Trou du Souffleur

Shortboard, Advanced riders
Best for
Advanced
Skill Level
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Trou du Souffleur is a reef/rock surfing spot located directly in front of the well-known blowhole tourist attraction. The break is described as a left-hand reef/rock break with hollow characteristics, backed by a regional-classic reputation in the surf community. Wave quality is generally rated as good, with fast, technical rides and a short ride length (typically under 50 meters). The setup is strongly reef-driven, with boulders and reef surfaces close to the water. Multiple hazard notes emphasize wet, rocky surfaces and powerful waves that can sweep surfers off the rocks into the sea. Because of the proximity of the rock entry/landing area to the wave impact zone and cliff/rock features, the spot is consistently framed as expert-leaning rather than for progressing surfers. Timing-wise, sources indicate all tides can work, with the spot’s surf being most relevant when northern swell energy arrives (optimal swell direction noted as North to North-East). On the wind side, South to South-West winds are reported to create cleaner/offshore conditions, while typical winds are in the roughly 10–20 knots range. Wind reliability is described as moderate, and high cliffs can create wind shadows depending on the approach angle. Seasonal comfort is supported by warm water temperatures year-round (with a cooler period toward late summer/early autumn), and the reported wind-favorable months are May through September. Safety-focused local guidance highlights not climbing on wet rocks and visiting at high tide for the best blowhole spray—both of which also imply careful session planning around wave height and rock exposure.

  • Hollow left-hand reef break in front of the blowhole
  • Short, fast, technical rides (often under 50 meters)
  • Most consistent with North/North-East swell
Great for
Surfing shortboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Hollow left-hand waves over a reef/rock break
  • Works across all tides with strong tourism access nearby
  • Offshore/cleaner wind conditions reported for South/Southwest
Heads up
  • Reef/rock bottom with sharp rocks and submerged boulders
  • Powerful wave energy and risk of being swept off rocks
  • Exposed setup and shallow reef zones
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
S, SW
Offshore directions
S, SW
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Trade-wind influence is typical; spot-level guidance also lists optimal wind from South/Southwest.
Reliability
moderate
Gust Factor
Light gusts
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September
Shadow Zones
High cliffs can create wind shadows depending on direction.

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean
Beach
Rocks
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Medium — Also described as holding up to larger surf (e.g., up to around 8 feet in some reports), with working conditions for 1.0–2.5 m northern swell.
Launch
Medium — Rocky entry near the blowhole lookout.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate

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 vest or 1mm neoprene top
Crowds by Season

Weekdays are usually quiet; weekends can see more local surfers and tourists visiting the blowhole.

Storm/Rain Season

November to April

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

A reef/rock break directly in front of the famous blowhole attraction; best described as hollow lefts over a boulder/reef bottom, with high safety risk due to rocks and powerful waves.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Left
Optimal Swell
N, NE
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
All tides — All tides are described as working; rising and falling tides are noted.
Shelter
Exposed
Wind Effect
South and Southwest winds provide cleaner/offshore conditions.
Bigger Swell
Can become heavy and difficult to manage on very large northern swells.
Wave Quality
Good — Also described as a regional classic.
Wave Power
Powerful — Described as powerful/potentially difficult on larger northern swells.
Wave Shape
Hollow — Hollow left-hand waves.
Peel Speed
Fast — Hollow lefts are described as fast and technical.
Ride Length
Short — Fast, technical rides; commonly under 50 meters.
Typical Ride Length
40 m
Ride Length Details
Fast, technical rides typically under 50 meters.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Trou du Souffleur in the full forecast view.

Trou du Souffleur wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
9–15 ktsGusts 27 kts
Direction
ESE118°
Strongest day
Mon, Oct 2615 kts
Windy days
5/712 kts or more
Waves
0.9–1.7 m6s period
Temperature
22–26 °C

Over the next 7 days, Trou du Souffleur is forecast for daytime winds of 9–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Monday, October 26 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

  • Wet rocks
  • Sharp reef
  • Submerged boulders
  • Large boulders and cliff face
  • Powerful waves that can sweep people off the rocks into the sea
  • Strong swells can carry people off the rocks into the sea
Ability Level: Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashWetsuitBoots

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
No
Emergency Info
Nearest medical facilities are in Papeete or Taravao.
Localism / Vibe
Moderate — Moderate localism noted at the site.

Rules of the spot

Do not climb on wet rocks; be very cautious around the blowhole rocks and reef entry areas.

Restrictions
  • Respect the natural environment and any local riders around the blowhole site.
Local Tips
  • Visit during high tide for the best spray at the blowhole.
  • Access is easiest from the main blowhole parking area.
  • Do not climb on wet rocks.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Papeete
Nearest Town
Tiarei
Parking
Dedicated public car park for the tourist attraction; also described as free parking along RT2 near Tiarei village (PK 22).
Access
Located off the main island road (RT2) at the Arahoho Blowhole (Trou du Souffleur) viewpoint; parking and instant access from the blowhole tourist attraction area.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
French, Tahitian
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Picnic area
Accommodation
Nearby town — Guesthouses and rentals available in Tiarei and Hitiaʻa.
Food & Drink
Small snack bars and vendors often present near the tourist site.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

The area is best known for the blowhole attraction, which provides the dramatic water-spray spectacle when swell energy forces water through a volcanic cavity.

Trou du Souffleur de Arahoho0 km

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

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Trou du Souffleur?

The best overall months at Trou du Souffleur are November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are May, June, July, August, September.

Which wind directions work at Trou du Souffleur?

Trou du Souffleur works with S, SW winds. Offshore directions are S, SW.

What skill level is Trou du Souffleur suitable for?

Trou du Souffleur suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced to Expert.