Linareva (Moorea)
- Wave, Shortboard
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Medium waves
- Spot Type
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Range
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Linareva (Moorea) is a small, sand-launched kitesurfing spot on Moorea’s southwest coast, with crystal-clear water and a small on-beach kite launch area right by the resort beachfront. Wind is most favorable from the southeast, and the best wind window aligns with the winter trade-wind season. For kitesurfing, the spot is described as working with medium-wave conditions and strong SE trade winds, which are reported as reliable during May through October. Typical ride wind is in the 15–25 knot range, with a steady wind character. Because the best lagoon/reef-area conditions may be away from the immediate shoreline, many sessions rely on boat support and/or starting from the jetty due to the very limited beach space. Safety is a major consideration: the surrounding area is associated with shallow coral and sharp reef features, including stonefish, plus strong currents in pass zones and extra risk due to distance from shore. Reef protection (reef booties) and protective riding gear are strongly advised, and rescue/lifeguard support is reported as limited, with medical care referenced in Afareaitu. The wider lineup and access pattern also support advanced surfing opportunities tied to the Haapiti pass, including a consistent left-hand reef break. The surfing conditions are described as excellent and powerful, with peeling wave shape and long rides, while wind direction can affect offshore/onshore quality—SE trades are commonly described as side-onshore rather than offshore.
- Small kite launch area at the resort beachfront
- Crystal-clear water and medium-wave conditions
- SE trade winds are strongest and most reliable during May–October
- Advanced reef-access conditions in the wider Haapiti pass zone
- Crystal-clear lagoon water with good visibility
- SE-dominant trade winds in the dry/winter season support kitesurfing and wave riding
- Potential for high-quality reef surfing and consistent wave behavior in the wider Haapiti area
- Very limited launch/beach space; sessions may require starting from a jetty or using boat support to reach the best conditions
- Shallow coral and strong pass currents increase risk
- Advanced nature of the reef-access riding/waves
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SE, S, SSE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — SE is the best wind direction; described as trade-wind (Mara'amu) in the winter season.
- Reliability
- high during the winter trade-wind season (May–October)
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Providers describe winds as steady; one source also describes moderate gusts.
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September, October
- Shadow Zones
- Moorea’s mountains can create wind shadows if the direction is too easterly.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Medium waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy beach.
- Launch
- Small — Small kite launch spot at the end of the beach; very limited beach space overall.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Kite launch is described as easy at the end of the beach, but the overall access for best conditions can be difficult due to limited space and reef distance.
- Shore Break
- None — Reported as no shore break.
- Bottom Type
- Coral — Coral reef features including shallow coral heads.
Through the year
November to April (humid season with more rain and potential cyclones).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Suitable for medium-wave kitesurfing with crystal-clear water; most reliable from SE during the winter season (May–October).
- Kite Sizes
- 8–12 m²
Excellent for high-speed lagoon blasting and wave riding on the reef, though equipment transport can be challenging.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–6.5 m²
Deep lagoon channels can work, but shallow coral heads outside marked areas make this extremely cautious riding.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Reported as limited.
- Min Depth
- 1.5m
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Consistent left-hand reef break at the Haapiti pass (access typically supported by boat/lagoon routing).
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- S, SW
- Swell Height
- 1–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides
- Shelter
- Exposed — Reef-pass exposure; not sheltered.
- Wind Effect
- Best with NE to E winds which are described as offshore; SE trades are described as side-onshore.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds massive size and becomes very heavy and hollow.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Excellent, consistent reef quality reported.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Described as powerful, consistent reef surf.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling reef waves; can become heavy and hollow on larger swell.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peeling left-hand reef break behavior.
- Ride Length
- Long — Long peeling left with multiple sections depending on swell size.
- Typical Ride Length
- 150–300 m
- Ride Length Details
- A long, peeling left that can offer multiple sections depending on swell size.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Linareva (Moorea) in the full forecast view.
Linareva (Moorea) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 6–18 ktsGusts 25 kts
- Direction
- SE135°
- Strongest day
- Fri, Oct 2318 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.7–3.2 m12s period
- Temperature
- 23–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, Linareva (Moorea) is forecast for daytime winds of 6–18 kts, peaking around 18 kts on Friday, October 23 with gusts to 25 kts. The prevailing direction is SE. Waves run 1.7–3.2 m with a period of about 12s. 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
- Shallow coral reef and sharp coral heads
- Stonefish
- Strong currents in the pass
- Outer reef edge
- Distance from shore (reef area)
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No dedicated on-beach lifeguard service reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Maritime rescue is coordinated, but no dedicated rescue service at the remote reef area.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical clinic is in Afareaitu.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Moderate localism is reported for the area, with a sensitive lineup at the reef pass.
Rules of the spot
Respect local conditions and other water users when riding at the nearby reef-pass lineup.
- Kitesurfing near the resort jetty requires extra caution due to guests and boats.
- Use reef booties to protect from sharp coral.
- Boat access is often used to reach the windier/cleaner lagoon areas and better wave access.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Moorea-Maiao
- Nearest Town
- Haapiti
- Parking
- Limited parking at the resort or nearby roadside spots in Haapiti.
- Access
- At the end of the beach in front of the Moorea Sunset Beach bungalows; also described as accessible via the Linareva Resort or by boat from other parts of Moorea.
- Cost Level
- Expensive
- Local Language
- French, Tahitian
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Direct — Resort accommodation is directly at/serving the spot area.
- Food & Drink
- A resort restaurant and bar are reported on-site.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is reported as limited and often arranged via mobile schools servicing the Haapiti area; may also be available through the resort for guests.
- Gear Storage
- Typically available for resort guests.
- Gear Repair
- No professional repair services on-site; major repairs may require travel to Tahiti.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The southwest coast is described as a nature-focused area with reef passes, clear lagoon water, and mountain backdrops.
Panoramic views of Cook’s Bay, Opunohu Bay, and Mount Rotui.
Ancient Polynesian stone temples located in the Opunohu Valley.
Seasonal humpback whale excursions (July to November).
A floating restaurant serving local seafood and French-Polynesian fusion.
Boat trips to swim with stingrays and blacktip reef sharks in the shallow lagoon.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Linareva (Moorea)?
The best overall months at Linareva (Moorea) are May, June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Linareva (Moorea)?
Linareva (Moorea) works with SE, S, SSE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Linareva (Moorea)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Linareva (Moorea): Kitesurfing: 8–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–6.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Linareva (Moorea) suitable for?
Linareva (Moorea) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Advanced.