Wax your board and pack your bags – these great breaks around the islands of the South Pacific are among the world’s best, and well worth planning a holiday around. Read on for a guide to the gnarliest spots to ride waves in French Polynesia, Fiji and Samoa – the South Pacific’s surfing standouts.

French Polynesia

Whether you’re a surfing pro or a total grommet, rad waves are easy to find in Tahiti, the biggest island in French Polynesia. Orofara beach is popular with beginners for its waist-high waves, while the black-sand beach of Papara is rumoured to be where Tahiti’s best surfers all started out. More experienced surfers can head to Passe de Mara’a for racy, hollow, head-high waves.

Just a short ferry ride from Tahiti is the island of Moorea, another surfing hotspot in French Polynesia. The water is crystal clear and the waves tend to be gentler than those in Tahiti, but are infinitely surfable. The peeling waves at Moorea’s Temae and Haapiti pass will keep you in the water far longer than you’d planned.

The most consistent swells can be found between April and October in and around Tahiti, but there’s sensational surfing to be found no matter when you go. You won’t need your wetsuit – water temps hover in the high twenties throughout the year.

If you’re still wondering when to go, head over in August to be inspired by the pros competing at the Tahiti Pro Teahupo’o World Surfing Championship. Attracting surfers from far and wide, Tehaupo’o is known for having some of the world’s best barrels. Big swell (up to 30 feet – or 9 metres) crashing over coral reefs and shallow water makes surfing here too risky for all but the experts… in case you were tempted to have a go yourself.

Samoa

You’ll want to bring your own board to Samoa, where the locals are friendly, the vibe is chill, but surf hire shops are hard to find. Seriously good surf breaks abound all year round, but do keep tides in mind – surfing is restricted to a few hours before and after high tide.

It’s also worth noting that Samoa’s best waves are often found at tricky-to-access reef breaks located offshore – staying at a humble surf camp or surf resort can be a good way to reach the day’s best breaks.

Crowds aren’t a problem at any of the surf spots in Samoa, but if you really want to get away from it all, head to the island of Savai’i, a ferry ride from the main island of Upolu (where you fly in).

Samoa’s glassiest waves can be found in February, April and October, but the waves are rocking on the north shore of both Upolu and Savai’i all summer long. Don’t leave for home without surfing Upolu’s Coconuts, Boulders and Wackas reef breaks – they’re likely to be highlights of your trip.

Fiji

With thousands of islands and coral reefs facing every which way, surfing in Fiji is year-round awesome! Fiji’s warm waters and picturesque setting make it a drawcard for all kinds of holiday-makers – including wave riders of all experience levels. There are three surf regions in Fiji: Mamanucas, Coral Coast and Taveuni. In Mamanucas, seek out world-famous Cloudbreak, Restaurants, Namotu and Wilkes. Expect the biggest swells in winter, but summer’s mid-sized swells and glassy conditions have just as much appeal.

The Coral Coast is less crowded than Fiji’s other surfing hotspots, and is the place to go during summer. Don’t miss Sigatoga Rivermouth, Hideways and the many reefs around the area’s surf resorts.

Taveuni, in Fiji’s northwest, comes into its own between November and April when winds are light, waves are glassy and the surf is up. Be sure to seek out Maqui, a surf break so long (up to 300 metres) that it has three sections ranging from fun, easy waves to hollow barrels that get the adrenalin racing.

Travel Insurance

Making a B-line for the beach is often the first thing many of us do when we arrive at our summer holiday destination and this is even more true for surfers! Whether you’re experienced at chasing barrels or a newbie practising on the sand, many of our plans offer cover for surfing. Find out more here.

This is a brief summary of cover only and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions. Read the PDS before purchasing.