East Bali · Indonesia
Surfing Sanur Reef
A reef break in East Bali, Indonesia, for advanced and pro surfers.
- TypeReef Break
- LevelAdvanced / Pro
- Size4-10 ft
- Best monthsNov-Mar
- Crowd3/5
The wave
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.
-8.694, 115.27 · Big S swell, W wind (wet season) · Open in Google Maps
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). This is how the year looks across Bali:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Waves near Sanur Reef
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Padang Galak | East Bali | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 5 km |
| Serangan | East Bali | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 9 km |
| Sri Lanka | East Bali | Reef Break | Advanced | 11 km |
| Kuta Beach | Canggu | Beach Break | Beginner | 11 km |
| Nusa Dua | East Bali | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 12 km |
| Kuta Reef | Canggu | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 13 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around East Bali
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the East Bali surf guide →
A week here costs from about $781 with flights from Europe, or around $1,432 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $1,000 →
Sanur Reef: common questions
When is the best time to surf Sanur Reef?
Sanur Reef works best from November to March. Ideal conditions: Big S swell, W wind (wet season).
Is Sanur Reef good for beginners?
No. Sanur Reef is a wave for advanced and pro surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Kuta Beach in Canggu, about 11 km away.
How crowded is Sanur Reef?
Sanur Reef is usually moderate: 3 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Sanur Reef?
Sanur Reef is in East Bali, in the Bali region of Indonesia (-8.694, 115.27). The nearest wave we cover is Padang Galak, about 5 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
One strange surf spot a week
The Lineup: one strange surf spot each week, from hippos on the beach in Gabon to lefts under the volcanoes of Kamchatka. Free, and nothing else lands in your inbox.