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10 Best Places to Surf in Fiji
When it comes to world-class surfing destinations, Fiji is a true paradise for surf enthusiasts.
With its stunning tropical islands, warm waters, and epic waves, Fiji offers some of the most incredible surfing experiences imaginable.
The top 10 surf spots in Fiji:
- Cloudbreak
- Restaurants
- Natadola
- Swimming Pools
- Wilkes
- Desperations
- Frigates Passage
- Lighthouse Rights
- King Kong Left
- Natadola Inside Left
From the world-famous Cloudbreak and Restaurants in Tavarua, perfect for those seeking epic barrels, to the more forgiving and picturesque breaks of Frigate Pass and Wilkes Pass, Fiji caters to surfers of all levels.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro chasing big waves or a beginner looking to catch your first green break, Fiji has the right wave for you.
In this article, we’ll take a look through Fiji’s top surf destinations. This Pacific paradise has world-class waves and world-class vibes, marked by warm smiles and a spirit of hospitality that’s as memorable as the surfing itself.
Let’s dive into some of the top 10 surf spots in Fiji that you should add to your bucket list:
1. Cloudbreak
- Type: Left-hand reef break
- Wave Height: Up to 25 feet
- Location: 5 km (3 miles) south of Namotu Island in the Mamanuca Islands
Cloudbreak is often regarded as one of the top 10 waves in the world, and for good reason. This left-hand reef break can produce massive waves of up to 25 feet, depending on the swell and wind direction.
Divided into three sections, The Point, The Middle, and Shish Kebabs, Cloudbreak offers different experiences for surfers. However, it’s not for the faint-hearted; this challenging wave is best suited for advanced surfers who can handle its unpredictability and the unforgiving reef beneath.
The ideal time to surf Cloudbreak is from April to October, when Southern Hemisphere storms generate large and consistent swells from the south-southwest direction.
Accessible by boat from nearby islands and resorts, Cloudbreak is also a popular spot for surfing competitions, including the Fiji Pro.
Next, we head to Restaurants, offering a slightly less intense challenge.
2. Restaurants
- Type: Left-hand reef break
- Intensity: Slightly less intense than Cloudbreak
- Location: Near Tavarua Island in the Mamanuca Islands
Restaurants, located just off Tavarua Island, is another fantastic surf spot in Fiji. This left-hand reef break is known for producing long and hollow barrels, especially when the swell is big and the tide is low.
While slightly less intense than its famous neighbor Cloudbreak, Restaurants still requires good surfing conditions and skills.
The wave here can be fast and shallow, with sharp and exposed reefs. Surfing is best enjoyed between April and October when south-southwest swells are powerful, and the ideal wind direction is from the east-southeast.
Restaurants is also a venue for surfing competitions like the Fiji Pro.
Shifting gears, let’s explore Natadola, a versatile spot for all surfers.
3. Natadola
- Type: Beach break, shore break, inside reef break
- Suitable for: Beginners to longboarders
- Location: Natadola Beach, Sigatoka on the Coral Coast, Viti Levu
Natadola is a versatile surf spot, offering different types of waves depending on the tide and swell. It features a shore break for beginners, an inside reef break for longboarders, and an outside reef break for experienced surfers.
Apart from its great waves, Natadola is also famous for its pristine white sand, shade trees, and clear water. Accessible within an hour’s drive from Nadi International Airport, Natadola is the perfect spot for those looking for an easily accessible surf destination.
The best time to surf here is from November to April when north-northeast swells are consistent. Natadola Inside Left, located nearby, is ideal for intermediate surfers and longboarders.
Now, onto Swimming Pools, known for its fun and accessible waves.
4. Swimming Pools
- Type: Right-hand reef break
- Suitable for: All levels of surfers
- Location: Near Namotu Island in the Mamanuca Islands
Swimming Pools is a fun and playful surf spot, located near Namotu Island. This right-hand reef break is known for producing smooth and consistent waves, especially with moderate swells and high tide.
Unlike some of the more challenging waves in Fiji, Swimming Pools is suitable for all levels of surfers. It offers a forgiving and enjoyable wave that doesn’t require extensive skill or experience.
Ideal surf conditions are typically found from April to October, with side-offshore winds from the east-southeast.
Accessible by boat from nearby islands and resorts, Swimming Pools offers a relaxing and scenic surfing experience, with clear blue waters reminiscent of an inviting swimming pool.
Let’s venture to Wilkes, a thrilling ride for the adventurous.
5. Wilkes
- Type: Right-hand reef break
- Intensity: Fast and powerful
- Location: Wilkes Passage, Kadavu Island
Wilkes is an adventure seeker’s dream, located in the remote Kadavu Island. This right-hand reef break is fast, powerful, and ideal for experienced surfers looking for a thrilling ride.
While not as well-known as some of the other spots in Fiji, Wilkes offers an incredible surfing experience with challenging waves. The best time to surf here is from April to October when the southern swells are at their peak.
Accessible by boat from nearby islands and resorts, Wilkes provides an opportunity to escape the crowds and enjoy the untamed beauty of Fiji’s remote islands.
Moving on, Desperations awaits with its powerful mix of waves.
6. Desperations
- Type: Consistent reef break with both left and right waves
- Intensity: Powerful and challenging
- Location: Near Yanuca Island in the Mamanuca Islands
Desperations is a consistent reef break offering a mix of left and right waves. It’s a powerful and challenging surf spot suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers.
Desperations is known for its heavy barrels and fast sections, making it a thrilling ride for those who are up for the challenge.
The ideal surfing season here is from April to October when southern swells create the best conditions. Accessible by boat from nearby islands and resorts, Desperations is a hidden gem that offers an exciting surfing adventure.
Next, we confront the legendary Frigates Passage.
7. Frigates Passage
- Type: World-class reef break
- Intensity: Extremely challenging
- Location: Near the island of Beqa
Frigates Passage is one of the most challenging and legendary surf spots in Fiji. This world-class reef break is not for the faint-hearted and is best suited for expert surfers.
It’s known for producing massive and powerful waves that break over a shallow coral reef. The take-off zone can be extremely fast and critical, requiring precise positioning and timing.
Frigates Passage offers left and right waves, and it’s famous for its barrels and long rides. Surfing here is only recommended for those with a high skill level and experience in heavy reef breaks.
The best time to surf at Frigates Passage is during the Southern Hemisphere swell season, typically from April to October.
Turning to Lighthouse Rights, a spot welcoming all skill levels.
8. Lighthouse Rights
- Type: Right-hand reef break
- Intensity: Suitable for all levels
- Location: Near Suva Point
Lighthouse Rights is a versatile right-hand reef break located along Suva’s Coast. What sets it apart is its suitability for surfers of all levels.
Beginners and intermediates can enjoy the smaller waves closer to the shore, while more experienced surfers can venture further out for larger and more challenging waves.
Lighthouse Rights is known for its consistency and user-friendly conditions, making it a great spot to improve your skills or have a relaxing surf session.
The best time to surf here is during the Southern Hemisphere swell season, typically from April to October. Its convenient location in Suva makes it easily accessible from the Fijian mainland guy a short boat ride.
Up next, the challenging King Kong Left near Namotu Island.
9. King Kong Left
- Type: Powerful reef break
- Intensity: Advanced to expert
- Location: Off the King Kong Resort, Namotu Island
King Kong Left is a lesser-known but spectacular surf break located near Namotu Island, and its waves offer a thrilling experience for advanced and expert surfers.
The break is characterized by fast, hollow, and powerful left-hand waves that reel off over a coral reef. King Kong Left is known for delivering long rides with barrel sections that can challenge even the most experienced surfers.
Access to this wave is typically arranged through the King Kong Resort on Namotu Island. The resort offers a unique and secluded surfing experience, ensuring you can enjoy the waves with relatively fewer crowds.
While the wave quality is exceptional, it’s essential to exercise caution due to the shallow reef, fast take-offs, and strong currents in the area.
The best time to surf at King Kong Left is during the Southern Hemisphere swell season, which typically occurs from April to October.
This remote and uncrowded break allows surfers to seek a challenging and uncrowded experience in the beautiful waters of Fiji.
Finally, we return to Natadola’s Inside Left, a haven for longboarders.
10. Natadola Inside Left
- Type: Scenic left-hand point break
- Intensity: Intermediate to longboarders
- Location: Natadola Beach, Coral Coast, Viti Levu
Natadola Inside Left can be found along the shores of Natadola Beach, offering a sublime surfing experience that caters to intermediate surfers and longboard enthusiasts.
Situated just 50 yards (45 meters) from the shore within the inner reef of Natadola Bay, this spot showcases the perfect harmony of a left-hand point break and the breathtaking beauty of the beach.
Nature’s symphony orchestrates the ideal surfing conditions, with Natadola Inside Left coming to life when a substantial southwesterly swell, high tide, and offshore winds align, typically between April and October.
Accessing this tranquil surfing paradise is convenient, as it’s only an hour’s drive from Nadi International Airport. Accommodation options abound, ensuring that your Fiji adventure is as comfortable as it is exhilarating.
Natadola Inside Left offers a sanctuary to bask in the stunning vistas of white sandy beaches, shade trees, and crystalline waters. Beyond surfing, you can indulge in activities such as swimming, snorkeling, horseback riding, or perfecting your golf swing.
Unlike some of Fiji’s more famous surf spots, Natadola Inside Left retains its serene seclusion, making it an inviting choice for solo surfers seeking tranquility or groups of friends looking for a leisurely day on the water.
After exploring the diverse waves of Fiji, from the exhilarating King Kong Left to the serene Natadola Inside Left, let’s reflect on these surfing paradises.
Final Thoughts
Fiji stands as a true paradise for surfers from all around the world. With its warm tropical waters, stunning coral reefs, and consistent swells, this South Pacific archipelago offers an unrivaled surfing experience.
We’ve explored ten of the best surf spots Fiji has to offer, each with its unique charm and appeal.
As you plan your next surf adventure, consider the enchanting islands of Fiji. Each wave has its own character, and each island has its unique allure.
Fiji offers more than just world-class surfing; it’s a place where you can connect with nature, immerse yourself in a vibrant culture, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
So, whether you’re riding the barrels at Cloudbreak, sharing stories with locals on the beach, or simply enjoying the crystal-clear waters, Fiji’s surf breaks will undoubtedly leave you with an unforgettable experience.
Grab your board, wax it up, and head to Fiji to ride the waves of your dreams.
Vinaka Vakalevu, Fiji—thank you for sharing your incredible waves with the world! 🏄♂️
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Fiji have good surfing?
Yes, Fiji has some of the best surfing in the world, with a variety of world-class reef breaks, such as Cloudbreak, Restaurants, Frigates, and more. Fiji also has consistent swell, warm water, and stunning scenery.
When is the best time to surf in Fiji?
The best time to surf in Fiji is from April to October, when the south-southwest swells are consistent and powerful, creating big and hollow waves. However, Fiji also has surfable waves throughout the year, with smaller and gentler waves from November to March.
Where are the best surf spots in Fiji?
The best surf spots in Fiji are mostly located in the Mamanuca Islands, a group of volcanic islands west of Viti Levu, the main island of Fiji.
Some of the most famous surf spots in the Mamanuca Islands are Cloudbreak, Restaurants, Swimming Pools, Wilkes, and Desperations.
Other surf spots in Fiji include Natadola and Lighthouse Rights on the Coral Coast of Viti Levu, Frigates near Beqa Island, and King Kong Left near Qamea Island.
How to get to the surf spots in Fiji?
A. Most of the surf spots in Fiji are reef breaks, meaning that they break over coral reefs away from the shore. Therefore, the best way to get to the surf spots in Fiji is by boat, which can be arranged from nearby islands or resorts.
Some of these places offer exclusive access to certain surf spots, while others require a surf pass or a fee to access them.
What are the surf conditions in Fiji?
The surf conditions in Fiji vary depending on the season, the swell, the wind, and the tide. Generally, the waves in Fiji are fast, powerful, and tubular, breaking over shallow and sharp reefs.
The water and air temperature are warm and comfortable, around 25-27°C (77-81°F) throughout the year. The wind is usually offshore or side-offshore, creating clean and smooth waves.
What are the surf levels in Fiji?
The surf levels in Fiji range from beginner to advanced, depending on the surf spot and the conditions. Most of the surf spots in Fiji are suitable for advanced surfers only, as they are challenging and risky waves that require skill, experience, and courage.
However, there are also some surf spots in Fiji that are suitable for intermediate or beginner surfers, such as Natadola, Swimming Pools, and some of the inside reef breaks.
What are the surf equipment in Fiji?
The surf equipment in Fiji depends on the surf level, the surf spot, and the conditions.
Generally, it is recommended to bring a couple of different surfboards, such as a shortboard, a fish, or a longboard for the small to medium days, and a larger semi-gun for the big days.
It is also advisable to bring booties, a rash guard, a leash, a repair kit, and a first aid kit. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are also essential to protect from the sun.
Can I learn to surf in Fiji?
Yes, you can learn to surf in Fiji, but most of Fiji’s breaks are strictly for experienced surfers. That’s because most of Fiji’s surf sites are reef breaks and that’s not the best place for a beginner.
A better place to learn to surf in Fiji is Natadola Beach, about 45 minutes east of Nadi, which is a beach break with a shore break for beginners and an inside reef break for longboarders.
There are also some surf schools and lessons available in Fiji, such as Fiji Surf Co, Fiji Surf School, and Waidroka Bay Resort.
What are the surf rules in Fiji?
The surf rules in Fiji are similar to the surf rules in other places, such as respecting the locals, the environment, and the other surfers.
Some of the basic surf rules in Fiji are: don’t drop in, don’t snake, don’t paddle inside, don’t litter, don’t damage the reef, and don’t be rude or aggressive.
It is also important to follow the surf etiquette and the customs of the Fijian culture, such as greeting people with a smile and a “bula”, asking for permission before entering a village or a surf spot, and offering a gift or a donation to the local community.
What are the surf dangers in Fiji?
A. The surf dangers in Fiji are mostly related to the reef, the waves, and the marine life. The reef in Fiji is shallow and sharp, which can cause cuts, infections, and coral poisoning.
The waves in Fiji are powerful and unpredictable, which can cause wipeouts, injuries, and drownings.
The marine life in Fiji can also pose some threats, such as sharks, stingrays, sea urchins, and jellyfish. Therefore, it is essential to be careful, prepared, and aware when surfing in Fiji.
By: Sarika Nand