
Surf Forecasts:
Papa Tangaroa surf forecast from 23 Jul 2026:
- Best quality surf: Sunday 26 Jul, 12AM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 13s period, SW swell with glassy winds.
- Most powerful swell: Friday 24 Jul, 9PM (local time) - 15ft (4.5m), 16s period, SW swell with 9,586 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Sunday 26 Jul, 12AM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 13s period with SW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Papa Tangaroa this week:
The surf forecast for Papa Tangaroa over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Sunday (Jul 26) at 12AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 3.0m and 13s period with a secondary swell of 0.2m and 11s. The wind is predicted to be glassy as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Papa Tangaroa in the next 16 days are 4.5m 16s and forecast to arrive on Friday (Jul 24) at 9PM. Winds are predicted to be cross-shore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.9m 4s period and expected on Monday (Jul 27) at 6PM.
| Wave Type | Time (-06) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 12AM (Sun 26th Jul) | 10ft (3.0m) 13s |
| Best Surf | 12AM (Sun 26th Jul) | 10ft (3.0m) 13s |
| Most Powerful | 9PM (Fri 24th Jul) | 15ft (4.5m) 16s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Papa Tangaroa over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
G’day, this is Rusty. Let’s break down what’s on the cards for Papa Tangaroa (Tanga-Roa). This is a reef break, and it’s fairly consistent, so there’s always a chance. The water temp is about 70°, which is normal for this time of year, so nothing wild.
The first surfable session is Wednesday afternoon, 22 July, with a 10ft WSW swell riding a very long 18-second period. That’s a serious groundswell, and the combined energy is 5992 (moderate). The wind is cross-off from the NW at 12 mph, keeping things reasonably clean, but the tide might be a factor. This is for experienced surfers only—too big for beginners. Thursday morning, 23 July, has a 10ft swell but the wind is cross at 22 mph and it’s lumpy. Skip it.
The real standout, the one you need to pencil in, is Sunday morning, 26 July. Glassy conditions with a light N breeze at 3 mph, a clean 8ft SW swell at 12 seconds, and moderate wave energy at 2173. The report says excellent conditions for experienced surfers, and I’m buzzing. The glassy wind will make it like a mirror, and the swell has enough size to get you into some good ones. It’s a bit big for learners, but if you’re advanced, this is the session. Sunday afternoon is also clean with cross-off NW wind, but the swell is similar.
After that, Wednesday morning, 29 July, has a clean 5ft SW swell with a light cross-off NE breeze at 6 mph and excellent conditions. That’s a nice size, and crowds are rare, so you might get some solo waves. The period is 13 seconds, so good energy.
Looking ahead, Friday morning, 31 July, is promising with an 12ft SW swell at 13 seconds and clean cross-off WNW wind at 16 mph, but it’s over a week out, so take it easy. The wave energy is strong at 4891. This is a big swell, over 8ft, so experts only, and the reef will handle it well. The long period means powerful sets with long waits.
There are gaps: from 23 July afternoon to 25 July, it’s mostly poor with strong winds. And from 28 July, there’s some chop. The clean windows on 26 July and 29 July are your best bets. The second week has a few possibilities, but they’re less certain with some gusty winds.
The standouts are Sunday morning, 26 July, and Wednesday morning, 29 July. Sunday is the top pick—glassy, clean, and a proper swell. Don’t miss it.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastLight rain (total 9mm), mostly falling on Wed night. Warm (max 20°C on Wed night, min 18°C on Fri morning). Winds decreasing (strong winds from the WSW on Fri afternoon, light winds from the SSW by Sat afternoon). | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryModerate rain (total 11mm), heaviest on Tue morning. Warm (max 21°C on Mon afternoon, min 17°C on Tue morning). Winds increasing (calm on Sat night, fresh winds from the WNW by Mon afternoon). | ||||||||||||||||||
Thursday 23 | Friday 24 | Saturday 25 | Sunday 26 | Monday 27 | Tuesday 28 | ||||||||||||||
Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | |
Swell Height Map | |||||||||||||||||||
Wave Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 17 | WSW 16 | WSW 15 | WSW 14 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 15 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 12 | WSW 11 | WSW 10 | WSW 10 | SSW 13 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||
2285 | 4116 | 3887 | 3678 | 8803 | 9344 | 8673 | 6532 | 4903 | 3305 | 2148 | 1818 | 1534 | 1083 | 736 | 1264 | 450 | 349 | 590 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-off | cross | cross-on | cross | cross | cross | cross | cross-on | cross-on | glassy | glassy | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross | on | on | on |
High Tide | 2:31AM0.81m | 2:30PM0.59m | 3:04AM0.82m | 3:00PM0.56m | 3:34AM0.81m | 3:28PM0.54m | 4:03AM0.80m | 3:55PM0.52m | 4:33AM0.79m | 4:25PM0.50m | 5:06AM0.77m | 5:01PM0.48m | |||||||
Low Tide | 8:58AM0.23m | 8:22PM0.17m | 9:35AM0.24m | 8:47PM0.18m | 10:09AM0.26m | 9:11PM0.20m | 10:43AM0.27m | 9:36PM0.21m | 11:18AM0.29m | 10:03PM0.23m | 11:59AM0.30m | 10:34PM0.26m | |||||||
— | 8:03 | — | — | 8:02 | — | — | 8:02 | — | — | 8:00 | — | — | 8:00 | — | — | 8:00 | — | — | |
— | — | 6:45 | — | — | 6:45 | — | — | 6:45 | — | — | 6:45 | — | — | 6:46 | — | — | 6:46 | — | |
mm | 4 | — | — | 1 | 2 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 5 | 6 | — | — |
Temp °C | 20 | 19 | 20 | 20 | 19 | 18 | 19 | 19 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 19 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 21 | 18 | 18 | 19 |
Feels °C | 16 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 15 | 16 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | WSW 14 | SW 21 | WSW 15 | WSW 14 | SW 16 | SW 16 | SW 15 | SW 14 | SW 14 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SE 12 | WSW 10 | WSW 10 | SSW 13 |
2265 | 735 | 3887 | 3678 | 8803 | 9344 | 8673 | 6532 | 4903 | 3305 | 2148 | 1818 | 1534 | 1083 | 736 | 39 | 450 | 349 | 590 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 17 | S 10 | SW 20 | SW 18 | SSE 11 | SSE 10 | SSE 11 | SSE 10 | SSE 10 | SSE 11 | SE 10 | SE 10 | SE 9 | SE 9 | SE 10 | NE 7 | SW 12 | SW 12 | W 10 |
2285 | 104 | 1092 | 2448 | 117 | 80 | 39 | 20 | 19 | 12 | 25 | 24 | 21 | 21 | 28 | 2 | 349 | 278 | 230 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSE 11 | SSE 13 | SSE 12 | SSE 11 | — | — | — | — | — | SSE 9 | N 10 | N 10 | N 10 | N 10 | NE 7 | N 9 | SE 12 | SE 12 | WSW 15 |
194 | 35 | 252 | 176 | — | — | — | — | — | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 71 | 68 | 309 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | WSW 16 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | WNW 4 | NW 4 | WSW 11 | SE 4 | SE 4 | — |
— | 4116 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 15 | 21 | 1264 | 18 | 6 | — | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 3648 | 3666 | 12 | 3577 | 3577 | 3610 | 3602 | 3602 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3525 | 3525 | 3525 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Easter Island | |||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in Chile | |||||||||||||||||||
Header Global | |||||||||||||||||||
- Map Icons:
Break
Live Wave Height (m)
Live Wind Speed (km/h)
Surf Rating (10 Max)
Ocean Swells (m)
Wind Speed (km/h)
Information about the Papa Tangaroa Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Papa Tangaroa provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Papa Tangaroa can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Papa Tangaroa surf forecast is unique since it includes wave energy (power) that defines the real feel of the surf rather than just the height or the period. If you surf the same spot (Papa Tangaroa) regularly then make a mental note of the wave energy from the surf forecast table each time you go. Very soon you may start to choose your surf days based on the wave energy alone combined with our forecast of favourable offshore wind conditions. Our star ratings will help here and of course you will also find the usual wave height and period predictions on our surf forecasts as well as a full break down of the swell components under our advanced users option (to reveal that, click the little Einstein character under the tide times).
Further information to help with frequently asked questions about our surf forecast for Papa Tangaroa may be found under the help tab on the top menu and also by moving your mouse over the question marks on the surf forecast table itself. Please always bear in mind that the forecast is for near-shore open water and local factors at each surf break influence the actual breaking wave height, such as the beach / reef profile, water depths offshore and shelter.
Are you planning a holiday in Easter Island? If you are looking for accommodation near Tanga Roa, camping, hotels and holiday cottages in Easter Island, consider staying in Caleton which is 7 km (4 miles) away. Alternatively, find information about places to stay and car hire in Easter Island which is 11 km (7 miles) away










