North Coast Reefs · Spain

Surfing San Juan

A point/reef in North Coast Reefs, Spain, for advanced and pro surfers.

Plan a trip that includes San Juan

The wave

San Juan is a point-style wave over rock and reef on Lanzarote's north coast. It gives longer, easier rides than the short, heavy reefs like El Quemao nearby.

It needs a specific swell direction and tide to work well, so it doesn't break every day. Local surfers watch the forecast closely for it.

29.05, -13.6 · Specific swell angle · Open in Google Maps

When to surf San Juan

San Juan is at its best from October to April. Conditions it likes: Specific swell angle. This is how the year looks across Lanzarote:

MonthsVerdictWhat to expect
October to AprilPrimeBiggest, most consistent NW-N swell, dry warm climate
May to JuneGoodSmaller swell, still warm and windy
July to AugustQuietStrong wind (Sirocco possible), smaller summer swell

In season: January · February · March · April · October · November · December

Waves near San Juan

WaveAreaTypeLevelDistance
La SantaFamara BayReefAdvanced / Pro10 km
Caleta de CaballoFamara BayReef/BeachIntermediate / Advanced11 km
El QuemaoNorth Coast ReefsReef (Slab)Pro14 km
Morro NegroFamara BayLeft PointAdvanced / Pro14 km
ArrietaNorth Coast ReefsBeach/ReefBeginner / Intermediate18 km
ÓrzolaNorth Coast ReefsReef/BeachIntermediate / Advanced24 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 →

San Juan: common questions

When is the best time to surf San Juan?

San Juan works best from October to April. Ideal conditions: Specific swell angle.

Is San Juan good for beginners?

No. San Juan is a wave for advanced and pro surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Arrieta in North Coast Reefs, about 18 km away.

How crowded is San Juan?

San Juan is usually quiet: 2 out of 5 on our crowd scale.

Where is San Juan?

San Juan is in North Coast Reefs, in the Lanzarote region of Spain (29.05, -13.6). The nearest wave we cover is La Santa, about 10 km away.

Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.

One strange surf spot a week

The Lineup: one strange surf spot each week, from hippos on the beach in Gabon to lefts under the volcanoes of Kamchatka. Free, and nothing else lands in your inbox.