Surfing in Nha Trang: when the waves come, where to go, which school
Nha Trang has surf from September to May, and lessons mostly happen at Bãi Dài, about 40 minutes from the centre. Four schools with locations and languages, what to ask before you pay, and what about kitesurfing.
People learn to surf in Nha Trang from September to May, and not on the city beach but at Bãi Dài, about 40 minutes from the centre towards the airport. The waves are small and soft: right for a first lesson, a bit dull for experienced surfers. In summer some schools leave to chase swell elsewhere, so the first question is "Are you running lessons now, and where?"
Which surf schools are there?
| School | Where | Language | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kiterabbit | 100 Trần Phú, seafront | — | the only one in the city itself; surf, kite, windsurf, SUP, rental |
| Single Fin Surf School | Bãi Dài, Cam Lâm | English, Russian | also known as Surfing LIVE; beginners, kids, SUP, hotel pick-up; season September–May |
| Cam Ranh Surf Camp | Golden Bay, Bãi Dài | English, Russian, Vietnamese, Korean | camp: lessons, rooms, yoga, breakfast, trips to different spots |
| Nha Trang Local Surf | no fixed base | — | group and private lessons, surf guide, photos, pick-up; leaves to chase swell April–September |
All schools are in the surfing section.
When are there waves in Nha Trang?
Schools call September to May the season. In summer the wind turns, the city gets almost no waves, and Nha Trang Local Surf, for one, says plainly that it leaves from April to September. Flying in during summer? Message a school first, then plan the day.
Why Bãi Dài and not the city beach?
The city beach rarely gets a wave; Bãi Dài is an open coast with more room. It is already Cam Lâm, on the road to Cam Ranh airport, about 40 minutes from the seafront. Single Fin and Local Surf pick up from hotels. Ask in advance whether transfer is included and whether the drive counts towards lesson time.
What should I ask a school before paying?
- How many people per group and how many instructors in the water.
- What board a beginner gets: a soft longboard for the first lesson, not a shortboard.
- What happens if there are no waves: rescheduling, theory or a refund.
- Which language your instructor will speak on your day.
- What happens if you get hurt: reef cuts and board knocks are more common than you think.
What should I bring?
A rash vest or a long-sleeved shirt and sunscreen — you burn in an hour on the water. Water, a snack and cash for the ride back if transfer is one way. Reef shoes help.
What about kitesurfing?
Kiterabbit teaches kitesurfing, but Nha Trang has no permanent kite spot: the lesson may be in Phan Rang, another town a couple of hours away. Check the location before paying, not on the morning of the trip.
Frequently asked questions
When is the surf season in Nha Trang? September to May. In summer the city gets almost no waves and some schools leave.
Where do people learn to surf near Nha Trang? Mostly at Bãi Dài, about 40 minutes from the centre towards the airport. Kiterabbit is in the city, on the seafront at 100 Trần Phú.
Is there a surf school that teaches in English? Yes: Single Fin Surf School (Surfing LIVE) and Cam Ranh Surf Camp list English among their languages.
Can I learn in one day? Standing up on whitewater — usually yes. Catching unbroken waves on your own takes several lessons.
Can children take lessons? Single Fin Surf School runs kids' programmes; ask the school about age and conditions.
Where can I kitesurf near Nha Trang? Kiterabbit teaches kitesurfing, but there is no permanent spot in Nha Trang: lessons may be in Phan Rang. Ask about the location in advance.
How much is a surf lesson? We do not publish prices: ask the school what the lesson includes — board, transfer, instructor — and what it costs.
Sources and checks
Schools in the table come from the "Surfing" section: addresses, phone numbers, languages and season are from the schools' own sites and pages and Google Maps; sources and dates are on each listing. Languages are listed only where the school states them itself. If Cam Ranh Surf Camp does not answer, its listing has a second number. Gear and safety tips are general. Updated 06.10.2026.