Frigates
Frigates is Fiji's Coral Coast answer to Cloudbreak—a heavy left-hand barrel that breaks over a deep-water reef passage off the Coral Coast. The wave is powerful and hollow, with a deep takeoff zone and sections that can double up and throw. The roughly 45-minute boat ride from the Coral Coast keeps crowds minimal, making Frigates one of the least surfed world-class waves in Fiji. When it's on, it delivers the kind of empty barrels you dream about.
Frigates surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (220°)
- Direction range
- 190° - 250°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 5m
- Ideal size
- 2.9m - 4.1m
- Height multiplier
- 1.03×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 60° - 135°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 2m
Water temp
27°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
8/10
Crowd level
2/10
Access: Boat from the Coral Coast, about 45 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Frigates?
Frigates is a reef break in Kadavu Passage, Fiji, that mostly breaks left. It's on our list of the world's 100 best waves.
What's the story behind Frigates?
Frigates is named after the frigate bird and is about a 45-minute boat ride from the Coral Coast.
What swell works best at Frigates?
Frigates picks up swell from the S round to the WSW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SW. It starts working at around 1.2m and handles up to about 5m, with the sweet spot around 2.9 to 4.1m. Period matters too: aim for 16s or longer, as anything under 12s 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 Frigates?
An E wind is dead offshore at Frigates, 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 Frigates?
Frigates has a preferred tide range, roughly 0.4m to 2m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Frigates?
The most reliable run of swell at Frigates comes Apr to Oct. SW swell season. Offshore in SE trades. Coral Coast's Cloudbreak.
How cold is the water at Frigates?
The water at Frigates 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 Frigates good for beginners?
Not really. It's rated 8/10 for difficulty and suits experienced surfers. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 2/10). Heavy barrel. Deep takeoff zone. About 45 minutes by boat.
How do I get to Frigates?
The nearest airport on our list is SUV. From there you need a boat to reach the break (we estimate around $200 USD, but confirm with an operator). Boat from the Coral Coast, about 45 minutes.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Oct
SW swell season. Offshore in SE trades. Coral Coast's Cloudbreak.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Cloudbreak
🌊 Fiji perfection • Boat-access barrels • Handles any size
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
Restaurants
🍽️ Cloudbreak's friendly sister • Perfect tubes • Fiji's best-kept secret
Namotu Lefts
🏝️ Resort doorstep barrels • Fiji's most consistent left • Hollow and powerful
Plan a trip around Frigates
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