Located in Mamanucas and Viti Levu, Wilkes Passage is a great wave to surf when it all comes together! Unfortunately, it is very exposed and prone to being blown out by the prevailing trade winds. Afternoon glass offs though rare can be a truly wondrous sight as clean right-hand barrels peel off mechanically into the safety of the deep channel. Having said this, there is nothing more frustrating than sitting out in blown out Wilkes whilst you can look across the channel at only semi affected Namotu and watch the guests peeling off on wave after wave… sigh… Trust your local guide to put you in the best spot.
The waves here can be tricky to surf and break for up to 100 meters over a coral reef.
What are the best surf conditions for Wilkes Passage?
Gets good between chest high and overhead. We recommend riding a longboard here when smaller and a shortboard as the size increases. This break is suitable for intermediate and advanced level surfers. The surf here usually has something to ride (5/10) and will get busy at peak times (5/10). The best winds are from the North. The best swells are from the Southwest. Works on a mid tide best.
We recommend wearing boardshorts or a bikini all year. Water temperatures stick between 27 and 24. See the temperature chart below for more data on this.
