Aerial view of a reef break peeling along an island near Papatura

No crowds. Guaranteed.

A maximum of 14 surfers on the island for the majority of your stay — and more than ten waves to spread them across.

The Solomons' premier surf retreat, with 10+ waves, quality boats and guides who'll put you in the right spot.

Our local breaks vary on tides, but all turn on when the conditions are right. There are waves to suit all standards, and we have surfboards and longboards available if you're not travelling with one. Surfing in the Solomon Islands is all about getting away from the crowds — and we can guarantee it.

Papatura is a surfer's playground, with a wide variety of waves in the area ranging from advanced to beginner breaks. Most are within a 20-minute boat ride.

Season: Late Nov – April
Swell direction: North
Typical size: 3–6 foot
Bottom: Coral reef
Max surfers: 14 per day

Surfer riding a reef break in the Solomon Islands

Reading the place

What to expect out there

The swell is fairly consistent, coming from the north from late November through April. It typically ranges from 3 to 6 foot, and the breaks are heavily influenced by swell, tide and wind.

All the waves break on coral reef. At high tide there's plenty of water on the reef, less so as it drops. Most finish in deep channels, but you need to be careful — when there are two swells from different directions it can be easy to get caught inside.

Caution is in order surfing reef breaks in remote areas like this. Remember that this area has only ever been surfed by a handful of people. Explore, and you'll find new unsurfed waves.

The same swells that hit Hawaii arrive in the Solomons a few days later. If it's been firing in the North Pacific, start watching your forecast.

The line-up

The waves, one by one

Our boatmen are from Isabel and know these waterways backwards. Whatever the conditions are doing on the day, they'll take you to the best of it.

One of our favourites. A right-hander that can barrel, wall, twist and backdoor. Offshore on a south to south-westerly wind.

About 8 minutes away, offering lefts and rights depending on conditions. When it's on, it breaks for 100 metres. Can hold a big swell and gets scary. All tides, best with a west or nor'west wind. Shifty and consistent — there's always a wave here if the swell drops out.

A wally left south-east of PT's, surfed on mid to high tide, offshore if it's blowing northerly. One of the prime waves in the area, and a great spot to take photos from the boat.

Approximately 20 minutes by boat, offering a series of lefts breaking along a one-kilometre reef. Barrelling sections, long walls and a few fun rights.

A fun left-hander with the odd right, about 15 to 20 minutes away. Another great wave, with a hook section at the end that gets hollow.

A left about 25 minutes from the retreat, with a beautiful backdrop that's ideal for photos. This wave can handle all sizes — when it's small, surf right next to the island; on a big north swell, out in the channel.

A longer right-hander that's loads of fun, located 25 minutes away. A great longboard wave.

A fun right and left peak on the mainland. A great family wave, with local gardens in the background.

A sucky little left, normally clean when the outside breaks are big. Mid to high tide.

Mangroves is a right-hand mainland wave that's fast and hollow — a cleaner wave if the wind's up. And there's plenty more out there. Go find them.

Getting to the waves

Two ways to do it

Surf transfers

$100 AUD per person, per day

All fuel, and a driver/guide
Two surfs per day, roughly 2½ hours in the water each
At our local breaks
Minimum 3 people
Subject to availability, 20 Nov – 15 April

Surf transfers include surfing only — fishing and snorkelling aren't included.

Hourly boat hire

$100 AUD per hour

All fuel, and a driver/guide
Surf, fish or island hop — your call, on the day
Fishing and snorkel gear included
Buy a block of hours and use them how you like
Best for small to mid-size groups

For example: buy 35 hours for the week and spend them however you please.

All rates and extras

Boards

What to bring, and what's already here

Mid-length boards are probably best — reef breaks usually range from 3 to 6 foot.

Papatura includes the use of boards free of charge (you pay for any damage), with a wide range including 6 SUPs, 3 mals, and plenty of short boards, fish shapes and retro funky shapes. We also have a few new boards and SUPs available for hire. There's something for everyone.

Flying with boards. If you're taking two boards in one bag you may have to separate them for the domestic return flight to fit them in the smaller planes — we recommend taking one board only. Don't leave loose or valuable items in your board bag. Solomon Airlines charges extra for oversized luggage; check their baggage page for details.

From the surf gallery

See the full surf gallery

Surf season fills early

Fourteen surfers is the cap, and the good swell windows go first. Tell us your dates and we'll check what's left.

Enquire about a surf trip