Cloudbreak
Cloudbreak is a left-hand reef break off Tavarua in Fiji. Southwest swell can produce long walls and powerful barrels, with conditions changing substantially as swell size and tide change. Access requires a surf boat. Compare the forecast with your experience, and confirm the session and transfer arrangements with a local operator before heading to the reef.
Cloudbreak surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Planning a session at Cloudbreak
Reading the Cloudbreak forecast
Compare southwest swell direction and period as well as height, then check the wind and tide for the hours you could reach the reef. Tourism Fiji identifies southwest swell as a key part of Cloudbreak’s surf season. A model swell height is not a measurement of the face of a breaking wave at the reef.
Arrange the boat before choosing your session
Cloudbreak requires a surf boat; it is not a paddle-out from your accommodation. Confirm the departure point, return arrangements and suitability of the conditions with your boat operator. Boat access does not guarantee a quiet lineup.
Choose the conditions, not just the score
Cloudbreak is a left-hand reef break with serious consequences as swell increases. Use the forecast to compare possible windows, then discuss the actual reef conditions and your experience with a local guide. The separate XXL profile describes a different large-swell use case, not a second beach.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (210°)
- Direction range
- 185° - 240°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 5m
- Ideal size
- 2.5m - 3.5m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 18s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (111°)
- Offshore range
- 73° - 139°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.6m - 1.5m
Water temp
27°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
9/10
Crowd level
4/10
Access: Boat access from Denarau.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Cloudbreak?
Cloudbreak is a reef break in Tavarua, Fiji, that mostly breaks left. It's on our list of the world's 100 best waves.
What's the story behind Cloudbreak?
Cloudbreak breaks about a mile off Tavarua, a small island resort ringed by coral reef. For decades it was effectively reserved for Tavarua's guests, until Fiji abolished exclusive surf rights in 2010 and opened it to everyone.
What swell works best at Cloudbreak?
Cloudbreak picks up swell from the S round to the WSW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SSW. It starts working at around 1.2m and handles up to about 5m, with the sweet spot around 2.5 to 3.5m. Period matters too: aim for 18s or longer, as anything under 14s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Cloudbreak?
An ESE wind is dead offshore at Cloudbreak, and anything from the ENE round to the SE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Cloudbreak?
Cloudbreak is at its best around mid tide, roughly 0.6m to 1.5m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Cloudbreak?
The most reliable run of swell at Cloudbreak comes Apr to Oct. April-October SW swell season.
How cold is the water at Cloudbreak?
The water at Cloudbreak averages around 27°C, so boardshorts or a rashguard will do. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Cloudbreak good for beginners?
No. At 9/10 for difficulty, it's strictly for experts. Expect a moderate crowd (4/10) when it's on. World-class but dangerous. Sharp reef, shark activity.
How do I get to Cloudbreak?
The nearest airport on our list is NAN. From there you need a boat to reach the break (we estimate around $200 USD, but confirm with an operator). Boat access from Denarau.
What other surf spots are near Cloudbreak?
The closest breaks we track are Desperations (1.8 km), Tavarua Rights (3.2 km) and Swimming Pools (3.4 km), handy when Cloudbreak isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Oct
April-October SW swell season.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Desperations
🎯 Crowd escape valve • Reliable left • Namotu alternative
Tavarua Rights
➡️ Cloudbreak's sibling • Tavarua's own rights • Fun to firing
Swimming Pools
🏊 Crystal clear perfection • All-levels friendly • Tavarua bonus
Namotu Lefts
🏝️ Resort doorstep barrels • Fiji's most consistent left • Hollow and powerful
Restaurants
🍽️ Cloudbreak's friendly sister • Perfect tubes • Fiji's best-kept secret
Swimming Pools
🏊 Fiji's best right • Crystal clear canvas • High-performance playground
Plan a trip around Cloudbreak
Compare this break with other destinations in these surf guides.