A Surfing Day in Tofino — Winter Double-Dip Itinerary

December 24th, 2025

If you’re planning a full surf day in Tofino this Winter, our guide will walk you through the perfect schedule — from sipping your coffee at sunrise to your final wave of the day. With short winter daylight hours, good planning makes all the difference. Whether you’re here for one session or going for a “double dip,” here’s how to make the most of your time in our little surf town.

☕️ Start Your Day: Sunrise, Coffee, and Breakfast

Winter sunrise in Tofino lands sometime between 7:50 – 8:30 a.m., which means you get a slow, cozy start to your surf day.

Grab a warm drink at ROAR coffee shop, then take a short path through the rainforest to watch the sunrise over the Tofino Inlet. Or you can head over to North Chesterman for your first surf check of the day. It’s less than a 10-minute walk.

Other favourite coffee shops close to our surf shop:

Pair your drink with a pastry or breakfast sandwich, breathe in the salty morning air, and enjoy that soft winter light over the water.

🏄‍♂️ 10:00 a.m. — Pick Up Your Rentals at Swell Tofino

Our shop opens at 10:00 a.m. The rental process usually takes 15–30 minutes, depending on group size. If you want to speed up the process, you can pre-book online, sign all the paperwork at home, and have the gear waiting for you at 10 am on your pick-up day. More information about the rental process is here.

By the time you’re suited up, waxed up, and loaded up, you’ll be ready to hit the beach for Surf #1. You can ask for the surf report at the shop, and we’ll send you to the best surfing beach for your skill level.

🚙 Driving time from our location:

  • North Chesterman: 2 min
  • South Chesterman: 3 min
  • Cox Bay: 4 min
  • Long Beach: 14 min

🌊 Surf #1 — 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Your first session is all about warming up, getting to know your rental gear, and settling into the flow of the waves.

If you’re only surfing once today, you can extend this session for as long as you have the energy for!*

🍔 Break Time: Explore, Shop, Eat — 12:00 to 2:30 p.m.

After your first surf, warm up and grab a bite. You’ve got a 2.5-hour window to explore town, check out local shops, and refuel.

Lunch ideas:

🌊 Surf #2 (Optional) — 2:30 to 4:00 p.m.

If you’re going for the “double dip,” head back to the beach around 2:30 p.m. for your second session. This timing lets you enjoy the afternoon light and still catch your final wave at 4:00 p.m.

*Not doing Surf #2? Use this time to:

  • rent a bike and explore the beaches 🚴‍♀️
  • go storm or wildlife watching 🐋
  • browse more shops 🛍️
  • go on a Tofino hot cocoa trail 🍫
  • enjoy a sauna or hot tub 🛁
  • rent a water taxi and hike The Big Tree Trail 🌲

🌅 4:30 p.m. — Gear Return

All rentals must be returned by 4:30 p.m., as the shop closes at 5:00 p.m. 

December sunset in Tofino is around 4:25 p.m. and by the end of January it’s at 5:00 p.m. You might be able to watch the sunset from the water before returning the gear, or you can bring everything back first and then head to a viewpoint to catch the evening colors.

We recommend getting a hot chocolate from Chocolate Tofino to keep you warm as the sun disappears behind the horizon.

🍣 Evening in Tofino: Dinner & Cozy Vibes

After dark (which comes early!), it’s time for dinner. Some of Tofino’s best sit-down spots:

  • Wolf in the Fog — award-winning local cuisine
  • Shelter — cozy, classic Tofino flavors
  • ROAR — fire-cooked, smoky dishes
  • Ombré — pasta + warm ambiance (happy hour 4-6pm every day 😉)

Before heading back to your stay, go to Tofino Brewing Co to taste their signature brew, kelp stout, or check Tofino Events Calendar — you may catch live music, markets, workshops, or special winter happenings.

Ready to Plan Your Surf Day?

Whether you’re catching one perfect session or aiming for the full “double dip,” December is a magical time to surf Tofino. Swing by Swell Tofino for rentals, local advice, and everything you need to make the most of your day on the coast. ✨

Happy Holidays and I wish you get all the best waves in 2026! 🎇

Lara 🫶