While Ghanaians have been riding waves for decades (originally on wooden boards in pursuit of fish), modern surf culture in this West African country is relatively new. Labadi Beach (near Accra) made an appearance in the 1996 surf film “The Endless Summer” but Ghana still remains a largely unknown surf destination amongst contemporary frothers (Morocco and Senegal tend to be the go-tos in this corner of Africa).
That's somewhat surprising, considering some researchers believe that surfing originated here, not Hawaii. The origins of African surf culture can be traced back to the 1640s when local fishing communities in Ghana, Senegal and Nigeria were observed utilising traditional surf canoes. These early pioneers of African surfing developed their own unique styles and techniques, long before the arrival of Western surfers.
That being said, it wasn't until the 1990s and early 2000s that expats introduced modern wave-riding to Ghana’s beaches and many locals took up surfing as a sport. Today, the country’s 537-kilometre-long coastline is dotted with surf communities, some of which are better known than others. There’s also a whole host of “secret” point breaks where you can ride uncrowded waves, with the help of a little local knowledge.
In this article, we’ll introduce some of the best places to surf in Ghana, as well as provide recommendations on eco-friendly places to stay in beach town. We’ll also highlight local surf organisations where you can rent boards, book lessons or discover some of the "classified" breaks that only the locals know.
Best places to surf in Ghana
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Giving back to the local community on your surf trip to Ghana
Many of the surf communities in Ghana are relatively poor and access to surfboards and accessories is restricted. If possible, consider bringing extra leg ropes, fins or any other gear to share with local organisations or maybe even leave a surfboard behind that you aren’t too attached to. We're not suggesting you have to go out and purchase a whole lot of new gear. It could just mean checking in with your surf buddies before you leave home to see if they have any good-quality stuff they’re willing to part with.
Best surf spots in Ghana
Best places to surf in Ghana
Kokrobite
Best surf spot near Accra
Kokrobite is a popular surf spot located just 45 minutes from Accra, the capital of Ghana. It’s a convenient day trip destination for city dwellers but there are also plenty of atmospheric places where you can stay in the area. Many host parties on the weekends with live music and drumming.
Kokrobite is a right-hander that breaks over a sandy bottom and can be ridden by surfers of all skill levels, from complete beginners to experienced riders. While it may not be the longest wave in the country, it still offers a fun surfing experience and the beach culture in Kokrobite is always lively.
Eco-friendly hotels in Kokrobite
This colourful guesthouse in Kokrobite is a traveller favourite, with a good choice of budget-friendly rooms that can accommodate solo surfers, couples and families. All are set within a picturesque garden complete with a swimming pool. The onsite restaurant does amazing Italian food and serves up seafood plucked fresh from the ocean nearby.
"Kokrobite Gardens is a little hidden paradise close to the beach but away from the noise.” - Bhavik (read more reviews here)
Best places to surf in Ghana
Busua
Best place to learn to surf in Ghana
Considered the surfing capital of Ghana, Busua is a fishing village and beach resort in the Ahanta West District, around an hour’s drive from Takoradi. It has a really wonderful laid-back vibe and surfable waves most days, with something for all levels. Plus, there are surf schools offering lessons for beginners, making it an ideal base for novices wanting to take their first steps.
If you’ve just arrived in Busua, a good first port of call is the Surf House run by the Surf Ghana Collective where you can connect with local surfers, use the free Wi-Fi or learn about their social advocacy work. They regularly run workshops and events, as well as having an in-house team of surf instructors.
Best surf spots around Busua
Busua Beach
Busua Beach is a sandy-bottomed beach break that makes it an ideal place for beginners to practice their skills. On modest swells, you can expect a gentle, forgiving ride with few dangers beneath the water to worry about.
As the conditions ramp up during larger swells, the wave transforms into a challenge for more experienced surfers, offering up powerful lefts and rights. The popularity of this break means it can get quite crowded, especially during peak seasons.
Black Mamba
Located on the western side of Busua Beach, Black Mamba is a righthand point break that offers a fun challenge for advanced surfers. Sheltered from the wind and big swells that often pummel the region, it’s a reliable place to find a wave when the rest of the coast is maxing out. To reach the lineup, you either need to hire a local fisherman to ferry you out or endure the long paddle.
Dixcove Point
Located a short drive west of Busua, this right-hand point break is beloved by local surfers and works on one metre swells and bigger. When the conditions align, the rides can be 100 metres or more.
Eco-friendly hotels in Busua
Overlooking the beach, this highly-rated Busua eco-lodge features eight individually themed rooms with air conditioning and hot water. Its sustainability credentials include the use of renewable energies, eco-friendly toiletries and low impact buildings methods, plus they source food locally for the restaurant. The onsite surf school is a big plus, with lessons for both beginners and advanced surfers.
"Busua is such a magical place full of life and love.” (read more reviews here)
Just three minutes’ walk from the waves, this budget-friendly accommodation in Busua includes clean and bright rooms designed for solo surfers, couples and triples. The restaurant is plant-based and uses ethically sourced ingredients while the rooftop terrace is the ideal hangout spot. Foam boards and surf lessons are available onsite.
"Cannot get enough of Laughing Goat…the rooftop is stunning, a perfect place for yoga and meditation and to chill or sunbathe if you want to.” - Victoria (read more reviews here)
Best surf spots in Ghana
Cape Three Points
Best place to surf uncrowded waves in Ghana
Situated on a picturesque peninsula at Ghana's southernmost tip, the coastal village of Cape Three Points is an alluring destination for surfers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. This fishing and farming community lies between the towns of Princes Town and Dixcove (there's also a wave here) and boasts a point break that makes it well worth the adventure.
The area is also home to Ghana's only coastal rainforest reserve and the iconic Cape Three Points Lighthouse. Built in 1925 and powered by solar energy, it provides 360-degree views of the surrounding rainforest and coastline.
Eco-friendly hotels in Cape Three Points
Built using natural materials (bamboo, raffia, thatch and wood), this beachfront Ghanaian eco-lodge features both a dormitory and private rooms. It runs everything from yoga classes to batik-making workshops, as well as having an onsite surf school where you can rent boards. Most of the produce served is harvested from the organic gardens while the toilets are composting and the energy largely renewable.
"A natural paradise to unwind and meet like-minded people" (read more reviews here)
Best places to surf in West Africa
Keta
Best place to surf in Ghana for advanced surfers
Occupying a narrow strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean and Ghana’s largest lagoon, Keta lies in the Volga Region to the northeast of Accra. It was once an important trade hub and is home to the remains of an 18th-century slave fort that has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Most surfers head to Alfao Beach, which is renowned for its consistent swells, although the currents can be strong so it’s best for advanced wave riders. The surrounding wetlands provide habitat for a large number of migratory birds and sea turtles come to breed on the sands nearby.
Eco-friendly hotels in Keta
Run by a Ghanaian and Italian couple, this nature-inspired lodge nestles just behind the beach on the edge of a lagoon. All of the rooms are sustainably built using local materials and you’ll fall asleep to the sound of the waves (after eating handmade Italian pasta and pizza). More importantly, this eco-friendly Keta hotel supports the education of local kids and contributes financially to those living in Accra’s Agbogbloshie slum.
"If you like unique, one-of-a-kind, local relationship-based experiences, Wild Camp is the place for you.” (read more reviews here)
Best time to surf in Ghana
Situated along the Gulf of Guinea (just above the equator), Ghana is blessed with a tropical climate and sees daily temperatures around 27°C (80°F). The warm waters of the Gulf hover around 25°C (77°F) year-round, making it possible to surf without the need for a wetsuit.
The best time to surf in Ghana is from May through October when consistent oceanic swells and favourable offshore winds create ideal conditions. Waves range from mellow beach breaks perfect for beginners to more challenging point and reef breaks that will put experienced surfers to the test.
Best places to surf in West Africa
FAQs about surfing in Ghana
Does Ghana have good surfing?
Yes, Ghana’s coastline is peppered with surf spots that are suitable for all levels. Beginners can find gentle, mellow beach breaks that are perfect for honing their skills while more experienced surfers can challenge themselves on the powerful reef breaks and river mouths.
Among the standout surf spots in Ghana is Black Mamba, a sheltered point break near Busua, while Kokrobite offers waves closer to the capital, Accra. What makes Ghana's surf scene especially appealing is the relative lack of crowds compared to more popular surfing destinations in Africa.
Is it easy to access the surf in Ghana?
Ghana is a relatively accessible surf destination, with regular international flights arriving at Kotoka International Airport in Accra and domestic services reaching Takoradi (near Busua). Local buses connect towns and villages along the coastline and private transfers are also available if you’re not on a super tight budget.
When is the surf season in Ghana?
Ghana experiences a tropical climate with coastal temperatures averaging around 27°C (80°F). The Gulf's warm waters hover around 25°C (77°F) all year, so you can hit the waves in just boardies/bathers and a rash vest. The prime surfing season in Ghana runs from May to October when you'll find consistent swells and favourable offshore winds that create ideal surfing conditions.
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 highlighting 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.