East Bali · Indonesia
Surfing Sanur Reef
A right reef in East Bali, Indonesia, for advanced and pro surfers.
Sanur Reef only breaks when a big south swell comes in during the wet season, from November to March. Then the west wind blows offshore on this coast and it becomes a long, hollow right over sharp coral about 300 metres out.
It needs around 4ft of raw swell before it starts, and at 6-8ft the crowd is small and experienced.
You can paddle from the beach, which is long, or take a jukung from near the jetty. Mid tide is best; low tide is dangerous. Take a step-up, 6'4" or longer for most people. The coral is very sharp and the current in the channel gets strong on big swells.
When to surf
Sanur Reef
Sanur Reef is at its best from November to March. Conditions it likes: Big S swell, W wind (wet season), mid tide.
May to June: Prime
Pumping SW swell, offshore trades, crowds still civilised
July to August: Prime
Peak everything: waves, crowds and prices. Book ahead
September to October: Good
Still good waves, fewer people in the water
November to March: Shoulder
Wet season: the east coast (Serangan, Keramas, Nusa Dua) takes over
The year across Bali
Waves near Sanur Reef
Serangan
7 kmEast Bali · Left & Right Reef · Intermediate / Advanced
Keramas
12 kmEast Bali · Right Reef · Advanced / Pro
Kuta Beach
12 kmCanggu · Beach Break · Beginner
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there
Where to stay: Sanur is the practical base, restaurants, ATMs, the fast-boat port and an easy dawn drive to Keramas and Serangan. Staying at Keramas itself puts the wave on your doorstep but nights are very quiet.
Transport, costs, where to stay and the rest of the waves in the area are in the East Bali guide.
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