Intermediate Surf Spots in French Polynesia
4 surf breaks we map are rated for intermediate surfers in French Polynesia: Cook Bay / Pao Pao Reef, Haapiti Pass, Hauru Point and Papetoai Reef.
Last updated · Counted from the surf breaks we map — each break's own season, level and wave type
- Reef breaks
- 4
The intermediate 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.
- 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.
Other levels in French Polynesia
Frequently asked questions
Where can intermediate surfers surf in French Polynesia?
4 surf breaks we map are rated for intermediate surfers in French Polynesia: Cook Bay / Pao Pao Reef, Haapiti Pass, Hauru Point and Papetoai Reef.
When is the best time for intermediate surfers to surf French Polynesia?
The intermediate-rated breaks we map in French Polynesia are mostly at their best in Year-round.
What kind of waves are the intermediate surf spots in French Polynesia?
Of the 4 intermediate breaks we map in French Polynesia, 4 are reef breaks.