Surfing in Fiji
Fiji is one of the top surf destinations in the world. The country is home to the legendary waves of Cloudbreak, Restaurants and Frigates, considered to be three of the best left-handers in the world. Surfing these waves have been the dream of many surfers for years and the paradisiac setup of the islands plus the comfortable resorts available only adds to the allure of it. Pretty much all the waves in the archipelago are hollow, fast and powerful reef breaks requiring a certain level of skill to be ridden. In order to get to these waves you will need a boat since most of the spots are located offshore. If you are a beginner there are still a few options and to be honest these are probably less crowded spots so you will have plenty of fun learning how to surf in a turquoise water paradise. The best time to surf in Fiji is during the South hemisphere winter from March to November. This is also when the dry season occurs and the archipelago receives constant powerful swells averaging 8-10ft. The winds are predominantly offshore during the first part of the day but sometimes the trade winds can kick in on the afternoon and mess up the conditions a little bit. Summertime is from November to April and it’s the wet season in the country. This is the most inconsistent swell period of the year but there are still some spots that can work due to the North Pacific activity. If you are a beginner this is the best time to visit the island since there are plenty of glassy conditions and mellow waves around to be surfed. No matter what your surfing skill or even if you are a surfer, Fiji is a paradise on earth that has to be visited at least once but probably twice or more.
Climate in Fiji
The climate in Fiji is considered tropical, with a hot and humid rainy season from December to April and a cooler dry season from June to October. The cool season is relatively dry but the trade winds can still cause showers and thunderstorms. Fiji has waves all year round but the best time to surf is during the Southern Hemisphere winter, between March and November. This is the cooler dry season period, and it's when the country experiences strong southern swells. The waves can reach up to 12ft but on average stay around 6-8ft. During the rainy season in the archipelago the winds drop and perfect glassy conditions are often registered. There are still some good but smaller swells coming from the north pacific ocean making this the best time of the year for beginners to visit the islands.
Best surf spots in Fiji
There are many world class surf spots in Fiji. These are the most famous breaks that you should definitely pay a visit to: Cloudbreak, Restaurants, Namotu Left, Wilkes Pass, Swimming Pools, Depesperations, Natadola, Vunaniu Pass, Fiji Pipe, Frigates Pass and King Kong left and right.
Budget Planning
Meal price range
Simple meals start at $4 USD. Mid-range meals start at $10 USD. Dining & drinking at high-end restaurants can cost anywhere from $50-70 USD
Equipment rental
There are a few places where you can rent gear. Surfboards start at $23 USD a day.
Prepaid SIM cards
Vodafone is a good choice. SIM cards are available at Nadi International Airport, convenience stores, supermarkets and the operator's stores. Prepaid packages start at $3 USD.
Public transport
Buses are a reliable, frequent and cheap option.
If you flag a taxi on the street, look out for the LT or LH registrations on the license plate. LT plates are metered taxis. LH taxis are not metered and have fixed distance rates.
There are plenty of water taxis and fast passenger catamarans to get you between the many islands.
Gas prices
$0.91 USD a liter.
Types of risks
The surf is hollow and shallow with powerful heavy water.
How to prepare
Visa
Citizens from 107 countries, including EU, US, and Australia, can enter Fiji without a visa for up to 120 days.
Vaccines
Although it's not mandatory, it’s recommended that you have been vaccinated for hepatitis A & B, yellow fever, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, Tdap, chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, measles, mumps and rubella. You’ll be asked to show proof of your yellow fever vaccination if you come from a country with a risk of yellow fever.
Things to know
Language & Currency
There are three official languages in Fiji: English, iTaukei and Hindi
Best time to go
Peak season is March-November
Checking Surf forecast
Checking the forecast about a week before your trip is always a good idea. Understanding what the waves will be like and knowing what gear to pack is essential. You can check the forecast for the waves here.
Do I need pack a pharmacy kit
You should bring a basic kit. Including ear drops, eye drops, bandaids, ear plugs, gaze, alcohol, mosquito repellent and broad spectrum antibiotic ointment.
Travel/Surf Insurance
World Nomads has great travel insurance packages that are not super expensive and they cover surfing.
Emergency
Dial 911
Check surf pictures of Fiji at #surffiji.
