Fakarava

Fakarava is a large atoll in French Polynesia's Tuamotu Archipelago, featuring an expansive lagoon enclosed by coral reef rings. The spot is characterized by shallow to moderate-depth lagoon waters with typical atoll geography—the coastline faces northeast toward the lagoon interior. The atoll offers protected waters suitable for intermediate kiters, though conditions are variable with moderate wind reliability at 50.3% and consistent 12.1-knot average winds. Best conditions occur with northwesterly winds (315°), which provide ideal side-shore conditions across the main lagoon area. Water temperatures average 26.5°C year-round. Wave heights average 1.41m, primarily wind-generated rather than swell-dependent. The spot suits intermediate riders seeking calmer, more protected conditions compared to open ocean breaks. Key considerations include navigating coral formations, monitoring tidal cycles that affect water depth and current patterns, and understanding lagoon-specific wind behavior. The limited fetch within the atoll restricts wave development, making this suitable for freestyle and wave riding in lighter conditions rather than high-wind freestyle. Access typically requires boat transport to the lagoon.