The Surf Window

Muri Beach Cook Islands

Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Reef breakIntermediate

Muri Beach on Rarotonga's southeast coast is the island's most popular beach, calm, blue, and lined with motu (tiny islets), but the reef beyond the lagoon has real surf for those willing to paddle the distance.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalN (0°)
WindowW–E (270°–90°)
Size–E 1.5–2.5m at 12–16s

Wind

NW

Light under 15 knots

Tide

Mid to high

LowMidHigh

Season

Apr–Sep

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Reef break

Bottom

Coral reef

Shape

Rights off the outer reef

Length

60–120m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Advanced surfers
  • •Why: The outer reef is powerful, inside the lagoon is flat

Hazards

  • •Long paddle across the lagoon to reach the surf
  • •Sharp coral reef
  • •Tourist kayak and paddleboard traffic in the lagoon

Local Tips

  • •Stand-up paddle boards from the beach rentals make crossing the lagoon much easier
  • •Best with a morning swell before the afternoon trades pick up
  • •The beach bars at Muri are perfect for watching the outer reef from shore

Location

Map showing the location of Muri Beach Cook Islands in Rarotonga, Cook Islands

-21.2625, -159.7458