Sustainable Surfing in Mozambique: Best Surf Spots + Eco-Friendly Hotels
Planning a sustainable surf trip to Africa? Discover everything you need to know about surfing in Mozambique, including the best surf spots and eco-friendly places to stay in each destination.
Hugging the southeast corner of Africa, Mozambique’s largely untapped coastline presents an alluring frontier for surfers seeking uncrowded waves. It’s a destination we visited several years ago while exploring Southern Africa and it left a big impression.
Stretching over 2,500 kilometres along the Indian Ocean, this sun-drenched country offers a diverse array of surf spots. Most come alive during the winter season from April to September.
While the burgeoning surf town of Tofo has garnered some attention, much of Mozambique’s coastline remains uncharted territory. What they promise is empty lineups and a true adventure for those willing to get off the beaten path.
South Africans in the know jump across the border to surf the thrilling right-hander of Ponta do Ouro. Meanwhile, those craving a relaxed beachside holiday hit the beginner breaks of Barra.
No matter what you’re seeking, we have you covered in this guide to sustainable surfing in Mozambique. We’ll highlight the best surf spots in Mozambique and our top picks for eco-friendly accommodation to help you plan a sustainable surf trip.
Heading to Mozambique to dive? Discover all of the country’s best scuba sites in our detailed article here.
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Tofo
Best place to surf and dive in Mozambique
With Inhambane Airport just a stone’s throw away, Tofo is one of Mozambique’s most accessible surf destinations. It’s home to plenty of convivial bars and restaurants, creating an atmosphere that encourages travellers to linger a little longer in the town than first intended.
In recent years, Tofo has firmly established itself as the epicentre of surfing in Mozambique. There are two vastly different breaks to choose from.
Tofinho, a right-hand point break, offers waves that can get intense, challenging even the most seasoned surfers. In contrast are the gentle, beginner-friendly waves of Tofo Beach. It provides a welcoming setting for those just starting their surfing journey.
There’s no denying that Tofo’s surf scene is flourishing, with a growing array of excellent surf camps and schools catering to all abilities.
Additionally, Tofo is renowned for its world-class diving, with the chance to encounter whale sharks, manta rays and dolphins almost year-round.
Eco-friendly places to stay in Tofo for surfers
Liquid Dive Adventures
With its absolute beachfront setting, this sustainably run dive lodge in Tofo caters well to surfers, with an inviting swimming pool and hearty meals to enjoy at the end of the day.
“Would 100% recommend this place.” – Katrina (read more reviews here)
Baia Sonambula
Beautifully designed with earthy materials, this beachfront hotel in Tofo is ideal for surfers seeking a boutique stay. Delicious breakfasts are included each morning before you head out into the water.
“The place is out of this world.” – Keboihile (read more reviews here)
Casa Surf Lodge
This budget-friendly, four-bedroom Tofo surf house is ideal for groups of surfers, with space for up to 12 guests. It boasts a well-equipped kitchen and an alfresco terrace.
“A few minutes walk from the beach.” – Julie (read more reviews here)
Ponta do Ouro
Best place to surf in Mozambique for experienced wave riders
Situated in the far southern reaches of Mozambique (near the South African border), Ponta do Ouro is undoubtedly the country’s most celebrated surf spot.
It lies tucked away behind a dramatic, horn-shaped headland and attracts a dedicated contingent of surfers hailing from Durban and Johannesburg.
On days when powerful S-SE swells roll in, you may be rewarded with one of the finest right-hand point breaks in Africa.
The consistent, reliable nature of the waves, combined with the sandy bottom and breathtaking natural scenery, makes Ponta do Ouro a perennial favourite among both local and international wave riders.
That being said, accessing this remote surf paradise is no easy feat. You’ll need a 4WD vehicle to navigate the rugged terrain leading to the break. Once there, you’ll have to contend with the powerful rip currents that can make the lineup a treacherous place for the uninitiated.
Still, those who make the journey are invariably left in awe of Ponta do Ouro’s sheer beauty and world-class surfing potential.
Travelling to Ponta do Ouro from South Africa? Discover some of the country’s best surf spots in our detailed article here.
Eco-friendly places to stay in Ponta do Ouro for surfers
Gala Eco Resort
Offering a collection of sustainably built bungalows, this Ponta do Ouro eco-resort is located just 500 metres from the beach.
“Carefree chilling at its best.” – Byron (read more reviews here)
Devocean Eco Adventure Lodge
With a range of comfortable tents, cottages and thatched chalets, this affordable Ponta do Ouro accommodation receives rave reviews for its food.
“A little bit of heaven – so peaceful and relaxing.” – Louise (read more reviews here)
Praia de Závora
Best place to surf in Mozambique for uncrowded waves
Around seven hours’ drive northeast of Maputo lies Praia de Závora, a hidden gem that attracts in-the-know surfers from near and far.
Getting here is all part of the adventure – a 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended as the mixed sand and rock bottom can make for a bumpy journey.
Those who make the trek are rewarded with empty walls of water that curl and crash into a dune-fringed bay. The main attraction at Praia de Závora is a reef at the southern end of the bay that can produce some exceptional right-hand waves.
But the break doesn’t just cater to experienced riders. Up and down the length of the bay, there are also fat, wedgy peaks that provide plenty of opportunities for intermediate surfers to hone their skills.
For those seeking to avoid the crowded lineups common at some of Mozambique’s best surf spots, Praia de Závora delivers serene surfing experiences amidst stunning natural beauty.
Eco-friendly places to stay near Praia de Závora for surfers
Lakeside Paradise
Located in the village of Ligogo, this four-bedroom house overlooks a lake around 30 kilometres from Praia de Závora. It boasts a fully equipped kitchen, a private pool and a cosy outdoor fireplace.
Charming Eco Cabin
This affordable, two-bedroom cabin is ideal for surfers heading to Praia de Závora. It features a fully equipped kitchen for self-catering and elevated lakeside views.
Barra Beach
Best place to surf in Mozambique for a relaxed family vibe
Just north of Tofo is Barra Beach, a coastal haven that offers a unique blend of relaxation and surfing potential. While it’s often overshadowed by its neighbouring surf town, this stretch of palm-fringed sand holds its own charm.
The beach break here can be fickle. But on the right days, it can throw up a quality sandspit right-hander, especially at higher tides.
Barra Beach provides experiences for beginners and intermediate surfers, particularly during the peak swell seasons driven by northeast cyclones.
For those seeking a higher quality surf experience, the option to travel north to Ponta Pomene or further afield to the Bazaruto Archipelago provides an enticing alternative. In both locations, you’ll likely find more consistent and powerful waves.
Nevertheless, Barra Beach remains a lovely place to while away the hours, particularly for surfers travelling with non-surfing family members. They can spend their days swaying in a hammock and soaking up the tranquil ambiance that defines this idyllic corner of the Mozambican coastline.
Best places to stay near Barra Beach for surfers
Eclectic Beach Retreat
Boasting an enviable setting on Cabo Nhamua is this beachfront hotel near Barra. It features just a handful of gorgeous suites that come complete with sparkling plunge pools.
“The retreat to recharge batteries.” – Bernadette (read more reviews here)
Sentidos Beach Resort
Overlooking Barra Beach, this luxury resort includes bohemian-style villas catering to couples, surfer friends and families. When you’re not out surfing, you can refresh in the swimming pool or indulge in a spa treatment.
“The resort was incredible!” – Candice (read more reviews here)
Best time to surf in Mozambique
The winter months of April through October are the best time for surfing in Mozambique. During this season, a consistent series of solid swells rolls in from the Indian Ocean, producing waves ranging from three to eight feet in height.
The weather during this period is also ideal for surfing in Mozambique, with cool temperatures and dry conditions. In short, this makes for comfortable sessions in and out of the water.
If you venture to Mozambique in the warmer, wetter summer months (November to March), you can still find some rideable waves, particularly in the northern reaches of the country.
That being said, many of the points along the coast fall flat, with small, mushy and onshore waves.
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About the authors
We are a team of passionate divers and surfers with decades of combined experience in the water and travelling to all corners of the globe. After years of chasing waves and descending into the deep blue, we’ve created this resource to highlight sustainably run surf camps, eco-friendly dive resorts and conservation-focused ocean trips to help inspire your next adventure.
Eco Ocean Escapes was born out of a love of the ocean, an obsession with travel and a concern about the impacts of our adventures on the environments we explore. Despite the benefits that surf and dive tourism can bring to local communities, we recognised that ocean-based adventures are not always managed in a sustainable manner.
Through our articles, we hope to inspire those seeking a responsible surf or dive trip that is all about supporting local communities, preserving our coastal environments and the incredible marine species that inhabit our oceans.
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We are a team of passionate divers and surfers with decades of combined experience in the water and travelling to all corners of the globe.
After years of chasing waves and descending into the deep blue, we’ve created this resource to highlight sustainable surf camps, eco-dive resorts and conservation-focused ocean trips to help inspire your next adventure.
Eco Ocean Escapes was born out of a love of the ocean, an obsession with travel and a concern about the impacts of our adventures on the environments we explore.
