Ral Island
Ral Island serves as Kavieng's swell magnet—the spot that works when everywhere else goes flat. This north-facing reef picks up any trace of swell moving through the region, providing consistent waves when the more famous breaks need bigger energy. The wave itself offers fun, user-friendly peaks over coral reef, making it an excellent warm-up spot or backup option for days between swells. The remote island setting delivers that classic PNG experience: empty lineups, crystal-clear water, and the satisfaction of surfing waves most people will never see.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (350°)
- Direction range
- 330° - 30°
- Size range
- 0.5m - 2m
- Ideal size
- 1.5m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 10s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (180°)
- Offshore range
- 140° - 220°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 1.5m
Water temp
29°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
1/10
Access: Boat from Kavieng.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Ral Island?
Ral Island 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 Ral Island?
Offshore wind at Ral Island blows from the S (180°). Anything in the 140° to 220° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Ral Island?
Ral Island wants N swell (330° to 30°) between 0.5m and 2m, with a period of 10s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Ral Island?
The main season at Ral Island is Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr. Swell magnet - works when everywhere else is flat.
How do I get to Ral Island?
Fly into KVG, then allow about 0 minutes by road, plus a boat transfer (around $100 USD). Boat from Kavieng.
What kind of wave is Ral Island?
Ral Island is a reef break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 5/10.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Swell magnet - works when everywhere else is flat.
Getting There
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