ITALIAN VERSION

The Canaries can justly lay claim to being the Hawaii of the Atlantic, and top surf spots are found all around Lanzarote. Prime season is winter, from November to late March, when waves commonly reach heights ranging from 1.5-4.5 m and hardly drop below head-high. The highly indented coastline on the NE, N and W coasts of the island offers a variety of breaks ranging in difficulty, so whether you're an experienced surfer or a beginner you can find your dream spot here.

Lanzarote is the most easterly of the 7 major Canary Islands. Its arid, volcanic landscape and its amazing sea cliffs create a unique and dramatic scenery.
If you are looking for nightlife head to the resort of Puerto del Carmen for a good selection of lively bars and clubs that are open every day until the wee hours.
Sorry, no surfing spots in this area!
La Graciosa is a small isle situated North-West of Lanzarote. Its western coast has a beautiful beach called “Las Conchas” and next to it there is a very good left-hand reef break. To get there take a ferry from Orzola (Lanzarote) to Caleta de Zoco (La Graciosa). You can walk across the isle to reach its west coast. It is worthwhile camping there.
Left Break
Wave Quality (0-10): 9
Experience Required: Medium
Good Waves Frequency: 12 times/Year
Wave Type: Fast and heavy
Surf Direction: Left
Wave Power: Max
Wave Length: 75 m Crowded (ideal surf): up to 8
Bottom Kind: Rocky Hazards: Locals
Tide Position: Mid to High Comments: Very good wave.
Swell Size: 2+
Swell Direction: N-NW
Wind Direction: S-SE

Above : La Graciosa, view from Mirador del Rio.

Notice the waves on the Lanzarote's coast.

Side right : the reporter PP Obinu.

Lanzarote


Best season for surfing is winter, quite good the end of fall and the spring. Water temperature in these periods varies from 18° C. to 20° C.

Let’s start from the coast facing africa, the east one. Going down from north thru south.


You can find several breaks between Orzola and Arrieta but keep in mind that this area is extremely dangerous due to the sharp lava bottom. To get there park your car and walk few meters through the “malpaís”, a messy field of solidified lava rocks with sharp edges. Below we describe the main breaks that you can easily reach by car.

By the way on this side we even find the main two most knewed windsurfing wave spots of the island : Jameos del Agua & Las Cucharas. But don't forget that wind seasons are spring and summer.

Orzola Beach
Wave Quality (0-10): 5
Experience Required: Beginners
Good Waves Frequency: All the Year
Wave Type: Beach Break
Surf Direction: Right and Left
Wave Power: Soft
Wave Length: 50 m Crowded (ideal surf): up to 20
Bottom Kind: Sand Hazards: Strong Currents
Tide Position: LowTide Comments: Surf with an amazing eyesights.
Swell Size: 0.5 - 1 mt  
Wind Direction: E-W
Orzala (Playa Canteria)
Wave Quality (0-10): Fun Swell Size: Starts working at less than 1m - 3ft and holds up to 2m+ / 6ft+
Experience Required: All surfers Swell Direction: North, NorthEast
Wave Type: Beach-break Access : Drive to Orzola located in the Northtip of the island. At the beginning of the town take a dirtroad to the left.
Surf Direction: Right and left
Wave Power: Fun, powerless Crowded, come in the morning if you wan't to avoid the crowd.
Wave Length: Normal (50 to 150m) Hazards: Locals can be a bit of a hassle.
Bottom Kind: Sandy Comments: Good when everything is oversized.
Jameos del Agua
Wave Quality (0-10): 8
Experience Required: Medium
Good Waves Frequency: Almost all the Year
Wave Type: Left pointbreak
Surf Direction: Left
Wave Power: Medium Crowded (ideal surf): up to 15
Wave Length: 150 mt (to 300mt - good days) Hazards: Sharp lava bottom and shallow
Bottom Kind: Sharp Lava Comments: Funny left wave. This is even the most knewed Windsurfing spot.
Tide Position: Mid Tide Distance : A little drive or a short walk (5-15mn)
Swell Size: 0.5 - 2 mt Crowded on the Week-ends.
Wind Direction: N-NW
Swell Direction : North, NorthEast, East
El Cartel (Punta Usaje)
Wave Quality (0-10): 6
Experience Required: Medium
Good Waves Frequency: October-April
Wave Type: Fast
Surf Direction: Left
Wave Power: Medium
Wave Length: 50 mt Crowded (ideal surf): up to 10
Bottom Kind: Sharp Lava Hazards: Locals and sharp lava bottom
Tide Position: Mid to High Comments: Very funny and perfect waves.
Swell Size: 0.5 - 1.5 mt
 Condividi
Swell Direction: N-NE
Wind Direction: N-NW
Can you see the man in the picture below ?!?
Punta Mujeres
Wave Quality (0-10): 8
Experience Required: Medium
Good Waves Frequency: October-April
Wave Type: Fast, hollow and short
Surf Direction: Right and Left
Wave Power: Medium
Wave Length: 50 mt (to 150mt - good days) Easy to Find, but Crowded
Bottom Kind: Sharp Lava Crowded (ideal surf): up to 10
Tide Position: Mid to High Hazards: Totally local, and sharp lava bottom
Swell Size: 0.5 - 1.5 mt
Wind Direction: N-NW Comments: Very funny and perfect waves.
Swell Direction : North, NorthEast, East,
too Small ...
too tube !!!
Arrieta
Wave Quality (0-10): Sloppy
Experience Required: Beginners
Wave Type: Sand-bar
Surf Direction: Right and left
Wave Power: Powerless
Wave Length: Short (<50mt)
Bottom Kind: Sandy with rock Access : drive towards arrieta village as signposted. breaks on the right as you drive down the hill. can't miss the beach. idiot proof.
Tide Position: Low and mid tide
Tide Movement : Rising and Falling Tides Comments : This place is ok if the other side of the islands not working, but its only a beginners break and is frequently flat. I’ve see it big and it tends to close out but once in a while you get it real good. sucky and fast and hollow. but don’t hold your breath. It’s good for gettin wet and you can leave the chick on the beach without her moanin. tiny paddle out.
Swell Size: Starts working at less than 1m - 3ft and holds up to 2m+ / 6ft+
Crowd during the Week : Few people
 
La Garita
Wave Quality (0-10): 4
Experience Required: Beginners
Good Waves Frequency: All the Year
Wave Type: Slow beach break
Surf Direction: Right and Left
Wave Power: Soft
Wave Length: 50 mt Crowded (ideal surf): up to 10
Bottom Kind: Sand Hazards: no
Tide Position: Low Tide Comments: Beginners wave.
Swell Size: 0.5 - 1 mt  
Swell Direction: NE
Wind Direction: N-NW
Las Cucharas
Wave Quality (0-10): Fun wave Swell Size: Starts working at less than 1m - 3ft and holds up to 1m+ / 3ft+
Experience Required: All surfers
Good Waves Frequency: Regular Wind Direction: NorthEast
Wave Type: Beach-break Hazards: Rocks
Surf Direction: Left Not Crowded. Windsurfing.
Wave Power: Fun Alternative name : la izquierda
Wave Length: Normal (50 to 150mt)  
Bottom Kind: Sandy with rock

West Coast

Caleta de Famara is a nice fishing village on the coast featuring a selection of restaurants, supermarkets and apartments to let. Its superb beach is flanked by the spectacular cliff bearing the same name.


The San Juan Break sets up one of the venues for the WQS.

Notice : San Juan don't allowe tricks!
San Juan
Wave Quality (0-10): 9
Experience Required: Medium/Expert
Good Waves Frequency: October-May
Wave Type: Left hand break
Surf Direction: Left and right
Wave Power: Hollow, fast, powerful
Wave Length: 100 mt (to 300 mt – good days) Access : To the south of Famara, dirt area to park the car, usually some locals are out. Easy to Find, Public Access. Crowded on the Week-ends
Bottom Kind: Rocky
Swell Size: 0.5 - 2 mt
Swell Direction: NE-NW Crowded (ideal surf): up to 10
Wind Direction: N-NE Hazards: Locals, Seaurchins
Tide Position : mid tide Comments: Funny wave that works quite often.
Muelle de Famara
Wave Quality (0-10): 8
Experience Required: Medium
Good Waves Frequency: 12 times/Year
Wave Type: Left Hand Break
Surf Direction: Left
Wave Power: Medium
Wave Length: 100 mt Access : Follow the coastal track west more north from the village of Famara. Make your way over sharp lava.
Bottom Kind: Rocky
Tide Position: Low to Mid Crowded (ideal surf): up to 6
Swell Size: 1 - 1.5 mt Hazards: Very local Urchin, rocks.
Swell Direction: NorthWest, West. Comments: Good hollow wave. Could hurt if you get this one wrong. Fairly hardcore as most lanza spots are.
Wind Direction: East, South, SouthEast.
Playa de Famara
Wave Quality (0-10): 3
Experience Required: Beginners
Good Waves Frequency: All the Year
Wave Type: Beach Break
Surf Direction: Rights and Lefts
Wave Power: Soft but fun
Wave Length: 50 mt (to 150mt – good days) Hazards: Strong currents
Bottom Kind: Sand Comments : Good to learn, ideal spot for beginners who can easily rent a surfboard in the village. Large beach with excellent peaks. For all surfers whithout the crowd. Come here if you are tired of the reef.
Tide Position: Mid to High
Swell Size: 0.3 - 1mt
Swell Direction: NE-NW  
Wind Direction: NE-E
El Risco
Good Waves Frequency: Regular Distance : A little drive
Wave Type: Beach-break Walk : A long walk (15-30mn)
Surf Direction: Right and left Easy to Find ? : OK
Wave Power: Fun Access : This is one of the wildest beaches on the island due to its difficult access - by boat from Orzola or by coming down the cliffs at Famara.Park the car 2 km down the hill from mirador del rio close to the village. take enough water for the whole day there is nothing....
Wave Length: Normal (50 to 150m), Long (150 to 300 m)
Bottom Kind: Sandy
Crowd : Empty

 

Caleta de Caballo is a little seaside village. There are no amenities within walking distance but it is few minutes away from the neighbouring village of La Santa. Very easy to reach by car, you can park practically next to the waves.
Ghost Town
Wave Quality (0-10): Regional classic, don't miss it Swell Size: Starts working at 1.0m-1.5m / 3ft-5ft and holds up to 3m+ / 10ft+
Experience Required: Experienced surfers
Wave Type: Reef-coral Swell Direction: NorthWest, West,
Surf Direction: Right and left Distance : A little drive
Wave Power: Fast, powerful Crowded on the Week-end
Wave Length: Normal (50 to 150mt) Hazards: Rocks
Bottom Kind: Reef (coral, sharp rocks etc..)  
Chicken Left
Wave Quality (0-10): 4
Experience Required: Beginners
Good Waves Frequency: All the Year
Wave Type: Slow and Mushy
Surf Direction: Left and sometimes Right
Wave Power: Soft
Wave Length: 75 mt Crowded (ideal surf): up to 15
Bottom Kind: Rocky Hazards: Loose boards
Tide Position: Mid to High Comments: Mushy, beginners wave.
Swell Size: 0.5 - 1.5 mt  
Swell Direction: NE-NW
Wind Direction: NE-SE
Right Break
Wave Quality (0-10): 8
Experience Required: Experienced
Good Waves Frequency: 10 times/Year
Wave Type: Fast and Hollow
Surf Direction: Right
Wave Power: Max Crowded (ideal surf): up to 8
Wave Length: 50 mt Hazards: Sharp rocks
Bottom Kind: Rocky Comments: When it works....
Tide Position: Low Tide  
Swell Size: 1 - 2 mt
Swell Direction: N-NW
Wind Direction: E
Boca del Abajo
Wave Quality (0-10): Regional classic, don't miss it.
Experience Required: All surfers
Wave Type: Point-break
Surf Direction: Left
Wave Power: Powerful, ordinary Access : Go to 'La Isletta' in La Santa (where the big hotel is), then find a little bay.
Wave Length: Normal (50 to 150mt)
Swell Size: Starts working at less than 1m - 3ft and holds up to 2.5m+ / 8ft+ Crowded : on the Week-end
Hazards: Rips, rocks
Swell Direction: NorthWest, West Alternative name : La Santa sport

In this area you can find some of Lanzarote surfing hotspots with good waves practically all year round.


Very easy to reach by car, you can park next to the waves.

La Santa village offers a good selection of restaurants, pubs, supermarkets and surf shops.

Accommodation is available on daily bases or longer terms.
Morro Negro
Wave Quality (0-10): Regional classic, don't miss it.
Experience Required: All surfers
Wave Type: Point-break
Surf Direction: Right
Wave Power: Fun, Ledgey
Wave Length: Normal (50 to 150m), Long (150 to 400) Wind Direction: East, SouthEast.
Bottom Kind: Boulders Access : Situated at the south of La Isleta.
Tide Position: All tides Hazards: Be careful when you get in the water.
Tide Movement : Rising and Falling Tides Powerful, long, thick. This classic regional wave has no tubes but this reef holds big swell. It has 3 distinct good walls.
Swell Size: Starts working at 1.0m-1.5m / 3ft-5ft and holds up to 5m / 16ft and over
Swell Direction: NorthWest, North. Crowded on the Week-end
Club La Santa Beach
Wave Quality (0-10): 6-8
Experience Required: Experienced
Good Waves Frequency: 6 times/Year
Wave Type: Shallow left hand break
Surf Direction: Left
Wave Power: Max
Wave Length: 50 -75 mt Crowded (ideal surf): up to 10
Bottom Kind: Rocky Hazards: Shallow
Tide Position: High Tide Comments: Very difficult and fast wave.
Swell Size: 1 - 3 mt  
Swell Direction: W-NW
Wind Direction: E-NE
La Derecha
Wave Quality (0-10): 6-8
Experience Required: Medium
Good Waves Frequency: October-May
Wave Type: Right Hand Pointbreak
Surf Direction: Rights
Wave Power: Medium
Wave Length: 50 -200 mt Crowded (ideal surf): up to 15
Bottom Kind: Rocky Hazards: A bit of locals
Tide Position: Mid to High Comments: Long walls and tube sections.
Swell Size: 0.5 - 4.5 mt
Swell Direction: NE-NW
Wind Direction: N-NE
Reverse angle, below.
Below, Left : Way in ; Above : Timeless riding
La Izquierda
Wave Quality (0-10): 8
Experience Required: Experienced
Good Waves Frequency: All the Year
Wave Type: Fast and Ledgy
Surf Direction: Left and short Rights
Wave Power: Medium
Wave Length: 50 -100 mt Notice : This break is safe at high tide unless it is big, at low tide this is the sickest spot i have ever seen, watch out!
Bottom Kind: Rocky
Tide Position: Mid to High
Swell Size: 0.5 - 1.5 mt Crowded (ideal surf): up to 6
Swell Direction: NE-NW Hazards: Locals
Wind Direction: NE Comments: World class wave, but is a local wave.
El Quemao
Wave Quality (0-10): 10
Experience Required: Experienced
Good Waves Frequency: 12 times/Year
Wave Type: Fast and Ledgy
Surf Direction: Right and Left
Wave Power: Max, Hollow
Wave Length: <50 m (to 150 mt – good days) Hazards: Locals, Rips, Shallow
Bottom Kind: Rocky Access : You can see the curl from La Santa.
Tide Position: Mid Tide Crowded (ideal surf): up to 6
Swell Size: 1 - 4 mt Comments: Very Hawaiian, short, powerful and extremely dangerous. World class. Hollow spot, El Canarian Pipe. You might see Gary Elkerton when it's big enough!
Swell Direction: W-NW
Wind Direction: E-S
El Golfo is the name of the crater with a green lagoon filled by underground sea water. The stunning contrast of black beach and deep green (colouring caused by the algae that inhabit its waters) forms a unique and spectacular sight. It is a nice place to surf and certainly well worth the visit.
El Golfo
Wave Quality (0-10): 6
Experience Required: Medium
Good Waves Frequency: October-May
Wave Type: Fast and sucky wave
Surf Direction: Right
Wave Power: Medium
Wave Length: 75 mt Crowded (ideal surf): up to 8
Bottom Kind: Rock to Sand Hazards: Sharp rocks
Tide Position: Low Tide Comments: Tricky.
Swell Size: 0.5 - 1.5 mt  
Swell Direction: NW
Wind Direction: NE
Janubio Beach
Wave Quality (0-10): 4
Experience Required: Medium
Good Waves Frequency: Low
Wave Type: Reef break
Surf Direction: Right and Left
Wave Power: Medium
Wave Length: 75 mt Swell Direction: W-NW also big N
Bottom Kind: Rocky Wind Direction: E-NE
Tide Position: Mid Tide Hazards: Currents
Swell Size: 1 m +  
Punta Prieta
And now the final quiz : Where is this place ? Have fun ...