North Coast Reefs · Spain
Surfing El Quemao
A reef (slab) in North Coast Reefs, Spain, for pro surfers.
- TypeReef (Slab)
- LevelPro
- Size4-15 ft
- Best monthsNov-Mar
- Crowd3/5
The wave
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 · Open in Google Maps
When to surf El Quemao
El Quemao is at its best from November to March. Conditions it likes: Big NW swell. This is how the year looks across Lanzarote:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| October to April | Prime | Biggest, most consistent NW-N swell, dry warm climate |
| May to June | Good | Smaller swell, still warm and windy |
| July to August | Quiet | Strong wind (Sirocco possible), smaller summer swell |
In season: January · February · March · April · October · November · December
Waves near El Quemao
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Santa | Famara Bay | Reef | Advanced / Pro | 4 km |
| Caleta de Caballo | Famara Bay | Reef/Beach | Intermediate / Advanced | 5 km |
| Morro Negro | Famara Bay | Left Point | Advanced / Pro | 5 km |
| San Juan | North Coast Reefs | Point/Reef | Advanced / Pro | 14 km |
| Arrieta | North Coast Reefs | Beach/Reef | Beginner / Intermediate | 21 km |
| Órzola | North Coast Reefs | Reef/Beach | Intermediate / Advanced | 23 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around North Coast Reefs
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the North Coast Reefs surf guide →
A week here costs from about $422 with flights from Europe, or around $840 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $500 →
El Quemao: common questions
When is the best time to surf El Quemao?
El Quemao works best from November to March. Ideal conditions: Big NW swell.
Is El Quemao good for beginners?
No. El Quemao is a wave for pro surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Arrieta in North Coast Reefs, about 21 km away.
How crowded is El Quemao?
El Quemao is usually moderate: 3 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is El Quemao?
El Quemao is in North Coast Reefs, in the Lanzarote region of Spain (29.15, -13.68). The nearest wave we cover is La Santa, about 4 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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