Surf Spots

Ahonu

Tahiti North, French Polynesia

intermediate · shortboard

faaroa

Raiatea Tahaa, French Polynesia

Faaroa is a right-hand reef break requiring solid intermediate to advanced ability. The wave initiates with a fast takeoff on the outer reef, then channels into a long tubular section that rewards patience and good timing. Southeast swell combined with southwest offshore winds deliver the best conditions, particularly during autumn months. Access to the break requires approximately 20 minutes by small boat from Uturoa, Raiatea's main town. Uturoa Airport lies roughly 12 kilometers away, making it the nearest transportation hub. Water stays warm year-round at around 27 degrees Celsius. The break rarely draws crowds, though localism is present, though generally less forceful than at other French Polynesian surf destinations. Hazards include sharp coral, sea urchins, rocks, and rip currents.

Fare

Huahine, French Polynesia

Fitii

Huahine, French Polynesia

Fitii is a right-hand reef break with an exposed setup and shallow reef close to the surface, requiring reef shoes for protection. The pass maintains consistent shape year-round but fires most reliably during the winter months (May through September) when southern and southwesterly swells combine with offshore easterly winds. The shallow water means surfers can find themselves in just a foot of depth even inside, creating a punchy, fast wave that demands respect but remains less crowded than the nearby and more famous Fare Left and Fare Right passes. I found no reliable published information about Fitii's surf history, notable sessions, competitions, or particular surfers associated with the break. Like other Huahine spots, the area maintains strong local ownership attitudes and visiting surfers should approach with awareness of that culture. Access to Fitii is from the Fare district on Huahine Nui. Huahine Airport sits roughly 5 km away, with boat access available from the port.

Haapiti

Moorea, French Polynesia

Haapiti is a left-hand reef break on Moorea's western coast that produces fast, hollow walls over sharp coral, with barrels on bigger swells. It works best during the April-November dry season when consistent southwest swells arrive, particularly strong in April. Northeast winds offer offshore conditions; the break remains rideable across all tides but cleans up during mid and high tide. Wave heights typically range from knee-high to double overhead. Intermediates can work smaller waves by linking sections, but the shallow coral and fast walls demand solid skills; the break is better suited to advanced surfers comfortable with hollow reef tubes and quick transitions. Access requires a short boat ride across the lagoon from the coast—guides and lodges arrange transport for around $50, reaching the break in approximately five minutes. Rips can develop around the pass entrance, and the sharp reef hazard is compounded by the presence of reef sharks in these waters. The spot's reputation draws experienced surfers year-round, though winter (December-March) brings inconsistent, flat periods. I could not find documented information about significant surf competitions, historical sessions, or notable surfers specifically associated with Haapiti.

Hauru

Tahiti South, French Polynesia

La digue Reef

French Polynesia

Maharepa

Tahiti South, French Polynesia

Miri miri

Raiatea Tahaa, French Polynesia

Motu Mahara

Huahine, French Polynesia

Orofara

Tahiti, French Polynesia

Orofara is a consistent right-hand point break on a black sand beach with accompanying left-hand sections that work across all tidal stages. Peak waves reach 2.5 meters when north-northeast groundswell meets offshore south winds, conditions most reliable during the southern summer, particularly December. The break accommodates surfers from beginner to intermediate ability. Rocks and sharks are hazards present at this location. Orofara sits within Mahina on Tahiti's north shore, approximately one kilometer from Ahonu, with river mouth accesses and a freshwater spring nearby. The beach attracts steady weekend crowds and is used regularly by local surf schools for group instruction. Access is straightforward from the town.

intermediate · shortboard

Pai-Pai

Huahine, French Polynesia

Papara

Tahiti South, French Polynesia

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Papenoo Rivermouth

Tahiti, French Polynesia

intermediate · shortboard

Passe de Maraa

Tahiti South, French Polynesia

Sapinus

Tahiti, French Polynesia

Sapinus is an advanced reef break near Punaauia, Tahiti, characterized by left-hand waves over shallow reef. Southwest swell is the best direction for this break. Strong rip currents and shallow reef present significant hazards, with the spot becoming dangerous in swell above 8-9 feet.

advanced · shortboard

Taapuna

Tahiti, French Polynesia

Taapuna is the reef surf spot at the pass off Punaauia, Tahiti. Tahiti Tourisme describes its waves as technical and breaking over reef. The municipality places Parc Taapuna at PK 10 on the seaward side, facing the sandbank and pass; the park and the surf feature are distinct places. The municipality and the Tahitian Surf Federation trace Taapuna Master to 1994. The town credits Taapuna Surf Club members with organizing the competition, with municipal support.

advanced · shortboard

Teavapiti

Raiatea Tahaa, French Polynesia

Teavapiti is an advanced reef break on a shallow coral reef in Raiatea Tahaa, French Polynesia, near Uturoa. The break accepts swells from both directions with best results from SE swell and SW winds. Shallow coral, sea urchins, rips, rocks, and sharks demand experience and caution.

Temae

Moorea, French Polynesia

Temae is an expert-level reef break near the town of Temae in Moorea, French Polynesia. Right-hand waves form on the reef bottom, working best with southerly swell, mid to high tides, and southwest winds. Hazards include shallow reef, rocks, fire coral, and sharks.

Vairao

Tahiti, French Polynesia

Vairao is an advanced reef break in Tahiti with left-hand waves breaking over shallow coral. Best conditions arrive with south swell and northeast winds, though the spot demands respect for hazards including sharp reef, sea urchins, sharks, and strong currents and rips. This challenging break near Vairao is suited to experienced surfers only.

advanced · shortboard