About Fiji Surf Travel
A no-brainer holiday choice for divers, lovers, fishermen, and any real fan of tropical beauty, it goes without saying also that the pristine barrier reefs of Fiji are primo surf real estate–welcome to paradise, bro. For decades a staple South Pacific surf destination, one also with an fascinating cultural mix, not a tube-loving surfer is born who does not wish to board a plane, land in Nadi or Suva, and lock into some deep Melanesian juice, often far from land, and very far from the dullness of home. Sitting quite close to the Viti Levu mainland, Tavarua Island was thrust into international surf stardom after the resort there opened for business in 1984. Soon, the world realized the glory of Cloudbreak and Restaurants, two of the best lefts on the planet, and the rest is history. Fiji’s biggest island, Viti Levu is the archipelago’s hub for everything, including surfing, and obviously Tavarua isn’t the only game in town. Just north is the Namoutu area, a watery playground, and there are numerous surf zones along Viti Levu’s pretty Coral Coast, eastward all the way to Suva, Fiji’s vibrant capital city. Bottom line is, you can’t go wrong with Fiji.
Surf Crowds
As noted, lots of surfers fly to Fiji during peak season (March-November), and famous Frigates Pass can suffer from an abundance of boat-chartering surfers. Yet the rest of Viti Levu is generally uncrowded, wide open for whatever sort of wave you want to surf, the other exception being Namotu Island, just north of Tavarua, which is home to a very popular surf resort.
Surf Hazards
Since the surf is hollow, shallow, and powerful, you must know your limits before paddling out. Besides heavy water, the number one hazard is the live, sharp coral reef lurking just below the surface. The tropical sun is another danger, so proper sun protection is key. The currents flowing in and out of the reef passes can be gnarly.
Best Surf Seasons in Fiji
1) Winter
Not only is it the dry season, winter is Viti Levu’s prime surf season, with the reefs reaping the result of consistent low-pressure systems in the Tasman Sea. Strong southwest swells are the go, but along the Coral Coast the southeast trade winds start to blow come afternoon; these trades are cross-shore at the Namotu lefts, though.
2) Fall
From March to June, the southern hemisphere awakens, providing numerous south swells to hit the marquee spots. The annual Tavarua world tour event was always in May, which should tell you something. Additionally, fall is the dry season, and the wind tends to blow offshore much of the time, too.
3) Spring
Usually a steady lingering stream of southwest swell, but this tends to thin considerably once November rolls around. Rains begin, and the southeast trades slowly swing around to blow northeasterly, grooming Coral Coast waves, which in spring can be surprisingly good…and blissfully empty.
4) Summer
The Fijian summer, from November to April, is the off-season, which means North Pacific swells are the go, and Viti Levu’s south coast is generally not happening. But since summer is Fiji’s wettest, hottest season, the winds are calm or light offshore, so if there does happen to be some summer surf, the Coral Coast will be ultra-clean and likely devoid of surfers.
Directions to Fiji
Most flights land at Nadi International Airport, north of Nadi proper, on the west side of Viti Levu. Coming from Australia, it is possible to fly aboard Air Pacific directly to Suva, on Viti Levu’s southeast shore. Driving is done on the left side of the road.
Surf Reading
Lonely Planet: Fiji
Moon Handbooks: Fiji