Tahiti is located in the center of French Polynesia and now, thanks to the recent discovery and the heated press coverage of the scary Teahupoo wave, it is firmly at the center of the surfing universe. Tahiti & Moorea comprise about 118 small islands, spread over about 5 archipelagos (Societè Islands which includes Tahiti, Marquesas, Tuamotu, Gambier and Tubuai) covering an area as large as Europe, with an unlimited range of perfect waves. There are dozens of islands in the chain that receive perfect waves and broadly speaking the quality of the spots is exceptional throughout. When the winter swells arrive from the north, Moorea Island worth a visit, especially Huaru Point (Club Med) and Irihonu (The Bay of Cook). Take a canoe for these spots from the Bai Hai Hotel. Moorea gets handfuls of pleasant waves during S swell season; if the size grows, head to the east side, near the airport, to ride the long, sculpted right of Temae . On the other side of the island, Haapiti has cute lefts that don’t need as much swell to break. Lots of great spots await you on your surf holiday in Polynesia!
With an hour by ferry you arrive in the north coast of Tahiti where there are reefs such as Matavai , Point Cove and Matuau . On the east side, there is a beachbreak, easier to surf than the other reefs, which breaks right in the rivermouth: this spot is Papenoo. All of these spots are heating only for the tubes of the SW coast of Tahiti. Near Papeete there is Taapuna the first among the world-class spots, this spot sends steep, cooing and powerful lefts. If you think it is too demanding for your level, you can find an easy alternative in Sapinus , opposite the Tahiti Museum, or in the excellent Maraa which is surfable even when active.
For a good beach break, beginners can go to Papara , a great break from the power of the surrounding reefs. The next spot is in the Iti Peninsula where the lefts of Vairao offer epic tubes.
Teahupoo is considered to be one of the heaviest left reefbreaks in the world. It is a very dangerous spot and should only be tackled by the most experienced surfers: this wave has been fatal for some people… so evaluate the situation well before entering the water!
Tariff per person, starting from:
| Departure | Pension Motu Iti | Moorea Surf Inn | Residence Aito |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double | Double | Double | |
| From 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020 | € 368 | € 504 | € 221 |
Notes
Teahupoo Surfers Lodge & Surfaris: bungalow 4 pax € 810
Hitimoana Villa: bungalow € 510
Vanira Lodge: bungalow € 846 for 4 pax
Pension Te Miti: dormitory € 126
Pension Motu Iti: bungalow with garden € 528
Moorea surf B&B: dorm € 654
Camping Nelson: camp site € 75, dormitory € 100
Motel Vanille: bungalow € 498
Pension chez Guynette: triple € 348
Tahiti is exposed to S-SW swells affecting the south coast all year round, but peaking between April and October. Expect 4-16ft during the season and 2-4ft off season. Exposure to N / NW summer swells is less generous. Thaiti receives half the waves compared to Hawaii. Although in this period we see handfuls of swells of good measure. Between May and October in the dry season the wind blows more from SE-E while during the rainy season the wind from north and northeast. The variation of the tides is very low.
How to get there : Everyone needs a visa except the French and Americans who have a 30 day permit upon arrival. Everyone needs a return ticket to enter. Thaiti has a good flying connection with Australia, Europe and the USA.
Getting around : The colorful local buses provide good and cheap transport around the island. To get from the shore to the line up usually requires a 30-45min paddling across the lagoon, so it would be best to rent a canoe for $ 10 / rtn. Renting a car costs around $ 50 / day. The ferry to Moorea Island costs $ 12 / rtn
Accommodation and Food : Like most of the South Pacific, Thaiti is not a cheap place to visit. The cheapest accommodations are the dorms at the Papeete Hotel ($ 15 / person). A decent Hotel will cost at least $ 100-150 / double, Meridien. A Half-Board with the use of the canoe at the Moana Surfcamp is approximately $ 100 / day. A local “falè” in Theahupoo costs $ 45 / day. Eat at “roullettes” where a local meal costs $ 8 but expect to pay around $ 20-30 for a meal.
Climate : During the wet season from November to April there are heavy rains every day. This area is hit by cyclones only occasionally. During the dry season, the high mountains affect the weather and they cause rain on the south coast. Temperatures are almost perfect at 23-30 ° C all year round. The water is around 25-27 ° C.
Nature and Culture : If you need a break from the waves go to the mountains, visit some caves, go diving or snorkelling or relax among the seductive landscape. One of the canoe competitions is worth attending.
Dangers and annoyances : Respect the deep local feeling of pride. The waves are super heavy and the reefs are very shallow and full of live coral. Currents in reef passages can be very strong. Sharks, although common, are not a danger. Don’t eat fish that is not overcooked because there is the possibility of taking the ciguatera. There are many mosquitoes but not malaria.
Tips : Bring your own equipment as it is expensive here. Bring at least 2 tables, including a gun for special occasions. Booties, sunscreen and helmet are required.
Exchange rate 1 EUR = 1.08 USD; 1 € = 1.51 NZD; 1 EUR = 1.41 AUD
Exchange rate variations (more than 3%) will lead to an adjustment of costs. They will be communicated within 20 days of departure.
The tariff does not include
Duration: 8 days / 6 nights
from € 242 - Excluding flights
Billabong Pro Teahupoo is an ASP World Tour professional surf competition held annually in Teahupo’o, a village on the southwestern coast of the island of Tahiti in French Polynesia. The reef is located in Teahupo’o and is a rewarding and important place for any enthusiastic surfer. The event in question was founded in 1999 and […]
Premio Turismo responsabile Italiano 2011
