Real ocean surf on China’s tropical island — and a surf pool on the same bay for the days the sea goes flat.
In short: Hainan has two ocean surf windows. Dependable seasonal swell arrives in the cooler months, roughly October to March, when Riyue Bay’s long, organised walls suit longboards and mid-lengths — the WSL has run longboard events on this coast. Typhoon swells in the warmer months are faster, heavier and unpredictable, and belong to experienced surfers. Riyue Bay sits in Wanning on the east coast, about two hours from Haikou airport, and the PerfectSwell® surf pool is on the same bay, so a flat ocean never costs you a session.
Beyond the surf pool at Riyue Bay, Hainan has real ocean surf — seasonal swells, quiet coastlines, and a side of surfing most international travelers have never seen. The whole Wanning coast is within a short drive of where you are staying.
When the right swell, wind, and tide come together, Hainan can reveal waves that feel completely unexpected — long, clean, tropical, and far from the image most surfers have of China.
A glimpse of what Hainan can do when the conditions align — not a map, not a spot guide.
Hainan has a regular seasonal surf window and a separate, more unpredictable typhoon swell window. The surf pool at Riyue Bay gives the trip structure. The Wanning coastline adds the surprise. Month-by-month detail, wave types and which board to bring are in our Riyue Bay surf guide; rentals from shortboards to a longboard are at the surf shop.
Hainan’s natural surf is not only about advanced surfers or heavy waves. When the conditions are right, the same coastline can show very different sides.
We do not publish exact spot names, maps, or directions to lesser-known waves. This page is meant to show what Hainan can offer — not to turn the coastline into a public surf guide.
If you are planning a trip, tell us your dates, your level, your group, and what kind of waves you are hoping for. We can help you understand what may be possible.
Yes — there are always spots that are perfect for kids and beginners.
We can explain what kind of natural surf may be possible during your travel window, but we do not publish or casually share every spot online.
Hainan has both regular seasonal surf windows and more unpredictable typhoon swell windows. The best timing depends on what kind of surf experience you are looking for.
Tell us your travel dates, surf level, group type, and what kind of waves you are hoping for. We’ll help you understand what may be possible during your trip.