Background

Teahupo'o: The End of the Road and a Surfing Legend

Experience the raw power and beauty of Teahupo'o, Tahiti's legendary surf break and the 'End of the Road,' a place where nature reigns supreme.

Teahupo'o, a small village on the southwestern coast of Tahiti, French Polynesia, is world-renowned for its powerful and dangerous surf break. The name, meaning roughly 'to sever the head' or 'place of skulls,' hints at the wave's formidable nature. This legendary spot attracts surfers globally, especially during the months of April to October when the swells are strongest.

A brief summary to Teahupo'o

  • Taiʻarapu-Ouest, Teahupo'o, PF

Local tips

  • The best time to witness the massive waves is during the Southern Hemisphere winter (April to October) when swells are most consistent.
  • Even if you're not a surfer, consider taking a boat tour to witness the waves and explore the coastline.
  • Respect the local culture and the power of the ocean. This is a remote village with a strong connection to its traditions.
  • During July to November, keep an eye out for humpback whales that frequent the area.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Car

    From Faa'a International Airport (PPT), rent a car and drive south along the western coast of Tahiti. The drive to Teahupo'o takes approximately 40 minutes. Expect to pay at least 7,000 XPF per day for a small car rental. Parking is free around Teahupo'o. Be aware that the road ends in Teahupo'o.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available from Faa'a International Airport (PPT) to Teahupo'o, but can be expensive. Expect to pay a premium for the 40-minute drive. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey.

  • Bus

    Buses connect Papeete to all districts in Tahiti, including Teahupo'o. From the airport, take a bus to Papeete and then transfer to a bus heading to Teahupo'o. The bus is a budget-friendly option, costing 450 XPF one-way for the longest distance. Ask the driver if you're unsure of which bus to catch. Be aware that bus timetables may not be strictly adhered to.

Unlock the Best of Teahupo'o

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Teahupo'o

Teahupo'o is more than just a surf spot; it's a place where the raw power of nature is on full display. Located on the southeastern coast of Tahiti Iti, the smaller, wilder peninsula of Tahiti, the village marks the 'end of the road,' a place where the paved road gives way to dirt tracks. This remote location has helped preserve much of its native culture and stunning natural beauty. The wave itself is a force to be reckoned with. It breaks over a shallow coral reef, sometimes only 20 inches below the surface, creating a unique and dangerous surfing experience. The reef's shape causes the wave to break with incredible power, often appearing to break below sea level, forming thick, hollow barrels that are the dream of experienced surfers. This combination of massive waves and a shallow reef has earned Teahupo'o a reputation as one of the 'deadliest' and 'heaviest' waves in the world. Teahupo'o's fame grew in the late 1990s thanks to surf videos and the annual Tahiti Pro surf competition. The wave has been ridden by surfing legends such as Laird Hamilton, who famously surfed the 'Millennium Wave' here. More recently, Teahupo'o served as the venue for the surfing competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics, further cementing its place in surfing history. Even if you're not a surfer, a visit to Teahupo'o is an experience. You can witness the incredible waves from a boat, explore the lush surrounding landscape, and immerse yourself in the local Polynesian culture. From July to November, you might even spot humpback whales that seek shelter along the barrier reefs.

Popular Experiences near Teahupo'o

Popular Hotels near Teahupo'o

Select Currency