Surf Fiji’s Legendary Breaks

If you are a surfer or just a fan of watching the sport, then you have probably heard of Fiji’s reputation for amazing surf breaks. This week, we’ll give you the lay of the surf land in Fiji.

Although there is some surfing off Kadavu, Vanua Levu, and the Lau Group, the most popular breaks in Fiji are located off the southern most islands of the Mamanuca Islands.

Before 2010, some of the best breaks were off limits to anyone not staying at the resorts around the island. But now thanks to the Surfing Decree, anyone can surf anywhere in the Fiji waters. Surfers can even stay on Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu, and access the breaks.

Surf Breaks

One of the most popular breaks is Cloudbreak and the others around Tavarua and Namotu. There is a major break on the barrier reef surrounding Beqa Island called Frigates. In order to get there, you need to travel by car for 2.5 hours from Nadi to Pacific Harbor, then take a boat ride for 20 minutes to the break.

There are a couple other minor breaks along the Coral Coast, such as Hideaways, and beach breaks near the Sigatoka River, but these are smaller and mostly for beginners.

Here’s a list of some Fiji breaks and their levels as sourced from Fiji Guide, Namota, and Tavarua.

• Black Rock is located near Nadi and is an expert level, right hand reef break.
• Cloudbreak a world class wave that is regularly voted one of the ten best/most challenging waves in the world. It is located near Nadi and is an expert level, left hand reef break.
• Desperations is farther northwest up the barrier reef from Wilkes Pass, and is a right and left peak that breaks off a point.
• Frigates Passage is located off of Yanuca Island and is an expert level, left hand reef break.
• Hideaway is located near Sigatoka and is an intermediate level, right hand reef break.
• King Kong is located off of Kadavu and is an intermediate level, left and right hand reef break.
• Lighthouse Rights is located near Suva and is an expert level, right hand reef break.
• Mata Point is located near Nadi and is an expert level, right hand reef break.
• Mini Break is located near Nadi and is an intermediate level, left hand reef break.
• Namotu Left is a world class reef break that’s more forgiving than it’s neighbor, Cloudbreak. It is an expert level, left hand reef break.
• Pipe is located near Nadi and is an intermediate level, left hand reef break.
• Resorts Left is located near Nadi and is a beginner level, left hand point break.
• Restaurants is located directly in front of the restaurant on Tavarua and is an expert level, left hand reef break.
• Serua Rights is located near Nadi and is an expert level, right hand reef break.
• Sigatoka is located near Sigatoka and is a beginner level, left and right hand beach break.
• Swimming Pools received its name from its clear, bright blue color, much like a swimming pool.
• Vunaniu is located in the Coral Coast and is an expert level, right hand reef break.
• Wilkes Passage is located about a mile northwest of Namotu Island and is an expert level, right barrel that breaks on the southern tip of a long barrier reef.

Surf Seasons

While you can surf anytime throughout the year in Fiji, there are two different seasons that may be important to take note depending on your skill level.

Beginner surfers may have an easier time surfing in the summer from November to April. The waves typically have a shorter duration, and when winds are light, it’s hotter, and there are afternoon showers. Many of Fiji’s waves are at reef breaks, which are not ideal for someone new to surfing. Beginners are better suited to learn at Natadola Beach, just 45 minutes from Nadi.

Fiji’s winter is the most challenging and the best time for surfing. Winter occurs from April to October, and low-pressure systems in the Southern Hemisphere give swells as high as 8 to 10 feet. That’s no messing around if you are a skilled surfer!

Wondering where to stay in Fiji within close proximity to the breaks? Check back next week for some ideas.