Orofara (Tahiti)

Surfing
Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Beginner
Skill Level
Ocean, Medium waves
Spot Type
Busy
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Orofara is an accessible right-hand point break near Māhina with a sandy bottom mixed with rock/reef patches near the point. Surf described as peeling with medium power and typically offers rides around 50 to 150 meters. It is considered a regional classic and is generally workable for all levels—though conditions can tighten as swell and current increase. The break works on north-northeast to north swells (including North, Northwest, and Northeast). Optimal performance is tied closely to wind alignment: southerly offshore winds are described as grooming the face, and the spot is also noted as working best with south/offshore conditions relative to the break. Typical sessions are described as frequent/regular, with the wave starting to work around 1.0–1.5m and capable of holding up to roughly 3m+. Crowd and water-people factors matter here. Weekdays are reported as empty or much quieter, while weekends can become ultra crowded. Local surf etiquette and priority rules are emphasized, and localism is described as moderate, so respectful behavior is important. For safety, multiple sources highlight rocks/reef and sharks as key hazards, and stronger currents may occur during larger north swells. There are no lifeguards indicated for the spot; nearest medical facilities are in Māhina or Papeete. If you’re planning a session, check conditions carefully for current and the near-shore hazards, especially when swell is larger.

  • Right-hand point break with peeling waves
  • Rising tide often cited for best performance
  • Easy parking and instant access (under 5 minutes walk)
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardBeginnersAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Classic, consistent right-hand point break
  • Works from around 1.0–1.5m and can hold up to 3m+
  • Normal ride lengths commonly 50–150m
  • Easy access with parking and a short walk
Heads up
  • Rocks/reef in the break zone (watch impact area)
  • Sharks reported
  • Weekend crowds can be ultra-crowded
  • Stronger currents during bigger north swells
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
S, SE, SW
Offshore directions
S, SE, SW
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Trade winds with southerly/offshore grooming for surf when aligned with the break.
Reliability
Moderate
Gust Factor
Light gusts
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October
Shadow Zones
Hills behind Mahina can provide some shelter from strong southerly winds; also moderately protected from east wind by cliff.

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean, Medium waves
Beach
Sand — Sandy with rock/reef patches near the point.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Big — Works from about 1.0m–1.5m and can hold up to 3m+; some descriptions characterize waves as up to ~10 feet+ on larger days.
Launch
Small — Instant access from parking; sandy beach with some rocky sections near the point.
Launch Difficulty
Easy — Instant access and easy parking; easy entry described.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
24–29 °C
Water Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: rash guard / 1mm neo top
Crowds by Season

Consistently busy on weekends year-round; quieter during weekdays.

Storm/Rain Season

December to February is the tropical rainy season.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Right-hand point break with a sandy bottom and rock/reef patches near the point; suitable for beginners and all surfers depending on conditions.

Point break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
N, NW, NE
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
All tides — All tides; rising and falling tides both work. Best performance often cited on a rising tide.
Shelter
Semi-sheltered — Semi-sheltered exposure per surf descriptions; still can be exposed on the point with rock/reef in the impact zone.
Wind Effect
Best with southerly offshore winds which groom the face.
Bigger Swell
Holds up to around 3m+; can hold size beyond ~2.5–3.25m, but gets more challenging with stronger currents on bigger north swells.
Wave Quality
Good — Regional classic / good quality.
Wave Power
Moderate — Fun/pleasing point break feel.
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium — Normal length about 50 to 150m; typically rides in the 50–150m range.
Typical Ride Length
50–150 m
Ride Length Details
50–150m normal length; one description notes typical rides around 100m.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

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

Orofara (Tahiti) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
7–15 ktsGusts 27 kts
Direction
ESE108°
Strongest day
Thu, Oct 2915 kts
Windy days
4/712 kts or more
Waves
0.9–1.7 m6s period
Temperature
22–27 °C

Over the next 7 days, Orofara (Tahiti) is forecast for daytime winds of 7–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Thursday, October 29 with gusts to 27 kts. The prevailing direction is ESE. Waves run 0.9–1.7 m with a period of about 6s. 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

  • Rocks
  • Reef
  • Submerged rocks
  • Sharks
  • Crowded weekends
  • Stronger currents during big swells
Ability Level: Beginner
Recommended Safety Gear
Impact vestHarness

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited
Emergency Info
Nearest medical facilities are in Mahina or Papeete.
Localism / Vibe
Moderate — Localism noted; respect local surfers who frequent the spot daily.

Rules of the spot

Respect priority/standard surfing etiquette for good ambiance and local surfers.

Restrictions
  • priority-rules
Local Tips
  • Spot is significantly less crowded during the week.
  • Best performance is often found on a rising tide.
  • Respect priority rules for good water ambiance.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Papeete
Nearest Town
Māhina
Parking
Small parking lot directly off the highway; parking readily available along the road near the beach.
Public Transport
Public transport via RTCT bus network linking Papeete with Mahina and Papenoo; carrying bulky gear on buses may be restricted.
Access
Located after Mahina just in front of the ancient leprosery / historic Orofara area; easy parking directly off the highway with instant access (under 5 minutes walk).
Local Language
French, Tahitian
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Picnic area
Parking
Accommodation
Near — Guesthouses and hotels are available in Mahina and nearby Arue.
Food & Drink
Local snacks and shops are located in the town of Mahina.
Equipment Rental:
Available through local surf schools.
Gear Storage
Not specified for this spot.
Gear Repair
Surf shops in Papeete offer professional board repair.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

The wider Māhina–Papeete coastline area blends volcanic coastal scenery with nearby cultural and day-trip options. Orofara is close enough to Papeete for market and food culture, while still sitting in a coastal surf setting.

Best time to visit: Dry season is generally favored for best balance of weather and wind (May to October regionally).
Point Venus Lighthouse0 km

An iconic historical site featuring a lighthouse and a park on a black sand peninsula.

Trou du Souffleur de Arahoho5-10 km

A natural blowhole where waves force water and air through a volcanic tube in the rocks.

Papenoo Valley 4x4 Tours2 km

Excursions into the island's interior featuring waterfalls, lush rainforests, and archaeological sites.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Orofara (Tahiti)?

The best overall months at Orofara (Tahiti) are June, July, August, September, October, November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are May, June, July, August, September, October.

Which wind directions work at Orofara (Tahiti)?

Orofara (Tahiti) works with S, SE, SW winds. Offshore directions are S, SE, SW.

What skill level is Orofara (Tahiti) suitable for?

Orofara (Tahiti) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner.