Wilkes Pass
Wilkes Pass is Fiji's premier right-hander—a long, fast barrel that offers an alternative to the famous lefts around Tavarua. The wave breaks over a shallow reef pass and produces extended tube rides when S-SW swells combine with NE-NW winds (opposite to what the other breaks need). This makes Wilkes Pass valuable when the wind is wrong for Cloudbreak and Restaurants. The wave handles good size and delivers powerful, hollow sections.
Wilkes Pass surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (210°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 250°
- Size range
- 1m - 3.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.1m - 2.9m
- Height multiplier
- 1.03×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NE (45°)
- Offshore range
- 315° - 90°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- high
- Optimal range
- 0.8m - 1.8m
Water temp
27°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
4/10
Access: Boat from Namotu, Tavarua, or mainland resorts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Wilkes Pass?
Wilkes Pass is a reef break in Mamanuca Islands, Fiji, that mostly breaks right.
What swell works best at Wilkes Pass?
Wilkes Pass 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 1m and handles up to about 3.5m, with the sweet spot around 2.1 to 2.9m. Period matters too: aim for 16s or longer, as anything under 10s 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 Wilkes Pass?
A NE wind is dead offshore at Wilkes Pass, and anything from the NW round to the E keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 10am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Wilkes Pass?
Wilkes Pass is at its best around high tide, roughly 0.8m to 1.8m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Wilkes Pass?
The most reliable run of swell at Wilkes Pass comes Nov to Apr. There's a second window in May to Oct too. Best Nov-Apr when trades are lighter. Year-round swell.
How cold is the water at Wilkes Pass?
The water at Wilkes Pass 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 Wilkes Pass good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 6/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. Expect a moderate crowd (4/10) when it's on. Sharp reef. Best at high tide. Boat access only.
How do I get to Wilkes Pass?
The nearest airport on our list is NAN. From there you need a boat to reach the break (we estimate around $150 USD, but confirm with an operator). Boat from Namotu, Tavarua, or mainland resorts.
What other surf spots are near Wilkes Pass?
The closest breaks we track are Swimming Pools (6.4 km), Restaurants (12 km) and Swimming Pools (12 km), handy when Wilkes Pass isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Secondary: May-Oct
Best Nov-Apr when trades are lighter. Year-round swell.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Swimming Pools
🏊 Fiji's best right • Crystal clear canvas • High-performance playground
Restaurants
🍽️ Cloudbreak's friendly sister • Perfect tubes • Fiji's best-kept secret
Swimming Pools
🏊 Crystal clear perfection • All-levels friendly • Tavarua bonus
Namotu Lefts
🏝️ Resort doorstep barrels • Fiji's most consistent left • Hollow and powerful
Tavarua Rights
➡️ Cloudbreak's sibling • Tavarua's own rights • Fun to firing
Desperations
🎯 Crowd escape valve • Reliable left • Namotu alternative
Plan a trip around Wilkes Pass
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