Kadavu Passage

14 Surf spots
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Positives
  • Powerful and consistent
  • Quality tubular lefts
  • Warm Bula spirit
  • Resort crowd, few locals
Negatives
  • Big and windy in winter
  • Rare summer righthanders
  • Heavy rain
  • Outboard access only

Kadavu Passage surf travel guide

The southern coast of Fiji is dominated by a fringing reef, bringing the surf much closer to the white sand beaches of the resort studded Coral Coast. Powerful waves come surging in from deep water, hitting shallow reef ledges that unfortunately, are very exposed to the strong trade winds that buffet this coast. In order to find offshore conditions requires more long journeys in boats out to Frigates Pass or else an island-hopper flight to Kadavu Island where the contorted reef offers a selection of waves for all wind directions.

Surf spots in Kadavu Passage

Research the 14 surf breaks in Kadavu Passage and discover what spots suit the current conditions.

Break lowdown

We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 14 breaks in Kadavu Passage.

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When to go

Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Kadavu Passage

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Library

Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Kadavu Passage.

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Travel Information

General
Current Time
Tourists
870,000
Population
896,445
Tourist Info
Tourist Info

Security

Health

Money
Currency
FJD
Exchange rate
$1 = 1.67 FJD FJD

Cost of living

Communication
Dialing in
+679
Dialing out
00
Emergencies
911
Language
English (official), Fijian, Hindustani
Electricity
Plug Type
i
Visas

No visa is required for most nationalities for stays of up to 4 months. Visitors permits are issued on arrival.

Getting There

International flights to Nadi. Get a taxi or an express bus down to Hideaway (1h), Waidroka (2h) or Pacific Harbour (3h). Daily flights with Pacific Sun from Nadi to Vunisea on Kadavu Island ($282r/t). Max two boards up to 7ft cost $60e/w. Suva to Kadavu freighter is cheap ($25 e/w) but be flexible and the crossing can be long (4-48hrs!) and rough.

Getting Around

Don't rent a car ($55/d). Devote your budget to boat transfers. Outboards in Fiji matter a lot - without one you won’t be surfing much. Departures times, rotation, schedules, carrying capacity, engine power, safety equipment, comfort factor and number of boats in operation are all important factors. Durations depend on sea conditions. Frigates is 45min from Waidroka ($25), 30min from Yanutha (1h from P/H).

Accommodation

Matanivusi Eco Surf Resort at Vunanui fr. $2100/wk full board. Waidroka Bay starts from $170/dbl/n and surf boat cost $45p/p/ to local break or $70p/p Frigates. There are budget dorms from $15/n; doubles in 'bures' average $50. A meal plan, accommodation and transport to the surf will be at least $100/day. On Yanutha Island, Batiluva does all inclusive with great food and 1 daily trip to Frigates from $85/p/n. Naninya Island Resort (Nagigia) $165/n + $10 for each boat trip.

Activities
cultureoutdoorurbanwatersports

Beqa is Fiji diving spot #1 for pelagics and Kadavu Astrolabe Reef and Nagigia Island is world-class diving and fishing. Kava ceremonies with music and Meke dance and the fire walkers are a must.

Hazards & hassles

Gutsy swells, gusty winds, sucky waves on razor-sharp reefs and rips. Crowds only occur at Frigates when several boats overpopulate the break. Waterproof bags and adequate clothing are a must.

Handy Hints

Since most anticipate a rising wind, many surf in the morning, leaving the afternoon boats gambling on empty, but rideable waves. The only surf shops are in Nadi. Many resorts have boards for rent and some like Nagigia give discounts to leave one behind. Surf lessons are available.

Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.

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