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Three surfers navigating ocean waves in Bali, showcasing thrilling surf action.
📷 Lucien Schreiber · Pexels

Teahupoo Reef

3.5 — based on 13 community signals
4.1 12 species 14 contributors

Teahupoo Reef is a year-round French surf destination with strong community engagement and documented marine species activity.

⭐ Best for beginners.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Beginner
Shore entrySeasonal

At a glance

Activity
surf
Difficulty
beginner

Top operators here

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Map

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Teahupoo Reef location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
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Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
9.5 kn
Wave
2.66 m
Water
26°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: S (19%)
Now: SSW (197°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 0.37m

Today: High 08:00 (+0.57m), Low 05:00 (+0.57m)

+0.8 m+0.4 m
▼ 05:00 · +0.57m ▼ 07:00 · +0.56m ▲ 08:00 · +0.57m ▲ 11:00 · +0.59m Now +0.6m
Fri 18Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24
UV8.6 · very high Air PM2.512 · good 05:49 17:52
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-18 11.5 2.92 9 1mm
09-19 7.6 2.6 9 0mm
09-20 7.5 2.02 8 1mm
09-21 7.2 1.68 8 0mm
09-22 6.5 1.78 9 1mm
09-23 6.7 2.6 9 2mm
09-24 6.7 2.6 9 0mm

About this spot

Teahupoo Reef is a French surf spot that draws riders throughout the year. The reef break offers consistent conditions and attracts both local and visiting surfers seeking a quality wave experience. With 12 documented species observations on record, the area supports active marine life worth noting for those interested in the broader ecosystem. The spot exists outside a marine protected area, meaning fewer regulatory constraints on access and use. Three community videos document conditions and sessions, providing real-world insight into how the break performs across different swell windows and seasons. Whether you're new to reef breaks or have solid experience, Teahupoo Reef delivers year-round opportunity. The combination of accessible logistics and consistent swell make it a practical addition to a French coast tour. Local knowledge from video content and species data helps plan timing and approach.

📖 Guide: Diving in France: 220 Sites From Alpine Lakes to Tropical Reefs

Dive types

Reef

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 🏄 Surfboard or rental confirmation
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type C/E/F · 230V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 48%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 15383km · ~3538kg · €64

FAQ

What's the best time to surf Teahupoo Reef?

Teahupoo Reef works year-round, so timing depends more on your schedule than seasonal constraints. Check community videos to see how conditions vary across months and plan your trip accordingly.

Is Teahupoo Reef suitable for beginners?

Difficulty data isn't published for this break. Review the three community videos to assess whether the wave style and power match your skill level before committing travel.

What marine life is present at Teahupoo Reef?

Twelve species observations have been documented at the reef. While specific species names aren't listed here, the data confirms active marine habitat. Always stay aware of your surroundings in the water.

Do I need special permits to surf Teahupoo Reef?

Teahupoo Reef is not within a marine protected area, so standard beach access rules apply in France. Check local regulations and conditions before heading out.

Operators near this spot

Dive centres, kite & surf schools within 10 km, sourced from OpenStreetMap.

Le fer à cheval

5.6 km
Dive centre

Le tombant Gorgognes

6.7 km
Dive centre

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Surfing the Heaviest Wave in the World - Teahupoo

Red Bull

Teahupoo: The Deadly Tahitian Surfing Wave

SurferToday

Deconstructing Teahupo'o

World Surf League
wind peaks Jan-Oct-Jul, calmest Feb-Apr-Mar, dry Mar-Aug.

5-year monthly climate

60 samples
0 5 10 15 20 25 JFMAMJJASOND
p25–p75 range Median Wind (kn) Air (°C)

Nearby spots

Le fer à cheval France Diving
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Le fer à cheval

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Le tombant Gorgognes France Diving
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Le tombant Gorgognes

Le tombant Gorgognes is a year-round French dive site with 12 recorded species and active community documentation.

Intermediate Jan·Feb·Mar+
Mitirapa France Surfing
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Mitirapa

Mitirapa is a year-round French surf break with active community documentation and local video content.

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