One of the heaviest waves in the world, from a few dozen metres away
At a glance
- Theme
- Sea and lagoon
- Duration
- 1–2 h
- Season
- Big swells May — October
- Start
- Tahiti Iti
The wave breaks on the reef half a kilometre from shore, so it can only be seen from the water. Taxi boats from Teahupoo village sit in the channel next to the break: you watch the surfers and the wall of water side-on.
The surfing events of the 2024 Olympic Games were held here. On days without swell, the boatmen cruise along the Fenua Aihere coast, which no road reaches.
Where to book
We describe a type of tour, not a specific offer. Prices, schedules and availability are on the booking platforms. Duration and season are a rough guide.
Departure point on the map
Purple dot: departure area (approximate); orange dots: places to stay nearby. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors. Coordinates are approximate.
Where to stay near the start
All places to stay in the area →
Things to see nearby
Beach
Maui beach
A white beach with a lagoon — rare on Tahiti≈ 1.9 km
Nature
Faarumai waterfalls
Three waterfalls in a green valley, ten minutes from the road≈ 32 km
Hike
Mount Aorai
A climb to Tahiti's third-highest summit along a sharp ridge≈ 32 km
Nature
Arahoho blowhole
A sea geyser beside the road on the east coast≈ 36 kmOther tours on Tahiti
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