Surfing North Coast Reefs

El Quemao

• Reef (Slab)
• Pro
• 4-15 ft
• Nov-Mar
• Crowd 3/5

One of the Canary Islands' most respected heavy waves, and Lanzarote's answer to the Pacific's fiercest slabs. El Quemao breaks over a shallow lava reef, throwing thick, extremely powerful barrels that stand up suddenly in surprisingly little water, a genuine big-wave-adjacent proposition when the swell has size.

Locals speak of it with the same intensity reserved for the world's heaviest waves, and the comparison holds up: this is not a wave that forgives hesitation or poor positioning. When it's firing, it produces some of the most dramatic, photographed barrels anywhere in the Canaries.

This is expert-only water over an unforgiving, shallow lava shelf. Watch it from the rocks first, understand exactly where the locals sit and why, and only consider paddling out once you're certain both the conditions and your own ability are equal to it.

29.15, -13.68 · Big NW swell

San Juan

• Point/Reef
• Advanced / Pro
• 2-8 ft
• Oct-Apr
• Crowd 2/5

A classic point-style setup on Lanzarote's north coast, offering long, enjoyable rides when the swell direction and size line up. San Juan breaks over a rock and reef bottom, delivering a more length-oriented wave than the short, explosive slabs found at nearby spots like El Quemao.

It needs a specific combination of swell direction and tide to work at its best, which keeps it from being a daily go-to, but rewards patience with genuinely satisfying, rideable walls when conditions align. The wave's character sits between the island's heaviest reef breaks and its more approachable options.

Come on the right swell angle for the best shape, and expect a knowledgeable local crew who track this wave's specific conditions closely. A rewarding option for intermediate-to-advanced surfers looking for length rather than pure power.

29.05, -13.6 · Specific swell angle

Arrieta

• Beach/Reef
• Beginner / Intermediate
• 1-5 ft
• Year-round
• Crowd 2/5

A village wave on Lanzarote's north-east coast, offering a more approachable alternative to the heavier reef breaks concentrated around La Santa. Arrieta breaks over a mix of sand and rock close to the small fishing town, giving a friendlier, more forgiving wave than the island's famous slabs.

Being on the more sheltered eastern side of this stretch of coast, it can pick up different conditions than the fully exposed north-west breaks, sometimes offering a rideable option when the main reef cluster is blown out or too heavy. The village itself retains a quiet, authentic Lanzarote character away from the bigger resort towns.

Come on a small-to-moderate swell for the friendliest conditions, and use it as a good base for exploring the north of the island, including the ferry crossing to the smaller island of Graciosa nearby.

29.1667, -13.4667 · Small-mod swell

Órzola

• Reef/Beach
• Intermediate / Advanced
• 2-7 ft
• Oct-Apr
• Crowd 1/5

A small fishing port at Lanzarote's northern tip, best known as the ferry point to the tiny island of Graciosa, but with its own reef and beach-influenced breaks nearby. Órzola picks up North Atlantic swell along an exposed, sparsely developed stretch of coast.

The area sees far fewer surfers than La Santa's more established reef cluster, its remoteness working in favour of anyone seeking solitude. Come on a clean swell, and consider combining a session here with the short crossing to Graciosa's own uncrowded breaks.

29.2333, -13.4667 · Clean swell