A beginner's guide - BalI
Sanur surf spot guide for beginners (Baby Reef Sanur)
Brief spot overview: Sanur offers a few surf breaks, with Baby Reef Sanur being ideal for beginners that have surfed a few times before and are comfortable surfing reef breaks. Accessible by boat, it’s my favorite spot in Bali for its long, small waves and low crowds. Even on larger days, Baby Reef Sanur often stays manageable.
What you’ll learn in this guide: This Sanur surf spot guide covers general spot info, wave characteristics, and the best surf conditions at Sanur to help you plan your sessions just right.
The area
Location information
Surf spot name: Baby Reef Sanur
Geographical location: Baby Reef Sanur is situated in Sanur, a relaxed coastal town that offers a peaceful retreat away from the island’s busier tourist hubs. Baby Reef Sanur can be accessed by boat from Mertasari Beach. There are a couple of surf schools close to the beach that can take you out with a boat taxi for a small fee. I recommend Sanur Surf School & Boat Taxi.
What you need to know
General spot information
Ability level
Baby Reef Sanur is good for beginners and intermediates comfortable with reef breaks. Complete beginners should avoid it, but those with some experience can surf the smaller, gentler waves in the front section before going further out.
Crowd factor
The Sanur surf spots, including Baby Reef Sanur, are generally much less crowded than other popular surf spots in Bali. It can be crowded in the early morning, but from 9am onwards it usually calms down.
Water temperature
Ranges from 27°C to 30°C (81°F to 86°F) – a wetsuit is not needed but I personally prefer wearing a spring suit.
what the waves are like
Wave characteristics
Wave type: Reef break
Wave direction: Both left and right
Wave size: Around 1 to 3 feet during dry season, and 4 to 6 feet during wet season
When to surf
The best surf conditions
The best swell direction
The best wind direction
The best surf height
The best tide condition
Everything you need
Amenities and facilities
Other activities
What to do in Sanur besides surfing
1. Kitesurfing and hydrofoiling: In addition to surfing, Sanur Surf School and Boat Taxi also offers kitesurfing lessons and hydrofoil lessons.
2. Snorkeling or diving: Explore the vibrant underwater world of Sanur, where you can snorkel or dive among colorful coral reefs.
3. Walk or cycle along the beachfront promenade: Enjoy a leisurely walk or cycle along Sanur’s scenic beachfront path.
4. Shop at local markets like Sindhu Night Market: Experience the local culture by browsing Sanur’s bustling markets, where you can find a variety of Balinese handicrafts and souvenirs.
5. Visit temples: Explore Sanur’s rich cultural heritage by visiting local temples, such as Pura Tirta Empul, and Patal Temple.
6. Visit Serangan Island (Turtle Island): Take a short trip to Serangan Island, also known as Turtle Island, where you can learn about sea turtle conservation, explore mangrove forests, and relax on more secluded beaches away from the crowds.
Test your knowledge
Surf spot quiz
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this post! Whether you have suggestions for improvement, want to share what you liked, or have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. Your feedback helps me create better content for all aspiring surfers!