Derecha del Alto (Moya)
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Mixed, 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Derecha del Alto is a small, rocky reef break in the Moya area (Gran Canaria) known for a powerful right-hand wave. Multiple sources describe a fast, high-energy character that is typically regarded as a regional classic, with wave quality described as good. The break is exposed, so conditions can feel more direct depending on swell and wind setup. In surf-specific terms, it generally starts working when swell reaches roughly 2–2.5 m and can hold well for larger swells up to around 4 m+ (and beyond). Typical ride lengths are reported around 50–150 m, with longer rides possible on optimal days (up to about 150–300 m depending on the lineup and swell/tide). One source specifically notes a right-hand reef break with peeling character; another emphasizes a mixed wave shape. Wind-wise, the spot is described within a trade-wind environment, with winds commonly reported from the West through South/South-East. Wind reliability is described as moderate, and gusts are light. The wind window that’s reported as working best lines up with west, south, and south-east directions, while the spot’s offshore/sailing-like behavior is also noted for southerly winds on the north-facing break. Safety and access are core considerations: hazards repeatedly cited include sharp volcanic rocks/reef and sea urchins (with coral/reef hazards mentioned). Booties are strongly recommended, access is easiest at lower tides but requires careful walking over rocks, and currents can be stronger with larger swells. No dedicated rescue and no lifeguards are reported, so riders should plan self-reliant safety practices and treat the reef as the primary risk.
- Fast, powerful right-hand reef wave with long rides when swell lines up
- Starts working around 2–2.5 m and can hold to 4 m+
- Rock/urchin hazards mean booties and careful access are essential
- Regional-classic right-hand reef wave with fast, powerful character.
- Can start working around 2–2.5 m and hold well into larger swell sizes.
- Long rides on the best days, with favorable wind windows reported for west/south/south-east winds.
- Exposed reef break with sharp rocks and numerous sea urchins; requires careful access and strong booties.
- Conditions are power-oriented and best suited to experienced surfers; no dedicated rescue and no lifeguards reported.
- Optimal wave access/quality is tide-sensitive (generally easier at lower tides).
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, SSE, SE, SW, S, W
- Offshore directions
- W, S, SSE
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade-wind regime (Alisios) typical of the Canary Islands north coast; spot winds work from West through South/South-East.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Wind reported with light gusts.
- Best Months
- October, November, December, January, February, March, April
- Shadow Zones
- Cliffs along GC-2 can create some wind protection at times.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Mixed, Ocean
- Beach
- Rocks — Rocky/reef environment.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Big — Big-wave character reported; starts working at ~2–2.5 m and holds to ~4 m+.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Not directly quantified as chop; exposed nature suggests potential for variable surface chop depending on wind/swell.
- Launch
- Small — Reef-rocky takeoff/entry with instant shore access; rocky entry requiring caution.
Through the year
Quieter during the week; can become very crowded with locals on weekends.
Occasional rain and storms from November to February.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A fast, powerful right-hand reef break on a rocky reef bottom. Typically needs a decent swell to start working and can produce long rides when swell lines up.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- NW, W
- Swell Height
- 2–4 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low, Mid — Low to mid tide is preferred; low and mid (including falling tide positioning) is repeatedly cited.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed nature reported.
- Wind Effect
- Works best with west, south, or south-e southeast wind directions.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well up to very large swells (reported up to beyond 4 m+).
- Wave Quality
- Good — Described as good / regional classic quality.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Fast, powerful reef wave character.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Wave shape reported as mixed by one provider; another describes more peeling character.
- Peel Speed
- Fast — Fast peel reported.
- Ride Length
- Long — Normal rides around 50–150 m; good/optimal days extend longer.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Normal rides are about 50–150 m; good days extend to roughly 150–300 m depending on swell/tide.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Derecha del Alto (Moya) in the full forecast view.
Derecha del Alto (Moya) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–15 ktsGusts 22 kts
- Direction
- ENE73°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2415 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–1.7 m9s period
- Temperature
- 23–26 °C
Over the next 7 days, Derecha del Alto (Moya) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 22 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 0.7–1.7 m with a period of about 9s. 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
- Sea urchins
- Sharp volcanic reef
- Rocks
- Reef
- Coral
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No dedicated on-site rescue reported.
- Emergency Info
- No dedicated on-site rescue for most spots; area monitored by Spanish Coast Guard (Salvamento Marítimo) and local Civil Protection based in Moya and Galdar. General emergency number: 112.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Moderate localism reported.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the local lineup.
- Best conditions are associated with larger swell windows and low to mid tide.
- Booties are highly recommended due to sharp reef and numerous sea urchins.
- Access is easiest at lower tides but requires a careful walk across the rocks.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
- Nearest Town
- Moya
- Nearest Airport
- Gran Canaria Airport (LPA)
- Parking
- Limited parking available near the GC-2 roadside and coastal access points.
- Public Transport
- Bus network connects Moya with the coastal GC-2 road to the capital; a car is typically essential for reaching specific launches.
- Access
- Accessible via the GC-2 highway from Las Palmas; approximately 15 minutes away.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Various apartments and vacation rentals are available in Moya and nearby coastal villages.
- Food & Drink
- Local restaurants (guachinches) and cafes are located in the nearby town of Moya and along the coast.
- Equipment Rental:
- Extensive rental options are available in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, with fewer specialized shops directly on the Moya coast.
- Gear Storage
- Limited on-site storage; most visitors rely on vehicle storage or facilities provided by schools in the capital.
- Gear Repair
- Specialized surfboard and wetsuit repair services available in industrial zones and surf shops in Las Palmas.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Moya area blends rugged northern coast scenery with local Canarian culture and hiking options within short reach of the shoreline.
One of the last remaining laurel forest strongholds on the island, with scenic hiking trails.
Iconic cliff-edge church overlooking the Moya barranco.
Major archaeological site showcasing pre-Hispanic Guanche culture.
Rugged trails along the northern volcanic cliffs connecting various surf breaks.
Traditional Canarian seafood with ocean views directly on the coast.
Natural rock pools protected from the open ocean, ideal for swimming.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Derecha del Alto (Moya)?
The best overall months at Derecha del Alto (Moya) are October, November, December, January, February, March, April.
Which wind directions work at Derecha del Alto (Moya)?
Derecha del Alto (Moya) works with W, SSE, SE, SW, S, W winds. Offshore directions are W, S, SSE.
What skill level is Derecha del Alto (Moya) suitable for?
Derecha del Alto (Moya) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced.