Caleta de Caballo

Surfing
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Caleta de Caballo is a demanding Lanzarote reef break centered on a powerful right-hand. The right is described as very fast and hollow, with a performance-oriented character that can remain fast as the swell increases—yet the shallow, sharp reef makes it unforgiving, especially on low tide. The left is described as longer and more mellow over lava with deeper water and is comparatively less dangerous. What makes the spot strictly for experienced surfers is the combination of reef hazards (sharp volcanic rock, reef/coral, and sea urchins) plus current risk. During larger NW swell conditions, strong rip currents can occur, and guides emphasize that entering/exiting safely is highly dependent on tide and the exact line through the rocks. One source also notes that right-hand conditions are especially risky due to rock proximity, even when the wave itself looks rideable. Access is straightforward from the Caleta de Famara–La Santa road: turn toward the coast at the small seaside village of Caleta de Caballo, with instant beach access once you arrive. Parking is limited in the village streets, so plan accordingly. Wind can vary; South and Southeast winds are described as giving cleaner offshore conditions, while Northern winds can make it choppy. Wind reliability is noted as low, and high cliffs to the south may create wind-shadow effects. Local presence is a major factor here. Multiple sources stress strong localism: visitors should be extremely respectful, wait their turn in the lineup, and watch experienced locals for the safest entry and exit points. There are no surf-shop/service offerings within the town itself according to the guidance provided; bring needed gear and plan for support in nearby areas if required.

  • Fast, powerful, performance reef right-hander (hollow described)
  • Long left over lava with deeper water
  • Sensitive to tide and reef depth; verify locally
  • Strong localism—respect lineup and wait your turn
Great for
Advanced riders
What's great
  • Powerful, fast, high-performance right-hand reef break
  • Can deliver long rides (especially on the left) for experienced surfers
  • Regional-classic wave quality when conditions line up
  • Spot is accessible quickly from the village/road
Heads up
  • Advanced, high-risk reef environment with sharp volcanic rock and shallow sections at low tide
  • Strong localism; visitors must be very respectful and wait their turn
  • Potential for strong rip currents during larger NW swells
  • No lifeguards/rescue not indicated for this spot
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
S, SE, E
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Trade-wind (alisios) conditions; wind reliability can be low at this spot.
Reliability
low
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Best Months
October, November, December, January
Shadow Zones
High cliffs to the south can create wind shadows in certain directions.

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean
Beach
Reef — Reef/rocky volcanic shoreline; reef and rocks with some sand mentioned in spot notes.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Small — Another provider describes medium wave size depending on swell.
Chop Level
Moderate chop — Northern winds can make it choppy and unrideable.
Launch
Small — Beach access directly at the village; rocky entry through a small slipway or narrow gaps in the reef.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
18–24 °C
Water Temperature
14–29 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 3/2mm or 4/3mm full suitMay–Oct: shorty or rashguard
Crowds by Season

Can be crowded with locals during peak winter swells; very quiet during the summer off-season.

Storm/Rain Season

Very low rainfall; occasional wind storms in winter months.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

High-performance reef break with a powerful, fast right-hander that is sensitive to tide and requires advanced-level technical control. Works best when the reef is not too shallow.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
NW, WNW, N
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Low — Conflicting tide guidance between sources: some guides say best at low tide, while others say best at high tide / all tides. Treat tide choice as crucial and verify locally.
Shelter
Semi-sheltered — Described as semi-sheltered by spot-level guidance; also described as exposed by another provider.
Wind Effect
South and Southeast winds are described as providing clean offshore conditions; Northern winds can make it choppy and unrideable (spot-level note).
Bigger Swell
Can handle significant NW swell size, but becomes very heavy and dangerous with strong currents; holds size and remains fast/hollow up to the offshore limit.
Wave Quality
Good — Regional-classic quality noted, with performance walls on the right.
Wave Power
Powerful
Wave Shape
Hollow — Right-hand described as very fast and hollow; left described as long and mellow.
Peel Speed
Fast — Fast right-hand performance.
Ride Length
Short — Right is short (<50 m); good days can also produce longer rides (up to ~150 m) depending on the section/tide/swell.
Typical Ride Length
50–150 m
Ride Length Details
Right: short (<50 m). Left: long and mellow over lava with deep water; some sources describe rides ranging roughly 50–150 m on good days.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Caleta de Caballo in the full forecast view.

Caleta de Caballo wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
5–16 ktsGusts 24 kts
Direction
NE55°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2416 kts
Windy days
2/712 kts or more
Waves
1.0–2.0 m10s period
Temperature
20–28 °C

Over the next 7 days, Caleta de Caballo 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 NE. Waves run 1.0–2.0 m with a period of about 10s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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
  • Sharp volcanic rock / sharp coral
  • Sea urchins
  • Shallow reef sections at low tide
  • Rips possible near sheltered end / during large NW swells
  • Submerged rocks
  • Heavy localism
Ability Level: Expert
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestBootsWetsuit

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
No
Emergency Info
Nearest major medical facilities are in Arrecife (~20 km). General emergency number is 112.
Localism / Vibe
Heavy — Strong local presence; visitors should be very respectful and wait their turn in the lineup.

Rules of the spot

Localism can be quite strong—be very respectful in the lineup and wait your turn.

Restrictions
  • Not suitable for beginners or surf schools
  • Experienced surfers only; right-hand break is especially risky around rocks
  • Strict respect for the local lineup is mandatory
Local Tips
  • Check the tide carefully; the reef is very shallow at low tide.
  • Watch locals for the safest entry and exit points through the rocks.
  • The left wave is described as less dangerous than the right (different break characteristics).
  • Experienced riders only; the right is dangerous due to rock proximity and very fast speed.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Arrecife
Nearest Town
La Santa
Parking
Limited parking available within the small village streets near the water.
Access
Accessible via the road connecting Caleta de Famara and La Santa; turn toward the coast at the small village of Caleta de Caballo. Instant access (<5 min walk) from the access road; alternatively reachable via a coastal hiking route (~11 km).
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Spanish
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Accommodation
Nearby town — Holiday rentals are available in the village, though limited compared to Famara.
Food & Drink
Small local cafes are available in the village; more options in nearby La Santa.
Equipment Rental:
No rentals available on-site; equipment must be brought from Famara or La Santa.
Gear Repair
Basic gear repair available in nearby towns of Famara or La Santa; also referenced as available in nearby areas.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Caleta de Caballo?

The best overall months at Caleta de Caballo are October, November, December, January, February, March, April, May. The best wind months are October, November, December, January.

Which wind directions work at Caleta de Caballo?

Caleta de Caballo works with S, SE, E winds.

What skill level is Caleta de Caballo suitable for?

Caleta de Caballo suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced.