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.
Today's Conditions
Find FlightsLocation & Conditions
Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
Tide times today
Strike Score Breakdown
Plan Your Strike
Return flights to NAN, departing today with a 5-day trip window.
Search Flights on SkyscannerLocation & Conditions
Know when Pacific is about to fire
Get the best strike windows in Pacific — and worldwide — in your inbox every Monday & Thursday. Live Strike Scores, the swell behind them, zero fluff.
Get the full Wilkes Pass trip window
Pro unlocks the 10-day forecast window, unlimited alerts, and custom spot tracking that help turn a good-looking surf report into a better travel decision.
10-day window
See the trip window before flights get expensive.
Unlimited alerts
Let the app watch your score threshold for you.
Custom spots
Track the breaks that actually matter to your travel plans.
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 tide is best at Wilkes Pass?
The Wilkes Pass profile favors high tide, ideally between 0.8m and 1.8m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Wilkes Pass?
The Wilkes Pass profile uses wind from NE (45°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 315° to 90°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Wilkes Pass?
The Wilkes Pass scoring profile favors swell from SSW (180° to 250°), a swell-height range of 1m to 3.5m, and a reference period of 16s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Wilkes Pass?
The main season at Wilkes Pass is Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr. A secondary window runs May-Oct. Best Nov-Apr when trades are lighter. Year-round swell.
How do I get to Wilkes Pass?
The spot profile lists NAN as a nearby airport. A boat transfer is also required. The profile estimates $150 USD; confirm the current price and departure point with an operator. Boat from Namotu, Tavarua, or mainland resorts.
What kind of wave is Wilkes Pass?
Wilkes Pass is a reef break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
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 • 15ft tubes possible
Tavarua Rights
➡️ Cloudbreak's sibling • 200m rights • Fun to firing
Desperations
🎯 Crowd escape valve • Reliable left • Namotu alternative
Plan a trip around Wilkes Pass
Compare this break with other destinations in these surf guides.