Overview

The volcanic landscape is very distinctive with a diversity of hills and mountains.  The islands themselves are made of lava and basalt and the land is very fertile particularly after the rain which is becoming more and more infrequent.  The coastline is blessed with vast sandy beaches full of reefs, points and deep bays.  However in some areas there are many cliffs and steep rock faces similar to those found on the western and northern coasts of Gran Canarias.

This place is an excellent compromise between the predictabilities of a trip close to home (in Europe) at a low cost and the guaranty of good quality waves.

Surf Breaks

Most famous for its waves.  It’s often nicknamed the Hawaii of the Atlantic.  A great place to visit in winter, always swell, warm water and sunshine – these barrels are only 3 hours by plane from mainland Europe!  You can surf all year round with the best period from September until May.  The best months are from October until April as it’s less windy and mostly offshore.  The predominant winds blow from the northeast and are occasionally very strong sometimes making surfing conditions difficult.  However spots like Famara or La Santa right are well-protected.  Spots on the East coast are more inconsistent.

Famara: A huge bay of 5km lies at the foot of the lava mountains.  Sandy bottom – left and right peaks whose size depends on the swell direction.  A good left near the port of the little village of Caleta Famara.

La Graciosa: Visible from the bottom of Famara Bay.  It takes 30 minutes on the ferry from the north of Lanzarote at Orzola.  A nice getaway for the day or find one or two night’s accommodation in one of the few little guesthouses.  Lost in a lunar landscape surrounded by turquoise water, you can get around by bike.  There are quality spots to explore around this unusual little island

Playa de la Canteria: This high tide spot works well with northerly swells.  A fun place to surf before taking the ferry to Graciosa.

San Juan: A perfect left to the west of the bay of Famara, sheltered by the S/W wind that blows towards La Santa.

Caleta de Cabello: Good at high tide.  A consistent hollow left that works with a north swell.  Ghost Town and Chickens are hollow and radical waves nearby.

Boca del Abajo: Super fast left that breaks in shallow water and works at around 1.5 – 2 metres.  From the La Santa Club, take the Isleta road that drops down to a small bay where you’ll find this fun, hollow wave.

Morro Negro: This world-class wave can be found at the south western point of the Isleta.  Long walls with hollow sections and a fun beachbreak.  Holds a big swell.  Watch out for crowds and the long paddle to the lineup.

La Santa: A left that sucks up with good tubes.  Super consistent on a high tide.  Watch out for the locals who sometimes lock down access to the spot.

El Quemao: a short but powerful left that holds up to 4 – 5 metres easily.  Nicknamed the Canaries Pipeline.  Only for experienced surfers and kamikazes…

Arieta: When the swell is too big on the west coast, the NE coast works well as it’s is more sheltered.  A fun beachbreak located at the south of the village.  Fast and hollow waves.

Jameos del Agua: More a summer spot – opposite the carpark.  At the north end of the beach you can find a nice spot called Los Aulagas.  Fun rights and lefts.

Fuerteventura Surf Breaks

This island has probably the longest beaches of all the islands.  It has the advantage of being the biggest island – it’s deserted and windy….a surfer’s paradise!  It’s never too crowded, even when the hordes of tourists rush here in the middle of winter.  The duneside of Corralejo is especially spectacular.

West and east swells hit a number of reefs on the north coast.  Beachbreaks on the west side of the island are well protected from the northeast winds.  The winter months are the best time to go, winds are not as strong and come more from the east than the north.

Las lagunas: A short wave with heavy tubes that break into shallow water.  Best surfed at a mid-tide with a 1.5 / 2m swell.

La Izquierda: An easier wave to surf than the nearby Bubble.  Works very often and is always busy.

La Derecha-The Bubble: Very powerful peak with perfect right and left bowls breaking onto reef.  The most well-known spot on the island and this is where the contests are held.

Los Lobos: A right-hand, world-class pointbreak that sometimes breaks for 400m along a small uninhabited island near Carralejo.  Really sectiony when it’s small but with a big north swell, the waves are long with 3 nice tube sections.  Lots of people and the locals are ruthless when it’s on.  There are several ferries mid-morning and the last one comes back at 16:30.  Authorisation is required for camping.

Winds and Tides

The winds control your day of surfing.  Check wind direction and how strongly it’s blowing properly to ensure you a have a good session.  From October to April the winter wind isn’t as strong and comes from the E / NE.  It switches around to the north at the beginning of summer when conditions are often smaller and onshore.  The morning or sunset sessions are then usually best.

Tidal range is around 2 metres, quite big coefficients that are very sensitive to deep water spots.  Watch out for the power of certain spots and for the locals too.  Bring booties to avoid your feet getting ripped apart by the lava and the urchins!  Bring a full 3/2 suit from November to May because the water is cool (about 18°).  In summer (around 24°) a shortie is enough for the windy mornings

Season & Weather

Seasons & Weather

These islands are located in the middle of the Atlantic and are swept by the trade winds and exposed to cold ocean currents that surround the coastline.  The annual average temperature is 20 °C (with small fluctuations) except in the mountains where it’s lower.  In summer temperatures rarely exceed 30 °C.

Sometimes a hot wind blows from the desert and along with the 300 days plus of sunshine per year, the climate of the Canaries is considered one of the most pleasant in the world.

Lanzarote is nicknamed the Hawaii of the Atlantic, due to its exposure in the middle of the ocean, its topography, lava seabed and good north / northwest swells brought about by the north Atlantic weather systems.

From October to April waves of 1m to 5m break onto the best exposed reefs.  Tropical Storms from the south of the USA send some nice waves from the west during August and September too.

Lanzarote has great quality waves that are gnarly and powerful like on the North Shore of Hawaii but it’s much closer to home!!