10 Best Places to Surf in the Mamanuca Islands 🤙

Last Updated: 1 September, 2024

The Top Surf Breaks in the Mamanuca Islands

Fiji‘s most popular surf jaunt, the Mamanuca Islands, is a surf destination any advanced surfer should have on their bucket list. It’s home to Fiji’s most famous surf break, Cloudbreak, as well as several other powerful reef breaks that will send you flying (in a good way – hopefully). What’s more, the Mamanuca Islands are the most accessible island group from Nadi International Airport. Just hop on a ferry or a boat transfer, and you will be sipping cocktails at your surf resort in no time. (By the way, check out these surf resorts in Fiji). So, where are the best surf spots in the Mamanuca Islands? Take a look at the highlights in the list below.

While you’re here, don’t miss The Complete Guide to Surfing in Fiji.

1. Cloudbreak

If there’s only one surf spot that you’ve heard about in Fiji, it’s probably Cloudbreak. The break is known for producing up to 20 ft (6 m) swells, especially in the peak of the surf high season (see The Best Time to Surf in Fiji). The break is constantly ranked as one of the best and/or most challenging waves in the world, so if you consider yourself an expert and have a go-big-or-go-home mantra, then Cloudbreak is for you!

Location: 5 km (3 mi) south of Namotu Island, the southwest region of the Mamanuca Islands. This surf break is accessible with operators listed in the 8 Best Surf Resorts in the Mamanuca Islands, as well as from the mainland, with operators listed in The Complete Guide to Surfing in Fiji.

2. Restaurants

Another surf break in the Mamanuca Islands that’s not for the faint of heart, Restaurants is an advanced reef break known for its pleasingly tubular waves. The break is located just off the coast of the heart-shaped Tavarua Island, across from the island’s restaurant (hence the name). The break has been known to produce waves up to 8 ft (4 m), but waves are usually around the 3 ft (1 m) mark when the conditions are right. Learn more about the islands of the Mamanucas in our complete 10 Best Islands in the Mamanuca Islands.

Location: Just off Tavarua Island, the southwest region of the Mamanuca Islands. This surf break is accessible with operators listed in the 8 Best Surf Resorts in the Mamanuca Islands, as well as from the mainland, with operators listed in The Complete Guide to Surfing in Fiji.

3. Swimming Pools

Don’t miss this right-hand break at mid to high tide, which produces steep wall waves for some fast fun. During Fiji’s winter season (and the surfing peak season), advanced surfers will love this playground. In summer, when the conditions are a little calmer, Swimming Pools is a popular spot for beginners to hone their skills on a reef break.

Location: Southeast side of Namotu Island, the southwest region of the Mamanuca Islands. This surf break is accessible with operators listed in the 8 Best Surf Resorts in the Mamanuca Islands, as well as from the mainland, with operators listed in The Complete Guide to Surfing in Fiji.

10 Best Surf Spots in the Mamanuca Islands 🤙

4. Wilkes

Wilkes, or Wilkes Passage, is another epic right-hander to hit at high tide. This break tends to be a better reef break for intermediates and above as the waves peel off into the safety of a deep channel. That said, watch out for rocks and rips.

Location: West of Namotu Island, the southwest region of the Mamanuca Islands. This surf break is accessible with operators listed in the 8 Best Surf Resorts in the Mamanuca Islands, as well as from the mainland, with operators listed in The Complete Guide to Surfing in Fiji.

5. Desperations

An awesome option to fall back on when the conditions are not playing ball at the other surf breaks, Desperations is a reliable surf break. There’s something for everyone, with the waves creating fun peaks that can go either left or right. The waves are speedy and hollow!

Location: South of Malolo Island, the southwest region of the Mamanuca Islands. This surf break is accessible with operators listed in the 8 Best Surf Resorts in the Mamanuca Islands, as well as from the mainland, with operators listed in The Complete Guide to Surfing in Fiji.

6. Mini’s

For something pretty epic but not too crowded, head to Mini’s. The reef break waves are known to reach 1.8-2.1 m (6-7 ft), creating awesome barrelling left-handers. A southwesterly wind at high tide is the best combo for Mini’s.

Location: Left side of the Navula Passage, between Tavarua Island and Momi Bay, Viti Levu. This surf break is accessible with operators listed in the 8 Best Surf Resorts in the Mamanuca Islands, as well as from the mainland, with operators listed in The Complete Guide to Surfing in Fiji.

7. Lighthouse

Definitely one for the pros; Lighthouse produces fast and powerful waves that you’ll have to be super skilled (or super crazy) to keep up with. The hollow waves are left and right. The downside is that it’s extremely inconsistent, so don’t be too gutted if you don’t get to tick it off the bucket list.

Location: South from Mini’s left of the Navula Passage, between Tavarua Island and Momi Bay, Viti Levu. This surf break is accessible with operators listed in the 8 Best Surf Resorts in the Mamanuca Islands, as well as from the mainland, with operators listed in The Complete Guide to Surfing in Fiji.

8. Namotu Lefts

Another quiet one for the crowds (but not for the action) is Namotu Lefts. The break is reasonably consistent with reliance on ground swells coming from the southwest, rather than the wind swells. If the waves are below 6 ft (1.8 m), then this wave is usually suitable for longboards.

Location: Off Namotu Island, the southwest region of the Mamanuca Islands. This surf break is accessible with operators listed in the 8 Best Surf Resorts in the Mamanuca Islands, as well as from the mainland, with operators listed in The Complete Guide to Surfing in Fiji.

9. Tavarua Rights

A fun one to try near Tavarua Island, Tavarua Rights is doable for most when the waves are smaller. Pros will love it when it’s bigger. Try to hit this one with little to no wind. And if you have more time in Fiji, don’t forget to check out the 10 Best Places to Surf in Fiji.

10. Castaway

Nestled near Castaway Island Resort (Qalito Island), the Castaway surf break offers an exhilarating experience for intermediate surfers seeking a fun and challenging wave. With an average height of 0.6-1.2 m (2-4 ft), this left-breaking wave provides an ideal alternative when conditions aren’t optimal at other nearby spots. As one of several breaks accessible from Castaway Island Resort, Castaway offers guests a unique opportunity to explore Fiji’s renowned surfing scene. The resort’s daily surf transfers make it easy for wave enthusiasts to catch their perfect ride, whether at Castaway or other nearby breaks. While Castaway may not boast the most massive swells, its consistent waves and picturesque setting make it a favourite among both resort guests and visiting surfers.

Location: Just off Qalito Island, the southwest region of the Mamanuca Islands. This surf break is accessible with operators listed in the 8 Best Surf Resorts in the Mamanuca Islands, as well as from the mainland, with operators listed in The Complete Guide to Surfing in Fiji.

More About the Surf Spots in the Mamanuca Islands

That’s it for our guide to the surf spots in the Mamanuca Islands. For more information about surfing in Fiji, check out the following articles:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in our Complete Guide to Surfing in Fiji.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Fiji and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Tourism Fiji (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (Tourism statistics - Updated [2025])
Land Transport Authority (Road safety advice - Updated [2025])
Fiji Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
Fiji Revenue & Customs Service (Customs and visitor taxes - Updated [2025])
Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
Fiji Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
Fiji Bureau of Statistics (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Fiji - Updated [2025])
Mamanuca Environment Society (Regional conservation website)

Our editorial standards: At Fiji Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Robin (Ruveni) C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

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