Papara
Papara provides a refreshing contrast to Tahiti's heavy reef breaks—a beginner-friendly beach break on the island's south coast where black volcanic sand meets warm Pacific waters. The wave offers mellow peaks that work across all tide stages, making it ideal for learners and longboarders seeking something less intense than the island's famous reef passes. The setting is quintessentially Tahitian: palm trees, black sand, and crystalline water, without the reef hazards that make other spots so challenging. For families or surfers needing a mellower session between reef adventures, Papara is Tahiti's forgiving side.
Papara 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 PPT, 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.
Vous préférez le français ? Recevez le Strike Report en français, gratuitement →
Get the full Papara 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 (200°)
- Direction range
- 160° - 240°
- Size range
- 0.6m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.5m - 2m
- Height multiplier
- 1.03×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (0°)
- Offshore range
- 320° - 40°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.5m
Water temp
27°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
4/10
Access: Easy beach access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Papara?
The Papara profile favors the recorded tide range, ideally between 0.3m and 1.5m 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 Papara?
The Papara profile uses wind from N (0°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 320° to 40°. 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 Papara?
The Papara scoring profile favors swell from SSW (160° to 240°), a swell-height range of 0.6m to 2.5m, and a reference period of 14s. 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 Papara?
The main season at Papara is May-Oct. Winter south swells. Good for beginners to intermediate.
How do I get to Papara?
The spot profile lists PPT as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 40 minutes. Easy beach access.
What kind of wave is Papara?
Papara is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 4/10.
Best Season
Peak: May-Oct
Winter south swells. Good for beginners to intermediate.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Taapuna
🇵🇫 Tahitian excellence • Reef pass power • World-class left
Teahupo'o
💀 The heaviest wave on Earth • Olympic venue 2024 • Where legends are made
Papenoo
🏔️ North shore Tahiti • Rivermouth variety • North swell catcher
Temae
🦈 Moorea's fierce right • Shallow reef power • Paradise intensity
Hauru Point
🏝️ Moorea's northwest gem • North swell catcher • Uncrowded paradise
Parea
🇵🇫 Southern Huahine • Intermediate-friendly right • Less localism
Plan a trip around Papara
Compare this break with other destinations in these surf guides.