Papatura Island
Papatura Island represents the ultimate in remote Pacific surf—a dedicated surf resort in the Solomon Islands where pristine reef passes break in crystalline water with no one else around. The left-hand wave catches Coral Sea swells that wrap around the island chain during the trade wind season, producing quality barrels over healthy reef. Reaching Papatura requires commitment (boat charter from Honiara), but the reward is uncrowded perfection in one of the least-surfed regions on Earth. For those seeking genuine adventure with quality waves, the Solomons deliver.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSE (160°)
- Direction range
- 130° - 190°
- Size range
- 1m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.0m
- Height multiplier
- 1.03×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNW (330°)
- Offshore range
- 290° - 10°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid to high
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 1.5m
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
1/10
Access: Surf resort or boat charter from Honiara.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Papatura Island?
Papatura Island works best on a mid to high 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 Papatura Island?
Offshore wind at Papatura Island blows from the NNW (330°). Anything in the 290° to 10° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Papatura Island?
Papatura Island wants SSE swell (130° to 190°) between 1m and 2.5m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Papatura Island?
The main season at Papatura Island is Apr-Oct. A secondary window runs Mar, Nov. SE trade wind season. Coral Sea swells wrap in.
How do I get to Papatura Island?
Fly into HIR, then allow about 0 minutes by road, plus a boat transfer (around $300 USD). Surf resort or boat charter from Honiara.
What kind of wave is Papatura Island?
Papatura Island is a reef break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 7/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Oct
Secondary: Mar, Nov
SE trade wind season. Coral Sea swells wrap in.