At WavePoolMag, obsessively organizing things is kinda our thing. Some call it a gift. Our partners call it… annoying. (“Sorry honey, I alphabetized the tea again.”)
After looking at all 33 wave facilities open to surfing around the world, WavePoolMag found that it costs approximately $129 USD per surf session. Prices vary significantly based on location and amenities. Surf Abu Dhabi (factored into this page) and The Surf Ranch (not factored in), command higher prices. But there are still budget-friendly options available, especially if you purchase sessions in bulk or sessions during low season.
Average Wave Pool Session Cost in 2025
- Average Price per Session: $129 USD
- Price Range: $20 (That one mall in Canada) – $950 USD (Surf Abu Dhabi)
Five Examples
We also randomly sampled 5 northern hemisphere surf parks to get another take on the average intermediate and advanced session price ($97.01). We converted currency into U.S. dollars for our traveling American friends. Note: Tax for Waco sessions is approximated at 8.25% (standard U.S. rate for such services). Palm Springs adds a $12 surcharge when purchasing session online. And just like the deposit on a tux rental, you need to know these things.
SURFTOWN
Intermediate: €89 → $97.01
Advanced: €149 → $162.41
THE WAVE
Intermediate: £39 → $49.53
Advanced: £49 → $62.23
WACO
Intermediate: $149 + 8.25% tax → $161.29
Advanced: $159 + 8.25% tax → $172.12
LOST SHORE
Intermediate: £55 → $69.85
Advanced: £65 → $82.55
PALM SPRINGS
Intermediate & Advanced: $200
Slab: $250
Averaged Median Advanced Cost: $162.41
Advanced Session (Sorted USD Values)
$62.23 (The Wave)
$82.55 (Lost Shore)
$162.41 (Surftown)
$172.12 (Waco)
$212.00 (Palm Springs)
Averaged Median Intermediate Cost: $97.01
Intermediate Session (Sorted USD Values)
$49.53 (The Wave)
$69.85 (Lost Shore)
$97.01 (Surftown)
$161.29 (Waco)
$212.00 (Palm Springs)
Wave pool session pricing is influenced by several key factors, as highlighted by WavePoolMag and industry experts.
1. Session Type and Duration
First and foremost, the type and length of the session significantly affect the price. Private sessions, which offer exclusive access, generally cost more than group sessions. For example, a 90-minute private session for six surfers at Surf Abu Dhabi is priced at approximately $4,083, or about $185 per wave. Meanwhile, group sessions come in lower at around $950 per surfer, averaging $172 per wave.
2. Additional Costs
On top of base session fees, many wave pools charge extra for equipment rentals. These costs can include wetsuits, surfboards, and lockers. Especially in colder climates, these extras are not optional. Therefore, the total cost of a surf session often ends up being higher than initially advertised.
3. Location and Infrastructure
Wave pools located in high-demand or urban areas tend to have higher operational costs. As a result, session prices in cities or near tourist destinations are often more expensive than those in remote areas. Accessibility, nearby accommodations, and transit options also play a role.
4. Energy Consumption
Energy use is another critical factor. Operating a wave pool requires a large and continuous power supply, especially when generating consistent and varied waves. However, some facilities offset these costs by producing their own energy on site, which may help reduce the price passed on to consumers. (The Wave in Bristol does this with their solar field.)
5. Market Demand and Competition
When demand is high and availability is limited, prices naturally increase. Conversely, in regions where multiple surf parks compete, pricing may be more aggressive. Although the industry hasn’t fully reached that point yet, signs of growing competition are emerging. As a result, local market dynamics often dictate whether a wave pool charges premium rates or introduces discounts to attract surfers.
6. Perceived Exclusivity
In addition to market forces, perceived exclusivity also plays a role in pricing. Notably, the type of wave technology used can shape this perception. For instance, the KSWaveCo system produces one long wave every two to three minutes. While this may not be ideal from a high-volume business standpoint, it enhances the rarity of the experience. In contrast, if the Surf Ranch delivered waves at the same rate as Endless Surf or Wavegarden, it could lose its high-end image. Furthermore, the association with Kelly Slater—often cited by surfers in post-session conversations or Instagram captions—adds another layer of value to the experience.
