Surf spot guide · Lanzarote, Spain
Steep A-frame reef peak off La Caleta de Famara that fires a long, fast left wall on N-NW swell.
San Juan breaks over an uneven, urchin-coated reef shelf off the village of La Caleta de Famara, peaking as a steep A-frame before unloading down a long, fast left-hand wall while the right shuts down within a few turns. Takeoffs are vertical and critical, the wave runs well-covered on bigger sets and gets noticeably faster and more demanding as the tide drops, with the inside section tightening up over shallow rock. Sitting on the north coast of Lanzarote, it is one of the island's headline reefs, drawing a heavy mix of locals and travellers whenever the Atlantic sends a NW to N pulse. A southerly offshore grooms the faces, and the spot is rideable on small swells which keeps it busy almost every session. Access is straightforward from La Caleta with free roadside parking and a paddle out off the rocks. Caleta de Famara sits on the next reef along for those wanting a heavier left, and Playa de Famara handles the overflow on bigger days.
Vertical takeoffs over urchin reef, left wall that quickens as the tide drains shallow.
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Almost always crowded. As the most consistent reef on this stretch of coast, it draws locals, surf-camp guests and travelling intermediates the moment a swell shows.
Heavy reef A-frame, locals always out
Lanzarote
Dredgy, square left over shallow uneven reef on the Famara coast, lighting up only on solid W swell.
Lanzarote
Six kilometre sand-bottom bay on the north-west of Lanzarote, the island's main learner beach with shifting peaks across the sandbanks.
Lanzarote
Outer submerged-reef big-wave peak in Famara bay, breaking top-to-bottom on solid W to N swells.
+9 MORE →Time the lower tides for the fastest, most defined wall sections
Wear booties to handle the urchin-coated reef on entry and exit
Sit and watch a set or two before paddling to the peak when the local crew is out
Use the southerly offshore window for the cleanest faces
Drop down to Playa de Famara when San Juan is maxed or too crowded
HAZARDS · KNOW BEFORE YOU PADDLE
Free roadside parking in La Caleta de Famara village; paddle out from the rocks at the edge of the bay. No formal car park, lifeguard, restrooms, showers, surf school or surf shop recorded at the break itself.
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