Asia PacificSurfing Destinations

Surfing Guide to Fiji

 

Cloudbreak surf Fiji
Photo by Carlos Gama

 

Summary

The surf in Fiji is absolutely flawless with pristine clear water, warm weather and some of the best breaks on Earth. Cloudbreak is considered by many as one of the best three waves in the world along with Pipeline and Teahupo’o. It is not one for the faint of heart…nor for anyone who counts their pennies since the best way to have a direct access to Cloudbreak is from 5-star Tavarua Resort.

 

To find the best surfing destination for you, try our WaveFinder search engine!

 

Tavarua is a heart-shaped private island in Fiji that hosted the World Surf League ever since 1999. However, in 2017, the event got removed and replaced with the Freshwater Pro in Lemoore.

 

Up until 2010, surfing Cloudbreak was strictly reserved to the resort’s guests but since then, the government made the wave accessible for anyone. Boats now run from Viti Levu, the main island as well as all the neighboring private islands such as Namotu.

 

Similar Surfing Destination : Kingdom of Tonga

 

Luckily, surfing in Fiji is not just about Cloudbreak…Beginners can also catch some great waves, usually on the inside of those reef breaks, where waves reform in a mellower version.

 

In the same area as Cloudbreak, there are several other breaks that will help spread the crowd a little such as Restaurants and Swimming Pools, both world-class waves as well.

 

Surf Fiji

 

When to Surf Fiji

The best time to surf Fiji is from April to October when sizable and consistent swells are pushed towards the archipelago.

The “off season”, from November to April will still offer interesting waves for beginners and intermediate surfers looking for head high reef break action. However, this season will also be rainier.

 

January-FebruaryMarch-AprilMay-JuneJuly-AugustSeptember-OctoberNovember-December
Suitable for:Intermediate
Advanced		Intermediate
Advanced		Intermediate
Advanced		Intermediate
Advanced		Intermediate
Advanced		Intermediate
Advanced
Air temperature26°C
79°F		26°C
79°F		25°C
77°F		23°C
73°F		24°C
75°F		25°C
77°F
Water temperature28°C
82°F		28°C
82°F		27°C
81°F		26°C
79°F		27°C
81°F		27°C
81°F
CrowdEmptyFew peopleFew peopleFew peopleFew peopleEmpty
Swell consistency85%95%90%95%85%80%
Swell height5ft5ft6ft6ft5ft4ft

 

 

Where to stay in Fiji

 

 

Getting there

The best way to get to Fiji is to fly into Nadi and jump on the boat to Tavarua or Namotu (expensive) or stay in the Nadi area for some great surf around the main island.

 

 

Safety/things to know

  • Most waves in Fiji break over shallow and sharp reefs, be careful and bring a good first aid kit!
  • Typhoon season in Fiji runs from December to April, stay safe!

 

 

Surf spots in Fiji

Cloudbreak

Fiji’s main event…A world-class reef break that produces a fast and challenging barrel working from 3 to 20+ feet. Once only accessible for Tavarua’s guests, the break is now public and anyone can have a go at this beauty. Cloudbreak has three different peaks and sections which can all connect on rare occasions. Should not be attempted by beginners.

  • Wave direction : Left
  • Bottom : Reef
  • Best tide : N/A
  • Skill level : Advanced
  • Optimal swell direction : SW
  • Optimal wind direction : NE

 

 


Restaurants

Also a long, fast barreling wave, Restaurants will always remain smaller than Cloudbreak but just as challenging. Breaking just next to Tavarua Island’s resort, it is still accessible for non-guests who can get there by boat. 

  • Wave direction : Left
  • Bottom : Reef
  • Best tide : Mid to high
  • Skill level : Advanced
  • Optimal swell direction : SW
  • Optimal wind direction : E

 

 

 

Kiddieland

Restaurants’ reform wave, Kiddieland is the best option for beginners on Tavarua. Grab a longboard and enjoy a mellow peeler all the way onto the beach.

  • Wave direction : Left and right
  • Bottom : Sand
  • Best tide : High
  • Skill level : Any
  • Optimal swell direction : N/A
  • Optimal wind direction : N/A

 

 


Tavarua rights

Also located next to Tavarua, this right-hand break is not as consistent as Cloudbreak or Restaurants but remains a decent option for a fun right-hand barrel.

  • Wave direction : Right
  • Bottom : Reef
  • Best tide : Mid to high
  • Skill level : Advanced
  • Optimal swell direction : SW
  • Optimal wind direction : NE

 

 


Namotu lefts

A gentler version of Cloudbreak, Namotu lefts if also a barreling reef break but not as shallow and a bit more forgiving. Located right next to Namotu Island, this break should also be avoided by beginners.

  • Wave direction : Left
  • Bottom : Reef
  • Best tide : Mid
  • Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
  • Optimal swell direction : SW
  • Optimal wind direction : E

 

 


Swimming pools

The most forgiving reef break of the Mamanuca Islands, Swimming pools is a fun right that is definitely not as hollow and is a good entry break for someone who is not used to reefs. 

  • Wave direction : Left
  • Bottom : Reef
  • Best tide : Mid to high
  • Skill level : Any
  • Optimal swell direction : SW
  • Optimal wind direction : NE
Share with a friend