Ndao Island
AdvancedSurf report
| Time | Surf | Swell | Wind | Tide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 AM | 1.8 m | 1.8m 10s SW | 6 km/h cross | -0.9m |
| 9 AM | 1.8 m | 1.8m 9s SW | 2 km/h cross | 1.0m |
| 12 PM | 1.7 m | 1.7m 9s SW | 11 km/h on | 1.3m |
| 3 PM | 1.7 m | 1.7m 9s SW | 18 km/h on | -0.3m |
| 6 PM | 1.6 m | 1.6m 9s SW | 18 km/h cross | -0.2m |
| Time | Surf | Swell | Wind | Tide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 AM | 1.4 m | 1.4m 9s SW | 15 km/h cross | -1.3m |
| 9 AM | 1.4 m | 1.4m 9s SW | 7 km/h off | 0.6m |
| 12 PM | 1.3 m | 1.3m 9s SW | 21 km/h cross | 1.4m |
| 3 PM | 1.3 m | 1.2m 9s SW | 27 km/h cross | 0.0m |
| 6 PM | 1.2 m | 1.2m 9s SW | 21 km/h cross | -0.4m |
| Time | Surf | Swell | Wind | Tide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 AM | 1.1 m | 1.0m 8s SW | 20 km/h cross | -1.4m |
| 9 AM | 1.1 m | 1.0m 8s SW | 18 km/h cross | 0.1m |
| 12 PM | 1.1 m | 0.9m 8s SW | 23 km/h cross | 1.4m |
| 3 PM | 1.0 m | 0.9m 8s SW | 27 km/h cross | 0.3m |
| 6 PM | 1.0 m | 0.9m 8s SW | 25 km/h cross | -0.5m |
| Time | Surf | Swell | Wind | Tide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 AM | 0.9 m | 0.8m 7s SW | 19 km/h cross | -1.2m |
| 9 AM | 0.8 m | 0.8m 7s SW | 10 km/h cross | -0.3m |
| 12 PM | 0.8 m | 0.7m 7s SW | 13 km/h cross | 1.1m |
| 3 PM | 0.8 m | 0.7m 7s SW | 22 km/h cross | 0.6m |
| 6 PM | 0.8 m | 0.7m 7s SW | 22 km/h cross | -0.4m |
Next 24 hours
Wind
Tide
7-day outlook
Best days Hourly detail
Show next 24h Hide
| Time | Wave | Swell | Period | Wind | Tide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 AM | 1.8m | 1.8m SW | 9s | 6 SSW on | 1.5m |
| 12 PM | 1.7m | 1.7m SW | 9s | 11 SSW on | 1.3m |
| 1 PM | 1.7m | 1.7m SW | 9s | 13 S on | 0.8m |
| 2 PM | 1.7m | 1.7m SW | 9s | 13 S on | 0.3m |
| 3 PM | 1.7m | 1.7m SW | 9s | 18 S on | -0.3m |
| 4 PM | 1.7m | 1.6m SW | 9s | 19 S cross | -0.6m |
| 5 PM | 1.6m | 1.6m SW | 9s | 18 SSE cross | -0.6m |
| 6 PM | 1.6m | 1.6m SW | 9s | 18 SSE cross | -0.2m |
| 7 PM | 1.6m | 1.6m SW | 9s | 17 SE cross | 0.4m |
| 8 PM | 1.6m | 1.6m SW | 9s | 17 SE cross | 1.1m |
| 9 PM | 1.6m | 1.6m SW | 9s | 17 SE cross | 1.7m |
| 10 PM | 1.6m | 1.6m SW | 9s | 17 SE cross | 2.0m |
| 11 PM | 1.6m | 1.5m SW | 9s | 17 SE cross | 2.1m |
| 12 AM | 1.5m | 1.5m SW | 9s | 18 SE cross | 1.7m |
| 1 AM | 1.5m | 1.5m SW | 9s | 19 SE cross | 1.1m |
| 2 AM | 1.5m | 1.5m SW | 9s | 18 SE cross | 0.3m |
| 3 AM | 1.5m | 1.5m SW | 9s | 17 SE cross | -0.5m |
| 4 AM | 1.5m | 1.5m SW | 9s | 16 ESE cross | -1.1m |
| 5 AM | 1.4m | 1.4m SW | 9s | 15 ESE cross | -1.4m |
| 6 AM | 1.4m | 1.4m SW | 9s | 15 ESE cross | -1.3m |
| 7 AM | 1.4m | 1.4m SW | 9s | 16 ESE off | -0.8m |
| 8 AM | 1.4m | 1.4m SW | 9s | 14 E off | -0.1m |
| 9 AM | 1.4m | 1.4m SW | 9s | 7 ESE off | 0.6m |
| 10 AM | 1.4m | 1.3m SW | 9s | 9 S on | 1.2m |
About Ndao Island
Ndao Island is a remote, exposed reef break off Rote that produces raw, powerful waves for advanced surfers willing to make the journey. The isolation means uncrowded line-ups and untouched conditions, but also means you're on your own if things go wrong. Expect heavy swells, shallow reef, and serious consequences — this is a spot that rewards experience and preparation. The trade-off is world-class, unspoiled surf.
Local knowledge
Shallow, razor-sharp live coral reef is the primary danger — wipeouts here can mean serious lacerations, so reef booties and a helmet on bigger days are strongly advised. The exposed location draws raw, ungroomed swells with powerful, unpredictable currents and strong rips along the reef edge that can make exit difficult; there is no quick rescue if things go wrong. Sea urchins are abundant in the reef shelf, and the nearest serious medical care is a long boat ride and then a drive away on Rote itself — treat every injury seriously and carry a well-stocked first-aid kit.
Ndao is a boat-only destination — you'll need to organise a charter or local fishing boat out of Ba'a or Nembrala on Rote's southwest coast, a crossing that typically takes 1–2 hours depending on conditions and can be rough in strong trade winds. Coordinate with a local fixer or surf operator in Nembrala ahead of time, as there is no formal surf infrastructure on Ndao itself. Enter and exit via the channel adjacent to the reef; have the boat standing by for pick-up as shore access is limited and the reef is no place to be caught without a ride home.
Bring a step-up (6'4"–6'10") as your go-to for the powerful, hollow reef conditions that Ndao typically serves up, and pack a gun (7'0"+) if there's any chance of hitting it on a significant swell. Leave the shortboard as a backup for rare, smaller days — this wave rewards volume and drive, not loose, skatey equipment.
mellow — relaxed vibe.
Where to go now
Ndao Island vs. nearby, liveCommunity photos
Shots from surfers at Ndao Island. Got one? Share it below.
Nearest spots
Closest breaks to Ndao IslandSurf schools & local guides near Ndao Island
Learn or level up with established local instructors.
Nemberala Beach Surf School
★ 5.0Rt. 01/Rw. 01 Desa Sedeoen, Nemberala, Rote Barat, Rote Ndao Regency, East Nusa Tenggara 85982, Indonesia
32 Google reviews
Surf camps & retreats
Stay at a surf camp near Ndao Island
All-inclusive surf camps, coaching weeks and retreats — meals, lessons and accommodation sorted. Compare 1,500+ verified camps with reviews and instant booking.
- ✓ Free cancellation options
- ✓ Best price guarantee
- ✓ All levels, beginner to pro
We may earn a commission from bookings made through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Surfing in Rote
Full Rote surf guide →Rote is Indonesia's southernmost inhabited island, a low, dry, sun-bleached slip of land hanging off the bottom of Timor in East Nusa Tenggara. It's about as far from the Bali crowds as you can get and still find world-class surf — which is exactly the point. The scene revolves around the village of Nemberala (Nembrala) on the west coast, where a string of guesthouses, surf camps and warungs line up behind the reef.
✈️Getting there
Reaching Rote is half the adventure. First fly to Kupang (Timor) — El Tari Airport (KOE) — via Bali (Denpasar) or Jakarta, usually with a connection. From Kupang's Bolok harbour you take the fast ferry across to Rote's port at Ba'a, a crossing of roughly 1.5–2 hours; a slower car ferry also runs but takes longer.
🛵Getting around
Once you're in Nemberala, most of the popular waves are close — T-Land, Boa and the beach breaks are within easy reach, and several spots are walkable or a short paddle from the main strip.
🌤️Climate & season
Rote has a pronounced dry, savanna-like climate — drier than Bali and noticeably so. The dry season runs roughly May to October and is the surf season: this is when consistent groundswell arrives and the dependable southeast trade winds groom the west-coast lefts, holding most of the season's offshore conditions.