Last updated on December 18th, 2023 at 06:32 pm
If you are looking for the best surf spots in Fiji, you came to the right place. In this surf guide to Fiji, you will find all the information you need for your next surf trip, including travel tips, surf seasons, and the best surf beaches in Fiji.
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About Surfing in Fiji
If you want to surf in Fiji, you better be at the top of your game. This is where massive barrels break over shallow reefs and challenge even the best surfers out there. Sure, you can find some spots for beginners and even a few beach breaks, but those are the exceptions. In reality, surfing Fiji is a task for advanced surfers. It can be a surf paradise if you know what you are doing, but it will eat you alive if you don’t.
Fiji is located in the South Pacific, east of Australia and north from New Zealand. In fact, it is an Archipelago with over 300 small Islands spread in the ocean, one next to another. The 2 major Fijian Islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, and that’s where you will find most of the population, especially in the capital, Suva. The water between these Islands is full of reef shelves, blue lagoons, and amazingly rich marine life.
Due to the layout of the Islands, most of the surf spots in Fiji are located offshore. Therefore, for each of your surf sessions, you will need to get a boat ride, which is not really a problem, as these boats are easy to find. With a vast variety of surf spots, perfect barrels, and long rides, surfing in Fiji is definitely a dream for any surfer.
The Best Surf Spots in Fiji
There are plenty of surf spots in Fiji, so when surfing in Fiji, you get a vast selection of breaks to choose from. Due to the shape of the coral reefs around the Islands, the swells break here with massive power. Therefore, most of the waves are steep and fast.
So, in detail, these are the best surf spots in Fiji:
Cloudbreak:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- About a 10-minute boat ride from Namotu Island, this wave is world-famous for its high quality. It is a pure left-hand barrel breaking over a sharp coral reef. Cloudbreak produces epic surf whether the swell is 2 feet or 20 feet. This spot can handle any tide and any swell direction, and it is one of the most consistent surf spots in Fiji.
Namotu Left:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Intermediate.
Description- This left-hander is another world-class wave right in front of Namotu Island. Unlike Cloudbreak, it is not so aggressive, and it can also be suitable for intermediates. On a good day, this break produces exceptionally long rides; therefore, goofy footers love this wave.
Desperations:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- The beauty of this spot is that it produces excellent waves when all the other spots are flat. Therefore, you can count on it for the small days. It is an A-frame break that opens up equally to both right and left and is suitable for all skill levels.
Swimming Pools:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- Next to Namotu Island, this spot got its name due to its blue crystal water color. In fact, it is famous for being glassy and clean almost 365 days a year, which is why surfers love it so much. Here in the lineup, you will see lots of longboards, sups, and beginners. With a dipper reef than usual, this right-hand wave offers great fun for any skill level.
Wilkes Passage:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Intermediate to advanced.
Description- This powerful wave breaks to the right side. Despite its power, it is considered an easy wave to handle, producing some very long rides. When it is under 6 feet, any surfer can ride it, but above, it is recommended for advanced surfers only.
Tavaura Rights:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- This right-hander has a reputation for being a “user-friendly” wave. Therefore, you will find here lots of longboards and beginners playing around these fun waves. However, don’t mistake, when a big swell hits, the waves are heavy and powerful.
Restaurants:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Intermediate to advanced.
Description- Located in front of Tavaura Island, this is one of the most popular surf spots in Fiji. Due to its perfect shape and relatively soft left break, some surfers call it “the skate park”. Amazingly, on a good day, you can find yourself inside 1 barrel for over 10 seconds.
Natadola:
Break type- Beach break.
Skill level- Beginner.
Description- You will find this spot on the West Coast of Viti Levu Island. It is a mellow beach break with soft waves and, therefore, very popular among novice surfers. Actually, it is a great spot to take some surfing lessons in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Vunaniu Pass:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- Situated in the South part of the main Island, Vunaniu offers 2 great breaks. Shifties, on the outer reef, is a swell magnet and offers long rides over a deep rocky bottom. Jay’s, on the other hand, breaks on the inside, and even though it is smaller, it is fast, hollow, and very close to the reef.
Fiji Pipe:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Advanced
Description- Not so far from Vunaniu, Fiji Pipe got its name for a good reason. It is a heavy barrel with massive power and beautiful shape. If you know how to drop straight into a barrel, you will love to surf this one.
Frigates:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- This left-hander is one of the most challenging surf spots in Fiji, second only to Cloudbreak. It is a fast hollow break with great power, suitable for advanced surfers only.
King Kong:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Intermediate to advanced.
Description- This break is located in front of Kadavu Island, at the Southern end of the Archipelago. Due to its remoteness, most people who come to surf in Fiji will not make it this far. However, this is where you can score perfect waves with no crowds. In fact, you can choose here between 2 different breaks, King Kong Left and King Kong Right; both are epic.
If you are new to surfing and looking for beginner waves, check out our post about the best beginner surf beaches in Fiji.
Surf Seasons in Fiji
Generally, you can surf in Fiji year-round and consistently score good waves. Since its Islands face different directions, some beaches will always pick up any random swell. However, the best time to surf in Fiji is the Southern Hemisphere winter, between April and October. During these months, the swell is highly consistent and offers great size, about 6-10 feet on average. Moreover, this is also the dry season, with offshore wind almost every morning.
As for the weather, it is always warm here, and the water as well. Therefore, when surfing in Fiji, there is no need for a wetsuit.
Surf Camps in Fiji
If you are a beginner making his first steps in the surfing world, the best way to explore the surf beaches of Fiji is at a surf camp. So, these are the most recommended surf camps in Fiji:
1. Endless Summer Fiji– The camp offers a coaching program to surfers of all skill levels and combines surf lessons, yoga practice, and other cool stuff.
For more details about the best surf camps in Fiji, please click here.
2. Namotu Island Resort– The resort offers professional surf guides to help you get the most out of your time in the water.
For more details about surf resorts in Fiji, please click here.
3. Maqai Beach Eco Resort– A unique surfing experience is offered directly out front of Maqai Beach. Whether you are an experienced surfer or just a beginner, Maqai has good waves for you.
For more details about surf camps and resorts in Fiji, please click here.
Surf Hotels in Fiji
When coming to surf in Fiji, you want to stay as close as possible to the best surf spots. So, these are some of the most recommended surf hotels in Fiji:
1. Likuri Island Resort Fiji– This secluded beach resort offers spectacular cultural entertainment. Guests enjoy a swimming pool, massage services, and a poolside bar. This tropical island retreat offers a unique cultural experience, featuring nightly kava ceremonies and a spectacular island dance show featuring a world-renowned fire and knife dinner show, which is free for guests. Outdoor dancing under the stars to your favorite music. Wi-Fi access is available in the reception area.
2. Yadua Bay Resort & Villas– Yadua Bay Resort & Villas features air-conditioned accommodation on Fiji’s Coral Coast. Offering a restaurant, the property also has a garden and a bar. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk and room service for guests. All guest rooms at the hotel come with a seating area. At Yadua Bay Resort & Villas, the rooms have a desk, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom.
3. Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay– Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay is an international luxury hotel located in Momi Bay, Fiji. The resort offers unrivaled lagoon and ocean views guest rooms, including exclusive overwater Bure Villas, in a serene setting, providing an elegant, island-inspired experience.
For more surf hotels in Fiji, check out our post about the best surf resorts in Fiji, or simply look for deals on Booking.com.
What Skill Level is Required to Surf in Fiji
There is an incredible selection of surf spots in Fiji. However, most waves are powerful and break over sharp reefs, so it is not the typical beginner-friendly destination. That being said, there are a few gentle breaks and even soft beach breaks, so surfers of all levels can find waves that suit their skills. For instance, beginners can surf mellow waves in spots like Natadola. Intermediate surfers, though, will find more challenging waves in spots like Swimming Pools and Desperations. And finally, if you are an advanced surfer, you can ride epic barrels at Cloudbreak or Vunaniu Pass.
Which Location in Fiji is Best to Stay At
Unlike most surf destinations in the world, the majority of the waves in Fiji break on reef shelves far from shore. Therefore, you usually need a boat ride to get to the surf sessions. Now, since the best surf spots in Fiji are situated in the southern and western parts of the islands, this is the best area to stay at.
Fiji- Travel Information
Language– Fijian, English, and Hindi.
Population– about 900,000 people.
Currency– Fijian dollar.
Calling code– +679.
Time zone– GMT +12.
Pros– perfect waves, warm water, low crowds.
Cons– the waves can be too aggressive.
Conclusion- Final Thought
To sum up, Fiji is where you can find those perfect waves you dreamed about. This is where you ride long walls and get some shade under epic barrels. With crystal water and welcoming locals, this is all you want in a surf destination. Therefore, surfing in Fiji should definitely be on your checklist.
We hope you enjoyed reading this guide to the best surf spots in Fiji. Have a great surf!
Finally, if you want to explore other South Pacific destinations, check out the waves in Tahiti, another surf paradise.
