Moorea – Haapiti
Haapiti, Windward Islands (Society Islands), French Polynesia
Sports: Surfing
Best time to go: April–October
Haapiti is a district on the west coast of Moorea, the island just north-west of Tahiti, and its best-known wave breaks at Matauvau Pass, a gap in the barrier reef that encloses the lagoon. The main wave is a powerful left that peels along the reef towards the pass, with long walls and hollow sections on a good swell. Surfers usually reach it by boat or by a long paddle across the lagoon.
The season runs from about April to October, when south and south-west swells from the Southern Ocean reach the island; the easterly trade winds blow offshore on this west-facing coast. From November to March the surf is smaller and the weather wetter. It suits intermediate and experienced surfers, and bigger days are powerful. The coral is sharp and shallow on the inside, and strong currents run out through the pass, especially when the swell is big. Respect the local surfers, who know the reef well. The water is warm all year, about 25–28 °C, so a rash vest is enough.
Spots near Moorea – Haapiti
- Tahiti – Papara (48 km)
- Tahiti – Teahupo'o (73 km)
More: All spots in French Polynesia · Surfing in French Polynesia