Less than 50 miles from Cabo San Lucas, Todos Santos in Mexico is more boho-chic than a luxury resort romping ground. Designated Mexico’s first surfing reserve in 2013, has a strong mix of manageable breaks in the water and closer to the shoreline, and a healthy dose of big waves, making the area attractive to surfers of all abilities.

Todos Santos, Mexico

An hour north of touristy Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, you can affordably learn how to surf in Sayulita and riders have plenty of options on waves, graded by skill level (a number of them are suitable for beginners). With 650 fee-free vacation rentals and hotels, budget-conscious newbies will love learning in this pretty, cobblestone-street town.

Sayulita, Mexico

Long Caye, Belize is a mere slip of an island with a mild right-hand break that's dependable year-round, thanks to the reef. While the surfing here isn't likely to give you the chills, it's a great alternative to the standard water sports roster.

Long Caye, Belize

About an hour from San Salvador, the seaside town of El Tunco, El Salvador, has waves, barrels, and sizable walls that make it a great option for beginners, or those that can shred on their board. Adventurers can learn how to surf with El Salvador Surf Camps, which has a school and lodging in town.

El Tunco, El Salvador

San Andrés, a Caribbean island east of Nicaragua, is home to Punta Sur, Colombia where intermediate and advanced surfers will find solid waves (they vary in strength depending on the specific time of the year). Water sports enthusiasts can also get airborne above the water with kitesurfing.

Punta Sur, Colombia