tahiti surf trip

A Complete Guide to Surfing Tahiti in French Polynesia

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Thinking about surfing Tahiti?

This is our complete surf travel guide. Read for everything you need to know about surfing Tahiti.

Tahiti is the largest of all the islands that make up French Polynesia. It’s located in the Pacific Ocean and it’s a spot people head to when they’re looking to experience some of the best surfing anywhere in the world. Of course, that’s not all it offers. It’s a stunningly beautiful island with volcanoes, coral reefs, mountains, and much more.

But you’re here to find out about surfing in Tahiti so that’s what we’re going to focus on first and foremost. ..

One thing’s for sure; Tahiti certainly won’t let you down when you come here for the surf. It’s got something for everyone as well. So, whether you’re someone who’s still starting out on their surf journey and you want to find some spots suitable for relative beginners or you’re a seasoned surfing expert, you’ll find places that work for you when you visit Tahiti. And the settings and surroundings in which you can surf are second to none.

Tahiti is the kind of place that you won’t want to leave once your trip is over and that’s always the sign of a good surf destination. If you’re interested in traveling to Tahiti but you’re not yet sure how to approach this adventure, we’re here to help you out and give you the information and details you need. You’ll find out about what Tahiti has to offer in terms of surf spots, as well as all the logistical information you need to know too, so read on now.

How to Get to Tahiti

First of all, let’s talk about how you get to Tahiti because that’s an important consideration when planning a trip there. There are a couple of good ways to fly directly to Tahiti. You’ll either want to begin your journey in Los Angeles or head out to Honolulu and fly from there. Which of these is best for you will depend on your circumstances and what time of year you want to travel. Prices change depending on the time of year so keep that in mind. 

It’ll take about 8 hours flying from Los Angeles and 6 hours flying from Honolulu. Lots of people combine a trip to Tahiti with a stop off in Hawaii , so that might be something for you to consider as well, but it’s not necessary if you want to maximize your time in Tahiti.

Tahiti’s main airport is Faa’a International Airport; it’s the airport for the entirety of French Polynesia. So, if you’re traveling to any of the islands in this part of the world, this is the airport that you’ll arrive at. Taxis and buses can be found at the airport to get you to where you’re staying for the duration of your trip. You’ll also be able to hire a car if you want to do that.

Tahiti Surf Camps

Tahiti is a popular tourist destination for all kinds of people, not just surfers. For that reason, you won’t find it head to seek out hotels that are ideal for you and that are able to meet your needs. Of course, you’ll want to find a place to stay that’s as close to the beach as it possibly can be. These resorts are relaxed and make it easy for you to move between the place where you’re staying and the place where you’re surfing.

Tahiti Ia Ora Beach Resort

Tahiti Ia Ora Beach Resort is one of the most popular places to stay for surfers heading to this part of the world. It’s located next to a beautiful beach and the surroundings are tranquil and serene; it won’t let you down. You get a view of the island of Moorea from where you’re staying too, which is no bad thing. The swimming pool is huge and it has a sand bottom. The beach break in Papara is very close by, making it ideal.

Vanira Lodge

Another very popular place to stay when you’re in Tahiti is Vanira Lodge . It’s so popular because it’s within close walking distance of the three main Teahupoo surf spots. It’s a location that’s very highly rated and many people head there each year. It’s another relaxing hotel with lodges that are comfortable and relaxed. You should definitely consider staying here if you’re heading to Tahiti.

Intercontinental Tahiti Resort & Spa

A popular resort for all kinds of people visiting the island of Tahiti is the Intercontinental Tahiti Resort & Spa . It’s generally considered to be the best hotel on the island and it’s right next to the ocean as well. If you’re looking for a little extra luxury when you visit Tahiti, this is probably a place you should take a look at. Of course, it’s a little more expensive than some of the hotels on the island, but if you’re looking to splash out and stay at a hotel that offers real luxury, this is the place for you.

No matter what you’re looking for from the hotel you stay at in Tahiti, you won’t find it difficult to seek out a suitable place. This is a tourist hotspot and that means there’s no shortage of great hotels catering to a variety of needs. If you’re looking for something simple and uncomplicated, you’ll find it here. And if you’re looking to spend your stay on complete luxury, you’ll have multiple options open to you.

Tahiti Surf Spots

Now it’s time to look at the places where you’ll want to spend your time when you’re surfing Tahiti. As you know, Tahiti has a lot to offer to surfers and some spots, in particular, you won’t want to miss out on. These include Moorea, Rangiroa, Maraa, Papara and many others. These are the kinds of places that show you exactly why so many people head to Tahiti for the surfing scene and action here.

Papenoo Rivermouth

Papenoo Rivermouth is one of the top beach breaks in Tahiti, and it’s one that you should definitely check out when you’re surfing Tahiti. You’ll find it on the north shore of Tahiti Nui. If you’re looking to mix it up and try new and different surfing styles, this is a great place for that.

Taapuna is another fantastic spot for surfing in Tahiti. It offers a fast and powerful break that you’ll have a lot of fun with. It’s best suited to experienced surfers who know how to handle the various challenges it presents.

Teahupo’o has waves that vary a lot. When the waves are small, anyone can enjoy them, even if you’re a beginner surfer. However, they can exceed 6 feet at times and that’s when they become a little more tricky to maneuver. But if you have the experience and you know how to handle big waves safely, you’ll have a lot of fun on the waves of Teahupo’o.

Vairao is generally considered to be one of the best spots when it comes to surfing Tahiti. It offers steep, hollow barrel waves and a wall of hundreds of metres. Of course, you’re going to need to be a skilled surfer to take on these waves, but if you feel you’re up to it, you’ll have an experience that you won’t forget in a hurry. You can find out for yourself and make your own judgment on whether or not it really is the best surf spot on the island.

Another spot that’s ideal for surfers who have plenty in the way of skill and experience is Maraa. It’s a fast and hollow wave and it’s in a spot that doesn’t get too busy. If you’re looking for a real challenge in a nice spot, this is definitely somewhere you should head to while in Tahiti. When the wave breaks, it wraps a long way into the pass. As long as you have the experience to handle these waves, you should have a good time here; just be careful if you’re lacking experience and always check the weather and surf conditions ahead of time.

All in all, you’ll have plenty of places to explore when surfing Tahiti. It’s no overreaction to say that this is one of the very best and most popular surfing destinations in the world. If you want to make the most of it and ensure you get the most out of the experience, visit the locations we’ve discussed above. Each of them offers something different and something very exciting.

Surfboard Hire in Tahiti

Next, we’ll look at where you can hire a surfboard when you’re surfing Tahiti. It’s not always easy or convenient to transport your own board with you when you go surfing overseas in a place like Tahiti, so it’s good to know where you should go and what you should do to hire one while you’re there. Which one you choose will depend on which part of the island you’re going to be based on though, so keep that in mind.

The best option is to take a look online at what’s available before you go. Both rentasurfboard.com and Awayco offer surfboard rental online in Tahiti. That way, you’ll know you’re hiring from trusted and reliable people. You should find it easy to get a suitable board for your surfing activities and the prices are relatively affordable too.

Where to Eat in Tahiti

One of the best things about Tahiti, apart from the surfing, is the incredible food and cuisine. It offers a blend of flavors and types of foods like no other place on Earth and that’s what so many people love about it. It combines Chinese, French, and Polynesian cuisines together and has a range of local dishes that you’ll have never tried anywhere else in the world. Some of the highlights include Fafaru, a sliced tuna dish that’s marinated in seawater and combined with shrimp and crab. There’s also Pouletfafa, which is chicken cooked with coconut cream and taro leaves.

There’s a range of great restaurants in Tahiti where you can try out these foods for yourself. You should talk to locals and find the best of them in the specific location where you’re based during your trip. But if you’re looking for some top recommendations, it makes sense to head to Le Carre , which is a highly rated restaurant on the island. Places like Blue Banana and Les Roulettes all offer traditional local dishes that you’ll want to try out for yourself too.

One of the best places offering a delightful array of great-tasting vegetarian dishes is Le Coco . It has everything you would want in terms of vegetarian options; unlike many other restaurants, it doesn’t just offer vegetarian dishes as an afterthought. Instead, they’re an integral part of the menu and you can tell that lots of thought has gone into them Le Coco is also considered one of the best romantic dining locations in Tahiti, so it’s ideal if you’re traveling as a couple.

There are lots of places offering different kinds of foods. French restaurants are very easy to come by, as well as lots of affordable Polynesian restaurants selling local food. Look for the places that the local people eat at and the places they recommend. These places tend to be much cheaper and they also often provide the best tasting and most authentic food, which is what you want.

Now that you know all about surfing Tahiti and about what the destination has to offer, all that’s left to do is to book your trip here. It’ll be an experience that you won’t forget. Many surf enthusiasts head to Tahiti each year and have the time of their lives, and there’s no reason why you can’t do the same.

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The Ultimate Guide to Tahiti Surf

Tahiti surf is headed by the beefiest wave going: Teahupo’o. but there’s WAY more than that slabby barrel. There are A-frames and river mouths, with options suited to total beginners up. Oh year, and it all happens in what can only be described as paradise!

An introduction to Tahiti surf

Tahiti has been thrust into the limelight in recent years thanks to the colossal slabs of Teahupo’o – now generally agreed to be the heaviest wave on the planet. But this group of over 100 isles in the depths of the South Pacific actually has a surfing heritage to match that of Hawaii. Polynesian, see: The clue’s in the name. European traders report observing surfcraft here as far back as the mid-1700s. It’s probably even older than that.

Well…it’s a good spot for it. Swells come from ALL directions. Groundswells from the SW and S pump up in the winter months to power the most iconic breaks. NE and E sets roll through in summer to set off hidden bars and reefs on the less-trodden north shores. The water is constantly warm (it never dips under 75F/25C). And it’s glass, glass, and more glass.

Don’t be fooled by shots of roaring Chup-o. It’s not the only thing to ride here. The variety is actually quite fantastic. Northern shores have curly, bowly beginner setups along a series of black-sand bays. In the south, there are all manner of reefs that work with any S direction swell, with rights and lefts and performance barrels thrown in.

Overall, we sum up the Tahiti surf as epic for the pros and downright fantastic for the intermediates. More than that, is there any more glorious a place to paddle out than this? You’ll be doing it under jungle-clad mountains and craggy volcanos, on pristine coral reefs that teem with life. It’s bucket-list fodder for sure!

We might use affiliate links in this post. Basically, you click em’ and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. So, thanks for that!

This guide is just one part of our complete guide to surfing in French Polynesia

Tahiti surf at a glance

The good…

• Ridiculously epic Teahupo’o
• There’s always swell
• This is one of the most stunning places to surf on the planet. It has to be. Just look at it!

The bad …

• Difficult to get to
• Heavy on the budget

What’s in this guide to Tahiti?

Where is tahiti, exactly.

Tahiti is a part of French Polynesia, an overseas territory of France that spreads through something like 3.5k square kilometers of the Pacific Ocean. The largest of the Windward group of islands, Tahiti is also the most-visited in the chain, largely because it’s home to the capital of Papeete and the main international, long-haul arrival airport.

Getting to Tahiti

Getting to Tahiti can be a chore but then you gotta’ work for paradise, my friends. Most people are looking at some serious two- or three-leg long-haul flights. They all arrive at the Faa’a International Airport (PPT) in the town of Papeete, which is located on Tahiti itself, so no need for any more transfers to other islands once you touchdown. From the US West Coast, you can jet in in about eight hours. Most European flights will connect through via Auckland, from where it’s five hours in the air.

Tahiti surf spots

Tahiti has one poster-boy surf spot backed up by countless other locations that are hardly known at all, though dedicated local crews and growing cohorts of international surfers are now padding out the line ups beyond Teahupo’o. A good way of dividing things up is north and south. The southern breaks are the more reliable, the heavier, and the ones that work in the main SW swell season (from May to October). The northern breaks are more varied and better for beginners and intermediates, largely because they switch on during the monsoon months between December and March.

Let’s take a look at the whole lot…

Drive south from Papeete and the first known break that you’ll get to is one of the OGs of the Tahiti surf scene. Before people were really willing to recognize that Teahupo’o was doable, this one was the barrel-hunting arena and it still shows the class that made it the name back in the day whenever good S-SW swells push through. Glassy as a glass factory, it’s a long, peeling left that oscillates between almond barrels and open shoulders over very shallow reef. Really only for the intermediates and up and is probably one of the few true breaks that has a localism on the island.

Papara isn’t all that far from the reef shelves that give the world Teahupo’o, but it’s a totally different sort of break. Known as the beginner playground of the Tahiti surf scene, it’s a uber-consistent break over sand. The bigger days of the peak season (May-October) can bring some size, when the crowd is usually made up of advanced local crews hotdogging from morning until night. Smaller days make it a really accessible break for all levels, with peeling, clean rights and lefts.

Teahupo’o

Teahupo’o (pronounced and sometimes called Chupo) is the wave everyone’s talking about. It’s almost singlehandedly responsible for thrusting French Polynesia into the spotlight in the last 20 years and the stomping ground of the Billabong Pro and the WCT events that come by these isles. That should offer just a hint to the sort of challenge that Teahupo’o presents – it’s a true expert wave that demands a lot. In it’s time, it’s known to have claimed at least one life and has caused more broken bones and snapped boards than it’s possible to count.

The Teahupo’o peak is right at the western end of a long flank of coral reef that runs the southwest side of the island of Tahiti. Boats come through a wide channel that opens to the west of the main point and then drop surfers at the take-off zone. It’s the shape and nature of the coral shelf itself that lends this one its credentials. As the strong SW-S swells collide with the outer reef, it hits a gap of less than 20 inches between the ocean surface and the corals. That pushes huge amounts of water skywards, bulging the wave into a very thick and slabby barrel in a matter of seconds.

The take off is straight into a super hollow face that’s almost perfectly tubular. If you can make the right angle or collect it with a good bottom turn, then you can hit the middle section and skim through what’s sure to be the barrel of your life. It lasts only seconds before you’ll be spat out to the left into a zone that’s usually peppered with jet skis and cameramen.

Papeno’o

Papeno’o is sort of like the polar opposite of Teahupo’o. This is a north-coast wave, set on a black-sand beach front about 25 minutes’ drive to the west of the capital in Papeete. It can be separated into two breaks: the outer rivermouth and the inner sandbar. The first is better for advanced surfers. It’s a shapely little number that loves E-NE swells in the monsoon. It can hold up to 8 foot and is usually better to the left, which can be hollow. The inner beach break is usually a couple of foot smaller and forms as an A-frame peak with nice rides for decent beginners and up.

Where to stay when surfing in Tahiti?

Choosing where to stay on this island is all important. Our main downside is access to the breaks. Well…you can negate that by doing the legwork when you travel to Tahiti and put the surf real close. All of the options below promise to do that with various breaks…

Manomano Lodge

There’s a little slice of heaven to be had for surfers who want to enjoy the all-level reefs of Papara. Cue Manomano Lodge . Score a bungalow here and you’ll stay under rainforest-clad peaks with a break on your doorstep. Nice.

Vanira Lodge

Many a surf A-lister has bed down in the Vanira Lodge . It’s basically the last stay on the way to Teahupo’o. It’s a nice place too, with treehouse-style rooms that poke out from the coastal jungles.

TAHITI – Fare Mitinui Surf Break

Our pick for the low-season (November-March) would be TAHITI – Fare Mitinui Surf Break . As the name explains, it’s three mins’ walk from the wave. Plus, it’s cozy and comfy, with enough space for up to six guests at once.

Step-by-step guide to planning your [yoast_kw] trip right now

Step one: Book flights to the [yoast_kw]…Lately, we like Omio for searching flights. It’s a nice interface and has lots of airline options. We also use Skyscanner because that sometimes offers deals that even beat going direct to the carrier!

Step two: Book your surf camp Book Surf Camps is the numero uno online booking platform for fully-fledged surf-stay packages on the internet right now. Then there’s Booking.com . That has consistently unbeatable rates for hotels and a nifty map feature that lets you check EXACTLY how close your hotel is to a surf break.

Step three: Get insurance This is kinda’ important. Not just for surf trips but for any trips. SafetyWing is great for nomad travelers. They offer rolling contracts that cover amateur surfing.

Step four (optional): Rent a car If you’re surf camping then you might not need wheels. If you’re not then we’ll just say this: We’ve never been on a surf trip that wasn’t improved by having our own car. Use RentalCars – they’re the best.

Step five: Enjoy!

For paying for stuff when you’re traveling – Get a Wise borderless card/account . They charge NOTHING for POS payments in any country and have some of the best FX rates around in our humble opinion.

When to surf in Tahiti?

The main surf season in Tahiti has to be the dry-season months that run between May and October. That’s officially the winter in French Polynesia but it’s actually the time of the year with the best weather, and the best swell. Yup, the south and southwest channels are firing then, starting with something like 80% consistency in May and pushing 99% in June, when virtually every single day brings something worth riding to the south-facing reefs from Papara to Teahupo’o.

Don’t be totally put off by the prospect of a trip in the summer months between November and March. A 180-degree shift in the swell direction sees plenty of long-period groundswells originate in the north. They’ll feed the rivermouths and sandbars on the north side fo the island with plenty of rideable surf, usually in the 3-8-foot range. It’s the time to come if you’re a beginner but still want a taste of this paradise.

Joseph Richard Francis

Joe “Rich” Francis has been surfing for the best part of 15 years. He’s nowhere near as good as he should be at the end of all that, but hey ho. Born and bred in Swansea, South Wales (the current base of The Surf Atlas), Joe is a seasoned adventure travel writer with completed publications in the surf-travel and adventure-travel sphere for major publications like Lonely Planet and The Culture Trip.

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Tahiti Surf & Travel Guide / A Local’s Guide to the Island of Tahiti

Tahiti is a quintessential tropical island paradise. Add in the epic surf situation and it’s also a surfer’s paradise. Lush mountain ranges with towering waterfalls descend to picturesque white and black sand beaches with crystal clear blue waters, vibrant coral reefs, and powerful waves.

The Islands of Tahiti (known officially as French Polynesia) consist of five island groups which include 118 islands and atolls. The total land area of the 118 islands is quite small (1,544 square miles, which is roughly the same size as the state of Rhode Island), but the whole country of French Polynesia covers a wide expanse of ocean and islands, including over 1.5 million square miles (approximately the same size as Western Europe!).

Tahiti Island is the largest, most populated island in French Polynesia, and home to the international airport, the capital of Papeete (pronounced Pa-pee-yet-tay), and the world-famous marvel known as Teahupo’o (more on that later). Fun fact: The uninitiated might be surprised to learn that “Tahiti” technically only applies to the single island of Tahiti.

In the 1960s, Bruce Brown and the cast of The Endless Summer traveled to Tahiti and declared “there’s no surf in Tahiti.” Unfortunately for them, they were just in all the wrong places, because of course they were proven absolutely wrong about that declaration. French Polynesia is rich with surf breaks, as is the island of Tahiti.

Located at the end of the road in Tahiti’s southwest corner is one of the heaviest and most famous waves in the world: Teahupo’o. An annual stop on the Championship Tour and featured in countless surf clips, Teahupo’o is as well-known (and challenging) as it gets, but if you venture on a surf trip to Tahiti, rest assured that there are plenty of other breaks all over the island as well.

To get the local lowdown, we asked pro surfer and Teahupo’o local Vahine Fierro to share her insights on where to surf, eat, stay, and play on the beautiful island of Tahiti.

Born and raised in French Polynesia, Vahine is an up-and-coming talent to watch – a World Junior Champion, she recently took home the award for Best Barrel of the Year at the 2019 Surfer’s Awards for a perfect tube at Teahupo’o. At only 21 years old, Vahine is charging the gnarliest breaks and sharing lineups with the likes of Michel Bourez and Jeremy Flores.

While Vahine likely won’t get you dialed into surfing Teahupo’o (that’s on you), perhaps she can help us get dialed into other parts of Tahiti.

Here are Vahine’s top picks on where to go and what to do on her home island of Tahiti. Take it away, Vahine!

Table of Contents

The Lowdown

Tahiti surf, eat & drink, where to stay, things to do, tahiti island.

Tahiti, AKA paradise on earth, and my favorite place to be! Tahiti has this special energy that I cannot find anywhere else in the world (and I travel a lot!) The food is amazing, and there are the most welcoming people you can find️. The culture is still pretty strong and I think that’s why it makes this place so so sooo special. Tahitian people are very respectful and it’s important to do the same when you visit!

Fun | Special | Beautiful | Unique | Unforgettable 

TEAHUPO’O is the most famous reef break in the world – it’s a left and is known for its perfection. Located at The End of the Road of Tahiti, it can get very big but it’s such a perfect wave. 

I’ll only name Teahupo’o because everyone knows about it. But there are easily accessible waves everywhere around the island 🙂

Lush Palm Surf Notes

Thanks to it’s fortunate location, Tahiti is exposed to both S/SW swells and NW/N swells that deliver quality year-round surf. The biggest S/SW swells arrive in the dry season between April and October with 4 – 15 foot surf, and November to March (the wet season) brings waves in the 2 – 5 foot range for the S/SW swells, and 3 – 8 foot range for the NW/N swells. While Tahiti is known for its powerful and hollow reef breaks (often breaking over shallow coral), there are also more manageable waves to be found around the island and also on the neighboring island of Moorea.

WATER TEMP: 77 – 80 °F (25 – 27 °C)

PEAK SURF SEASON: Apr – Oct has the largest, most powerful waves

SHOULDER SURF SEASON: Nov – Mar is best for more user-friendly surf

SURF EXPERIENCE: Intermediate to Big Wave Pro

POKE BAR (pictured above) makes the most perfect poke you can ever eat! You can get delicious breakfast, lunch, and desserts (and the waffles are next level). Smoothies and smoothie bowls are so refreshing after a long day at the beach or to start your day! Poke Bar is open from 10 am to 10 pm and has two different locations – one in Papeete and the other one in Taapuna on the ocean).

MAMA’S BEACH HOUSE is an amazing restaurant with the freshest fish and the best grill! Located in Mahina (Pointe Venus), they are open from 11 am to 3 pm. And it’s always full so make sure you arrive early.

SNACK TAHARU’U is a small local restaurant on Taharu’u Beach with views of the surf in Papara. I always go there after my training because it’s right on the beach and it’s so good as well! 

TAVIANA is a snack located in Vairao open for lunchtime. Perfect after a long session at The End of the Road with the best fish, steak, and salad! 

LE MANOA is a fantastic restaurant in Taravao. I usually go there for a more classy dinner with friends, but they are also open for lunch. This place is so good, it’s heaven in my mouth every time I go there. Le Manoa is always full so usually, you have to reserve a table before you go.

TAHURAI HOMESTAY is a wonderful place to stay located in Teahupo’o village. You live the Teahupo’o lifestyle with the local people and they are amazing, and make the best food!! 

VANIRA LODGE TEAHUPO’O is a beautiful spot with 9 traditional Polynesian bungalows set on the hill overlooking the lagoon and the waves. If conditions at Teahupo’o are too challenging on the day, there are other perfect Tahiti surf spots, such as the right-hand beach break at the river mouth.

PAPA PEVA located right in front of the ocean view on Teahupo’o. Peva is one of the most respected people at The End of the Road. He also has a private valley right out the back of his homestay and it has wild horses everywhere, waterfall and it looks like fairytopia! It’s a place full of energy.

GO ON A BOAT TOUR with Cindy Taxi Boat at Teahupo’o (she’s the best driver out at Teahupo’o). She knows all the prettiest spots after the road that are only accessible by boat. They have a special kind of energy that will leave you speechless.

TAKE THE FERRY TO MOOREA (Tahiti’s sister island). You cross the ocean to go from Tahiti to Moorea and you can spend the day there and it’s so beautiful. 

TAKE AN ISLAND TOUR . Cross Tahiti with a car tour that takes you from one side of the island to the other. The trip takes you through the mountains and in the middle of the island there’s the most beautiful waterfall you can ever imagine. 

LEARN HOW TO KITESURF in Mahina. Some days can be very windy so it’s the perfect occasion to learn how to manage the wind!

CORAL GARDENERS is an environmental organization located in Moorea. You can adopt a coral and learn how to plant a coral and by doing that you will help them save the reef. It’s the most amazing organization and the owners are local people from Moorea.

A huge thank you to Vahine for sharing her favorites in Tahiti!

To keep up with Vahine’s adventures (and insane barrels) in Tahiti and beyond, you can follow her here on Instagram .

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3 thoughts on “Tahiti Surf & Travel Guide / A Local’s Guide to the Island of Tahiti”

The only surf information here, aside from Teahupo’o is “there is great surf on Tahiti”. No information on breaks, directions or lodgings. If the intent of this page is to keep Tahiti surf a secret, it has succeeded.

Comprehensive and concise write up… Very informative. Well done.

Thanks, Mark!✌

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Surfing Guide to Tahiti, French Polynesia

Where to stay

Getting there, safety/things to know.

Tahiti is a mythical surfing destination, home of the world’s most spectacular wave, Teahupo’o. A unique wave that perfectly barrels over a shallow and sharp reef with the ultimate reward of having the ride of your life. Teahupo’o is home of the 2024 summer Olympics and is a perfect stage for high performance surfing.

Although Teahupo’o is the most popular surf spot on the island, surfing in Tahiti is not just about Teahupo’o. The island has many other surf spots like Taapuna, Mitirapa, Papeno’o and Papara which are amazing for intermediate and advanced surfers looking for a great challenge. Many of those breaks are still high-performance waves that break over shallow reef but they are slightly more forgiving than Teahupo’o. 

Most surf spots in Tahiti are reef breaks, especially on the south side of the island. However, on the north side, there are a few nice and gentle beach breaks which are great for surfers that lack a bit of confidence on waves of consequence.

Surfing tourism in Tahiti is still not very popular for various reasons when you compare to the swarm of tourists that you can find in Hawaii or Indonesia. Conventional accommodation can be harder to find in the Teahupo’o area and make sure you get help from locals to introduce you to the different breaks and rules of the lineup.

The best time to surf Tahiti depends on what conditions you are looking for. The summer months from November to April will offer good north swells with smaller, but consistent south swells as well as being pretty rainy and hot.

The winter months from May to October is when the big south-west swells rush in and hit every reef break on the south side of the island. This is when Teahupo’o goes insane and professional surfers make strike missions to the island. Weather is then cool and dry.

Where to stay in Tahiti

On the south side of Tahiti Iti, near Teahupo’o, there aren’t that many accommodation options other than local homestays. You can stay at Vanira Lodge which is a beautiful place greatly located next to Teahupo’o

Near Papeete, the best place to stay on a budget is the Mahana Hostel and Backpackers which is very nicely located, down town. For more comfort, Te Moana   is a good option further south.

Tahiti Surf Spots

Teahupo’o.

Without a doubt, Teahupo’o is Tahiti’s most famous break and also the heaviest one. Only a 15 minutes paddle away from the point, it is the closest wave to shore in this south-eastern area of the island. Teahupo’o breaks on a very shallow and extremely sharp reef making anyone pay for their mistakes. Should be kept for advanced surfers. On a good south westerly swell, Teahupo’o is a short and hollow barrel with one of the best views on Earth. At Teahupo’o, if the swell is too westerly, close outs are more frequent as the west bowl breaks with the rest of the wave.

Wave direction : Left Bottom : Reef Best tide : Mid Skill level : Advanced Optimal swell direction : SW Optimal wind direction : E

Papeno’o

Located on the north side of Tahiti, Papeno’o has a beach break and a river mouth. Both offer good waves especially over the north swell season from November to April. Beginners will want to stick to the beach as the rivermouth is a bit more powerful and exposed to rip currents.

Wave direction : Left and right Bottom : Sand and pebbles Best tide : Any Skill level : Beginner to advanced Optimal swell direction : N Optimal wind direction : S

10 minutes up the road before reaching Teahupo’o is the pass of Vairao. You will need a boat or paddle for about 30 to 45 minutes to reach the break. It is probably the longest wave in the area breaking over a very shallow reef, even more so than Teahupo’o. However, Vairao doesn’t have the same power as Chopes…

Wave direction : Left Bottom : Reef Best tide : Mid to high Skill level : Advanced Optimal swell direction : SW Optimal wind direction : E

A nice beach break located on the south side of Tahiti Nui that will work on pretty much any south swell. This spot is also good for beginners. 

Wave direction : Left and right Bottom : Sand Best tide : Any Skill level : Beginner to Advanced Optimal swell direction : S Optimal wind direction : N

A classic Tahitian reef break with a dangerous reef. Crowds get heavier here than what you will find on the reefs of Tahiti Iti.

Wave direction : Left Bottom : Reef Best tide : Any Skill level : Advanced Optimal swell direction : SW Optimal wind direction : E

Up until 2018, only 2 airlines would offer flights to Papeete: Air Tahiti Nui and Frenchbee. Recently, United airlines started offering flights from San Francisco and Hawaiian airlines is coming in from Honolulu making it more accessible for travelers.

Safety/things to know

Waves in Tahiti are still quite untouched. Make sure you respect the locals even more than anywhere else. They are VERY welcoming if you respect them and if you don’t, you better jump on the next plane because you won’t catch many more waves. Most breaks on the north side are accessible just by paddling. However, on the south side, most breaks require at least a 30 minute paddle. Best access is definitely by boat.

Most surf spots on the south side, including Teahupo’o are breaking over sharp and shallow coral reef. Bring a good first aid kit.

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Surf the best waves

Home » Activities » Surf

Known for hosting one of the world’s most beautiful waves in the famous Hava’e pass at Teahupo’o, the island of Tahiti also offers numerous surf spots where visitors and locals alike can find waves of all levels. The island is a paradise for all board sports, including paddleboarding, bodyboarding and wingfoil . Nevertheless, surfing, like va’a , remains a popular sport in French Polynesia, especially if you like big waves! Whether you’re a seasoned surfer looking for powerful, technical waves, or a beginner looking for an introduction to surfing, French Polynesia has everything you need to satisfy your passion.

Surfing paradise

Waves of all kinds

The birthplace of surfing

The history of surfing in French Polynesia is deeply rooted in local culture, as our islands are the birthplace of the sport. In fact, surfing is the oldest sport practiced in The Islands of Tahiti : long ago, Polynesian royalty enjoyed the waves on wooden boards.

However, it wasn’t until the early 20th century that surfing gained in popularity, thanks to iconic Hawaiian figures such as Duke Kahanamoku, who helped popularize the sport in the USA and around the world.

Today, surfing in French Polynesia remains not only an exciting sport, but also a means of preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage and intimate relationship between people and the ocean.

Surfing guide for beginners

Would you like to learn to surf, but don’t know where to start? In Tahiti , you’ll have no trouble finding a surf school where you can learn all the basics of the sport.

Discover the crystal-clear waters of French Polynesia in a whole new way, whether you’re passionate about adventure or simply curious to try out Tahiti’s emblematic turquoise waters. Immerse yourself in the world of surfing in Tahiti and create unforgettable memories as you let yourself be carried away by the waves.

The most eagerly awaited sporting event of 2024

Teahupo’o: Surfing venue for Paris Olympics

Immerse yourself in the thrilling action of surfing by discovering the legendary spot of Teahupo’o, which will host the surfing events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Nestled south of Tahiti Iti, this surf spot is renowned for its powerful waves and breathtaking natural beauty. Every year, for the Tahiti Pro Teahupo’o , the world’s best surfers gather to test themselves against Teahupo’o’s iconic tubes. Discover this mythical spot affectionately nicknamed “Tchops” by Polynesians.

Vacation packages

Live to the rhythm of the ocean

The latest offers.

Discover our holiday offers to live by the waves and explore the natural beauty of French Polynesia. Immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions, heavenly landscapes and warm hospitality of this unique destination. Book now to take advantage of the most attractive offers.

French Polynesia August/September 2024 Whale Snorkeling Trips

Amazing Whale Watching in Tahiti Moorea and Rangiroa

Moorea,Rangiroa,Tahiti

Rangiroa Diving

Don’t miss out

Surfing competitions

Rangiroa Pro

Tahiti Pro Teahupo’o

Eco-friendly

10 tips for a sustainable stay

The Islands of Tahiti  are filled with  Mana . This vital force that connects all living beings and is experienced in the  culture’s rhythm , traditions, environment and nature. From this force, the lasting link between man and nature is derived. A link that must be protected, maintained and promoted.  The Islands of Tahiti  are unique and fragile at the same time, they are home to a community and an ecosystem that must be preserved. Discover how to travel responsibly and enjoy every moment in  The Islands of Tahiti.

Be inspired

Experiences

Snorkelling, diving and lounging on the beach: take a break between two surf sessions and let the 50 shades of blue of The Islands of Tahiti lagoon take your breath away.

Discovery experience

A Picnic on the Motu

Rangiroa: a Practical Guide

Bora Bora Island

Boat Trips in Bora Bora

Why You Should Visit Bora Bora at Least Once

Aquatic Ativities

Foil, the latest craze

Coral in The Islands of Tahiti

Go a little further discover our islands.

Society Islands

Marquesas Islands

Tuamotu Islands

Gambier Islands

Austral Islands

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