Devils Island (Upolu Island)
- Wave, Shortboard
- Best for
- Expert
- Skill Level
- Medium waves, Big waves
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Devils Island (Nu'usafe'e Island) is a remote, uninhabited reef break off Upolu’s south coast near Matautu. The water is reported as crystal-clear, and the reef bottom means conditions can change quickly with tide and can be unforgiving if you make a mistake. For surfing, the spot is characterized as a powerful left-hand reef break over sharp coral, producing hollow, fast waves with fast peeling sections and barrel opportunities. Multiple take-off zones are described, and the spot is repeatedly framed as expert-only. Sources emphasize that it works best around mid-to-high tide, with particular sensitivity to shallow reef sections. For kitesurfing, the key attraction is the SE trade wind wave setup during the trade-wind season, with the best months reported as June through September. Wind is commonly described in the 15–25 knot range and as steady, but the hazards remain significant due to reefs and strong currents around reef channels/edges. Riders are expected to self-handle given limited on-island support. Practical safety notes are a major theme: plan for boat-only access, bring everything you need (including water and food), and respect local customs such as not surfing or kitesurfing on Sundays. Because there are no lifeguards and dedicated rescue coverage is limited, advanced self-reliance (and reef-safe gear like boots) is essential.
- Left-hand reef break with hollow/fast characteristics
- Reliable SE trade winds in season (June–September)
- Crystal-clear water and remote, low-crowd atmosphere
- Crystal-clear water with very high visibility.
- Reliable Southeast trade winds in season (best months June–September).
- World-class left-hand reef break characteristics for advanced surfers and wave kiters.
- Boat-only access to an uninhabited island with no shelter.
- Sharp coral reef and shallow sections increase risk, especially at low tide.
- Remote location with limited rescue availability.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SE
- Offshore directions
- SE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Southeast trade winds (SE trades), most consistent during the southern trade season.
- Reliability
- Reliable SE trade winds dominate from May to October.
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Steady trades are typically reported for this spot/season.
- Best Months
- June, July, August, September
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 8–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Medium waves, Big waves
- Beach
- Reef — Reef/coral environment; one provider also describes a sand beach on the island for launch.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Big — Sources describe medium-to-big wave conditions; one enrichment result calls it big waves.
- Launch
- Small — Very small sandy beach on the island; often needs a boat launch or assisted launch due to limited space.
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult — Remote access and very limited launch area; requires boat travel and careful handling.
Through the year
Wet season runs from November to April and can bring unpredictable weather and tropical storms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Wave-kiting destination during the SE trade wind season. Sources characterize it as suitable for advanced/experienced riders; specific local kite conditions and setup details are not consistently documented for this exact island in the enrichment data.
- Kite Sizes
- 8–12 m²
Possible for experienced riders, but reef shallowness makes it high risk; high tide is essential to clear coral.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Limited foil-friendliness noted due to very shallow reef conditions.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Powerful left-hand reef break over sharp coral. Hollow, fast wave with barrel opportunities; multiple take-off zones are described (outside, middle, inside). Best at mid-to-high tide and is considered expert-only.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- S, SW
- Swell Height
- 1–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid, High — Best mid-to-high tide; another source specifically favors high tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Remote reef point/island exposure; conditions are shaped by swell and trade-wind weathering rather than shelter.
- Wind Effect
- SE trade winds can groom the left-hand reef face and help keep the waves fast/clean for this direction.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well but becomes very heavy and expert-only.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — World-class/excellent quality is reported for this left-hand reef break.
- Wave Power
- Powerful
- Wave Shape
- Hollow
- Peel Speed
- Fast
- Ride Length
- Reports describe fast, peeling sections and barrel opportunities; one source estimates medium ride lengths.
- Typical Ride Length
- 100–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Fast, peeling sections; barrel opportunities can appear on the right swell/inside contexts described by sources.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Devils Island (Upolu Island) in the full forecast view.
Devils Island (Upolu Island) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 6–13 ktsGusts 26 kts
- Direction
- ESE113°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2413 kts
- Windy days
- 3/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.1–2.7 m9s period
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C
Over the next 7 days, Devils Island (Upolu Island) is forecast for daytime winds of 6–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 26 kts. The prevailing direction is ESE. Waves run 1.1–2.7 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
- Sharp coral reef
- Reefs
- Strong currents (channel/reef-edge pull)
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards present.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No dedicated public/spot kite-specific rescue service; safety depends on local support and operators.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities are in Apia (about a 1-hour drive from south-coast boat ramps per spot-area notes). General emergency numbers in Samoa: 995 (police) and 996 (ambulance).
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Respect local village protocols and customs.
Rules of the spot
Do not surf or kitesurf on Sunday per Samoan custom.
- Accessible by boat only; remote and uninhabited island with no shelter.
- No dedicated kite/surf assistance at the spot; plan self-reliance.
- Bring all water and food as there is nothing on the island.
- Organize boat transport through resorts on the south coast (Poutasi or Matatufu area).
- Booties are highly recommended for walking on the reef.
- On a reef break, be cautious at low tide/shallower sections and avoid getting pinned in shallow coral zones.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Apia
- Nearest Town
- Poutasi
- Nearest Airport
- Faleolo International Airport (APW)
- Parking
- Parking is available at mainland resorts/boat launch sites.
- Public Transport
- Public buses run along the Main South Coast Road but do not have fixed timetables; rental cars or resort transfers are standard.
- Access
- Access to Nu'usafe'e Island requires boat travel from the south coast of Upolu (east of Sinalei Reef Resort).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Samoan, English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Several resorts are on Upolu’s south coast.
- Food & Drink
- No food or drink on the island; restaurants are at mainland resorts.
- Equipment Rental:
- Limited availability at major resorts; bringing your own gear is advised.
- Gear Storage
- Gear storage is typically handled via local accommodations or resorts.
- Gear Repair
- No specialized kite or surf repair shops nearby; bring a repair kit.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Devils Island (Upolu Island)?
The best overall months at Devils Island (Upolu Island) are May, June, July, August, September, October. The best wind months are June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Devils Island (Upolu Island)?
Devils Island (Upolu Island) works with SE winds. Offshore directions are SE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Devils Island (Upolu Island)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Devils Island (Upolu Island): Kitesurfing: 8–12 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Devils Island (Upolu Island) suitable for?
Devils Island (Upolu Island) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Expert.