The Waves
Surf season runs November–April, with bonus swells often hitting in May & October. With multiple breaks facing different directions, at least half the waves are offshore at any time — and because most breaks sit on limestone & seaweed, you get perfect reef setups without coral cuts.
From heavy slabs to long peeling rights, Vanimo delivers clean, consistent, uncrowded surf for all levels just minutes from the lodge.
YAKO LEFT
Aka mini teauhupoo
A short 50m ride, barrelling left-hander that pitches over a limestone reef, no coral. Works best on high-tide with a north swell. Perfect for barrel rides, aerials and classic carving lines. Ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers looking for heavy barrels in clean, predictable waves, deserves respect.
Wave Type:
Reef Break/Slab
Skill Level:
Intermediate / Advanced
Ideal Conditions:
Swell Direction: North
Wind: WNW
Tide: 2hrs before and after high tide
Season: Nov-Apr
Board Recommendation:
Shortboards up to 8ft and bodyboards.
Access:
Paddle out from the beach / 15 mins by car to the west. Book a lodge transfer or local bus/taxi.
Hazards / Notes:
Shallow reef at low tide / possible Sea urchins near inside section.
Best Time of Day:
Anytime of day dependent on tide and wind.
WAROMO
Both Rights and Lefts 50-70m rides, peels with barrel sections over a limestone reef, no coral. Works best on mid-tide with a north west to north east swell. Perfect for barrel rides, aerials and classic carving lines. Ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers looking for fun workable walls in clean, predictable waves.
Wave Type:
Reef Break
Skill Level:
Intermediate / Advanced
Ideal Conditions:
- Swell Direction: N
- Wind: SW, S, SE
- Tide: any tide
- Season: Nov-Apr
Board Recommendation:
Shortboards, Longboards and bodyboards.
Access:
Paddle out from the beach / 10 mins by car to the west. Book a lodge transfer or local bus/taxi.
Hazards / Notes:
Limestone seaweed covered reef.
Best Time of Day:
Anytime of day dependent on tide and wind.
LIDO RIGHT
The premium wave in Vanimo with a right that can link up for up 200m on a SE swell above 4ft. The right ride has been timed at anything up to 1m 15 sec. There are 2x main take off zones: the outer reef and then the North peak which spreads surfers out so that you are surfing with typically 3-5 surfers. This wave is directly in front of our lodge. Long peeling rights with barrel sections, aerials and hacking turns. Rights 100-200m rides, peels with barrel sections over a limestone reef, no coral. Works on all tides but mid to low can be the best. Ideal for beginners on the inside section, intermediate on the north peak to advanced surfers on the outer reef.
Wave Type:
Reef Break
Skill Level:
Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced
Ideal Conditions:
- Swell Direction: NW, N, NE
- Wind: SW, S, SE
- Tide: any tide
- Season: Nov-Apr
Shortboards, Longboards and bodyboards.
Access:
Paddle out from the beach 3-5mins.
Hazards / Notes:
Limestone seaweed covered reef. Shore line can have broken limestone pieces in it, so watch your feet.
Best Time of Day:
Anytime of day dependent on tide and wind, late morning can provide glass off conditions after the land heats up and gentle breezes occur from the south.
LIDO LEFT
The classic setup in Vanimo that can link up for up 200m on a SE swell above 4ft. There are 2x main take off zones: the outer reef and then the inside reef which spreads surfers out so that you are surfing with typically 3-5 surfers. This wave is a 200m level walk from our lodge through the Lido village. Long peeling lefts with barrel sections, good for aerials and hacking turns. This left peels with barrel sections over a limestone reef, no coral. Works on all tides but mid to low can be the best. Ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers.
Wave Type:
Reef Break
Skill Level:
Intermediate / Advanced
Ideal Conditions:
- Swell Direction: N, NE
- Wind: NW, W
- Tide: any tide
- Season: Nov-Apr
Board Recommendation:
Shortboards, Longboards and bodyboards.
Access:
Paddle out from the beach 3-5mins.
Hazards / Notes:
Limestone seaweed covered reef. Shore line can have broken limestone pieces in it, so watch your feet.
Best Time of Day:
Anytime of day dependent on tide and wind, late afternoon can provide glass off conditions if the Lido Right turns onshore.
LOG POINT
This right can be a bit fickle to turn on in the right conditions. It can be excellent and there are many sections to it. It works on the same conditions as Lido Right but is not as consistent.
Wave Type:
Reef Break
Skill Level:
Intermediate / Advanced
Ideal Conditions:
- Swell Direction: N, NE
- Wind: SW, SE
- Tide: any tide
- Season: Nov-Apr
Board Recommendation:
Shortboards, Longboards and bodyboards.
Access:
Boat transfer or road transfer then a Paddle out from the beach 3-5mins.
Hazards / Notes:
Limestone seaweed covered reef. Shore line can have broken limestone pieces in it, so watch your feet.
Best Time of Day:
Anytime of day dependent on tide and wind, late afternoon can provide glass off conditions if the Lido Right turns onshore.
JAILS
LEFT
A very fast, powerful, Left that has a number of sections to it, it’s not always makeable. Works on the same conditions as Lido Left. Shallow reef.
Wave Type:
Reef Break
Skill Level:
Intermediate / Advanced
Ideal Conditions:
- Swell Direction: N, NE
- Wind: NW, W
- Tide: Only high
- Season: Nov-Apr
Board Recommendation:
Shortboards and bodyboards.
Access:
Boat transfer or vehicle transfer then paddle out from the beach 3-5mins.
Hazards / Notes:
Limestone seaweed covered reef. Shore line can have broken limestone pieces in it, so watch your feet.
Best Time of Day:
Anytime of day dependent on tide and wind, late afternoon can provide glass off conditions if the Lido Right turns onshore.
Narimo Island
Right and Left
A beautiful setup on an island located approx. 400m from shore. This wave is fickle, but when it turns on you can get a head high wave that wraps around the island then, enjoy a deep water paddle back to the lineup take off position.
Wave Type:
Reef Break
Skill Level:
Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced
Ideal Conditions:
- Swell Direction: NW, N, NE
- Wind: SW, S, SE
- Tide: any tide
- Season: Nov-Apr
Board Recommendation:
Shortboards , Longboards and bodyboards.
Access:
Boat transfer approx.. 45 mins from the lodge.
Hazards / Notes:
Limestone seaweed covered reef.
Best Time of Day:
Anytime of day dependent on tide and wind, late morning can provide glass off conditions after the land heats up and gentle breezes occur from the south.