One of the top surfing destinations of all time, the definition of a South Pacific paradise, so perfect you could set a wartime musical there: Fiji. This is one of the best places to go for a fully tropical, resort style surf trip that will be full of boat rides to perfect surf, wonderful accommodations, and great activities for the flat days as well. The surf here tends to be coral reef breaks, with an emphasis on high performance and barreling left handers due to the orientation of the island chain. There are a few regions that offer different experiences, see our regional overview for more details. Fiji can be a year round destination, but the best times for surf are during the Southern Hemisphere’s winter. This is the time of year when the world class breaks really turn into the ruler straight lines you see in the surf magazines. Anyways, here are some of the best breaks in Fiji, you could easily argue for a longer list or against some of my inclusions or exclusions, but that just means that there is too many good breaks to count here (is that a bad thing?).
Cloudbreak
Cloudbreak is the quintessential tropical island reef break. This is one of the best lefts in the world, breaking from deep water over a perfectly shaped reef to produce reeling, hollow, and speedy walls. You’ll need a boat to get here which can be hired easily from a local resort. Be ready to high performance walls and some of the best barrels of your life. This spot holds size, and although it can be playful up to the slightly overhead range it gets downright hairy when bigger. Due to the perfect reef it will hold up to triple overhead surf easily, so check the forecast, and bring as big a board as you’ll need. See our spot guide for more details on the surf.
There is one option on Tavarua island, Tavarua Resort, which is the closest to Cloudbreak and also the resort with all the history surrounding the break. Not only will you have 5 star service on land, you will be guided by the locals that know the wave better than anyone in the world.
Frigates
Frigates is one of the main island’s top competitors when in comparison the the outer island chains. This is a world class left hand break that can be anything from fun and playful when smaller to heavy and dredging on a bigger swell. This is one of two spots on this list that could be good for intermediate surfers when smaller, as an introduction to heavier reef breaks. The wave is about 25 kilometers out to sea from the Coral Coast, so you’ll need to hire a boat to get here, but the distance from shore generally means it is less crowded than other spots in the area. Be ready for bending walls in crystal clear water. Check out our spot guide for more information on this reef.
One of the best resorts on the mainland just happens to be the closest to Frigates. Waidroka Bay Surf Resort is both secluded and close to everything you could want. Stay here for an all bases covered kind of vacation. You will not be wanting for activities, services, relaxation, or surf while you stay here!
King Kong’s Left
Named after an infamous large ape, this is yet another heaving, barreling left hand reef break of very high quality. It is named after King Kong because the movie was filmed on the island it is off of, Kadavu, south of the main island in Fiji. The name is not ill chosen, this is a big, bad, and dangerous spot, that can serve up either a deep barrel or a gnarly wipeout. Not for the faint of heart, but for the experienced surfers looking for a remote adventure. See our spot guide for more information on this break.
The remote nature of this reef does not lend itself to nearby accommodations. It would be best to stay somewhere near the populated areas on Kadavu and boat around the the Southwest tip of the island. It is also possible to stay on the main island and boat from there, but that is much more of a mission, and more prone to inaccurate surf expectations.
Wilke’s Passage
This might be the most controversial pick on this list, but I had to include a right! Really, the argument against is consistency due to the wind exposed nature of the break. Wilke’s when on is a fantastic, mechanical reef that will deliver peeling barrels for it’s whole length when there is a little size and playful skate ramp performance sections when smaller. The issue is really the wind, but trust your local guide! There is also a fantastic left across the reef that is better with a little wind, so worry not, you will score either way!
Wilke’s Passage is very close to Namotu Island Resort, which offers up plenty of tropical island adventures. This place specializes in curating equipment, guides, and transportation to whatever activities you can think of, which of course includes surfing! Stay there for an excellent surf resort experience.
Restaurants
Named after the dining spot on the island of Tavarua just on the shore, this is one of the most perfect waves in the world based on shape. This was the wave pool before there were wave pools. The left breaking reef halves the size of swells at Cloudbreak, making them more managable as the wrap around the island onto the coral. You will be looking at perfect high performance walls when smaller and perfect barrels when a bit bigger. Although it is considered “Cloudbreak’s little brother” many will tell you that it is both an easier wave to surf and a more perfect one, albeit smaller. When the WSL came to Fiji, this and Cloudbreak were the two spots they would switch between depending on the size of the swell. Restaurants is best on the higher tides to avoid meetings with the sharp reef. See our spot guide for more information on this break!
Restaurants and Cloudbreak go hand in hand, therefore the best place to stay is also the same, Tavarua Island Resort. Restaurants doesn’t even require a boat from the resort, just paddle the few hundred meters from the beach to get to the lineup. Post surf enjoy some beverages on the beach, and watch the people surfing that should have been on it when you were!
Fiji is the definition of tropical South Pacific Paradise, and not just for the surf! The resorts, culture, and endless activities make Fiji a bucket list travel destination. Make sure to bring your sunscreen and stoke! Check out our regional overview to help plan your next surf holiday here!
