Discover the 10 Beaches with the Largest Waves in the World

The mesmerizing power of the ocean is perhaps most dramatically showcased in the form of towering waves. Across the globe, specific beaches have earned a formidable reputation for their wave activity, captivating both thrill-seeking surfers and awe-struck spectators. These coastal hotspots churn out some of the most gigantic waves the world has ever seen. In this article, let’s dive into the thrilling details of the beaches that host some of the largest waves in the world!

1. Cortes Bank, California — 90 Feet

Positioned west of San Diego, Cortes Bank is renowned for producing some of the tallest waves on the planet. These waves regularly swell to over 65 feet! There have even been recorded instances of truly colossal waves cresting at 90 feet, as was observed once in 1990. These powerful waves originate from the North Pacific, but an underwater rock formation further amplifies their size and strength as they approach Cortes Bank. These waves are massive and intimidating and possess a glass-like smoothness that adds to their allure for daring surfers.

Cortes Bank isn’t your traditional beach. It’s an underwater seamount and a hotspot for big wave surfing a hundred miles off the coast. Due to the remote location, accessing Cortes Bank usually requires a boat trip from the mainland. While on the boat, visitors may get a chance to see various marine wildlife. Despite the challenging conditions, the opportunity to witness or ride these gargantuan waves is a dream come true for many hardcore surfers and adventurous photographers. However, due to the extreme wave size, capturing these moments on camera can be a formidable task, even for seasoned professionals.

2. Praia do Norte, Nazaré, Portugal — 80 Feet

Praia do Norte, Portugal, is a household name in the surfing world. It is renowned for its humongous waves. It’s also where the most enormous wave ever surfed was recorded, securing its place in the Guinness World Records. Swells here can tower up to an astonishing 75 feet and more. Here, Garett McNamara first set a record by surfing a 78-foot wave. He was then surpassed by Rodrigo Koxa, who conquered an even taller wave standing at 80 feet. Moreover, the waves at Praia De Norte are consistent throughout the year. Their ferocity and regularity only intensify in the winter.

The beach is a picturesque stretch of golden sand, flanked by rugged cliffs on one side and the endless expanse of the Atlantic on the other. Beyond the surf, Nazare offers a charming old-world ambiance with its cobblestone streets, traditional fishing village atmosphere, and historic landmarks like the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo. The fort houses a small museum dedicated to the history of big wave surfing, including the surfboards used to ride record-breaking waves. One can also explore the local cuisine, particularly the seafood, a staple of this coastal town. With its adrenaline-fueled surf and rich cultural offerings, Nazare makes for a memorable visit.

3. Belharra, France — 60 Feet

Located in France, Belharra is one of the best European beaches for surf enthusiasts that boasts some of the largest waves worldwide. This surf spot is a reef break situated close to the quaint fishing village of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. This is located just north of the renowned Basque Country in the Bay of Biscay, a region famous for its gastronomic excellence. Belharra is one of the prime locations for big-wave surfing in Europe.

Belharra’s surf spot is unique because it’s not a traditional sandy beach but instead a deep-water break with waves breaking over an underwater reef. This contributes to forming the massive swells that make Belharra famous among surfers.

Furthermore, the nearby town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, with its charming old port, narrow streets, and half-timbered Basque houses, offers a peaceful retreat from the adrenaline-fueled surf. Visitors can explore the local market, try the delicious Basque cuisine, or enjoy the stunning views of the Atlantic coast. Beyond the culinary scene, the Basque Country also boasts a rich cultural history and breathtaking landscapes, offering numerous opportunities for hiking, sightseeing, and experiencing the local customs and traditions. With high-stakes surfing and rich cultural offerings, Belharra presents a unique and engaging surfing destination.

4. Jaws, Pe’ahi, Maui — 60 Feet

Pe’ahi, more popularly known as Jaws, has long stood as a coveted destination for big wave surfing enthusiasts. The formidable swells here can tower up to 50-60 feet or more, attracting top-tier surfers from across the globe. Jaws also serves as the backdrop for breathtaking surf competitions. Catching the waves at their peak requires perfect timing and good fortune. But when these elements align, the resulting spectacle is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

The beach at Jaws is nestled on Maui’s north shore, embodying the wild, natural beauty of the Hawaiian islands. Its rugged coastline and vast ocean vistas provide an exhilarating setting for surfers and spectators alike.

Beyond the thrill of the waves, the surrounding area offers a wealth of recreational opportunities. Visitors can explore Maui’s lush, tropical landscapes with waterfalls, rainforests, and scenic hiking trails. The nearby historic town of Paia offers a charming mix of boutique shops, eclectic eateries, and art galleries. So, whether it’s the heart-pounding thrill of tackling the colossal waves at Jaws or the laid-back charm of Maui’s natural and cultural offerings, there’s plenty to experience in and around Pe’ahi (Jaws).

5. Mavericks Beach, Half Moon Bay, California — 60 Feet

Mavericks Beach, nestled in Half Moon Bay in Northern California, is a world-renowned hotspot for intense big wave surfing. It boasts formidable waves that can swell to an astounding 60 feet, providing an adrenaline-filled playground for seasoned surfers. The beach’s unique water body gives rise to both challenging right and left waves, with the mightiest swells typically arriving in the winter months. The imposing surf conditions at Mavericks have attracted thrill-seekers worldwide. And this has led to the establishment of the Mavericks Surf Contest. This iconic sporting event kicked off in 1999 and was last held in 2016.

Beyond the thrilling surf, Mavericks Beach and the surrounding area offer visitors a rich array of experiences. The beach is a sight to behold, with rugged cliffs and the expansive Pacific Ocean offering a dramatic, natural backdrop. For those seeking activities beyond surfing, the nearby Half Moon Bay provides hiking, horseback riding trails, and golf courses and is an excellent spot for bird-watching.

Additionally, the historic downtown of Half Moon Bay is a short drive away. It offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and art galleries, providing a charming contrast to the wild beauty of Mavericks. Whether it’s the exhilarating waves or the quaint local attractions, Mavericks and its surroundings deliver a rich and diverse Californian coastal experience.

6. Waimea Bay, North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii — 30 Feet

With its large bodies of water and constant robust winds, Hawaii offers a thrilling surfing experience, especially at notable spots like Waimea Bay. This bay gifts surfers towering waves that can reach up to 30 feet in the winter. The spectacle of proficient surfers tackling these huge swells also offers excellent entertainment for nearby onlookers.

As for the aesthetic allure, Waimea Bay is stunning. Its crescent-shaped shoreline is hemmed in by verdant cliffs, with the vast expanse of the blue Pacific stretching beyond. The sandy beach is broad and inviting, perfect for a beach day when the surf isn’t up. During the summer months, the usually tempestuous waters of the bay transform into a serene oasis, making it a popular spot for swimming and other aquatic pursuits.

The surrounding area of North Shore is also rife with activities such as hiking, snorkeling, and exploring the local food and shopping scene. So, regardless of whether you’re a hardcore surfer, a casual swimmer, or an adventurous traveler, Waimea Bay has something to offer everyone.

7. Margaret River, Western Australia — 25 Feet

Australia, well known for its surfer culture and sun-kissed beaches, offers countless surfing beaches with big waves along its vast coastline. Among these, Margaret River, located in the country’s western region, stands out as a premier destination for surfers. This popular spot is recognized globally as it hosts the World Surf League (WSL) World Tour annually, showcasing high-performance right-hand waves that draw surfing professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Margaret River is more than just a surfing hub; it is an area of natural beauty where the river meets the ocean. The beach features a broad expanse of golden sand set against the backdrop of the rolling waves of the Indian Ocean, providing a stunning view for both surfers and beachgoers.

Apart from riding the waves, the region offers many other activities. Visitors can explore the region’s famous wine country, with numerous wineries and vineyards dotting the landscape. For those interested in the local flora and fauna, nature trails and cave tours offer a closer look at Western Australia’s unique ecosystem. With its combination of top-tier surfing and diverse recreational opportunities, Margaret River offers a rich and engaging experience for all visitors.

8. Teahupoo, Tahiti — 23 Feet

Situated on the southwest coast of Tahiti, French Polynesia, Teahupoo is a tiny village that has become synonymous with big-wave surfing. The beach is idyllic and serene, adorned with black sand and fringed by lush, tropical vegetation. But the ocean is the real star here, producing some of the planet’s heaviest and most formidable waves. The waves at Teahupoo are unique. They don’t gradually rise from the ocean but instead form due to a sudden, sharp reef, creating a significant drop in ocean depth. This phenomenon causes the wave to jack up and fold over, creating a thick lip and a hollow, robust tube. The waves here can reach heights of up to 23 feet, with the shape of the wave making it look even more terrifying and impressive.

Aside from the monstrous waves, Teahupoo and its surrounding region offer a variety of attractions that make it a worthwhile destination. The island of Tahiti, the largest in French Polynesia, boasts lush landscapes, dramatic waterfalls, and archaeological sites. Visitors can explore the Fautaua Waterfall, the Papenoo Valley, or the Arahoho Blowhole within a day’s trip from Teahupoo.

Furthermore, the village provides a glimpse into the laid-back Polynesian lifestyle, and visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture. For the more adventurous, diving, snorkeling, and boat tours offer opportunities to explore the rich marine life of the surrounding coral reefs. Despite its remote location, the power and beauty of Teahupoo’s waves draw surfers and spectators worldwide, contributing to this unique beach location’s vibrant and diverse atmosphere.

9. Playa Tamarindo, Costa Rica — 10 Feet

Costa Rica is renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning coastal landscapes, making it a surfer’s paradise. Among its many surf spots, Playa Tamarindo, also commonly known as Tamarindo Beach, stands out as a thrilling destination for wave riders. While Tamarindo may not boast the mammoth wave sizes found at other locales, it captivates surfers with its regular and reliable wave activity. The swells at this beach can impressively surge up to 10 feet, especially during the summer.

The allure of Tamarindo Beach extends beyond the sheer height of its waves. Regardless of the season, the consistent swells make it an attractive destination for surfers of various skill levels. This consistency in wave activity and the potential for ten-foot waves in the warmer months ensure Tamarindo Beach holds its premier surf locations in Costa Rica. With its blend of manageable and exhilarating surf conditions, Tamarindo provides a surfing experience that is thrilling yet approachable.

10. Chicama, Peru — 7 Feet

And last on our list of beaches with the largest waves in the world is Chicama. The distinct characteristic of Chicama’s waves lies not in their towering height but in their unparalleled length. Under optimal conditions, the wave unfurls for a staggering distance of 1.9 miles, or approximately 3 kilometers. The uniqueness of Chicama’s surf was thought to have initially been brought to light in 1965 when Chuck Shipman, a Hawaiian surfer, spotted the mesmerizing wave while flying over the coastal area.

Chicama’s beach presents a tranquil expanse of sandy shoreline, its charm enriched by the sight of endless waves rolling in from the Pacific. While modest, the town offers a laid-back atmosphere that immerses visitors in the local culture.

Off the waves, visitors can explore the nearby city of Trujillo, known for its vibrant colonial architecture and ancient archaeological sites. Additionally, the warm and welcoming local community can provide a taste of authentic Peruvian cuisine or guide visitors to hidden spots where they can take in the majestic beauty of the coastal landscape. With its spectacular surf and rich cultural backdrop, Chicama offers a unique and memorable getaway for surfers and travelers alike.

Summary of the Beaches With the Largest Waves in the World