Last updated on December 21st, 2023 at 06:12 pm
If you are looking for the best surf spots in Tahiti, you came to the right place. In this surf guide to Tahiti, you will find everything you need to plan your surf trip, including travel tips, surf seasons, and the best surf beaches in Tahiti.
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About Surfing in Tahiti
Whenever someone is talking about the surf in Tahiti, inevitably, what comes to mind is those giant barrels at Teahupoo. We’ve all seen these videos with the heavy monster waves crashing over the shallow reef at the WSL championship event. Indeed, Teahupoo is the wave that put Tahiti on the world’s surf map. However, surfing in Tahiti has much more than that to offer.
Tahiti is the biggest Island in French Polynesia. It is located in the Pacific Ocean, south of Hawaii and northeast of Australia and New Zealand. Shaped like the number 8, this island has an incredible landscape. Actually, it is considered one of the most beautiful Islands on earth, with high mountains, waterfalls, volcanos, and blue lagoons. Its black sand beaches, surrounded by coral reefs, established Tahiti as a high-end holiday destination.
As for the surf in Tahiti, it is definitely the best you can get. With year-round swells and warm water, there is a huge variety of surf spots in Tahiti for any skill level. Therefore, you don’t necessarily have to be a professional to surf in Tahiti; you only need a surfboard and some goodwill. Moreover, compared to other surf destinations such as Indonesia or Puerto Rico, the lineups in Tahiti are relatively uncrowded, which makes it even more fun.
Surf Seasons in Tahiti
In General, you can surf in Tahiti any day of the year and score good waves. Since it is an Island that picks up swells from all directions, the surf is always up at some beaches. That being said, depending on your skill level, you might want to choose your favorite time according to the following breakdown:
The winter in Tahiti, which is also the dry season, lasts from May to September. During these months, the south swells from Antarctica hit the Southern beaches with massive power. These beaches on the South Coast are famous for hollow barrels and shallow reefs. Therefore, if you are an advanced surfer, this is the time you want to surf in Tahiti.
The summer, in contrast, lasts from November to March. This is the rainy season and the time for the north swells to hit the island’s Northern beaches. These north swells have less power than the south ones and produce smaller waves. Don’t get it wrong; the surf is still consistent during this time, but it hardly exceeds 6 feet. Moreover, the waves on the Northern beaches break over a sandy bottom, which makes it even easier to surf. For these reasons, summertime is the best time for beginners and intermediates to surf in Tahiti.
The transition months between the seasons, spring and fall, are the so-called “shoulder seasons”. During these months, the swell is less predictable, but you can still always find some good waves.
As for the weather, it is always warm in both the dry and the wet season. The water temp ranges from 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F), and therefore, when surfing in Tahiti, there is no need for a wetsuit.
The Best Surf Spots in Tahiti
There are many great surf spots in Tahiti, and depending on the time of the year, you can choose which ones to surf. The South Coast is best during winter, and the North Coast is best during summer. Either way, you will have a good selection of breaks to choose from. So, in detail, these are the best surf spots in Tahiti:
Surf Spots in Tahiti’s South Coast
Teahupoo:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- Without a doubt, this is the most famous surf spot in Tahiti. In fact, this break is known as one of the heaviest ones on the planet. You can get to this wave by boat or a 15-minute paddle from shore. Then, when you get to the lineup, you will see the island’s beautiful mountains on one side and huge mountains of water on the other. Somehow, the bottom shape and the nearby river mouth create this wave like no other in the world. We are talking about a huge barrel that sucks all the water below it to a very thick lip and crushes over an extremely shallow reef. This wave is no joke; it is the scariest one you can imagine. For that reason, only professional surfers can surf in Teahupoo. Moreover, every year in August, the WSL Billabong Pro competition takes place here, and you can watch the best surfers facing this wave. Teahupoo is a “one of a kind phenomenon”, no words can truly describe it.
Papara:
Break type- Reef and beach break.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- This black-sand beach offers excellent surf for all skill levels. Actually, it is one of the most popular surf spots in Tahiti. Papara is an absolute swell magnet. When it’s small, beginners can practice here without danger. However, on a big swell, it can challenge even the best surfers out there.
Vairao:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- This left-hander provides the longest rides in Tahiti. The waves here break with perfect shape over a very shallow reef, and even though they don’t have as much power as Teahupoo, they are still fast and hollow waves, suitable for advanced surfers only. Since getting to this spot requires a boat ride, it is never too crowded.
Taapuna:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- This reef break produces a hollow left ride over a shallow reef. Due to its proximity to the city and high quality, the lineup here is more crowded than in other spots.
Maraa:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- advanced.
Description- A bit south of Taapuna, this is another typical Tahitian reef break. The waves here also break to the left side over a rocky bottom, primarily suitable for advanced surfers. Due to the shallow reef, high tide is the best time to surf this spot.
Haapiti:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Intermediate.
Description- Riding this wave is just pure fun. Compared to other surf spots in Tahiti, this one is much more user-friendly. Still a reef break, still hollow, but intermediates can enjoy it, too. On a good day, you can get long left rides.
Atiha:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Intermediate.
Description- This wave breaks far into the deep water in front of Moorea Island. It has a beautiful “A-frame” shape, and you can get some pretty long rides to both sides.
Surf Spots in Tahiti’s North Coast
Papeno’o:
Break type- River mouth and beach break.
Skill level- All levels.
Description- This spot offers 2 breaks, both of which are great. The first is a river mouth performing best during low tide. Since the break here is fast and often hollow, it is best for advanced surfers. The second one is the beach break, which works better during high tide. This break is softer and, therefore, great for beginners.
Temae Beach:
Break type- Reef break.
Skill level- Advanced.
Description- This beach is on the neighboring Island, Mo’orea, just next to the airport. You must take a boat ride or a really long paddle to reach this spot. This right-hander requires a big swell to work, but once it does, the barrels here are fantastic.
If you are new to surfing and looking for beginner waves, check out our post about beginner surf beaches in Tahiti.
Surf Camps in Tahiti
If you are a beginner making his first steps in the surfing world, the best way to explore the surf beaches of Tahiti is at a surf camp. So, these are the most recommended surf camps in Tahiti:
1. Tahiti Surf Experience– Established back in 2014, Tahiti Surf Experience offers surf lessons for both children and adults, from beginner to advanced level.
For more details about surf camps in Tahiti, please click here.
2. Taie Fa’ahe’e Surf School Tahiti– At Taie Fa’ahe’e Surf School, you can improve your surf, bodyboard, or stand-up paddleboard skills safely and constantly in a relaxed atmosphere. Enthusiastic staff, coupled with the wise advice given to all profiles of surfers, have ensured the excellent reputation of this school on the island of Tahiti.
For more information about surf camps in the South Pacific, please click here.
3. Moana Surf School– Moana Surf School is open every day and year, with surf lessons, longboards, and bodyboards for all ages and skill levels.
For more details about surf camps, retreats, and hotels, please click here.
Surf Hotels in Tahiti
When coming to surf in Tahiti, you want to stay as close as possible to the best breaks.
So, these are some of the most recommended surf hotels on the island:
2. PK 35– Located in Apomaoro, 21 km from the Museum of Tahiti and 34 km from Paofai Gardens, PK 35 provides accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning, a restaurant, and a garden. Featuring free private parking, the holiday home is where guests can engage in activities such as hiking, fishing, and canoeing.
3. Pointe Venus Lodge– Set in Mahina, just 300 m from Point Venus, Pointe Venus Lodge offers beachfront accommodation with free bikes, a garden, barbecue facilities, and free WiFi. Boasting free private parking, the bed and breakfast are in an area where guests can engage in snorkeling and canoeing.
For more accommodation options, check out our post about the best surf resorts in Tahiti, or simply look for deals on Booking.com.
Can Beginners Surf in Tahiti?
There is a wonderful selection of surf spots in Tahiti, and although most of them are challenging, surfers of all levels can find waves that suit their skills. For instance, beginners can surf mellow waves in Papare and Papeno’o. Intermediate surfers, though, will find more challenging waves in spots like Atiha and Haapiti. And finally, if you are an advanced surfer, you can ride massive barrels at Teahupoo.
Tahiti– Travel Information
Language– French.
Population– about 190,000.
Currency– CFP franc.
Calling code– +689.
Time zone– GMT -10.
Pros– perfect barrels, warm water, low crowds.
Cons– shallow reef, hard to reach.
Conclusion- Final Thought
To sum up, surfing in Tahiti is a fantastic experience for many reasons. If you are an experienced surfer, you will get some crazy barrels on the South shore. Beginners, though, can find their waves in some of the more user-friendly surf spots in Tahiti. The beauty of the island and the crystal clear water will make you want to stay longer than planned. Tahiti is a true paradise, especially for surfers.
Finally, if you want to explore other surf destinations nearby in the South Pacific, check out Fiji, another barrel machine
