

The initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s wider tourism ambitions, which include a target to welcome 150 million visitors by 2030.