Cloudbreak

Cloudbreak is a left-hander that breaks over a shallow coral reef about five kilometres off Tavarua in the Mamanucas, with no land anywhere near it: the wave stands up out of open ocean and runs along the reef. It is fast, hollow and shallow, and it is regarded as one of the heaviest waves in the world at size. Until 2010 access was controlled by a resort under an exclusive arrangement; the Fijian government ended that, and the break is now open to anyone who can get to it.

What you actually see

• The wave - a long fast left breaking over reef with no land nearby.
• The reef - shallow coral directly under the break, which is what makes it dangerous.
• The open ocean setting - the wave standing up out of deep water offshore.
• The boat channel - the deep water beside the reef where boats sit and watch.

When to go

April to October is the swell season, when southern ocean groundswell arrives. It works at all sizes but is a different proposition at each. Cyclone season runs November to April.

Honest expectations

This is an expert wave over shallow sharp coral and it injures people regularly; it is not a break to paddle out at on a whim. Access requires a boat from a resort or a charter. Watching from the boat is a legitimate reason to go.

Nearby

Tavarua and Namotu are the nearest islands, and Nadi is on the mainland east.