Desperations
Desperations earned its name from surfers seeking an alternative when Cloudbreak and Restaurants get too crowded or maxed out. This reliable left-hander near Namotu Island works in similar conditions to Fiji's famous breaks but with a fraction of the crowd. The wave offers good barrel sections and workable walls over coral reef, providing quality sessions when the A-list spots are packed. For surfers staying at Namotu or exploring the Mamanuca reef system, Desperations delivers solid Fijian reef surfing without the competition for waves.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (200°)
- Direction range
- 170° - 230°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.0m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NE (45°)
- Offshore range
- 10° - 80°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 1.5m
Water temp
27°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
2/10
Access: Boat from Namotu Island or Denarau.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Desperations?
Desperations works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.5m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Desperations?
Offshore wind at Desperations blows from the NE (45°). Anything in the 10° to 80° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Desperations?
Desperations wants SSW swell (170° to 230°) between 0.8m and 2.5m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Desperations?
The main season at Desperations is Apr-Oct. Fiji winter season. Works in similar conditions to Cloudbreak.
How do I get to Desperations?
Fly into NAN, then allow about 0 minutes by road, plus a boat transfer (around $150 USD). Boat from Namotu Island or Denarau.
What kind of wave is Desperations?
Desperations is a reef break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Oct
Fiji winter season. Works in similar conditions to Cloudbreak.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Cloudbreak
🌊 Fiji perfection • Boat-access barrels • Handles any size
Tavarua Rights
➡️ Cloudbreak's sibling • 200m rights • Fun to firing
Swimming Pools
🏊 Crystal clear perfection • All-levels friendly • Tavarua bonus
Namotu Lefts
🏝️ Resort doorstep barrels • Fiji's most consistent left • 15ft tubes possible
Restaurants
🍽️ Cloudbreak's friendly sister • Perfect tubes • Fiji's best-kept secret
Swimming Pools
🏊 Fiji's best right • Crystal clear canvas • High-performance playground