Get ready to ride the waves in the mesmerising South Pacific, where the thrill of surfing meets the beauty of paradise. At Spacifica Travel, we're excited to take you on an exhilarating journey through the best surfing destinations in the Cook Islands, Fiji, Norfolk Island, Tahiti, Vanuatu, Samoa, and Tonga.

Cook Islands holiday isn't just about pristine beaches and tranquil lagoons; it's also a gateway to incredible surf breaks. Our Cook Islands holiday packages offer a blend of relaxation and adrenaline-pumping adventure, where you can ride the waves under the South Pacific sun. Get ready to paddle out and catch the perfect swell.

Now, let's venture to the French Polynesian gems of Tahiti and Bora Bora, where the surf beckons with its crystal-clear waters and consistent breaks. Our Tahiti holiday packages provide access to some of the most sought-after surf spots in the world. Bora Bora holidays offer a unique blend of luxury and surf, where you can enjoy the thrill of riding waves in paradise.

But the surf adventures continue beyond the horizon. Fiji, with its friendly locals and world-class breaks, is a surfer's dream destination. Our Fiji holiday packages cater to surf enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to experts, providing access to epic waves and stunning beaches.

In this blog, we'll unveil the South Pacific's best-kept surf secrets — the thrilling breaks, the stunning coastal landscapes, and the vibrant surf cultures that define each destination. Whether you're a seasoned surfer chasing big waves or a beginner looking to catch your first, we've got you covered.

Prepare to paddle out, catch a wave, and immerse yourself in the surf culture of the South Pacific. Your journey to the best surfing destinations in the region begins here, with Spacifica Travel.

Cook Islands

Best time to surf

The best surf is during the months of November to March, when strong North Pacific storms feed swell to the South Pacific, met by prevailing South-Easterly trade winds, creating favourable offshore conditions on the Northern and Western shores.
Best surf spots

• Nikao Social Centre ('Socials') Very fast A-Frame wave breaking both right and left 
• SS Maitai (aka “The Boiler”) – in front of Trader Jacks
• Club Raro on the North–East corner
• Matavera Point in the East
• Avana Passage by Muri Beach

Tip : Reef shoes are essential for surfers and bodyboarders, for protection from coral and sea urchins when accessing the best spots.

Fiji

Best time to surf

You can surf year-round in Fiji, but it’s best between the months of April and October.

Best surf spots for advanced surfers…

• CLOUDBREAK, three miles straight South of Namotu Island in the Mamanuca Island group. Regularly voted one of the 10 best/most challenging waves in the world.
• RESTAURANTS, right off Tavarua Island in the Mamanuca Islands, funnelling around the western side.

Best surf spots for moderate surfers…

• NAMOTU LEFT (Mamanuca Islands) is sometimes referred to as the best longboard wave in Fiji.
• NATADOLA on the Coral Coast an hour's drive south of Nadi, is a beautiful resort beach with a shore break that’s good for body surfing and beginners.
• FRIGATES (Beqa Lagoon / Pacific Harbour) is definitely a world-class left that can rival Cloudbreak for power, size and consistency. 

Norfolk Island

While Norfolk Island may not be the first name that comes to mind when thinking of world-class surf spots, its unique and diverse locations provide surfers with a memorable and less crowded experience, making it a hidden gem for those seeking the thrill of riding the waves in a stunning and remote setting.

Best time to surf

The best time to surf on Norfolk Island is during Winter and also October. This is the best time to get consistent waves, light winds and rideable swells.

Best surf spots for advanced surfers…

For more experienced surfers seeking a bit of adventure, Cemetery Bay offers a more challenging experience. With its reef break and larger swells, Cemetery Bay demands a higher skill level and a willingness to navigate through its rocky underwater terrain. The adrenaline-pumping rides and the stunning backdrop of the island's cliffs create an unforgettable surfing experience.

Best surf spots for Beginners to Intermediate:

Kingston or Ball Bay are other noteworthy spots, favoured by locals and visitors alike. The rocky bottom and reef breaks offer surfers a thrilling ride, and the consistent swell ensures a reliable surfing experience. The untouched natural beauty surrounding Ball Bay adds to the overall charm of this surfing destination

Tahiti

Best time to surf

There are basically two surf seasons in Tahiti. From October to March, the summer swells are from the north, which are the same swells that hit Hawaii. From April to September, quality surf are generated from low pressure systems traveling from Antarctica to New Zealand.

Best surf spots for advanced surfers…

• Teahupo’o a reef break located on the island’s southern tip, home to the Billabong Pro surf competition each year.

Best surf spots for Beginners to Intermediate:

• Papenoo is located on the East Coast of Tahiti and is filled with surf spots, both reef and shore breaks that not only sit off picturesque black sand beaches but boasts some of the most consistent beginner waves on the island.
• Papara is a striking black sand beach situated on the south side of Tahiti Nui. Papara picks up on the southern swell, which results in waves on this break ranging from small and gentle to fast and powerful, making it an excellent location for surfers of all levels from beginner right up to experts.  

Vanuatu

Best time to surf

Vanuatu offers perfect surfing conditions all year round, but the best time to surf here would be between March and December when the Antarctic lows send over consistent Southern swells.

Best surf spots for Beginners to Intermediate:

Black Sand Beach, British Beach, Epao, Forari Bay, Mangea Reefs, Pango Point, Soumabal Point, Port Resolution are just some of the beaches which offer a great surfing experience for everyone.

Best surf spots for advanced surfers

Spots like Breakas, Devils Point, Erakor Reef, Pounders and Tapi Point are just perfect for adventurous surfers

Samoa

Best time to surf

The south shores of both islands work all year round while the North Shores are best in the Northern hemisphere winter

Best surf spots for Beginners

For beginner surfers, the breaks are perhaps a little on the dangerous side, as many of the waves break directly onto the reef and the currents can be harsh.

Best surf spots for Intermediate to advanced surfers:

Breaks on Savai'i

Surfing hot spots include Lano and Ananoa Beach in the southwest, and Manase and Fagamalo in the north.

Breaks on Upolu

The best places to go for a paddle are from Apia east to Cape Utumauu, and on the South coast from Matautu to Matatufu.

Tip: Always try and go out with a local who will have a better understanding and awareness of the reefs.

Tonga

Best time to surf

The winter swell season runs from April to October and from November to March, prevailing summer swells.

Best surf spots for Beginners

Not really recommended for beginners as Tonga has no beach breaks.

Best surf spots for Intermediate to advanced surfers:

Tonga is definitely a destination for intermediate to advanced surfers.  The Northwest coastlines showcase surf spots like Kamikaze’s and Fishtraps around Ha’atafu Beach.

Surf Holidays:

This is just a shortlist of the many different surf locations that are available throughout the South Pacific. If you would like us to put together a package at one of the resorts that service these areas, please get in touch with our team of specialist travel consultants on 1800 800 722.