Advanced Surf Spots in French Polynesia
7 surf breaks we map are rated for advanced surfers in French Polynesia: Atiha / Avarapa Pass, Club Med / Taotai, Cook Bay / Pao Pao Reef, Haapiti Pass, Hauru Point, Papetoai Reef and Teahupo'o.
Last updated · Counted from the surf breaks we map — each break's own season, level and wave type
- Reef breaks
- 7
The advanced breaks
Best months are filled in where the break states a season. Open a break for its map, photos and the property nearest the lineup.
- Atiha / Avarapa Pass
Moorea-Maiao
- Wave
- Reef Pass · Left / Right
- Level
- Advanced, Expert
- Season
- April – October
- Tide
- Mid–High preferred; can work through varying tides
- Watch out
- Sharp coral, powerful surf and pass currents make Atiha inappropriate for inexperienced surfers. French Polynesia's tourism service specifically describes the Avarapa Pass surf spot as suitable only for very experienced surfers and advises visitors to respect local access and customs.
- Club Med / Taotai
Moorea-Maiao
- Wave
- Reef Pass · Left / Right
- Level
- Advanced – Expert
- Season
- April – October
- Tide
- Mid to High Tide
- Watch out
- Shallow reef, coral, rocks, currents and powerful waves. The right can be particularly serious. This should not be presented as a beginner or casual intermediate break.
- Cook Bay / Pao Pao Reef
Paopao
- Wave
- Reef Pass · Primarily Left; a right also exists across the channel
- Level
- Intermediate, Advanced, Expert
- Season
- November–March
- Tide
- Mid–High preferred; incoming tide favorable
- Watch out
- Live/sharp coral reef, shallow sections and pass currents. Boat access is useful. Low tide deserves particular caution.
- Haapiti Pass
Moorea-Maiao
- Wave
- Reef Pass · Left
- Level
- Intermediate – Advanced
- Season
- April – October
- Tide
- All tides; conditions vary with swell size
- Watch out
- Haapiti breaks over coral reef at the pass and is not a beginner wave. Expect reef, rocks, currents/rips and a substantial lagoon crossing. Tahiti Tourisme specifically recommends getting advice from local surfers regarding access.
- Hauru Point
Moorea-Maiao
- Wave
- Exposed Reef Break · Right
- Level
- Intermediate–Advanced
- Season
- November - March
- Tide
- Mid tide is a good target; conditions vary with swell and reef depth
- Watch out
- Hauru Point breaks over a shallow coral reef with exposed rocks, particularly at lower tides. Strong currents can develop around the reef and pass, and wave conditions can change quickly with swell direction and size. Best suited to confident intermediate through advanced surfers with reef-break experience. Reef booties can be useful, and first-time visitors should observe the lineup, entry/exit points and local surfers before paddling out. Respect local surf etiquette and avoid damaging or standing on live coral.
- Papetoai Reef
Moorea-Maiao
- Wave
- Reef Pass · Left
- Level
- Intermediate – Advanced
- Season
- April – October
- Tide
- Mid – High
- Watch out
- Papetoai Reef breaks over shallow coral reef with rocks and uneven reef sections, making it best suited to confident intermediate and advanced surfers. Access can require a long paddle across the lagoon or boat/canoe access, and currents around reef channels can become strong, especially with larger swell. Low tide can expose particularly shallow sections, so surfers should understand the reef, entry and exit points before paddling out. Respect local surfers, follow proper lineup etiquette, and avoid standing on or damaging live coral.
- Teahupo'o
- Wave
- Reef break · Left-hand
- Level
- Advanced
- Season
- April to October (south swells)
- Tide
- Best on a mid-to-high tide
- Watch out
- Breaks over shallow coral or rock reef — booties are recommended and mind the take-off zone.
Other levels in French Polynesia
Frequently asked questions
Where can advanced surfers surf in French Polynesia?
7 surf breaks we map are rated for advanced surfers in French Polynesia: Atiha / Avarapa Pass, Club Med / Taotai, Cook Bay / Pao Pao Reef, Haapiti Pass, Hauru Point, Papetoai Reef and Teahupo'o.
When is the best time for advanced surfers to surf French Polynesia?
The advanced-rated breaks we map in French Polynesia are mostly at their best in April to October.
What kind of waves are the advanced surf spots in French Polynesia?
Of the 7 advanced breaks we map in French Polynesia, 7 are reef breaks.