By Gary Steinhardt, guest blogger
I finally checked off a long-time bucket list item, an epic surf trip to Namotu, Fiji, where I could surf all day until I literally couldn’t paddle anymore. For a little context, I started surfing late in life and consider myself to be a strong intermediate and slightly obsessed surfer. As much as I love surfing, I know I’ll never be able to rip like those who started surfing younger in life, but there’s no harm in trying.
Most surfers (and spouses of surfers) have heard and read about Namotu and Tavarua, two neighboring islands in Fiji which provide access to some of the most consistent and dare I say world’s best breaks. The proximity to breaks likes Cloudbreak, Restaurants, Tavarua Rights, Swimming Pools, Namotu Left, Wilkes Pass, and Desperations make both of these islands a surfer’s paradise because of consistent epic surf and jaw-dropping scenery. My trip to Namotu exceeded every expectation.
How I Was Lucky Enough to Surf at Namuto
As a diehard surfer living in Southern California, I’ve heard countless stories of epic surf trips in Fiji and dreamed of a trip to surf the warm, not crowded, and nearly perfect waves all day. The trip came together when a buddy reached out to say that he was taking over a week in Namotu that a group of Brits gave up (could not imagine why). The way Namotu generally works is a group of people book a week together. Getting a reservation isn’t always easy because large groups of surfers from around the world come back year after year and take over the island.
On our trip to Namotu, the private island’s guests included our group of 18 gentlemen, mostly from Southern California, a group of 3 other guys from Malibu, and 3 Australian doctors. The guests were of varying ages and levels of ability and included shortboarders, longboarders, and a SUP rider. There were no non-surfers on Namotu that week.
Namotu pre-trip training
My trip to Namotu began with some serious prep, though I probably went a little overkill. I was super stoked and wanted to get the most out of this once in a lifetime (annual for some, I’m lobbying) epic surf experience. My training included intense physical training and lots of gearing-up (for gear information click here). I began to increase the frequency of yoga, cardio, weights, and lots of paddling. When the water was flat (no waves), I’d paddle up and down the beach to make sure I was in tip-top paddling condition for Fiji.
Flights and transportation
Namotu uses Waterways Travel, a surf focused travel agency, to handle its bookings. Waterways Travel made the planning and transit very easy.
We caught a direct flight on Fiji air that departed from Los Angeles International Airport at 10:30 p.m. and arrived in Nadi, Fiji, at 6:00 a.m.
Waterways arranged to pick all 21 of us up and also sent a box truck for our gear.
After loading our gear, we made our way to “Rendezvous Jetti,” where we departed the main island of Viti Levu for a 45-minute boat ride to Namotu.
On our return trip, after the boats dropped us off on Viti Levu, we went to one of the Denarau Island Resorts for the day, as our flight didn’t leave until 9:40 p.m. Some of the guys rented day rooms, and we spent most of the time at the pool and bar.
Namotu week-long tour package
The basic epic surf tour package at Namotu includes:
- accommodation in an air-conditioned bure (shared unless you pay extra – assuming there is room)
- three full meals per day (drinks extra)
- unlimited boat transfers to the surf breaks
- experienced surf guides who help you decide which breaks are the best each session (morning and afternoon) depending on the prevailing wind, tide, swell conditions, and your ability.
- daily yoga
- use of the resort’s recreation facilities/equipment
- fishing excursions
Extra charges apply for massages, diving trips, and alcohol.
Our first day at Namotu
We had epic surf every day. On the first day, we got a big fun twilight session at the nearby righthand break known as Wilkes Pass (“Wilkes”), a steep, powerful reef break that was a few feet overhead, a little intimidating but awesome. All week, there were rarely crowds at Wilkes.
A typical day at Namotu
First Light
Over coffee and pastries, you can discuss which breaks to hit first and head out for an hour or two before breakfast. There were three boats each morning with usually two or three groups going to different breaks.
During our morning session, we would often travel by boat from break to break, without touching land, as our interest or the tides moved us to the next epic surf spot.
Hear the breakfast bell
Every morning, the breakfast bell would ring, signaling it was time to hop on a boat back to the island to eat a well-deserved hot breakfast. Over breakfast, we would swap surf stories, talk about which breaks to hit during the late morning session, do an hour of yoga, and/or head out for another morning session.
Hear the lunch bell
When you hear the lunch bell ring, you could either keep surfing or hop on a boat and head in for lunch. Back on land, you could eat lunch, discuss a strategy for the afternoon breaks, rest, get a massage, or get ready to hop on a boat and surf some more.
My best session by far was when a buddy and I hit Swimming Pools for a late morning session. It was just the two of us and waves head high to a little overhead and perfectly spaced long rights. We skipped lunch and surfed for 3 or 4 hours, and decided to leave when another boat of surfers showed-up.
Sunset
This was the signal to pull your aching body over the gunnel of the boat and head back to the island for drinks and snacks (by snacks, I mean a table-sized platter of the freshest sushi that you’ve ever seen).
Dinner
Group dinners were always fun. We would rehash the day’s events over a beer or cocktail before getting in a good night’s sleep so we could do it all over again.
Epic surf breaks
Cloudbreak
This is a world-famous steep hollow barreling left. It’s super challenging and intimidating. It was literally and figuratively over my head, double overhead+ to be precise, so I didn’t surf this break but enjoyed watching some truly unbelievable surfing here.
Restaurants
Another big steep left, this was a favorite of many of the most advanced surfers on our trip. The wave is super hollow, barrels, and at low tide is very shallow. Depending on where you take off, you may need to avoid a coral stalk on this long and beautiful wave. Again, this was great for the more advanced surfers but did result in some coral to body injuries. That’s why you need to remember to bring a good first aid kit.
Tavarua Rights
This is more of a longboard or SUP wave but offers fun for short boarders too. It’s usually less crowded than some of the other breaks.
Swimming Pools
This was my favorite break by far. It’s a deeper water break that set’s up quickly but not super-fast and peels off for extended rights. The wave is unbelievably fun. We hit it perfectly at a couple of feet overhead, and it was empty on several occasions. To me, these sessions at Swimming Pools were the definition of paradise and epic surf. Even when a surf boat showed-up, there were plenty of waves to be had by all.
Namotu Lefts
You can see consistent and fun left from the dining room on Namotu. It’s a big left that was not as challenging as Cloudbreak or Restaurants but still big, fun, and consistent. It’s a fantastic wave that I surfed every day while visiting Namotu. One of the guys in our group mastered this wave on a SUP and was the first one out there daily at sunrise and often to sunset.
Wilkes Pass
This is a fun and strong right. It was a little intimidating at first on bigger days, but it offered a steep takeoff, fun drop, and some long rides. Wilkes Pass is a super fun wave for us non-goofy footed surfers.
Desperations
As its name suggests, this is the go-to spot when the other breaks aren’t working. It’s a little longer boat ride, and we were fortunate to have excellent swell during our trip in March, with only one flattish day, so it was not necessary to make the trip out to Desperations. On my fishing trip, we went by this break, and it looked like a fun peak that peals left and right. I would not be upset if conditions forced us to go to Desperations.
Other Activities
Fishing
The island hosts rotating highly skilled fishermen to fill its freezers, but guests are welcome to join in the fun at no extra expense. Two or three of us per day took advantage of this opportunity. The catch of the day was often Tuna (including one 100+ pounder). I caught a delicious ~50 pound Spanish Mackerel.
We were lucky enough to go fishing with Duane Diego of San Diego, a truly skilled and fun fisherman.
Snorkeling
Another must-do activity is snorkeling over the giant clams by Tavarua. The sight is unbelievable.
The beach
The beach is stunning with white sand and beautiful clear blue warm water.
Accommodations
I stayed in one of the beach bures. The beach bures at Namotu were functional, air-conditioned, and comfortable but probably not ideal for a romantic getaway with someone accustomed to finer travel if you know what I mean. There are several different types of accomodations at Namotu. For more information about the different types of accommodations, click here.
Food and drinks
One of the daily highlights was greeting the fishing boat upon arrival to see the daily catch, which was consistently amazing.
We ate most meals together, and the food was enjoyable. There was a great beach bar where we had “snacks” and drinks daily around sunset. The bars, both an inside and beach bar were a blast. No matter where you were, the whole island felt like your private paradise.
The staff
The staff was warm and welcoming and made everything so easy and enjoyable. There were no account numbers other than our names. Everyone knew your name and liked to talk about surfing, places to surf, the days surfing experience, and which breaks would be the best tomorrow.
Tavarua
We did go to Tavarua for a drink one afternoon after snorkeling and were welcomed in the same warm way by the guests and the island staff. Michelle and I are headed to Tavarua later this year with a couple of friends and cannot wait for another epic surf trip!
Gear
Besides a surfboard, you might think, what else do I need? The answer is plenty. Think about it this way; if you’re on a bucket list adventure, you want to make sure you have the best gear. For me, this included a new board, well, because, why not. You should also know that there are no concessions on the island. You need to bring whatever you anticipate you might need for your trip.
Here are a few suggestions:
![Ho Stevie! Premium Surf Leash [1 Year Warranty] Maximum Strength, Lightweight, Kink-Free, for All Types of Surfboards. 7mm Thick (1/4") 6/7/8/9 Feet](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41I1JqsB11L._SL500_.jpg)
For another exciting beach vacation, check out Michelle’s post on surfing in Punta Mita, sailing in the Exumas, or the ultimate guide to Baha Mar.
Fiji is on my bucket list and as I grew up at the beach, I am really looking forward to getting into the water to surf all day!
Great Post ! I have read your post which are really informative for any traveler. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful informative information on the blog.
Thanks so much! I strive to provide informative and practical guides so your comment means a lot to me. 🙂
I could not stop thinking about that platter of sushi!!!!Such a great trip you had. Now I have add Fiji on my list too. This post really inspired me to travel more. Another thing I love to get involve myself with are going to surfing events
I love that this post is inspiring you to travel more!
Loved reading this post! Reminded me of my Fiji trip, without the surf part 🙂 Can’t wait to go back! Nice Mackerel.
Hi Margarita! Thanks for your comment! We ware supposed to go to Fiji in September. (Fingers crossed). I am excited because it will be my first time in Fiji.