Photo: Baleal Surf Camp
Surfing is more than just a sport; it’s a skill that offers a unique blend of fun, adventure, and personal growth. If you’re considering an action packed family holiday, teaching your kids to surf could be one of the best decisions you make. Here are 5 of our favourite family surf holidays:
Pelan Pelan
Bali
Pelan Pelan
Location: Bali
Pelan Bali is a surf retreat where you can feel at home, welcoming families with open arms.
The incredible surf guides aren’t just great teachers—they’re also amazing with kids, making sure little ones feel safe and have fun in the water. While parents catch their own waves, kids try their first surf lesson with patient, experienced instructors.
Beyond surfing, the entire Pelan Pelan team loves having children around. The retreat has a warm, family-like atmosphere where guests and staff naturally connect, creating a space where parents can truly relax. Whether it’s sharing meals, playing by the pool, or unwinding in the beautiful yoga shala, everyone—big and small—feels at home.
With spacious accommodation, healthy food, and a setting that blends adventure with tranquility, Pelan Pelan is the perfect place for a stress-free, unforgettable family surf holiday in Bali. Where parents can feel free, and kids can just be kids!
Baleal Surf Camp
Portugal
Baleal Surf Camp
Location: Peniche, Portugal
Baleal Surfcamp promise an unforgettable family surf holiday in Peniche, Portugal. With different apartment options just steps from the action, their beachfront surf station offers direct access to a sandy beach that meets the needs of both parents and kids.
On top of that, Baleal’s beach bar and restaurant sit just beside the surf spot—perfect for enjoying a delicious meal after a session while overlooking the waves.
It’s not just about surfing! Fill your stay with other activities, from exploring charming local towns, enjoy skateboarding sessions, and discovering the beauty of nearby islands on flat days.
With experienced instructors prioritising safety and a tailored program for families, every moment is filled with action and bonding opportunities.
Paradis Plage
Morocco
Paradis Plage
Location: Morocco
Paradis Plage is the ultimate family surf getaway, where you can experience adventure and relaxation on Morocco’s stunning coastline. Just north of Agadir, their eco-friendly resort offers world-class waves, unrivalled hospitality, and plenty of activities for all ages.
Paradis Plage is a dream destination for both beginners and experienced surfers. Kids can build confidence in the waves while parents enjoy expert coaching or unwind with beachfront yoga. The resort’s Kids Club ensures little ones stay entertained with fun and educational activities, from sandcastle competitions to beach clean-ups.
After an active day, families can enjoy organic, locally sourced cuisine with fresh seafood and unique Moroccan flavours. The Paradise Eco Spa offers traditional hammams and Argan oil treatments, perfect for unwinding. Whether you are there to catch the best waves, relax by the sea, or watching a film under the stars, Paradis Plage is a family surf retreat like no other.
Aspect Holiday Cottages
Cornwall
Aspects Holiday Cottages
Location: Cornwall
Aspects holidays offer a variety of cottages near Cornwall’s best surf spots, perfect for a family getaway!
Stay moments from the action and check the waves from your window with one of their beachside or coastal cottages, or stay a short stroll from beachside cafes and bars for the ultimate post-surf sundowner!
With a wide selection of cottages across Cornwall, many near surf schools, and surf hire, with surf storage and outdoor showers – they’ve got your surf trip accommodation covered! Escape to Cornwall and experience the perfect blend of adrenalin and relaxation on your next surf adventure.
With offices in Bude, Perranporth, Porthleven, Mevagissey, St Ives, Hayle and Penzance, the team of friendly holiday coordinators are always on hand to help you find the perfect base.
Iguana Surf
Costa Rica
Iguana Surf
Location: Costa Rica
Iguana Surf Camp & Surf Shop is a family-friendly surf camp located right on the beach in beautiful Tamarindo, Costa Rica. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to improve your skills, their experienced and welcoming team has taught over 200,000 lessons to people of all ages from around the world. Families can enjoy learning together in a safe, supportive environment, making memories that will last a lifetime.
With a beachfront location and personalised attention from their experienced staff, Iguana Surf offers more than just lessons — enjoy daily breakfast, transportation, video analysis, and guided surf trips to explore the best local waves. Parents and kids alike will love the friendly atmosphere and professional instructors, who are dedicated to creating a fun experience for everyone.
Join Iguana Surf for an unforgettable family surf adventure in paradise!
Now that you’ve found the perfect destinations, let’s explore why taking your family on a surfing holiday is such an integral experience. Read more below!
Some of the Benefits of Surfing for Kids
Photo: Baleal Surf Camp
1. Learning to surf challenges children both physically and mentally. As they navigate the waves, kids learn to take risks, and build resilience. Each successful ride boosts their confidence, teaching them that persistence pays off.
2. Surfing is such a good way for kids to exercise, it involves multiple muscle groups, and helps improve balance, and enhance coordination. The ocean is a natural playground that encourages children to exercise without them even realising it—making fitness fun!
3. Surfing helps kids to build a deep appreciation for the ocean and its environment. Kids learn about ocean safety, wave behaviour, and marine conservation, creating a connection to nature that can last a lifetime. This respect for the environment gives them a sense of responsibility for protecting our planet.
4. Surfing is a great way for kids to socialise and make new friends. Whether at surf camps or lessons, children will meet new people and broaden their communication skills.
5. Taking your kids to learn to surf is an opportunity to bond as a family. Shared experiences in the water lead to unforgettable memories. These moments strengthen family ties and can inspire a love for adventure that lasts a lifetime.
Photo: Aspects Holidays
With its combination of adventure, fitness, and family bonding, learning to surf is such an enriching experience for kids.
Have you been inspired to book family surf holidays this year? All that is left to do is grab a surfboard, hit the waves, and make unforgettable memories together!
