The Surf Window

Rangiroa

Rangiroa, French Polynesia

Reef breakAdvanced

The world's second-largest atoll, Rangiroa's two main passes, Avatoru and Tiputa, create legendary drift dives and, when the conditions align, powerful surf at the intersection of ocean and lagoon.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalN (0°)
WindowW–E (270°–90°)
Size–NW 1.5–3m at 14–18s

Wind

S

Light to SE under 12 knots

Tide

Incoming current

Season

Nov–Apr

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Reef break

Bottom

Coral reef

Shape

Rights off the pass edges

Length

50–120m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Expert surfers
  • •Why: Pass currents are extremely powerful, this is serious water for experienced ocean readers

Hazards

  • •Extremely strong currents through the passes
  • •Sharks are common in Rangiroa, including large tiger and grey reef sharks
  • •Remote atoll, emergency services are very limited

Local Tips

  • •The drift dive through Tiputa Pass is one of the world's great dive experiences
  • •Dolphins play in the passes daily, one of the few places you can surf alongside them
  • •Fly via Papeete, the atoll has its own small airport

Location

Map showing the location of Rangiroa in Rangiroa, French Polynesia

-14.9667, -147.6667