Surf spots
North and East Coast
Playa De La Canteria
A small sandy bay nestled beneath cliffs at the northern tip of the island. From mid to high tide a peak breaks in the centre of the bay over a sand bottom. At high tide this becomes a more defined left. Also at high tide on the eastern side of the bay a righthander can peel down the rocks giving a fast and sometimes hollow ride. Swells over 6ft tend to close-out the bay.
Hazards - Sometimes strong rips and side drift.
Jameos Del Agua
Mainly a left point but on the biggest and cleanest of swells a solid right can also be found at the very end of the point. N swells wrap around the headland, lining up sectioney walls and shoulders that lack a bit of power, however on classic days, it's definitely the longest wave on the island. Better at higher tides. Often surfable in the strong N winds that blow out the rest of the island so it can get crowded although the length of the wave will spread the crew.
Playa De La Garita
Short, fast and hollow and a favourite for the local bodyboarders. Can produce waves on both N storm winds and E Sirocco winds. Always crowded when it's good, but less takers at the southern end of the beach. There are some marginal little reef waves around Arrieta that the local kids ride, but are generally not worth the effort.
North west coast
Las Bajas
In the bay of Famara a set of rocks sits 200m out to sea known as Las Bajas and here breaks one of the most spectacular big waves in the Atlantic. When sizable swells hit the reef an enormous peak breaks top to bottom and is spellbinding to watch. This wave has been towed into recently and provides the stuff of future legends.
Hazards: Dangerous spot for hell men only.
Playa de Famara
6 kms of curving beach that receives swell from W-N and handles wind from SW-E. Centre of the bay receives the most of the swell, but the sandbanks will close out at around 8-10ft faces. North end can get fast and hollow at lower tide, while the south end is smaller and easier, but higher tides are generally better. Super consistent and relatively free of localism hassles. Perfect for learner/improvers and plenty of space for the surf school operators. Intermediates and advanced will also have fun.
Hazards: Be aware of strong side shore drift and currents.
La Caleta De Famara
Dredgy, intense left over shallow reef that needs N swell to line-up. Inconsistent and when it is on, the locals are not up for sharing. Best to surf somewhere else away from the crowd.
Hazards: Dangerous below mid-tide.
San Juan
One of the most popular reefs on the island starts as an A frame peak running into a long left hand wall while the right peters out immediately. The lower the tide the faster the wave and the more critical the drops. Very consistent and often super crowded as it's rideable on small swells, plus it can handle a light onshore wind.
Hazards: Shallow reef and some localism.
Caleta De Caballo Derecha
A hollow right breaking in a small bay. It takes only a few surfers here to make a crowd but numbers are often low due to the fierce nature of the wave. Powerful and fast breaking in very shallow water with a distinct take off spot. Only medium consistency as it needs a medium N swell and S winds to work.
Caleta De Caballo Izquierda
A very ordinary left by Lanzarote standards that breaks on the west side of the bay. Has an interesting rock that often pops up in the middle of the ride, which keeps things exciting. Often crowded with local crew when W winds blow out the La Santa breaks.
El Complejo
The Complex (aka Boca del Abajo) on La Isleta is a long, powerful wave with some very tubular sections and it holds considerable size. A W swell direction is vital here as is an offshore E-SE-S wind so consistency isn't high. One of the most dramatic looking waves on the island and very deceptive as to the size if there is no one in. Making the wave is vital as its constantly breaking into shallow reef and boulders but it is an easy paddle out from the small beach. Assured surfers only.
La Santa Derecha
Formerly known as Morro Negro, a long right hand point with a couple of distinct sections that link up on the best days. This wave can be hollow on E winds and the best NW-N swell directions but often provides large open faces. Handles size and even some N wind but W swells will section and bring nasty sneaker sets. Often crowded but the length of the wave can thin out the mix of tourists and locals. Take extra time with exit and entry and beware of very shallow spots on smaller days.
La Santa Izquierda
Seriously thick left and right peak breaking over "The Slab" with the left being the longer and the more fought over of the waves. Both waves produce classic powerful tubes, hold a lot of wind and swell directions but certainly not a crowd. The most ridden wave on the island but with a localism problem to match however a respectful manner will ensure waves.
Hazards: Always crowded, always heavy and off limits to most.
El Quemao
Known as Pipeline's Atlantic sister. Lefts and rights reel down a short and shallow reef with intense power and ferocity. Sensitive to swell direction, a small W makes the rights more makeable, which resemble Backdoor by closing out on the sharp lava reef. A rarer SW will fire up the lefts. When it's on, it's packed with the best of the islands stand-up and bodyboarders and a Coliseum atmosphere pervades. One of the most photographed spots in the Canaries, but also one of the most localised. Does have its quieter moments on less epic days however the surfing level required to ride here must be very high.
