About Tavarua Surf Travel
Paradise found: Tavarua is a surfer’s surf trip. That little “heart-shaped island in the Pacific” has captured the hearts of minds of surfers since the late ‘70s. Boasting three-world class waves—Cloudbreak, Restaurants and Tavi Rights—there’s a reason surfers like Kelly Slater are so infatuated with the place. Discovered by John Ritter in March of 1978 while Ritter was in the midst of exploring the South Pacific via trimaran. The story goes that he spent three weeks surfing that reef that would come to be known as Cloudbreak alone, returned one more time later in the year, and has never been back since. In 1982, another sailor/surfer/explorer, Dave Clark, stumbled onto Tavarua—in essence discovering the island’s waves resources for the second time. It was Clark and his small crew that would name it Cloudbreak and launch the Tavarua Resort that has since become synonymous with the island. In 1984, surf explorers Kevin Naughton and Craig Peterson paid a visit to the island, and after a story in Surfer Magazine, word got out quickly. Jon Roseman and Rick Isbell came on as partners in the business in 1992. Over the years Tavarua has seen its fair share of epic moments, but it’s more than that. A trip to “the island” is a rite of passage, a surfing pilgrimage.
The little heart-shaped island where dreams come true. Photo: Scott Winer
Surf Crowds
Before the reefs at Cloudbreak and Restaurants were opened up to the public, Tavarua was one of the most exclusive spots in the world reserved only for paying guests of the island. That’s since changed since the Fijian government changed the decree and both spots are now open to the public. The only catch, you still have to figure out the 30-minute boat ride from the main island. There are definitely more people surfing Cloudbreak and Restaurants these days, especially on peak swell events, but the line-up remains relatively light most days.
Surf Hazards
The reef at Restaurants and Cloudbreak is notoriously unforgiving. The inside sections at Cloudbreak is called “Shish Kebab’s” for a reason. Get pinned on the inside by a set and you’re going pay the price in skin. Other concerns with charging Tavarua include terminal sunburn from 8-hour sessions, sea lice and dehydration. And if the swell’s really pumping, the currents can be a bear.
Surf Pollution
About as pristine as the ocean gets. On a clear day, the water visibility is incredible. The reef is very much alive in this part of the world. Issues relating to climate change are a threat, but as far as everyday surf sessions go, Tavarua doesn’t face the same pollution problems as urban areas around the world.
Best Surf Seasons For Tavarua
1) Winter
(June-August) the South Pac winter is the prime surf season for Tavarua. Swells from multiple sources, including the Southern Indian Ocean, the Southern Ocean and the Tasman Sea, deliver consistent surf to the island. It can be anywhere from shoulder-high and playful at Restaurants to absolutely gigantic and terrifying at Cloudbreak. That means bring everything from shortboards to pintails, and don’t forget to pack extra leashes.
2) Fall
(March-May) Tavarua’s swell season really starts to get going in April as the Underworld begins to rumble to life with new low-pressure systems in the Southern Indian Ocean and the Southern Ocean. The Tasman Sea is another source for dependable swell for Fiji during this time of year. The mid-period Tasman swells are especially good for Restaurants, while Cloudbreak likes the longer period ground swells from further away.
3) Spring
(September-November) October marks the end of the swell season in Fiji, but November is the start of cyclone season. That means more local winds and weather, with a chance at short-period swell. Tavarua does periodically sustain a direct hit from these storms, but somehow always manages to bounce back.
4) Summer
(December-February) a slow time of year for groundswells, as the Tasman Sea goes to sleep for the summer so does the prospect of scoring epic surf. That doesn’t mean wind swell and random storm patterns can’t occasionally turn the area on, but it’s considerably less dependable.
Directions to Tavarua
The first step to getting to Tavarua is to fly into Nadi, Fiji. From there it depends on what kind of trip you have planned. There are only 36 guests allowed on the island during a given week, so if you’ve booked time with the resort they’ll get you from the airport to the island. Or perhaps you’re staying on nearby Namotu? They’ll also take care of your travel arrangements. But with access to Cloudbreak now open to the public, there are a number of hostiles and resorts you can stay at on the main island and catch day boats out to the break.
Tavarua Surf Reading
The Mechanics of Cloudbreak and Restaurants