Boulders 2
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate to Advanced
- Skill Level
- Ocean, Swell
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Boulders 2 is a renowned heavy left-hand break in the Si'umu area on Upolu, turning over lava rock and coral reef. Sessions are centered around the south-swelling season, and the wave is characterized by steep drops, powerful walls, and hollow/open-faced sections with occasional barrels. This spot is hazard-heavy: sharp reef, large boulders, and lava/coral heads sit close to the surface, and water depth can be shallow to mid-depth over reef. Currents can become strong during larger swells and tidal exchanges, and the location is described as remote—so you should plan conservatively and follow reef etiquette closely. Lifeguards and dedicated on-water rescue are not available; emergency response relies on the nearby hospital network in Apia. Access typically involves a difficult approach: 4WD may be needed to reach the beach access point, followed by a long paddle out, and boat access from local surf resorts is also described as a practical option. Because the wave is sensitive to swell size and wind direction, it may need a bigger south swell to show its face. Checking tide height carefully is also emphasized so there is sufficient water over the reef during your session. Seasonally, conditions line up best from April into the southern hemisphere winter and into late summer—May through August/September are repeatedly indicated as top months. Trade-wind patterns are reliable, but onshore Southeast trades can affect wave form, so wind direction and swell timing are key. Water and air temperatures are warm year-round, with wet-season cyclone risk typically focused from November to March.
- Heavy, hollow left-hand wave breaking over lava rock and coral reef
- Better performance with south swells; may need bigger size to work well
- High hazard profile due to shallow reef and exposed rocks
- Warm tropical water and generally pristine visibility outside heavy rainfall effects
- World-class heavy left-hand reef/point-style wave with hollow sections.
- Holds large swells and can perform across a wide swell range when conditions are right.
- Generally pristine, warm tropical water; strong seasonal consistency during southern winter swell period.
- Reef/lava-rock hazards with shallow water near the impact zone.
- Long paddle out / remote access; difficult access options increase session risk.
- Wave can be heavy and very sensitive to swell and wind conditions; advanced handling required at larger sizes.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NNE, NE, NW
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Southeast trade-wind driven conditions are generally reliable during the dry season.
- Reliability
- High during trade-wind season
- Gust Factor
- Steady — No strong gust variability specified; described as steady.
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September
- Shadow Zones
- Sheltered somewhat by the coastline from North winds
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean, Swell
- Beach
- Rocks — Rocks/lava rock with coral reef in the break zone.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Huge — Described as huge; also reported as big/large.
- Launch
- Medium — Beach access with long paddle out; some guidance also notes rocky shore/boat access.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Launch difficulty described as moderate overall; at times described as difficult when relying on shore access.
Through the year
Can become crowded when conditions are peak, particularly with guests from local surf camps.
November to March is the wet season with increased tropical storm potential.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A heavy, powerful left-hand wave breaking over lava rock and coral reef. It can hold significant swell size, with steep drops and occasional hollow/barrel sections.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- S, SSW, SW
- Swell Height
- 0.9–6 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Mid tide preferred per spot guidance.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed setup; not strongly sheltered from swell/wind.
- Wind Effect
- Very sensitive to prevailing Southeast trades which can blow cross-onshore; North winds or light conditions tend to give better form.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds up well under varying swell sizes; can become a world-class heavy left on larger swell.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Wave quality described as excellent; also noted as good.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Powerful wave energy with steep drop and wall.
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Hollow sections; occasional barrel sections reported.
- Peel Speed
- Fast — Fast peeling section described.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Open-faced sections; described ride length medium overall.
- Ride Length Details
- Open-faced sections; steep drop followed by a powerful wall and occasional barrel sections.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Boulders 2 in the full forecast view.
Boulders 2 wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 6–13 ktsGusts 26 kts
- Direction
- ESE112°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2513 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.0–2.7 m9s period
- Temperature
- 24–29 °C
Over the next 7 days, Boulders 2 is forecast for daytime winds of 6–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 26 kts. The prevailing direction is ESE. Waves run 1.0–2.7 m with a period of about 9s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- rocks
- lava rock heads
- coral heads
- sharp coral reef
- large boulders near the impact zone
- strong currents possible during large swells and tidal exchanges
- power of the wave
- remote location
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards on site.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated on-water rescue service at most launches; expect to be self-sufficient or rely on local surf boat charters.
- Emergency Info
- Medical facilities are limited in the immediate area; the nearest major hospital is in Apia (TTM Hospital). National emergency numbers: 994 (Police), 995 (Fire), 996 (Ambulance).
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Mild localism noted.
Rules of the spot
Respect the local line-up and follow standard reef break etiquette.
- Needs a bigger south swell to show its face.
- Access involves a long paddle out from shore or easier boat-based access from nearby resorts—plan your session accordingly.
- Check the tide carefully to ensure enough water over the reef during the session.
- Respect the local line-up and standard reef etiquette.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Apia
- Nearest Town
- Si'umu
- Nearest Airport
- Faleolo International Airport (APW)
- Parking
- 4WD required to reach the beach access point; limited parking near local resorts or coastal access points.
- Public Transport
- Local travel is typically handled by public buses or private taxis; renting a 4WD vehicle is the most practical way to reach varied coastal access points.
- Access
- 4WD access to the beach followed by a long paddle out; primary alternative access is via boat from local surf resorts or a difficult walk/paddle from the shore.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Samoan, English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Multiple surf-focused resorts and bungalows are located in the Si'umu area; upscale options are near on the south coast.
- Food & Drink
- Local resort restaurants and small shops in Si'umu village.
- Equipment Rental:
- Available at some specialized surf resorts nearby.
- Gear Storage
- Resorts serving the surf community typically offer storage for guests; public storage facilities are non-existent.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Visitors typically mix water sports with cultural immersion and exploring Samoa’s volcanic landscapes.
World-famous natural swimming hole formed by a volcanic sinkhole with crystal-clear turquoise water.
Cascading waterfalls and swimming holes within a national park.
Upscale dining featuring fresh local seafood and traditional Samoan ingredients.
Freshwater pool beneath a historic church, ideal for family swimming and snorkeling.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Boulders 2?
The best overall months at Boulders 2 are May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Boulders 2?
Boulders 2 works with N, NNE, NE, NW winds.
What skill level is Boulders 2 suitable for?
Boulders 2 suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.