Marquesas Islands Surfing: What Are The Best Spots?

Welcome to the best Marquesas Islands surfing spots in French Polynesia.

Are you wondering, ‘What are the best Marquesas Islands surfing spots’?

Let us guide you to the answers.

Popular surf spots and features

There are a few good Marquesas Islands surfing spots for beginners and advanced surfers.

BUT BEWARE: There are only a handful of spots on the 12 volcanic islands that exist.

Let’s take a closer look.

Hiva Oa – Taaoa Bay

• Description: Known as the cultural heart of the Marquesas, Hiva Oa has several reef breaks for experienced surfers.
• Wave height: Waves reach 2–3 meters (6–10 feet) during peak swells.
• Key feature: A long left-hand reef break with clean barrel sections, perfect for carving turns.
• Difficulty level: Advanced due to strong currents and a shallow reef.
• Access: This spot is relatively remote, requiring a short hike from nearby villages.

Nuku Hiva – Anaho Bay

• Description: The largest island in the Marquesas has several uncrowded breaks, with Anaho Bay being the most famous Marquesas Islands surfing spot.
• Wave height: 1–2 meters (3–6 feet), with a mix of rights and lefts, making it a good choice for various surfing styles.
• Key feature: A picturesque bay with swells, offering consistent, peeling waves for longer rides.
• Difficulty level: Intermediate to advanced, depending on swell size and tide conditions.
• Access: The island is accessible by boat or a scenic hike from the main road, which provides breathtaking views of its rugged terrain.

Ua Pou – Hakahau Beach

• Description: Ua Pou is recognized for its volcanic spires and easy surf spots.
• Wave height: 0.5–1.5 meters (1.5–5 feet), ideal for small swells and beginner surfers.
• Key feature: A sandy-bottom break with easy waves.
• Access: Located near the main harbor of Ua Pou, making it one of the easiest Marquesas Islands surfing spots.

DID YOU KNOW: The most famous wave in Tahiti is Teahupoo, often referred to as ‘Jaws.’ Known as one of the heaviest surfing waves in the world, it is extremely dangerous and exclusively suited for elite surfers.

Types of waves and conditions

The Marquesas Islands surfing spots offer different waves, influenced by their position in the Pacific Ocean.

Here’s what you can expect:

Reef breaks

• Wave style: Powerful, hollow waves that are perfect for experienced surfers.
• Conditions: Best during the southern hemisphere’s winter months (May–September, see below), when swells from the southern Pacific create consistent waves.

Beach breaks

• Wave style: Softer and more forgiving waves, perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers.
• Conditions: Work best during smaller swells or at high tide to prevent waves from closing out.

Point breaks

• Wave style: Long, peeling waves are perfect for carving and longer rides.
• Conditions: Found at the edges of bays, requiring a specific swell direction to fire.
• Tips: Check local tide charts, as these breaks are tide-sensitive.

Best time to surf

The Marquesas Islands surfing spots benefit from year-round surfing opportunities.

However, the weather conditions change depending on the season.

Weather per season

Southern Hemisphere Winter (May–September)

1. Best season for surfing: During the southern hemisphere’s winter months, swells generated by storms in the southern Pacific bring consistent and powerful waves to the Marquesas Islands surfing spots. These swells produce clean, hollow waves that are perfect for experienced surfers.
2. Wave height: Expect waves ranging from 2 to 3 meters (6–10 feet) during peak swells, particularly at reef and point breaks like Taaoa Bay in Hiva Oa.
3. Wind conditions: The prevailing easterly trade winds help create ideal offshore conditions in the mornings, ensuring smooth, rideable waves.

Southern Hemisphere Summer (October–April)

1. Off-season for large swells: This period has smaller swells as the southern Pacific becomes calmer. While the waves are less powerful, this season is great for beginners and intermediate surfers who want more forgiving conditions.
2. Wave height: Surf spots such as Hakahau Beach on Ua Pou see waves in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 meters (1.5–5 feet), making them perfect for skill development.
3. Wind conditions: Afternoon onshore winds can make conditions choppy, so morning sessions are generally better.

Transition months (April and October)

1. Best of both worlds: These months mark the transition between seasons, offering a mix of consistent swells and lighter crowds. You’ll still find solid waves but with less intensity compared to peak winter months.
2. Wave height: Swells are moderate, ranging from 1 to 2 meters (3–6 feet), ideal for a variety of skill levels.

Weather conditions

Tropical climate

The Marquesas Islands enjoy a warm, tropical climate throughout the year, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 25–30°C (77–86°F). The water temperature remains at a consistent 27°C (80°F)

Rainfall

• Dry season (May–September): These months coincide with the southern hemisphere winter, featuring minimal rainfall and clear skies. It’s the best time to visit for uninterrupted surf sessions and outdoor adventures.
• Wet season (October–April): This period sees occasional tropical showers, often in the afternoon or evening, but they are usually short-lived. While conditions may vary, it’s still possible to surf during this time.

Humidity

High humidity is constant in the Marquesas. Light, breathable surfwear and plenty of sunscreen are needed.

Water temperature

The water remains warm year-round, averaging 26–29°C (79–84°F). No wetsuit is needed in the dry season, but a rash guard is recommended to protect against the sun and potential reef scrapes.

Swell forecast tips

You can check the current tide here.

• Best swells: Swells generally come from the southwest, with wave periods ranging between 10–15 seconds, creating the ideal conditions for long, peeling waves at reef and point breaks.

• Tide impact: Many of the Marquesas’ surf spots are tide-sensitive. Low to mid tide is generally best for reef breaks like Anaho Bay and Taaoa Bay, while white sandy beach breaks like Hakahau Beach are more forgiving at high tide.

• Forecast tools: Utilize surf forecasting platforms like Magicseaweed or Surfline, which provide detailed updates on swell size, direction, and wind conditions specific to Polynesian islands.

Beginner’s Guide to the Marquesas Islands surfing spots

Gear and equipment

1. Surfboard: Beginners should opt for a soft-top surfboard, as these are more stable and make it easier to practice balance and paddling. An ideal board is at least 8–9 feet long.
2. Leash: A durable leash is essential to keep your board attached in case of a wipeout. Choose one slightly longer than your board for added safety.
3. Rash guard or surf shirt: With warm water temperatures ranging from 26–29°C (79–84°F) year-round, you won’t need a wetsuit. Instead, a rash guard will protect you from sunburn and paddling irritation.
4. Reef-safe sunscreen: The tropical sun is intense, so apply SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen before every session. This protects not only your skin but also the marine environment.
5. Reef boots: If you’re surfing at reef breaks, reef boots can help protect your feet from sharp coral and sea urchins.
6. Wax: Use tropical surf wax to ensure good traction on your board. Since wax may be hard to find locally, bring your own supply.

Local surf schools and lessons

While the Marquesas Islands don’t have established surf schools like other islands, in some cases, guesthouses know where you might get aboard.

For instance, lodges near Hakahau Beach on Ua Pou often connect beginners with instructors who are familiar with the area’s surf conditions.

Expect to pay around €40–60 ($45–65 USD) for a private guiding session, which typically includes the use of a board and other basic equipment.