Miri Miri (Tumaraa)

Surfing
Shortboard, Advanced riders
Best for
Expert
Skill Level
Swell, Ocean
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Miri Miri (Tumaraa) is an exposed reef break on Raiatea, accessed via a barrier reef pass. The spot is characterized as a left-hand or right-hand reef break in different descriptions, but both sources consistently describe it as a reliable, good-quality reef wave that works on all tides. It’s best with westerly to southwest swells (working around about 1.5–2 m and holding up to roughly 2.5 m+), and it can offer peeling, reforming sections with typical rides around 50–150 meters. Wind is mainly driven by trade-wind patterns, and easterly flow is described as offshore—supporting more favorable surf conditions. Wind timing is most consistent from April through October, with trade winds noted as steady during the season and typical speeds around 15–25 knots. Overall, the spot’s best conditions align with the swell window plus offshore easterlies. Safety is a major concern: the reef is shallow with sharp coral/rock bottom, and sources highlight hazards including urchins, sharks, rips, and strong currents in the pass. The spot is also described as suitable for pros or very experienced “kamikaze” level riders only, with boat access required and no dedicated beach-based rescue service. Plan specifically for boat transport and be prepared for difficult recovery if something goes wrong. Crowd levels are described as unlikely to be crowded, with only a few surfers even on larger days. Localism is also mentioned as a factor, so rider behavior and group etiquette matter, especially given the remote, boat-only nature of the takeoff.

  • Reliable exposed reef break
  • Works on all tides
  • Offshore-favoring easterly winds
  • Long peeling ride lengths (about 50–150 m typical)
Great for
Surfing shortboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Reliable surf with good to very good wave quality
  • Works on all tides (rising and falling) with consistent reef-wave options
  • Offshore-favoring wind when winds come from the east
  • Long, peeling reef sections can be available for advanced riders
Heads up
  • Exposed reef pass with shallow coral/reef sections
  • Strong currents in the pass and rips
  • Hazards include urchins, sharp rocks/coral, and sharks
  • Boat access only; no dedicated rescue service
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
E, ESE
Offshore directions
E, ESE
Wind Range
15–25 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Trade winds dominate (E/SE trades), commonly reinforcing the breeze during the dry season.
Reliability
Good during trade wind season
Gust Factor
Steady — Stated as steady during the trade-wind season.
Best Months
April, May, June, July, August, September, October

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell, Ocean
Beach
Reef — Reef-coral setting on the barrier reef pass.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Small — Also described as starting at 1.5–2 m and holding up to 2.5 m+ for working swell.
Launch
Small — Boat access only to the reef pass.
Launch Difficulty
Difficult — Difficult due to boat-only access and reef pass conditions.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
26–29 °C
Water Temperature
24–31 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 1mm-2mm shorty (or lycra/very thin protection)
Crowds by Season

Generally quiet; few surfers even during peak swell.

Storm/Rain Season

November to March is the humid, rainy season.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed reef break accessed through a reef pass. Works on all tides; best with west to southwest swells.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
W, WSW
Swell Height
1.5–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
All tides — All tides (rising and falling) are stated to work.
Shelter
Exposed — Exposed right/left reef pass break (little natural shelter).
Wind Effect
Easterly winds are offshore for the spot (winds from east favor the wave).
Bigger Swell
Holds up to about 2.5 m+ but becomes very heavy and advanced on bigger conditions.
Wave Quality
Good — Good wave quality, reliable surf.
Wave Power
Moderate — Described as ordinary/ordinary power; also characterized as moderate power.
Wave Shape
Peeling — Peeling reef wave.
Peel Speed
Medium — Described as peeling; one source does not provide peel speed but both agree on peeling sections.
Ride Length
Medium — Normal/typical length commonly 50 to 150 meters.
Typical Ride Length
50–150 m
Ride Length Details
Normal length typically between 50 to 150 meters (one source also notes rides often around ~100 m).
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Miri Miri (Tumaraa) in the full forecast view.

Miri Miri (Tumaraa) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
12–16 ktsGusts 22 kts
Direction
ESE117°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2416 kts
Windy days
7/712 kts or more
Waves
1.2–2.4 m11s period
Temperature
24–27 °C

Over the next 7 days, Miri Miri (Tumaraa) is forecast for daytime winds of 12–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 22 kts. The prevailing direction is ESE. Waves run 1.2–2.4 m with a period of about 11s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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

  • coral
  • sharp rocks
  • urchins
  • rips
  • strong currents in the pass
  • sharks
  • localism
  • reef
Ability Level: Expert
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vest

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No lifeguards stated for the spot.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — Rescue availability is stated as no.
Emergency Info
For emergencies in the region: call 15 (SAMU) or 112. Raiatea Hospital is in Uturoa.
Localism / Vibe
Mild — Localism is cited as a hazard, with mild to moderate localism noted.

Rules of the spot

Boat access only. Dangerous self-rescue on reef due to sharks and shallow coral/reef sections.

Restrictions
  • Boat access only
  • Pros or kamikaze only / advanced rider expectations
  • No dedicated beach-based rescue service
Local Tips
  • Because the break is far from the mainland, arrange boat transport essential.
  • Watch for strong tidal currents in the pass.
  • Use reef protection (reef booties) to reduce injury risk from sharp coral and rocks.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Tumaraa (Raiatea)
Nearest Town
Raiatea
Parking
Parking available at boat launch points in Tumaraa or Uturoa.
Access
Accessible only by boat; the break is located on the barrier reef pass far from the mainland (southern end of the reef pass directly out from Pufau).
Local Language
French, Tahitian
Amenities

What's on the beach

Accommodation
Nearby town — Pensions and guesthouses are available on the mainland in the Tumaraa and Uturoa areas.
Food & Drink
No facilities at the spot; shops and restaurants are located in the main towns.
Equipment Rental:
Equipment rental is available at some shops in Uturoa.
Gear Storage
Gear storage is generally provided by local schools or arranged via waterfront pensions.
Gear Repair
Basic gear/board repair may be available via local schools; major repairs may require sending items to Tahiti.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Miri Miri (Tumaraa)?

The best overall months at Miri Miri (Tumaraa) are April, May, June, July, August, September, October.

Which wind directions work at Miri Miri (Tumaraa)?

Miri Miri (Tumaraa) works with E, ESE winds. Offshore directions are E, ESE.

What skill level is Miri Miri (Tumaraa) suitable for?

Miri Miri (Tumaraa) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced to Expert.