Surfing Fiji has a renowned reputation amongst the international surf community. The rave here is exciting reef breaks (not for beginners), secluded locations and the traditional Fijian hospitality. Most reef breaks around the islands are accessed only by boat so whilst this keeps the crowds down, it also puts the cost up.
Specialist Fiji surfing resorts are found on Viti Levu, Mamanucas and Southern Islands. For the complete surfing Fiji experience, several live-aboard surf charters operate around the islands.
Fiji Surfing Guide – where to go
The only decent beach breaks for beginners are on the south coast of Viti Levu, the main island. Sigatoka has the most reliable breaks although undercurrents can be dangerous. There is surfing off the coast at Hideaway although only 1 hour each side of high tide and undercurrents are dangerous. Natadola Beach is good for body surfing and there are a few breaks off Suva, the capital, where locals will point the way.
Best time April to December. If bringing surf boards into the country, check first with your airline carrier for baggage restrictions and excess costs. Local airlines will only carry surf boards with advance warning and will charge extra.
Several good surf shops can be found in Nadi Town and Suva. Boards are reasonbaly priced and there’s a good selection of accessories. Specialist surf resorts have spare boards for rent.
Surfing Fiji Competitions
January – RIP CURL Oceania Surfing Cup, Tavarua
May – Tavarua Quick-Silver Pro Fiji, Tavarua
The best Fiji surf breaks are found off Tavarua in the Mamanuca Group and off Beqa and Kadavu in the Southern Islands.
Internationally famous Namotu Left and Cloudbreak in the Mamanuca Group are recognized as the most challenging surf breaks in the South Pacific. Both are reef breaks and are not for beginners. Desperation and Swimming Pools add to the variety of breaks in the area. There are two small resorts on tiny coral islands just off Namotu Reef which cater exclusively to surfers. Namotu Surf Resort is a very small and informal island with expensive beachside bures. Tavarua is a little larger but is a package only vacation for American Surfers and is again very expensive. For those on a budget, Seashell Cove on the mainland has budget accommodation, dormitories and camping in a secluded spot south of Nadi. The resort offers daily transfers to Namotu Reef but although it promotes Cloudbreak, you can only surf there on certain days and with limited passengers so it is wise to check in advance. The beach at Seashell is not great.
There are some other excellent breaks around Beqa and Kadavu in the Southern Islands. Frigate’s Passage, a left-hand break in the middle of the ocean, has a growing reputation amongst surfers for its reliable big barrels and long rides. Serua Rights is a long right-hander with a hollow inside section across the passage and Pipe is another left-hander with a mid to high tide break. There are two very basic surf camps on Yanuca island, off Beqa and a more upmarket property, Nagigia Resort off the west tip of Kadavu, right opposite the challenging and reliable King Kong break.
Alternatively, on the main island of Viti Levu, Waidroka Bay Resort offers surf packages and frequent transfers to Frigate’s Passage only 30 minutes away by boat as well as to Cloudbreak in the Mamanucas.