If you’ve spent your first few days mastering the basics in Kuta or gliding at Batu Bolong, you’ve likely heard the name Echo Beach whispered with a mix of excitement and respect. Echo Beach is where Canggu’s surf scene gets serious. It’s faster, hollower, and more powerful—making it the ultimate “graduation” spot for surfers ready to move beyond the beginner phase.
Where is Echo Beach?
Echo Beach (originally known as Pantai Batu Mejan) is located at the northern end of Canggu’s main tourism strip. It sits right between Pererenan and the famous Old Man’s. You can find it easily by heading to the end of Jalan Pantai Batu Mejan, where the road opens up to a row of seafood cafes and a panoramic view of the Indian Ocean.
How Many Surf Spots are at Echo Beach?
Echo Beach is actually a “trifecta” of world-class peaks side-by-side:
- Echo Left: The most famous of the three. It’s a fast, high-performance left-hand reef break that can produce barrels on a good day.
- The Sandbar: Located in the middle. As the name suggests, it’s a shifting sand and reef peak that offers fun, punchy rights and lefts.
- The Rivermouth: To the far right (near Pererenan). This is a fast, racy right-hand wave that is a favorite for local “rippers” and advanced shortboarders.
Skill Level: Beginner or Intermediate?
Echo Beach is widely considered an Intermediate to Advanced location.
- Beginners: Generally, this is not a place for your first-ever lesson. The waves break over a shallow, sharp reef, and the power of the water is much higher than in Kuta. However, on very small swell days, advanced beginners can practice at the Sandbar with an instructor.
- Intermediates: This is your proving ground. If you want to learn how to generate speed, handle a steeper “drop-in,” and start riding waves that have a “lip” to turn on, Echo Beach is perfect.
Beach Conditions & Accommodation
- The Vibe: High-energy and “surfy.” During the day, the water is filled with high-level talent. At sunset, the beach transforms into one of Bali’s best spots for a Bintang and a BBQ.
- The Sand: Like most of Canggu, it’s black volcanic sand which gets very hot under the afternoon sun—don’t forget your flip-flops!
- Accommodation: You are in the heart of the action. It is incredibly easy to find a place to stay.
- Luxury: COMO Uma Canggu or Ametis Villa for high-end comfort.
- Surf Camps: Kima Surf and Wave House are just minutes away.
- Budget: Dozens of homestays line the streets leading to the beach for $20–$35 a night.
The Reality Check: Challenges & Pro Tips
Echo Beach can be intimidating if you aren’t prepared. Here is the lowdown on the “bad things” and how to manage them:
| The Bad Thing | Our Pro Tip to Avoid It |
| Shallow Reef: At low tide, the rocks and coral are exposed and very sharp. | Watch the Tides. Only surf Echo at Mid to High tide. This gives you a safe buffer of water between your fins and the reef. |
| High Performance Crowds: You’ll be sharing waves with pro-level surfers and “local rippers.” | Patience is Key. Don’t try to compete for the main peak. Sit a little further “inside” or on the shoulder of the wave to catch the ones the pros miss. |
| The “Echo Trash”: In the wet season, the river mouth can bring plastic and debris into the lineup. | Check the water. If the water looks murky or brown after a storm, head further south or take a day off to protect yourself from infections. |
| Aggressive Shore-break: The waves often dump hard right on the sand, making it tricky to get out. | The Channel Technique. Use the “channel” (the deeper, calmer water) near the Sandbar to paddle out rather than trying to punch through the breaking waves. |