Orofara (Tahiti)
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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)
- 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
- Rocks/reef in the break zone (watch impact area)
- Sharks reported
- Weekend crowds can be ultra-crowded
- Stronger currents during bigger north swells
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
Consistently busy on weekends year-round; quieter during weekdays.
December to February is the tropical rainy season.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Right-hand point break with a sandy bottom and rock/reef patches near the point; suitable for beginners and all surfers depending on conditions.
- 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.
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.
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
- Rocks
- Reef
- Submerged rocks
- Sharks
- Crowded weekends
- Stronger currents during big swells
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.
- priority-rules
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
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.
An iconic historical site featuring a lighthouse and a park on a black sand peninsula.
A natural blowhole where waves force water and air through a volcanic tube in the rocks.
Excursions into the island's interior featuring waterfalls, lush rainforests, and archaeological sites.
From riders who've been here
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.