Surfing and Windsurfing in Fiji

Surfing Tournaments + Surfing Decree

Several international surfing tournaments held in Fiji over the last few decades have placed the pristine Fijian Islands directly into the homes of millions via their TV and sporting networks, from the Red Bulls Surfing Tournament held in 2023 to the Fiji Pro (WSL Championship Tour) held between 1999-2008 and 2012-2018, the Kelly Slater International in 2016, Globe Fiji (2006), and the Roxy Fiji Pro going all the way back to 2005.

As the popularity of surfing increased over this time period, the national government signed into law its Surfing Decree, which became effective in July 2010. This decree removed restricted surf spots, enabling anyone with a surfboard and a boat to have access to Cloudbreak and Restaurants on Tavarua, swimming pools on nearby Namotu, and any other surf spot that previously may have been restricted. The decree defined “surfing area” as the “reefs or other foreshore or offshore areas, which are used for surfing or any water sport.”

With these restrictions removed, the local surfing scene started to flourish, with many local talents taking to the sport. You can discover more about the local surfing scene and the latest news at the Fiji Surfing Association, 

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get the current Weather Information in Fiji?

Windy.com provides an interactive weather forecasting service worldwide, with wind and wave forecasts for kiters, surfers, paragliders, and everyone else. By simply clicking on the icon top right on the map, a dropdown list with a feature-rich selection of weather forecasts becomes available at your fingertips. Spend a few moments and familiarise yourself with this free online utility.

The Fiji Meteorological Service A Fijian government body provides frequent weather bulletins on its website; it’s a resource that you should get acquainted with. It is not as interactive as windy.com but does provide an in-depth account of the current weather conditions across the Fiji Islands.  Facebook

What are Fiji Airways Surf Board Requirements?

Fiji Airways, the national Carrier for Fiji, would classify surfboards as Bulky items. A bulky item is described as: ‘any ‘one’ piece exceeding 158cm (62 inches) but not exceeding 277cm (109 inches) in total dimension [length + width + height], at a maximum weight of 30kg (66 lbs)’.   These items are subject to the bulky item fee; plus the rate of excess weight or piece beyond each passenger’s allowance.  Please always refer to ‘Oversized Baggage Rates’ on Fiji Airways’ official website.  ***ALWAYS MAKE THE AIRLINE AWARE THAT YOU WILL BE TAKING YOUR SURFBOARD WELL IN ADVANCE OF YOUR FLIGHT DATE.

When is the best time to go surfing in Fiji?

Peak Surfing Season in Fiji is between March and September, with Good Conditions continuing on between the months of November to  February.

Best Surfing locations for Beginners in Fiji?

There are three standout Surf Breaks ideal for beginners and individuals entering the sport:

1. The Swimming Pool (Mamanuca Islands – Right Hander): Reef,
2. Natadola Beach (Nadi – Left Hander): Beach & Reef,
3. Kiddieland (Mamanuca Islands – Left & Right): Beach

With a further five that are ideal for people who have mastered the preliminaries and wish to step up their game, these surf breaks are only ideal for beginner surfers at specific times, dependent on the tides and winds, so it’s always best to consult a local professional at the resort to gauge when this is best. The five surf breaks mentioned are:

1. Vunaniu (Coral Coast/Pacific Harbour – Right Hander): Reef,
2. Sigatoka Rivermouth (Coral Coast/Pacific Harbour – Left and Right Handers): River mouth,
3. Resorts Left (Coral Coast/Pacific Harbour – Left Hander): Reef,
4. Daku (Kadavu – Left and Right Handers): Reef,
5. Tavarua Rights (Mamanuca Islands – Right Hander): Reef.

Surf Breaks, Resorts & Tours

Surf Destination: Mamanuca Islands

Table: Mamanuca Islands Surf Breaks

Mamanuca Islands Surf Resorts

The Mamanuca Islands in Fiji are rated as one of the world’s premier surf destinations, with surf breaks to suit all ages and levels of ability, providing a breathtaking surfing experience for every visitor, ranging from the infamous Cloubreak for the elite athletes in the sport to the intermediate and beginners who are opening up a deeper level of mastery.

The archipelago of islands is dotted with resorts, each with a unique character and accompanying atmosphere, all simply a stone’s throw from your bungalow to the surf breaks of your choice, normally within 5–20 minutes by boat.

Here is a list of seven resorts you should consider when circumnavigating the many options available, as the community atmosphere when you wake up in the morning and the entertainment provided in the evening are nearly equal to the surfing itself.

1. Funky Fish Beach and Surf Resort
2. Plantation Island Fiji
3. Tavarua Island Resort
4. Namotu Island Resort
5. Musket Cove Island Resort Fiji
6. Six Senses Fiji
7. Lomani Island Resort

Surf Destination: Kadavu Islands

Table: Kadavu Surf Breaks

Kadavu Surf Resorts

The islands of Kadavu provide an opportunity to surf some of the more remote surf breaks Fiji has to offer, far away from the tourism crowds. The Great Astrolabe Barrier Reef hugs the southern coastline and is your closest neighbour, enveloping you in the true Fijian environment and culture while surrounding you with some of the best surfing breaks of your life.

Matava Beach Resort, an ideal venue to call home for your stay, is in the main hub of the surf breaks and offers 3-hour surf excursions across the reefs, with boat trips scheduled sporadically across the day, dependent on the time of year, winds, and seasonal currents.

Surf Destination: Nadi

Table: Nadi Surf Breaks

Nadi Surf Resorts and Tours

On the border between Nadi Town and the Coral Coast, there are a couple of Surf breaks that should be on your list of considerations.

The Brothers Surf Tours operator is a well know tourism company that teaches surfing and will have you surfing the waves of your life in no time. They will handle all transportation, picking you up from your hotel, taking you directly to the best waves on the day, and returning you back to your hotel.

Surf Destination: Taveuni

Table: Taveuni Surf Breaks

Taveuni Surf Resorts and Tours

There are two recommended Surf Resorts, you should consider on the island of Taveuni, The Maqai Beach Resort and the Qamea Resort and Spa.

Whether you’re a weekend surfer, beginner, or advanced level, Maqai Beach Eco Surf Resort has waves for you in Fiji! The advantage of Maqai Resorts location is that you can see the main breaks anywhere from the resort. Qamea Resort & Spa is your unrivalled luxury surf resort, they offer you undiscovered, uncrowded, and untapped surf breaks, with world-class 4.5-star accommodations.

Adventures by fellow explorers that are worth a glance: Luke’s Report – Maqai Eco Resort, Qamea Island – Fiji

Surf Destination: Suva

Table: Suva Surf Breaks

Surf Destination: Coral Coast & Pacific Harbour

Table: Coral Coast Surf Breaks

Reef breaks occur when wave energy breaks over areas of coral or rocky reefs. Beach breaks, conversely, occur when rolling waves interact with the shallow sandbanks of a given beach. (Redbull, 2019)

Coral Coast Surf Resorts

The Coral Coast and Pacific Habour is a paradise for package vacations, a destination ideal for those who wish to have an adrenaline-pumping holiday that neighbours the tourism hub of Nadi, far enough away from the tourism crowds but close enough to enable you to dip your toe if you wish.

The Matanivusi Beach Eco Resort Surf and Waidroka Bay Resort have the most dedicated team of surfing professionals, with highly experienced staff who know the surf breaks like the back of their hands. They are dedicated to ensuring the best surfing experience for all their guests, providing you with the right time every day to set out for the waves of your life.