Hey that’s Swell, a Fiji "Surfing Decree” means Freedom for all Surfers.

For many people, a spot of surfing may be one of the highlights of their south Pacific experience, whether it's a combined Fiji and New Zealand vacation, or even an epic combined Fiji, New Zealand AND Australia vacation.

Until recently, access to some of the countries best-known breaks was restricted to high-end surf resorts claiming exclusive rights to nearby areas. The Fijian government has now changed that and issued a decree that has opened access to all surfing areas. Now, Resorts like Tavarua, established in the early ’80s, enjoyed an exclusive usage rights to the lineups at Cloudbreak, Restaraunts, and Tavarua and charged a kings ransom for the privilege.

So now the doors are open what about the surfing in Fiji…

With consistent swells, warm water and the friendliest people on the planet, its no surprise Fiji is a popular destination for traveling surfers. Although there is good surfing off Kadavu, Vanua Levu and the Lau Group, it seems the most popular and consistent breaks are found on the reef passes of the southern most islands of the Mamanuca chain—home to Cloudbreak and the other famous breaks around Tavarua and Namotu. The other major break, Frigates, fringes a pass on the barrier reef surrounding Beqa Island. There are a couple other minor breaks along the Coral Coast, such as Hideaways and beach breaks near the Sigatoka River. 

When is the best time to surf Fiji?

You can surf year around. That said, there are two different surf seasons. Fiji’s winter is the best, from April to October, low pressure systems in the Southern Hemisphere ignite consistent swells as high as 8-10 feet (12-20 foot faces). During the summer, from November through April, swells generally have shorter duration, 1-3 days. Typically winds are light, it’s hotter, glassy and you’ll get afternoon showers. The price and demographic of accommodations range from low end surf camps (ie, Club Masi or Maqai Beach Resort on Qamea) to midrange and upmarket properties (such as Hideaway, Waidroka, Tavarua or Matanivusi). Which are for you? Well that depends on your budget and where you decide you want to surf - You can always ask us. 

Fiji Surf Spots

The only surf breaks for novices are located at Sigatoka; otherwise, most of the other breaks are over shallow razor sharp coral reefs, which can cause painful wipeouts and more importantly deep cuts that can become infected. Because of this, these surf areas are for experienced surfers only.

Some of the best surf spots for intermediate surfers include:

• King Kong on Kadavu is a left and right-hand reef break situated over coral. You can also experience an excellent ride of 50 to 100 meters (164 to 328 ft).
• Hideaway on Viti Levu is a right-hand reef break situated over coral. The best place to stay at if you plan on surfing here is the Hideaway Resort.
• Mini Break on Viti Levu is a left-hand reef break situated over coral. The best way to get here is with the surf camp, Rendezvous, which will transport you here by boat.
• Pipe on Viti Levu is a left-hand reef break situated over coral. You will have to contact the Waidroka Bay Surf Resort in order to surf in this area. Besides surfing, Pipe is also excellent for snorkeling.

Some of the best spots for expert surfers include:

• Black Rock on Viti Levu is a right-hand reef break situated over coral. This area is great for snorkeling as well.
• Cloudbreak on Viti Levu is a left-hand reef break situated over coral. The only way you can surf here is by staying at the Tavarua Camp.
• Lighthouse Rights on Viti Levu is a right-hand reef break situated over coral. Surfers choose this area because there are no crowds or locals.
• Mata Point on Viti Levu is a right-hand reef break situated over coral. There are also no crowds or locals here, plus you can enjoy a long length of ride.
• Namotu Lefts on Viti Levu is a left-hand reef break situated over coral. The only way you can surf here is by staying at the Namotu Island Resort.