Derecha del Alto (Moya)

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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

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
Great for
Surfing shortboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • 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.
Heads up
  • 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).
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Practical spot guide

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

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

Quieter during the week; can become very crowded with locals on weekends.

Storm/Rain Season

Occasional rain and storms from November to February.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

Reef break
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.
Forecast

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.

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

  • Sea urchins
  • Sharp volcanic reef
  • Rocks
  • Reef
  • Coral
Ability Level: Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
BootsWetsuitImpact vest

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.

Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

The Moya area blends rugged northern coast scenery with local Canarian culture and hiking options within short reach of the shoreline.

Los Tilos de Moya8km

One of the last remaining laurel forest strongholds on the island, with scenic hiking trails.

Church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria6km

Iconic cliff-edge church overlooking the Moya barranco.

Cueva Pintada Museum (Galdar)12km

Major archaeological site showcasing pre-Hispanic Guanche culture.

Coastal Hiking0km

Rugged trails along the northern volcanic cliffs connecting various surf breaks.

Restaurante El Roque1km

Traditional Canarian seafood with ocean views directly on the coast.

Las Salinas de Agaete20km

Natural rock pools protected from the open ocean, ideal for swimming.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.