Saint Vincents
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Saint Vincents is an exposed reef break in the Saint Vincent Pass, known for consistently high-quality right-hand surf. The wave is described as long and fast, with powerful walls that can become very hollow as swell builds, making it a destination primarily for advanced riders. The break is best when the timing matches tide and swell. Sources emphasize that high tide is safer and provides more workable water over the reef; at low tide the reef can become dangerously shallow, sectiony, and difficult. It’s also described as remote and not sheltered, so changing conditions can significantly affect ride quality. Wind during the May to September period is typically strong and reliable as trade winds develop, with East/Southeast winds reported to blow offshore and groom the faces. This combination of swell and offshore trades is a key part of why the surf is considered consistent in the wind season. Safety is a central concern: the spot involves sharp reef and strong tidal currents, with boat traffic in the channel and reported shark presence in the region—especially around reef passes. Access is only by boat (launched from areas such as Port Ouenghi or the Tontouta area), and no lifeguards or spot-level rescue are reported, so planning for emergency response and local conditions is critical.
- Long, fast right-hand reef walls
- Can become very hollow on larger swells
- Offshore trade winds can groom the wave faces
- Best on high tide
- Consistent, high-quality right-hand reef surfing in the Saint Vincent Pass.
- Long rides with powerful, hollow potential on larger swells.
- Offshore trade winds help groom the wave faces during the wind season.
- Exposed reef break with serious hazards (sharp coral/reef and strong tidal currents).
- Remote access only by boat; no on-site rescue/lifeguards reported.
- Shark risk is a serious consideration in New Caledonia waters around reef passes.
- Best conditions are tide-dependent (reef can be very shallow at low tide).
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, ESE, NE, SE
- Offshore directions
- E, ESE, SE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade-wind conditions (Alizés) and offshore grooming for the reef faces.
- Reliability
- High during trade wind season.
- Gust Factor
- Steady
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September
- Thermal Window
- Sea breeze · Afternoon · Months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec · Dir: ESE, SE · Regional thermal reinforcement is typically strongest from late morning into late afternoon (about 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM).
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Reef — Exposed reef break.
- Beach Size
- Tidal
- Waves
- Medium
- Launch
- Big — Boat launch only; no land-based access.
- Launch Difficulty
- Expert only
Through the year
Can be busy on weekends with local boat traffic but often quiet during the week.
The tropical cyclone season runs from December to April.
By sport
What to expect for each.
An exposed reef break in the Saint Vincent Pass, known for long, fast, powerful right-hand walls.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- S, SW, W
- Swell Height
- 1–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- High — Best on high tide; can become dangerously shallow at low tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed reef pass—conditions are not sheltered.
- Wind Effect
- East or Southeast trade winds blow offshore here, grooming the wave faces.
- Bigger Swell
- Handles large swells well, transforming into a heavy and barreling right-hander.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Works best when Southern Ocean swells meet prevailing offshore trade winds.
- Wave Power
- Powerful
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Can become very hollow on larger swells.
- Peel Speed
- Fast
- Ride Length
- Long
- Typical Ride Length
- 100–300 m
- Ride Length Details
- Can offer long rides between 100 and 300 meters depending on swell angle and size.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Saint Vincents in the full forecast view.
Saint Vincents wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–18 ktsGusts 23 kts
- Direction
- SSE158°
- Strongest day
- Fri, Oct 3018 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.5–1.8 m10s period
- Temperature
- 20–26 °C
Over the next 7 days, Saint Vincents is forecast for daytime winds of 2–18 kts, peaking around 18 kts on Friday, October 30 with gusts to 23 kts. The prevailing direction is SSE. Waves run 0.5–1.8 m with a period of about 10s. 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
- Sharks
- Sharp coral reef
- Strong tidal currents
- Distance from shore
- Exposed reef bottom
- Sharp reef
- Boat traffic in the channel
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No on-site rescue is reported for the spot; regional maritime rescue is limited.
- Emergency Info
- Major medical facilities are located in Nouméa, approximately 60 km away. Emergency coordination is managed by MRCC Nouméa (VHF Channel 16); emergency numbers include 15 (SAMU) or 16 (MRCC).
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies. Give way to those already on the wave and respect boat priority in the channel.
- Access is only by boat; there is no land-based access.
- The wave is best at high tide as the reef can be very shallow and sharp.
- Always check local shark activity reports; shark presence is a known consideration in New Caledonia.
- Ensure your boat or charter is reliable as the spot is far from the mainland.
- The wave can become dangerously shallow and sectiony at low tide.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Noumea
- Nearest Town
- Boulouparis
- Nearest Airport
- La Tontouta International Airport (NOU) ~25 km
- Parking
- Parking is available at the public boat ramps in Port Ouenghi.
- Public Transport
- Public transport is very limited; a rental car or boat shuttle is typically required to reach launches.
- Access
- Accessible only by boat, typically launched from Port Ouenghi or the Tontouta area.
- Cost Level
- Expensive
- Local Language
- French
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Lodges and hotels are available in the Boulouparis and Port Ouenghi areas.
- Food & Drink
- No facilities at the reef; limited options available at the boat ramps on land.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental gear is primarily available through Nouméa-based schools that organize trips to the Boulouparis region.
- Gear Storage
- On-site storage is generally unavailable; riders usually bring and store gear in rental vehicles.
- Gear Repair
- Major repairs need to be done at specialized surf and kite shops in Nouméa.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The area around Boulouparis is described as nature-focused, with lagoon activity and inland options for exploring tropical scenery.
A pristine uninhabited islet ideal for snorkeling and day trips, reachable by taxi-boat.
A local market featuring traditional Melanesian and Caldoche produce and crafts.
An 18-hole golf course in a lush tropical setting near the coast.
A well-known restaurant offering French and local cuisine near the river.
Glass-bottom boats and snorkeling trips in the protected marine reserve.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Saint Vincents?
The best overall months at Saint Vincents are May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Saint Vincents?
Saint Vincents works with E, ESE, NE, SE winds. Offshore directions are E, ESE, SE.
What skill level is Saint Vincents suitable for?
Saint Vincents suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced.