Ever wondered if you could sail to Fiji and surf some of the most famous waves in the world? Guess what—it’s 100% possible! Let’s dive into how we surfed at Restaurants, Swimming Pools, and all the other amazing spots, right from our sailing vessel anchored safely and comfortably.
Related:
Top 5 Surf Destinations We’ve Found While Sailing (So Far)
Surfboards on a Catamaran: How We Store and Care for Them
The Magic of Fiji Surfing
First off, let me just say how incredible this place is! On the map, you can see how close all the surf breaks are to each other. With a dinghy that can plane with you and your board, it’s just a five-minute ride between each break.
Anchorages Around the Breaks
In the area, there are four main anchorages: Musket Cove, Namotu Island, Tavarua Island, and Cloudbreak. Yes, you can even anchor your boat inside the reef of that legendary wave, Cloudbreak! We’ve anchored at all of them, but most of the time, we did these twenty-minute runs from Musket Cove to surf. Some might say it’s sketchy or too far, but since the whole route is inside the reef, it’s fine.
The Musket Cove Run
From Musket Cove, you anchor your boat inside the reef where it’s calm and protected, surrounded by other boats. Check the tide first (avoid dead low tide), toss your board into the dinghy, and head over the reef through a secret passage that’s just deep enough for your outboard. (I’m not sharing the waypoints for this track—you’ll need to follow a local or ask around—but don’t worry, you’ll figure it out!) Once you’re through the reef, it’s a straight shot to whichever break is working that day. Now, let’s get into the waves themselves!
The Breaks
Lefts
Lefts—or Namotu Lefts—is one of my favorite waves as a goofy footer. On small days, it’s perfect for prone foiling, but with a little swell, it lights up! For those new to bigger waves, this is an amazing spot to start. The reef is deep enough on mid-high tide, the channel is easy, and the wave itself is super fun. It’s not the place for the barrels you’ll see at Restaurants or Cloudbreak, but it’s a great all-rounder.
Swimming Pools
This wave gets its name from the crystal-clear water and stunning reef it breaks over. It’s awesome for beginners on smaller days and transforms into a barrel-throwing beauty on bigger swells. I’ve surfed it when it was massive for me, and wow—the sets were sucking below the reef. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, Swimming Pools is always a blast.
Restaurants
On Tavarua Island, you’ll find Restaurants. If you’ve dreamed of perfect left-hand barrels sliding along shallow reef, this is the wave for you. Timing is key, though—get it wrong, and you’re dealing with ripping currents, shallow reef, and tricky waves. But when it’s on, it’s magical! Sitting on deck watching barrel after perfect barrel roll through was unforgettable. This wave is best for intermediate to pro surfers.
Tavarua Rights
On the other side of Tavarua Island is Tavarua Rights. It’s not as popular and is tide-dependent, but it’s a fun little right-hander when it’s working. We didn’t surf it much, but it’s a nice option if you’re looking for a mellow wave.
Wilkes Passage
As far as right-handers go, Wilkes Passage is a gem! It’s unpredictable—you might find it huge or small and shallow depending on the swell angle. When it’s firing, it’s epic, with barrels and air sections to enjoy. Definitely worth a look for intermediate to pro surfers, though keen beginners can try it on a smaller day.
Cloudbreak
Ah, Cloudbreak—the legendary monster! In the months we spent in Fiji, I only surfed it a few times because I was still learning. My dad, on the other hand, caught some epic waves there. Cloudbreak is a wave of consequence, attracting those chasing the ride of their lives—and sometimes leaving them with snapped boards or cut-up feet. Brave intermediates and pros, this one’s for you!
Anchorages Overview
Musket Cove
Located on Malolo Island, this anchorage is one of my favourites. It’s great for surfing, kitesurfing, diving, and more, with a resort and shop onshore. The anchorage is around 15-20 meters deep and well-protected by the reef and islands.
Namotu Island
Anchoring off Namotu puts you closer to the surf but leaves you more exposed to swell at higher tides. The sand bottom is dotted with coral heads, so be cautious. It’s protected from the south and southeast but not ideal for squalls. Remember, Namotu is private, so you’ll need an invitation to go ashore.
Tavarua Island
This reef anchorage near Restaurants is stunning, but be careful not to get your anchor stuck. It’s better as a day anchorage, and the diving here is spectacular. Like Namotu, Tavarua is private.
Cloudbreak Reef
Tucked behind the break, you’ll anchor in sand, avoiding the coral. Some use buoys to float their chain and prevent wrapping on the reef. It’s protected from the south and fine for overnight stays if the weather is calm.
Final Thoughts
Really quick, here are a couple more helpful links: Surfline and Windy for swell forecasts, as well as Musket Cove Marina to see what’s around the anchorage!
There you have it—a breakdown of the waves and anchorages in this epic surf destination. Fiji is truly one of the most incredible places I’ve surfed, and I highly recommend visiting. Have you been here? Share your experiences and tips in the comments—I’d love to hear them!