Boca del Abajo (Lanzarote)
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Expert
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- Spot Type
- Busy
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Boca del Abajo is an exposed left-hand reef/point break on Lanzarote’s north coast that’s regarded as a regional classic for experienced surfers. Reports consistently emphasize a powerful, ledgey take-off and a highly technical ride shape, with excellent wave quality when the swell and wind line up. The wave is primarily driven by north-west swell, with sources stating it starts working around about 1.5–2 meters and can hold up to roughly 3 meters or more. Tide timing matters: mid tide (and often mid/high, especially with a rising tide) is described as the best positioning to avoid the shallowest parts of the reef and to improve the ride. Access is a major part of the spot’s difficulty. Providers describe getting to La Isleta in La Santa (near the big hotel) and then finding a little bay with a short walk, but also note that some positions effectively require a long paddle (over 20 minutes) or a boat to access efficiently—making lineup planning and safety margins especially important. Safety warnings are central here: the reef includes sharp lava/rocks and coral hazards, and reports mention rips/strong currents and an isolated nature. With no lifeguard presence indicated, and only limited rescue availability in the region, surfers should assume a high-consequence environment and plan for self-rescue capability and careful hazard awareness (rocks/reef, heavy ledgey sections, and currents).
- Exposed left-hand reef/point break
- Powerful ledgey wave with excellent quality when set up
- Best swell angle from northwest; starts around 1.5–2m and holds 3m+
- Difficult access (walk plus long paddle/boat for some positions)
- Reef hazards and rips/strong currents reported
- Regional classic reputation among experienced surfers
- Works on northwest swell and can hold large swell up to 3m+ in reports
- Wave quality described as excellent; consistent power/shape when conditions line up
- Expert-level, ledgey reef break with high consequence conditions
- Remote/physically demanding access (often long paddle or boat for some positions)
- Reef hazards plus rips/strong currents reported
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S
- Offshore directions
- S
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Alisios trade winds noted for the region; spot winds associated with south (and sometimes east/south-east variations in providers).
- Reliability
- 70% blown (reported); another provider describes reliability as medium.
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Steady winds described in one provider; another provider reports moderate gusts.
- Best Months
- September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April
- Shadow Zones
- Turbulent zones possible near the shore due to high cliffs/terrain (reported).
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Reef — Reef/coral and rocks at the break.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Big — Providers describe both small and big wave contexts; overall swell-driven surf is reported as working from ~1.5m and holding up to 3m+.
- Launch
- Small — A little bay/shore entry; requires long paddle >20 min or boat for some wave positions; sometimes described as rocky shoreline/long paddle from a nearby harbor.
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult — Launch/access described as moderate to difficult depending on conditions and position; access often requires a long paddle or boat.
Through the year
Weekdays often quiet (few surfers); weekends can be crowded (reported).
Rain is infrequent but most likely between December and February (reported).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed left-hand reef and point break on Lanzarote’s north coast (Tinajo/La Santa area). Known for a powerful, ledgey take-off and an expert-level, high-performance ride that holds larger swell and remains technical on reef.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- NW, W
- Swell Height
- 1.5–3.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Mid tide indicated; providers also point to mid/high and rising tide as favorable.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed reef and point break; not protected.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore conditions reported with south winds; another provider notes variability: south/south-east can provide clean offshore conditions, while northwest winds may blow it out.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds up on large swells; continues to maintain shape and power beyond 3 meters in reports.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Regional classic; wave quality described as excellent.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Reported as powerful; described as ledgey/high-performance.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling/ledge behavior reported; another provider describes hollow wave character.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — One provider: medium peel speed; another provider describes fast peel speed.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Normal length described as 50–150m (can include shorter technical bursts).
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Rides can range from short technical bursts to longer sections; typical good-day length is reported as 50–150m.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Boca del Abajo (Lanzarote) in the full forecast view.
Boca del Abajo (Lanzarote) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 5–16 ktsGusts 24 kts
- Direction
- ENE58°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2416 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.0–2.0 m10s period
- Temperature
- 20–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, Boca del Abajo (Lanzarote) is forecast for daytime winds of 5–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 24 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 1.0–2.0 m with a period of about 10s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Rocks
- Reef
- Coral
- Rips / strong rip currents
- Heavy ledgey sections
- Sharp lava reef / submerged rocks
- Isolated location
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence reported for this spot.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue is described as limited for reef breaks; coordinated emergency response via regional authorities is indicated.
- Emergency Info
- No dedicated beach-based lifeguard for reef breaks is described for the area; emergency services can be reached via 112. Nearest major medical facility is in Arrecife (regional context).
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Moderate localism reported; also described as emphasizing respect for local regulars.
Rules of the spot
Standard international surfing etiquette applies; respect for local regulars is emphasized in the region.
- Beware of rips, rocks, and crowds.
- Access is physically demanding; special access often requires paddle >20 minutes or a boat for some positions.
- Good surfing is tied to tide timing—rising tide and mid/high tide are indicated as favorable; shallowest reef sections are a risk.
- Consider the ledgey, high-consequence nature of the wave when planning lineup and safety margins.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Arrecife
- Nearest Town
- Tinajo
- Nearest Airport
- Lanzarote Airport (ACE)
- Parking
- Limited parking described near La Santa/La Isleta; detailed parking location not specified.
- Public Transport
- Intercity bus lines (Guaguas) connect Tinajo to Arrecife; a rental car is recommended for specific coastal access points.
- Access
- Go to La Isleta in La Santa (near the big hotel), then find a little bay. Short walk (5–15 minutes) from the access point; special access is often required via paddle >20 minutes or boat for some wave positions.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Surf camps, apartments, and small hotels are available in La Santa village (spot area).
- Food & Drink
- Restaurants and cafes are concentrated in the village of La Santa (regional/spot area).
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental in La Santa is described as available via surf shops and resort hub; high-performance gear may require booking in advance.
- Gear Storage
- Storage facilities are primarily available to guests of the major sports resort or through local surf camps (regional context).
- Gear Repair
- Minor repairs can be found at surf shops in La Santa; more extensive workshops described as located in nearby areas (regional context).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Stunning volcanic landscape with geothermal demonstrations and guided tours through the “Fire Mountains.”
A major active-holiday resort functioning as a regional sports and leisure hub.
Former home of the artist built into volcanic bubbles, highlighting the intersection of art and nature.
Guided and self-guided treks around prominent volcanic cones including Caldera Blanca.
A region oriented around swimming, windsurfing, and other sports tourism activities centered on La Santa/Tinajo.
Local taverns offering fresh, daily-caught fish and traditional Canarian “papas arrugadas.”
On-site restaurant at Club La Santa.
On-site restaurant at Club La Santa.
On-site restaurant at Club La Santa.
Poolside bar at Club La Santa.
Protected salt-water lagoon ideal for children to practice kayaking and basic windsurfing in flat water.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Boca del Abajo (Lanzarote)?
The best overall months at Boca del Abajo (Lanzarote) are October, November, December, January, February, March, April, September. The best wind months are September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April.
Which wind directions work at Boca del Abajo (Lanzarote)?
Boca del Abajo (Lanzarote) works with S winds. Offshore directions are S.
What skill level is Boca del Abajo (Lanzarote) suitable for?
Boca del Abajo (Lanzarote) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Expert.