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.
We strongly recommend that beginners hire a surf school or private surf coach to help them decide which waves to surf and where to go.
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.
One thing is for sure, this tropical paradise will blow your mind by its beauty and the quality of its waves…
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-February | March-April | May-June | July-August | September-October | November-December | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suitable for: | Intermediate Advanced | Intermediate Advanced | Intermediate Advanced | Intermediate Advanced | Intermediate Advanced | Intermediate Advanced |
| Air temperature | 26°C 79°F | 26°C 79°F | 25°C 77°F | 23°C 73°F | 24°C 75°F | 25°C 77°F |
| Water temperature | 28°C 82°F | 28°C 82°F | 27°C 81°F | 26°C 79°F | 27°C 81°F | 27°C 81°F |
| Crowd | Empty | Few people | Few people | Few people | Few people | Empty |
| Swell consistency | 85% | 95% | 90% | 95% | 85% | 80% |
| Swell height | 5ft | 5ft | 6ft | 6ft | 5ft | 4ft |
Surf Camps in Fiji
6 or 11-day Surf School and Yoga Retreat on Fiji’s Coral Coast
Starts at US$533, including:
- Daily surf lessons
- Yoga class on low tide
- Stand up Paddleboard lesson
- 8 & 9-foot soft top learner board
- Certified and experienced surf Instructors
- Complimentary buffet breakfast and afternoon tea
- Island day trips or shark snorkeling trips
- Full accommodation
8-day Deluxe Diving and Surfing Cruise in Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands
US$7,000 Including:
- Explore uninhabited islands
- Dive some of the Mamanica and Yasawa Islands best dive sites
- Monuriki – the backdrop to the Tom Hanks Blockbuster ‘Castaway’
- Get an adrenaline fix of Fiji’s best bull shark feeding dive
- All meals, snacks, and drinks
- 7 nights accommodation
Where to stay in Fiji
Getting there
Fly into Nadi and jump on the boat to Tavarua or Namotu (expensive) or stay in the Nadi area.
Safety/things to know
-Very sharp shallow reefs
-Typhoon season from December to April
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