Fiji's Top Surf Breaks

Cloudbreak

The Legendary Cloudbreak Wave

Cloudbreak in the southern Mamanuca islands holds an almost mythical status to surfers from around the globe. It’s frequently touted as of the top 5 waves in the world alongside infamous Pipeline and Teahupoo.

Cloudbreak can easily hold a 10 foot plus swell that’s not for the faint hearted! It’s no place to hesitate; once you’ve committed to the steep wave face you’ve no choice but to ride it as the shallow reef isn’t exactly forgiving. Getting tubed out there, not matter the wave height is an unforgettable experience. Kelly Slater is a huge fan of Cloudbreak and Fiji in general, counting the locals at Tavarua Island as family.

Frigates

The Thrills of Frigates Reef Break

The Coral Coast won’t be outdone by all the fun waves in the Mamanuca Islands. Frigates, an offshore reef break, can give you the ride of your life given the right conditions. This long, mega left-hander rises up out of the deep water at Frigates Passage. It’s secluded location means, like many of Fiji’s waves, you can score it mostly uncrowded. Expect a 30 – 45 minute boat ride to get there if you’re staying on the Coral Coast mainland. Frigates is fun for everyone when small but gets seriously heavy over 6ft.

Namotu Lefts

Ride the Waves at Namotu Lefts

Namotu Island sits alongside Tavaura in the scenic Mamanuca islands. Namotu Lefts is world-class wave that’s much easier to navigate than neighbouring Cloudbreak. It’s a fast, fun reef break that displays amazing water clarity and is a firm favourite of international surfers and as well as a few friendly local folk. You’ll clearly see the colourful corals and myriad marine life below as you paddle into the line-up. Beginners to intermediate surfers can also find a safer yet suitably exciting wave zone just minutes away at Swimming Pools.

Wilkes Passage

Surfing Paradise at Wilkes

As far as accessible, user friendly waves in Fiji go, Wilkes is right up the top. It’s an easy to reach surf spot from heaps of resorts in the Mamanuca Islands or Nadi. Plus, it attracts plenty of awesome swell. Wilkes is a great right-hand break that works best in a south west – west swell direction. The take-off zone is pretty easy, before the wave opens up to a long wall with fast sections that cater for a range of fun manoeuvres.

Bula Bowls And Kavas

Qamea Island in northern Fiji is home to a whole host of relatively undiscovered reef breaks. Bula Bowls is a user-friendly left-hander wave (experts only on massive swell days though) that works best in south easterly winds. Easily accessible by boat, it’s about 10 minutes offshore from the island. This fun, short ride suits surfers of all skill levels.

Intermediate to advanced wave hunters would be wise to check out Kavas break nearby. Kavas is where you’ll find a fast, long walled left with hollow barrelling sections. It breaks on shallow reef, so only surf it on a high tide. Visitors should either base themselves at nearby Taveuni or Qamea Island to enjoy a rad surf adventure here. The region is also famous for its world-class diving.

Natadola Bay

Natadola Bay: A Surfer's Playground

Natadola Bay is a divine beachfront break on the Coral Coast. It’s super easy for people who want to learn to surf! Long boarders will love the inside reef section where you can score super long rides depending on the swell size and tide heights. Intermediate - advanced surfers that are keen to explore the area a bit more can paddle about 1km (or take a quick boat trip) offshore to Resort Lefts – the waves here offer long rides and thick, throaty barrels. It’s pretty fickle and the winds can pick up quick and tear the wave face to pieces.

Suva Reef Lighthouse

The Hidden Gem: Suva Reef Lighthouse

Fiji’s best kept secret and most popular local break is just a 5-minute boat ride from the Royal Suva Yacht Club. The Suva Reef Lighthouse wave is a rare but great right-hander that breaks in the entrance to the Suva Harbour. The break doesn’t handle too much size, maxing out at around 6ft, but it’s a great wave for intermediate surfers and above. A good section for learners is on the inside of the reef. You’ll find a great wave shared with friendly locals, offering city views from the line-up.