Derechadela Caleta (Garachico)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate to Advanced
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 is characterized by a rocky reef bottom with sharp volcanic rock and sea urchins. Entry and exit are described as challenging, with slippery rocks and a layout where careful timing between sets matters. Currents and rip conditions can be strong near the reef—especially on larger swells—so it’s not a place to approach casually. For surfing, the wave is best when a solid north to northwest swell arrives, producing powerful, peeling rights. One account highlights both left and right peaks and reports wave heights commonly around 1.8–2.4 meters, reaching higher on bigger sets; another emphasizes right-hand wall shape with strong performance on appropriate NW swell. Wind conditions are often discussed as needing offshore/cross-offshore setups for clean grooming, with winter months particularly favored for consistency.
- Exposed reef break with consistent right-hand surf
- Ideal swell: north to northwest
- Works over a range of tides (all-tides vs mid-tide reported)
- Winter is the main season for reliable swell and offshore-oriented wind setups
- One of Northern Tenerife’s most consistent right-hand reef breaks
- Long, powerful peeling walls with good-to-excellent wave quality on the right swell
- Good surf across different tide conditions (sources vary, but both indicate broad tide usability)
- Best conditions strongly align with winter swells
- Rocky, difficult entry over slippery rocks/reef
- Sharp volcanic rock and sea urchins in the area
- Strong currents can occur near the reef, especially on bigger days
- Local lineup priority can be strictly enforced
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S, SW, SE
- Wind Range
- 5–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Gradient — Provider data describes wind as gradient-like conditions; regional context also notes trade-wind regime shaping conditions (Alisios).
- Reliability
- low (provider: 69 monthly blown percentage; also described as low reliability)
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- October, November, December, January, February, March
- Shadow Zones
- High cliffs to the south can create wind shadows depending on direction.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Rocks — Reef/rock composition with sharp volcanic material.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium — Reported commonly around 1.8–2.4 m, with larger waves possible up to about 3.7 m.
- Launch
- Small — Difficult entry over slippery rocks and reef; careful timing between sets required.
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult — Difficult rocky entry over slippery rocks/reef.
Through the year
Can get crowded with locals on weekends and during prime winter swells.
Occasional rain between November and February.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed reef break with consistent right-hand surf. Best fired by a north to northwest swell, producing long, powerful peeling walls over a volcanic reef.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- N, NW
- Swell Height
- 1.8–3.7 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides, Mid — Sources differ: one says it works at all tides; another specifies mid tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Cross-offshore/offshore/light-wind conditions; offshore from the south is described as grooming the wave face.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well, but can become very heavy and more advanced on larger swells (up to roughly 3–4 meters).
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — One provider also rates wave quality as good.
- Wave Power
- Powerful
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium — One provider describes medium peel speed; another notes fast peeling on optimal swells.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Can offer rides up to about 150 meters on optimal NW swells.
- Typical Ride Length
- 100–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- One source notes typical rides around 100 meters, with possible longer rides on optimal NW swell.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Derechadela Caleta (Garachico) in the full forecast view.
Derechadela Caleta (Garachico) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–16 ktsGusts 26 kts
- Direction
- NE55°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2416 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–2.2 m10s period
- Temperature
- 22–28 °C
Over the next 7 days, Derechadela Caleta (Garachico) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 26 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.9–2.2 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
- Sharp volcanic reef / sharp volcanic rock
- Sea urchins
- Slippery entry/exit rocks
- Strong rip currents near the reef and during large swells
- Localism
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No on-water rescue confirmed for this spot; general emergency response is via 112.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency number 112. Nearest medical facilities are in Garachico or Icod de los Vinos (hospital access via Icod de los Vinos per regional context).
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Local priority rules are mentioned; disrespecting the peak can be an issue.
Rules of the spot
Priority is strictly enforced by local riders; wait your turn in the lineup.
- Do not ignore local lineup priority; localism can be an issue if you don't respect the peak.
- Be cautious with difficult rocky entry over slippery rocks/reef.
- Take care of rocks in the lineup.
- The entry point is tricky—watch where locals get in and out.
- Booties are highly recommended due to sea urchins and sharp lava rock.
- Respect local priority in the lineup.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Puerto de la Cruz
- Nearest Town
- Garachico
- Nearest Airport
- Tenerife North Airport (TFN)
- Parking
- Street parking available in the nearby residential area of La Caleta
- Public Transport
- Intercity bus access via the TITSA network (e.g., connections involving Puerto de la Cruz and Icod de los Vinos).
- Access
- Accessible via the TF-42 road; the spot is located near the village of La Caleta de Interian
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Guesthouses and apartments are available in Garachico and La Caleta.
- Food & Drink
- Local restaurants and cafes are found within walking distance in the village.
- Equipment Rental:
- No rentals available directly at the spot; shops are located in Puerto de la Cruz.
- Gear Storage
- Not commonly available as a standalone service.
- Gear Repair
- Minor ding repairs are available via local workshops in the Icod/Garachico area.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A historic coastal town paired with volcanic nature—natural pools, dramatic coastal scenery, and Atlantic energy—makes Garachico and Los Silos a popular destination for visitors seeking a more authentic northern Tenerife experience.
Natural volcanic swimming pools formed by the 1706 lava flow.
A major regional draw formed by lava meeting the ocean, widely associated with Garachico’s coastal visitor area.
A well-preserved historic urban core and central part of the area’s visitor appeal.
Historic coastal fortification and a well-known landmark in Garachico.
Rugged trails through ancient laurel forests and volcanic ridges.
Cliff-and-coast walking routes are a prominent way to explore the region.
Traditional Canarian cuisine in the heart of Garachico.
A life-size Boreal Whale skeleton displayed on the coastline as a natural monument.
Volcanic pools are a major family-friendly leisure attraction.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Derechadela Caleta (Garachico)?
The best overall months at Derechadela Caleta (Garachico) are October, November, December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Derechadela Caleta (Garachico)?
Derechadela Caleta (Garachico) works with S, SW, SE winds.
What skill level is Derechadela Caleta (Garachico) suitable for?
Derechadela Caleta (Garachico) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.