Surf vans: the coolest vehicles for your endless surfing adventures | Photo: Shutterstock

Are you embarking on a surf trip? Do you plan to explore the world's best surf breaks in a surf van? Discover some of the coolest - and most practical - models customized explicitly for surfers.

Whether buying, renting, or building a surf van, you've got to get what you need to make it an unforgettable experience because surf trips are adventures that will remain in our memories for the rest of our lives.

Depending on the level of comfort you demand, there are options and extras for all tastes.

You may need air conditioning, a compact kitchen, a small shower, a double bed, or an inside surfboard rack.

Volkswagen, Ford, Fiat, Mercedes, Toyota, and Renault manufactured the most famous surf van models, but surf culture's biggest icons still are, without a doubt, Volkswagen's Transporter and Westfalia vehicles.

Built between 1950 and 1992, the Type 1, Type 3, and Type 3 models were a huge hit in European and American markets.

As you may have seen on the road, the surfing community adopted, transformed, and maintained them until today.

Explore some of the grooviest, most stylish, and funkiest surf-oriented vans, campers, and caravans:

Volkswagen Transporter Type 2

Volkswagen Transporter Type 2

This orange-and-yellow look adds a summer flavor to the classic VW van.

 

Volkswagen Transporter Type 2 | The Peace & Surf Model

Volkswagen Transporter Type 2 | The Peace & Surf Model

Peace is something that relates to the essence of surfing. So, spread the good vibes.

 

Volkswagen Transporter Type 1

Volkswagen Transporter Type 1

A shiny and striking VW bus ready to accommodate dozens of surfboards.

 

Unidentified Classic Surf Van

Unidentified Classic Surf Van

A small yet ultra-classic van for the solo surfer-traveler.

 

Volkswagen Transporter Type 2 | The Yellow Sticker Model

Volkswagen Transporter Type 2 | The Yellow Sticker Model

Yellow is the color of sun rays, and those 1990s stickers give this van that extra surfy factor.

 

Volkswagen Transporter Type 2 | The Red Pickup Model

Volkswagen Transporter Type 2 | The Red Model

A beautiful, classic VW van with a pickup twist for the surfer who always carries a lot of equipment.

 

Volkswagen Transporter Type 2 T3 | The Camper Model

Volkswagen Transporter Type 3 | The Camper Model

This model was marketed under several names, including Transporter and Caravelle (Europe), Microbus (South Africa), and Vanagon (America.

 

Volkswagen Transporter Type 2 | The Owl Model

Volkswagen Transporter Type 2 | The Owl Model

Keep it simple but with a customized and peaceful paint job.

 

Unidentified Surf Caravan

Unidentified Surf Caravan

Who said you couldn't bring your house on a surf trip?

 

Volkswagen Transporter Type 2 | The Westfalia Camper Model

Volkswagen Transporter Type 2 | The Westfalia Camper Model

One of the most popular VW van models ever made. It was built for living a surfer's life.

 

Volkswagen California Camper

Volkswagen California Camper

This one is for the modern surfer who can't travel without air conditioning and hi-fi.

 

Volkswagen Transporter Type 2 | The Camper Model

Volkswagen Transporter Type 2 | The Camper Model

A stunning camper van for the old-school surfer who needs less to surf more.

 

Volkswagen Transporter Type 2 | The Red Model

Volkswagen Transporter Type 2 | The Red Model

Just because you're a windsurfer, it doesn't mean you can't drive a VW van in style.

 

Unidentified Retro Surf Van

Unidentified Retro Surf Van

A work-of-art with wheels for the longboarder who sticks to the origins of surfing.

 

Volkswagen Bus Limo

Volkswagen Bus Limo

A one-of-a-kind VW van for transporting a surfing team and their families.


Are you ready to embrace the surfing lifestyle? Learn how to live in a surf van.


Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com

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