Faaite (Anaa)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate to Advanced
- Skill Level
- Flat, Ocean, Swell
- Spot Type
- Empty
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Faaite (Anaa) is a remote Tuamotu atoll known for a single, world-class left-hand reef break inside the pass. The wave is described as hollow, fast and powerful with consistently high wave quality. The break begins working around 1.0–1.5 m and can hold larger pulses (reported up to 3 m+), making it a serious destination for experienced surfers. The bottom is coral reef with sharp rocks, and the lineup is associated with shallow reef sections and reef/coral hazards. This is reflected in the recommended approach: pass entry and navigation require careful handling of shallow water, and the surfing itself is generally aimed at expert-level comfort with shallow, hazardous reef environments. The break is reported to run on all tides. Wind expectations are tied to the regional trade-wind pattern: south to east-northeast winds are commonly cited as the right direction for better surf and/or lagoon wind. Wind is reported as moderate overall with best months generally in the southern winter/early shoulder season (roughly April to October), and thermal influence is considered minimal. Practical travel and safety are central here: access is boat-only, and the spot is extremely remote with no lifeguards and no immediate rescue services. Local guidance is emphasized, and emergency response would depend on remoteness and aircraft/medical logistics. Visitors should plan for very limited supplies and self-sufficiency when preparing a trip.
- Hollow, fast, powerful left-hand reef break
- Working range from ~1.0–1.5 m and holds 3 m+ sets
- Uncrowded/empty lineup reported
- World-class hollow, fast, powerful left-hand reef break
- Works starting around 1.0–1.5 m and can hold much larger sets
- Reported to be uncrowded (weekday/weekend empty)
- Only reachable by boat/pass entry
- Expert-level surfing conditions due to shallow, sharp reef/coral
- Extremely remote with no on-site rescue and limited medical access
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S, SSE, E, NE, NNE
- Offshore directions
- SSE, SE, ESE
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — South to southeast trade winds are the primary driver; thermal influence is minimal.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Reported as steady.
- Best Months
- April, May, June, July, August, September, October
- Shadow Zones
- Vegetation on motu/atoll can create variable wind patterns and sudden shadow zones near launches.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Ocean, Swell
- Beach
- Reef — Reef/coral bottom.
- Beach Size
- Tidal
- Waves
- Big — Reported as big; surfing works from about 1.0–1.5 m and can hold to 3 m+.
- Launch
- Small — By boat to the pass (no true shoreline launch).
- Launch Difficulty
- Expert only — Pass entry and navigation are described as difficult/expert-level.
Through the year
Consistently empty year-round.
November to March
By sport
What to expect for each.
Marginal for kitesurfing. Protected, typically flat lagoon water can suit learning or freestyle in light wind, but low wind reliability and a small riding area make it secondary.
World-class left-hand reef break in the pass: hollow, fast and powerful on coral reef. Works from small swell (about 1.0–1.5 m) and holds significant size on larger pulses.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- N, NW, W, SW
- Swell Height
- 1–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — All tides reported to work.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Break is in an exposed pass context on reef/coral.
- Wind Effect
- Best with south, southeast, east, and northeast winds.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds 3 m+ pulses; can handle up to very large overhead sets reported as up to 10 ft+.
- Wave Quality
- World class
- Wave Power
- Powerful
- Wave Shape
- Hollow
- Peel Speed
- Fast
- Ride Length
- Medium
- Typical Ride Length
- 150–300 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical rides are about 50–150 m, extending to roughly 150–300 m on good days.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Faaite (Anaa) in the full forecast view.
Faaite (Anaa) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 14–23 ktsGusts 29 kts
- Direction
- SE124°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 2823 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.2–2.0 m10s period
- Temperature
- 24–26 °C
Over the next 7 days, Faaite (Anaa) is forecast for daytime winds of 14–23 kts, peaking around 23 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 29 kts. The prevailing direction is SE. Waves run 1.2–2.0 m with a period of about 10s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
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
- Reef
- Coral
- Sharp rocks
- Shallow-water navigation hazards
- Variable wind patterns/shadow zones from atoll vegetation
- Strong tidal currents in the pass
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No formal rescue services; assistance would rely on local boat operators/fishermen.
- Emergency Info
- Extremely remote; no immediate medical facilities on the atoll. Nearest major hospital is in Papeete. Emergency numbers in French Polynesia include 15 (medical) and 18 (fire). A medical dispensary is available in Tukuhora (Anaa).
Rules of the spot
Boat access only; local guidance required for the pass/launch.
- Boat access only
- Local guide required
- Always go with a local guide.
- Navigate shallow sections carefully and avoid reef contact.
- Expect variable wind patterns and sudden wind shadow zones from atoll vegetation.
- For pass entry, be mindful of strong currents and downwind drift.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Papeete
- Nearest Town
- Faaite
- Access
- By boat only; boat/pass entry to reach the break
- Cost Level
- Expensive
- Local Language
- French, Tahitian
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Limited homestays on Faaite or liveaboard charters are referenced.
- Food & Drink
- Very limited local supplies; visitors should bring their own provisions.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental not available.
- Gear Storage
- No formal gear storage reported; generally limited to personal space within guest accommodations.
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 Faaite (Anaa)?
The best overall months at Faaite (Anaa) are April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Faaite (Anaa)?
Faaite (Anaa) works with S, SSE, E, NE, NNE winds. Offshore directions are SSE, SE, ESE.
What skill level is Faaite (Anaa) suitable for?
Faaite (Anaa) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Surfing: Expert.