Cooks Bay Pass is located on the north coast of Moorea Island and offers surfers a decent spot to catch some waves. The area features a lively reef landscape, and the scenery around the bay is pretty stunning too. It's a spot that requires a bit of effort to access, but it's usually worth it for those who know what they’re looking for.
The best time to surf here is when winter brings in those northwest swells, with the ideal swell direction being northwest or northeast. Cooks Bay Pass can handle wave sizes around 3ft (about 0.9 meters) and breaks primarily over live coral. Surfers can expect a mix of left-hand waves, and it’s great for intermediate surfers looking for a challenge. Just keep in mind that the waves can get a bit tricky with too much east wind, so south winds are preferred. You can surf during low, mid, or high tide, but it’s generally better when the tide is lower.
If you’re planning on hitting the waves, it’s a good idea to make use of a dugout canoe to reach the breaks, as the currents can be pretty strong and paddling out can be tough. Also, make sure you’re comfortable with the coral reef since it’s close to the surface, and it could make things a bit dicey if you wipe out. Overall, it’s a spot that can reward those willing to put in the time for a good session.