When to go
May through October is the primary surf window. SW Antarctic groundswells push through the South Pacific and hit Teahupoo and the south coast Tahiti reefs with consistent overhead surf. SE trade winds blow offshore at most southern breaks, keeping conditions clean. June through September delivers the largest swells of the year: Teahupoo can reach 15-25ft on the biggest South Pacific lows. November through April is the rainy season with lighter swells, hotter humidity, and occasional cyclone risk. Water temperature stays 26-28C year-round.
Where to base
Teahupoo village. The wave breaks 600m offshore from the village at the end of a no-through road in southwest Tahiti. Accommodation is limited: a handful of guesthouses (pensions) along the road. Boat access from the village beach to the lineup is required (you cannot paddle from the beach in any sensible time). Local boatmen run shuttles for CFP 4,000-6,000 per session (US $35-55). Stay here only if Teahupoo is your sole target. Note: paddling Teahupoo is for the most experienced surfers only. Most travelers watch from boats.
Papara and the south coast (15-30 minutes from Papeete). A more practical base for surfers who want consistent quality without the Teahupoo seriousness. Papara is a long, walling left-hand sand-and-reef break that handles 3-8ft on a SW swell with offshore winds. Pohaku-tahi and Mara'a beaches offer beach break alternatives. Multiple guesthouses and a few surf-focused camps cluster around Papara.
Papeete (capital). Convenient for arrivals and airport access. Use as a base for day trips to Sapinus, Taapuna, and the west coast reef passes (30-60 minutes drive). Cheaper accommodation than Teahupoo or Papara.
Moorea (ferry from Papeete, 30 minutes). Haapiti is the marquee: a long left-hand reef pass that breaks consistently on SW swell. Less crowded than Tahiti breaks. Multiple guesthouses and resorts along the coast. Moorea is also worth visiting for the inland scenery and lagoon snorkeling alone.
Tuamotu atolls (charter boat). For experienced surfers willing to commit to a 7-14 day boat charter to the outer atolls (Rangiroa, Tikehau, Manihi). Empty lineups, world-class reef passes, no guarantees on conditions. Charter operators run from Papeete.
Logistics
Faaa International Airport (PPT) in Papeete is the gateway. Direct flights from Los Angeles, Auckland, Sydney, Tokyo, and Paris. From Papeete, rental cars are widely available. Papeete to Teahupoo is a 90-minute drive. The Tahiti island road system loops the main island in about 2.5 hours. Moorea ferry from Papeete is 30 minutes. Outer islands (Bora Bora, Raiatea) require domestic flights with Air Tahiti.
Money and connectivity
CFP Franc (XPF), pegged to the euro. Cash is necessary at small village guesthouses and boatmen in Teahupoo. ATMs available at Faaa Airport, Papeete, and larger Moorea towns. Credit cards accepted at resorts and larger restaurants in Papeete. Vini and Vodafone are the two mobile carriers. SIM cards available at the airport. Mobile coverage is good across Tahiti and Moorea, patchy on outer islands.
Visa and entry
French Polynesia is a French overseas collectivity. US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ, and EU citizens enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Passport must be valid 6 months beyond stay. Note: ETIAS (from late 2026) does not apply to French Polynesia.
Health and safety
No required vaccinations. Hepatitis A and typhoid recommended. Dengue is present year-round. Mosquito repellent is essential. Drinking water is safe in major hotels but bottled water is safer in village guesthouses. Reef cuts at Teahupoo and other coral passes are common: bring a comprehensive first aid kit. White tip and reef sharks are present but not generally a concern for surfers. Sun exposure is extreme: wear zinc and a rash vest.
Teahupoo reality check
Teahupoo is not a wave to paddle into casually. The reef is shallow (less than 1m deep in places), the lip is thick enough to break boards and bones, and even the channel rinse can be brutal. The wave demands tow-in or extreme paddle commitment on solid days. Local pros and visiting big-wave specialists dominate the lineup on the firing days. Most travelers visit Teahupoo to watch from boats on the channel: this is a worthwhile day in itself. If you do plan to paddle Teahupoo, hire a local guide for orientation, respect the established lineup hierarchy, and start small. The wave has killed and seriously injured experienced surfers.