South Pacific

Made up of 333 islands, Fiji is located in the South Pacific approximately 4 hours from the east coast of Australia. There are two main islands Viti Levu and Vanua Levu both of which are mountainous, with peaks as high as 1,300m and covered with dense rainforest.

Fiji has so many options to keep everyone entertained, everything from trekking mountains, ocean rafting, romantic dinner for two on a private beach, diving and snorkelling around some of the most beautiful reefs, and exploring local villages and learning their traditions (like Kava drinking!). Fiji also offers all levels of accommodation standards, from backpacker/budget, to family friendly, to honeymooners paradise.  Fiji’s family friendly resorts also offer some of the best ‘kids clubs’ to keep the little ones busy and babysitting at bargain prices so Mum & Dad can have a holiday too!

Whilst the likes of Cloudbreak, Frigates Passage and Namotu are well known and photographed, it will be the ‘as yet undiscovered’ or unpublicised gems of the outer islands and reefs that will ensure this country continues to grow as a surfing destination of choice.  Most of the islands are surrounded by barrier reefs which makes the water quite calm but there are some amazing breaks that allow the full power of the Pacific Ocean to crash in.  Most reef breaks around the islands are accessed by boat transfers and live aboard surf boat charters have not really taken off here, which keeps the crowds down.

Fiji has a renowned reputation amongst the international surf community. There are a half dozen spots that have proven to have world-class surf, and that is just the beginning with more unnamed and un-ridden surf spots waiting to be discovered.  Almost all of the named breaks are off the main island of Viti Levu or the nearby island chain known as the Mamanuca Islands.

The surf, which is generally all outer coral reef and overhead high, can be challenging for inexperienced surfers. For this reason surfers need to be competent and confident. There is a beach break near Sigatoka river mouth, but it’s said to be quite challenging and we’ve found it to be shark infested and muddy brown water. Alternatively, the less experienced surfer can be catered for at Little Daku at Naninya Island Resort (see below).

Recommended surfboards would be a ‘hotdog’ short board and a larger semi-gun for the bigger days. Board shorts can be worn year-round, a rashie and sunscreen are needed for sun protection and booties are optional for the reef.

Mamanuca Islands Breaks

Viti Levu Breaks

Naninya Island Breaks

Fiji generally receives swell year round, although April to October is the preferred surf season, when deep lows tracking across the southern ocean south of Australia and New Zealand provide consistent clean groundswells. Most of the south and south-westerly swells from these lows are blocked by New Zealand and hence Fiji generally receives south-easterly swell from the lows that have passed east of New Zealand.  South-westerly swells arrive at the islands after piecing the gap between Australia and New Zealand.

South-east trade winds also dominate the weather at this time of year, which means the wind is conveniently blowing directly off-shore at the world class breaks such as Frigates and Restaurants. From November to April, these south swells are smaller and less consistent. North Pacific winter swells do arrive at the islands, though have little impact on the main reefs that all lie on the south facing coasts of Viti Levu and Kadavu.  Also at this time of year, South Pacific tropical cyclones can produce good swells. If you’re lucky enough to have one, blow up in the right location, particularly those forming between Papua New Guinea and Australia that track south giving days of consistent westerly swell.

Water temperatures are very warm with virtually no seasonal variation from about 27-28°C, apart from the easternmost islands, which tend to have slightly cooler water during the southern hemisphere winter, but no need to pack rubber.

Air temperature is determined by its location in the South Pacific Ocean and has tropical maritime climate without extremes in temperature. The hotter season in January, February is usually no more than 3 to 4 degrees hotter than the cool season of July and August. Although the hot season is the rainy season and higher humidity can make this season feel much hotter.

Rainfall in Fiji is largely determined by the time of year. For example, the wet season is November to April and experiences a much larger amount of rainfall that the other months of the year. Especially the larger islands that generate clouds and precipitation.