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4. Cloudbreak

Surfing the famous Cloudbreak

Located just three miles south of Namotu Island in Fiji, Cloudbreak is famous for consistently being one of the most challenging waves in the world. The spot breaks over a sharp, shallow reef and offers fast, barreling lefts.

The Pacific is known for having the biggest waves in the world, but Cloudbreak takes it to another level. As the wave progresses, it tends to speed up, presenting shallower, more critical sections. The wave is as equally amazing as it is dangerous and, as such, it attracts pros from across the globe. If you aren’t up for surfing Cloudbreak, getting an up-close view from a boat is an incredible way to experience the wave.

A group of surfers at the (in)famous Cloudbreak, Fiji.
A group of surfers at the famous Cloudbreak, Fiji

Other waves nearby

Cloudbreak is beautiful from afar but surreal when viewed up close. The spot breaks best during long-period swells rolling in from the south/southwest. When the swell comes from the south, the spot offers peeling point breaks; when the swell comes from the west, you can find heavier tubes.

Cloudbreak is home to varying conditions, and waves can range in size from 2–20 feet. When the waves are small, they tend to be faster and shallower — exercise caution on the inside as the reef is extremely shallow. While Cloudbreak is the most iconic spot in the area, there are a number of other incredible waves near Namotu Island: Desperations, Tavarua Rights, Restaurants, Swimming Pools, Namotu Lefts, and Wilkes Passage.

About the author
Southern California-based surfer and travel writer

Rebecca is a seasoned writer and outdoor enthusiast. Born and raised in Orange County, she has spent countless hours exploring the California coastline. She loves surfing, standup paddling, and anything that involves water. When she’s not in the ocean, you can find her exploring the local trails or sleeping under the stars alongside her adventure pup, Koa.

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