Best Surf Watches in 2024

Surfing is more than just a sport; it’s an exhilarating way of life that requires precision, timing, and optimal conditions. A reliable surf watch is indispensable for surfers, providing essential information like tide times, wave forecasts, and moon phases. These features ensure you catch the best waves and stay safe in the water. The rise of smart surf watches has further enhanced the surfing experience by integrating GPS, fitness tracking, and environmental sensors.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best surf watches of 2024, reviewing key features to look for such as water resistance, durability, battery life, and smart functionalities. We’ll also compare top brands like Garmin, Apple, Nixon, and Casio, helping you find the perfect watch tailored to your surfing needs. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a beginner, this guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview to help you choose the best surf watch for your adventures on the waves.

• Key Features to Look for in a Surf Watch
• Top Surf Watch Brands
• Best Surf Watches of 2024
   1. Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Surf
   2. Apple Watch Ultra 2
   3. Nixon Base Tide Pro
   4. Rip Curl Search GPS 2
   5. Casio F-91W
   6. Casio G-Shock GW-7900-1ER
   7. Garmin Venu 2
   8. Nixon Rival Digital
   9. Timex Allied Tide
   10. Casio G-Shock G-LIDE
• Surfing with Smartwatches
• Why Surfers Wear Watches
• Conclusion
• FAQs

BEST OVERALL

BEST FOR DURABILITY

★★★★
Real-time wind and swell reports, wave tracking; ideal for optimizing surf sessions

BEST FOR EASE OF USE

★★★★☆
Fitness tracking with waterproof capability; versatile for health-focused surfers.

BEST APPLE SMARTWATCH FOR SURFING

★★★★★
Water-resistant with GPS and surf apps; excellent for tracking waves, tides, and personal performance

BEST BUDGET OPTION

BEST AFFORDABLE TIDE

BEST VERSATILE

★★★★☆
Tide graphs and moon data; withstands rough surf conditions while providing essential information.

BEST FOR TIDE TRACKING 

BEST SURF-SPECIFIC FEATURES

BEST FOR FITNESS TRACKING

Case Size: 45 x 45 x 14.20 mm
Band Width: 22 mm QuickFit™ compatible
Weight: 53 grams
Display Size: Custom, two-window design; 0.9″ x 0.9″ (23 x 23 mm)
Display Resolution: 176 x 176 pixels
Lens Material: Corning® Gorilla® Glass

Short review

The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar, Surf-Edition is a top contender for best surf watches in 2024, boasting impressive features tailored specifically for surfers. This rugged GPS outdoor watch is designed to endure harsh ocean conditions with its durable build of fiber-reinforced polymer case and Corning® Gorilla® Glass. The 45mm model, named "Bells Beach," offers solar charging capabilities, ensuring extended battery life. Ideal for surf enthusiasts, it includes specialized surfing features like tide data, surf activity tracking, and the Surfline Sessions™ feature for capturing and reviewing wave rides. TracBack routing provides navigational assistance, making it perfect for ocean adventurers. With a water rating of 100 meters, it’s built to withstand deep dives and high waves. Whether you're at Bells Beach or any other surf spot, the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar keeps you connected, informed, and ready to catch the perfect wave.

✅ You Need Surf-Specific Features- The watch includes comprehensive surf tools like tide data to understand ocean conditions, surf activity tracking to log the number of waves surfed, speed, and distance, and Surfline Sessions™ which records your rides for later review.
✅ You Need Advanced Health Monitoring - Features like advanced sleep and stress tracking, hydration monitoring, and health snapshots can offer valuable insights into your overall well-being and readiness for future activities

❌ You Have Smaller Wrists - The 45mm case size is relatively large, which might feel bulky and uncomfortable on smaller wrists, potentially interfering with comfort during surfing.

Case Diameter: 49mm
Case Material: Titanium (rugged and corrosion-resistant)
Display Type: Always-On Retina LTPO OLED
Glass Type: Flat sapphire crystal display
Water Resistance: 100 meters (swim-proof) and EN13319 certified for recreational scuba diving up to 40 meters

Short review

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is an exceptional choice for surfers seeking a high-performance, durable smartwatch. Featuring a rugged titanium case and a Blue Alpine Loop, this GPS + Cellular timepiece ensures reliable performance in harsh marine environments. Its precision dual-frequency GPS provides accurate location tracking, while the customizable Action Button offers quick access to essential functions. Water-resistant up to 100 meters and EN13319 certified, it's built to handle intense water activities.

Benefit from extended battery life, lasting up to 36 hours, with options for low power settings. The extra-bright Always-On Retina display remains visible under direct sunlight, perfect for checking wave forecasts and tide times. This carbon-neutral watch also includes advanced safety features like Crash Detection and a powerful 86-decibel siren. Ideal for surfers, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 combines functionality with eco-conscious design, standing out as one of the best surf watches available in 2024.

✅ You Need Accurate GPS - Employs both L1 and L5 frequencies for highly accurate location tracking. This is crucial for surfers who want precise data on their surfing routes, distance covered, and performance metrics.

✅ You Value Extended Battery Life - Offers up to 36 hours of normal use and up to 72 hours in low power mode. This is beneficial for long-duration activities such as full-day surf trips or multi-day excursions

❌ You Only Need Basic Surf Functions - If your primary requirement is basic surf tracking and tide information, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 may offer more features than you need, making less complex and less expensive alternatives more appealing.

Movement: Custom digital module with tide info for 550 beaches.
Band: 24mm silicone, double locking looper.
Dial: Negative LCD tide graph.
Case: 42mm, recycled ocean plastics, 100m water resistance.
Water Rating: 100 Meter / 10 ATM.

Short review

When looking for the best surf watches in 2024, the NIXON Base Tide Pro A1307 stands out as a top choice for both men and women. This high-performance surf watch combines function and durability, featuring a 42mm digital EL backlight screen and a robust 24mm PU band with a double locking looper for added security. Its waterproof timepiece is perfect for surfing, diving, and fishing, boasting a 100-meter/10 ATM water rating.

The NIXON Base Tide Pro is custom-built with pre-programmed tide information for 550 beaches worldwide, ensuring you stay informed on the tides, sunrise/sunset data, and wave conditions. It includes essential surf tracking features like multiple alarms, a countdown timer, wave counter, and a chronograph. Made with #tide recycled ocean plastics, it’s an eco-friendly surf watch that values our oceans. Whether you are a professional surfer or a water sports enthusiast, this tide watch keeps you connected and ready for adventure.

✅ You Need Comprehensive Tide Info- For surfers who rely on accurate tidal information, this watch comes pre-programmed with tide data for 550 global beaches. This ensures you always have access to essential tidal information, making it easier to catch the best waves.
✅ You Value Practical Features - he Nixon Base Tide Pro offers a range of useful functions, including time, date, sunrise/sunset data, alarms, a countdown timer, wave counter, and chronograph. These features are particularly beneficial for surfers who need to keep track of various metrics.

❌ You Need Advanced Smart Features - This watch lacks the smart capabilities found in more advanced surf watches, such as GPS tracking, fitness tracking, and smartphone notifications. If these features are important to you, you might want to consider other options.

Case Material: ABS Hardened Plastic.
Case Size: 43mm.
Display: Digital display with a backlight for easy reading.
Additional Features: Includes features such as moon phase
Battery: Rechargeable battery with a charge cable included.

Short review

The Rip Curl Search GPS 2 Surf Watch is a must-have for dedicated surfers seeking advanced surf tracking features. Compact and lightweight, this digital surf watch offers detailed tide, wind, and swell data for over 1400 pre-programmed global locations. Its precise GPS tracking allows surfers to monitor their top speed, wave count, distance paddled, and session time in real-time.

Waterproof up to 100 meters and constructed with durable ABS hardened plastic, it’s built to withstand the toughest ocean conditions. The watch syncs seamlessly with the Rip Curl Search App, enabling surfers to re-live their sessions with location maps and stats. Its one-touch auto-set feature simplifies setting time and local surf conditions, while the EL backlight ensures readability in low light. Ideal for multi-sport use, the Rip Curl Search GPS 2 is perfect for surf, swim, snow, and run activities, making it one of the best surf watches in 2024.

✅ You Value Comprehensive Surf Data - For those who rely on accurate, real-time surf conditions, this watch offers detailed wind, swell, and tide information powered by Surfline, ensuring you’re always prepared for your next session.

✅You Travel Frequently - The watch is pre-programmed with tide data for 1400 global locations, making it a great companion for surfers who travel and need reliable tide information wherever they go.

❌ You Are a Beginner Surfer - The multitude of advanced features can be overwhelming and complex for beginners, who might not fully utilize or need such detailed data.

Alarm: Daily alarm and hourly time signal
Calendar: Auto-calendar pre-set to 28 days for February
Time Format: Option for 12-hour and 24-hour formats
Display: Digital display
Accuracy: ±30 seconds per month

Short review

The Casio Classic F91W Series Quartz Watch is a timeless, budget-friendly option featured in our "Best Surf Watches in 2024" list. With its 1/100 second stopwatch, daily alarm, and hourly time signal, it offers essential functionalities for daily use. The watch boasts a durable resin case and stainless steel caseback, providing a lightweight feel at just 21 grams.

Its auto calendar and 12/24-hour format add convenience, while the LED light ensures readability in low-light conditions. The long-lasting CR2016 battery offers approximately seven years of use, minimizing maintenance. While it lacks advanced features like tide tracking and GPS, its classic design and reliable timekeeping make it a solid choice for casual wear or as a backup to more feature-rich surf watches.

✅ You Prefer Simplicity -With its straightforward design and easy-to-use functions, it’s perfect for those who need basic timekeeping and do not want to deal with complicated features.
✅ You Want Long Battery Life -The watch has an approximate battery life of 7 years on a single CR2016 battery, reducing the need for frequent battery changes and maintenance.

❌ You Need Advanced Surf Features - Serious surfers often require features like tide charts, wave height data, and moon phases, which the F91W does not offer. These are essential for planning surfing sessions effectively.

Case Size (L× W× H): 52.4 × 50 × 17.7 mm
Weight: 71 g
Case and Bezel Material: Resin
Water Resistance: 200-meter water resistance
Glass: Mineral Glass (scratch-resistant)
Shock Resistance: Shock Resistant with sophisticated spring mechanisms and housing structure

Short review

The CASIO G-Shock GW-7900B-1ER is an exceptional choice for surfers and adventure enthusiasts in 2024. Built with rugged resin materials and shock-resistant construction, this durable timepiece thrives in extreme conditions. It offers 200-meter water resistance, ideal for surfing, diving, and other water sports. The Tough Solar technology ensures long-lasting power by converting light into energy. Users benefit from precise timekeeping with Multi Band 6 atomic timekeeping and world time features, covering 31 time zones.

Additionally, it includes essential surf-specific features like tide and moon phase graphs, making it perfect for tracking surf conditions. The electro-luminescent backlight provides readability even in low-light conditions, while multiple alarms and a full auto-calendar enhance its practicality. With a case size of 52.4 × 50 × 17.7 mm, this robust watch is geared towards those who need a reliable, multifunctional companion for their ocean adventures.

✅ You Want Solar Power - The Tough Solar technology built into this watch means it can convert light from both natural and artificial sources into energy. This not only extends the battery life but also makes it a low-maintenance choice as you won't need to worry about replacing batteries frequently.
✅ You Need Tide and Moon Data - For surfers, knowing the tide and moon phases is crucial for planning sessions. This watch provides precise tide levels and moon phases, allowing you to choose the best times for surfing and ensure optimal conditions every time you hit the water.

❌ You Seek Bluetooth Connectivity - This watch does not have Bluetooth capability, meaning it cannot sync with your smartphone or other devices for data sharing or notifications. For tech-savvy users who prefer seamless integration with their digital life, this might be a limitation.

Display Size: 1.3" (33.0 mm) diameter
Display Resolution: 416 x 416 pixels
Color Display: Yes (AMOLED)
Strap Material: Silicone
Lens Material: Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel

Short review

The Garmin Venu 2 is a top-tier GPS smartwatch that excels in health monitoring and fitness tracking, making it a commendable choice for the "Best Surf Watches in 2024." Featuring a sleek slate bezel, black case, and durable silicone band, this waterproof timepiece is both stylish and rugged, suited for the demands of surfing. The vivid 1.3” AMOLED display ensures clear readability even under bright sunlight, vital for checking tide times and surf-related data.

With up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, the Venu 2 is perfect for extended surfing sessions and multi-day adventures. It offers comprehensive health features such as heart rate tracking, sleep score analysis, and stress monitoring, providing surfers with essential wellness insights. Although it lacks dedicated surf metrics like wave count and surf speed, its multi-sport modes and 5 ATM water resistance make it a versatile, all-in-one device for active surfers.

✅ Durability and Water Resistance Are Priorities - The watch features Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3 for scratch resistance, a stainless steel bezel for structural integrity, and a comfortable but durable silicone band. Its 5 ATM water-resistance rating means it can handle up to 50 meters underwater, making it suitable for swimming and surfing in various conditions.
✅You Appreciate a High-Quality Display -The 1.3" AMOLED display provides sharp, vivid visuals that are easy to read even under bright sunlight. 

❌ You’re On a Tight Budget - The Garmin Venu 2 comes with a high price tag due to its advanced features and build quality. If you're looking for a more affordable surf watch, there are other tide watches and surf-specific models that offer essential features at a lower price point.

Watch Face Diameter: 38mm
Band Size: 20mm-19mm PU/Rubber/Silicone Band
Water Resistance: 100 meters (10 ATM)
Case Material: #Tide recycled ocean plastics
Display: High-contrast digital with EL backlight

Short review

The NIXON Rival A1310 is a standout among the best surf watches in 2024, bringing eco-conscious design and robust functionality to surfers everywhere. With a 38mm watch face and a 20mm-19mm PU/Rubber/Silicone band, it offers both style and comfort. This surf watch is built to endure water adventures with its 100-meter water resistance, ensuring reliability in harsh surf conditions. Made from #Tide recycled ocean plastics, it supports environmental sustainability by reducing ocean pollution.

The high-contrast digital display provides clear readability, while 550 pre-programmed tide locations, sunrise/sunset data, and wave counters make it indispensable for surfing. Durable construction includes a custom TR90 case with hardened mineral crystal and water-resistant pushers. The watch also features dual time zones, multiple alarms, a countdown timer, and a chronograph. Whether you’re braving the waves or sporting the watch daily, the NIXON Rival A1310 is tailored for those who live the surf lifestyle.

✅ You Need Pre-Programmed Tide Information - The watch comes with tide information for 550 beaches pre-programmed. This feature is incredibly useful for surfers who rely on accurate tide data to plan their sessions. No need to manually check tide charts—it’s all built into your watch.
✅ You Demand Durability - Built to withstand the tough conditions often encountered by surfers, this watch has a custom TR90 case with hardened mineral crystal and a stainless steel screw-down case back. These features help protect it from impacts, scratches, and saltwater exposure.

❌ You Surf at Remote Locations - While the watch covers tide information for 550 popular beaches worldwide, it might not include less-known or remote surf spots. If you often surf at unique or less documented locations, you might need a watch that can provide real-time tide updates via connectivity to cover these areas.

Strap Material: Silicone
Strap Width: 16 mm
Case Diameter: 45 mm
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Water Resistance: 100 meters (330 feet)
Watch Movement: Quartz Analog
Crystal/Lens Material: Mineral Glass

Short review

The Timex Men's Intelligent watch is an essential surf watch for 2024, combining durability and functionality. Featuring a robust 45mm stainless steel case and a comfortable 16mm adjustable silicone strap, this waterproof timepiece is water-resistant up to 100 meters, perfect for swimming and surfing. Key functionalities include a tide tracker to count down to high or low tide, a thermometer to measure air and water temperatures, and an analog compass for navigation.

The black dial, protected by a mineral glass crystal, ensures readability, while the INDIGLO® night-light aids visibility in low-light conditions. Powered by a Quartz Analog movement, this surf-specific watch offers reliable performance. Though it lacks advanced smart features like GPS tracking and data logging, it excels in delivering essential information for surfers. Ideal for those seeking an affordable, no-frills digital surf watch with robust features, the Timex Intelligent Quartz® is a top choice.

✅ You Need Essential Surf Features - The Timex Intelligent  comes equipped with a tide tracker, an essential tool for surfers. Knowing when the next high or low tide will occur helps surfers plan their sessions for optimal wave conditions. Additionally, the thermometer gives real-time air and water temperatures, valuable for assessing surf conditions.
✅You Value Durability and Reliability -Built with a 45mm stainless steel case and mineral glass crystal, this watch is designed to withstand the demanding environments that surfing can present. Its rugged build ensures it can handle impacts, abrasions, and exposure to saltwater without compromising functionality.

❌ You Need a Slim Profile - At 45mm in diameter and a considerable case height, the watch can feel bulky, especially for those with smaller wrists or those who prefer a more streamlined design.

Weight: 66 g
Case and Bezel Material: Resin / Stainless Steel
Band: Resin Band
Water Resistance: 200-meter water resistance
Power Supply and Battery Life: Approx. 2 years on CR2032
Shock Resistance: Shock Resistant

Short review

The Casio G-Shock G-Lide Teal Resin Surf Watch GBX100-2 is a top contender in the realm of surf watches for 2024. Designed for durability and performance, this model boasts shock resistance and 200-meter water resistance, making it ideal for surfing and other water sports. The 50.9 × 46 × 14.7 mm case and 66 g weight ensure robust construction without compromising on comfort, thanks to its slitted urethane band.

Packed with surf-specific features, the G-Lide GBX100-2 includes tide and moon data, sunrise/sunset times, and advanced training functions that track distance, speed, and pace. The high-definition MIP LCD ensures excellent readability even under bright sunlight. Bluetooth connectivity allows for seamless smartphone integration, enhancing its functionality with the G-SHOCK MOVE app. With approximately two years of battery life on a CR2032, this watch meets the needs of serious surfers looking for reliability and advanced features in a stylish package.

✅ You Want Advanced Surf-Specific Features - The watch includes tide and moon data, sunrise/sunset times, and training metrics, all accessible via smartphone linkage, helping you choose the best times for surfing and track your performance effectively
✅Comfort Is Essential for Extended Wear -The urethane band with slits near the 6 o'clock position helps drain water and sweat, ensuring it remains comfortable during long surfing sessions by reducing irritation.

❌ You Want a Full-Fledged Smartwatch - While offering many smart features, it isn’t a full-fledged smartwatch that supports a wide range of apps and notifications, which might not meet the needs of those looking for a more integrated smart device.