Home to the world’s third largest barrier reef, Fiji is one of the planet’s most popular surf destinations. Famous for its incredible reef breaks, tranquil atmosphere and friendly natives, surfing in Fiji is an amazing experience. A first-rate surf destination with big consistent waves, what also makes surfing in Fiji so great is the warm water temperatures, fewer crowds, and the abundance of surf. The perfect retreat for any surfing enthusiast, Fiji also plays host to two major surfing competitions in Tavarua.

Two of the best known surf breaks in Fiji have to be the Namotu break and the Cloud break found near Tavarua in the Mamanuca Group. Internationally famous, these two reef breaks are considered to be among the most challenging in the South Pacific. Desperation and Swimming Pools also in the same area are legendary surf spots as well. In the Southern Islands, Beqa and Kadavu have some excellent places to surf. Frigates Passage is a superb left break with big barrels and long rides, while Serua is a long and hallow right-hand break. The Pipe is another well known left in the area. Cape Washington on Kadavu and Lavena Point on Taveuni also have some good surf as well.

If you are a beginner, the south coast of Viti Levu has some reliable breaks. Sigatoka and Natadola along the Coral Coast are two terrific places to learn to surf with some good inexpensive surf camps in the area as well. There is a reef break at Suva near the lighthouse, and you can also try surfing at Momi Bay, Yanuca, Korolevu and Pacific Harbour as well.

The best time to come surfing in Fiji is from May to October when the waves are big and the surf is great. The one thing you have to keep in mind while surfing here is that most of the reefs are offshore. While this means less crowded surfing conditions, it also means taking a boat to reach the break, rather than paddling out from the beach. Tides also play an important factor while surfing in Fiji.

For the ultimate surf vacation a good option is to try and stay at Fiji’s specialist surfing resorts found on Viti Levu, the Mamanucas, Kadavu and in the Southern Islands. There are also many surf rental shops and companies operating in these areas as well. If you plan on bringing your own surf board to Fiji, do check with your airline first about baggage restrictions and so forth. Local inter-island flights will only carry your board if you pay excess baggage. If you don’t bring your own board, there are plenty of surf shops in Nadi and Suva where you can buy or rent one.