El Cable (Playa Honda)

Shortboard, Advanced riders
Best for
Intermediate to Expert
Skill Level
Flat
Spot Type
Moderate
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

El Cable (Playa Honda) is a sheltered right-hand reef break over a volcanic/lava reef. It’s described as a point/reef-style setup that can produce quality when the combination of swell and wind aligns—otherwise conditions may be unimpressive, and the spot’s performance can be inconsistent. The main hazard is the reef and rocks: the entry and takeoff area can be compromised by shallow water, especially at very low tide. Sources specifically recommend avoiding the reef at very low tide and treating mid to high tide as the safer window for more clearance over the rocks. Standard surfing etiquette applies, and locals frequently use the peak, so lineup respect is important. Wind-wise, west winds are repeatedly tied to better conditions: offshore west winds are said to groom the waves, while onshore winds are described as messy. One source notes the spot can only work when conditions are just right (including a best fit with SW–W wind/swell pairings), and another provides a more seasonal picture with best months concentrated in autumn through winter. Overall, it’s a low-profile reef spot best approached by experienced/intermediate surfers who are comfortable with rocky bottom hazards and variable access/entry depending on tide.

  • Sheltered right-hand reef break
  • Offshore west winds groom waves
  • Rock/reef hazards—choose tide carefully
Great for
Surfing shortboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Right-hand reef/pivot waves with good quality on the right days.
  • Offshore west winds help groom the waves.
  • Convenient access via Playa Honda/area promenade routes (car park and/or paddling entry described).
Heads up
  • Rocky volcanic reef hazards (sharp rocks and sea urchins reported).
  • Risky entry/shallows at very low tide—reef can become dangerously shallow.
  • Works only when conditions line up (swell and wind), and reliability is described as inconsistent/medium.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
W, NW
Offshore directions
W
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Trade — West winds are reported for the spot; the regional pattern is trade-wind (Alisios) with N/NE influence.
Reliability
medium
Gust Factor
Light gusts
Best Months
January, February, March, October, November, December

Water & beach

Water Type
Flat
Beach
Rocks — At high tide there is a sand beach; at low tide it is only rock.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Medium
Launch
Medium — At high tide a sand entry exists; at low tide it can be only rock. Carry board down from the car park; alternatively paddle in from La Concha.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate — Board carry/paddle required from the car park; entry depends on tide.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
18–29 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 3/2mmJul, Aug: shorty / rashguard
Crowds by Season

Can be crowded on weekends and during good swells.

Storm/Rain Season

Rain is rare but most likely between November and February.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

A sheltered reef break producing right-hand point/reef waves over a volcanic/lava reef. It only works when conditions align (swell and wind) and can become very shallow at low tide.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
SW, N, NW
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid, All tides — Sources disagree slightly (one guide says mid tide; another says all-tides). Both agree that low tide increases rock/shallow hazard—aim for mid to high when possible.
Shelter
Sheltered
Wind Effect
Works best with offshore winds from the west, grooming the waves; west winds reported as best, while east/onshore winds are described as messy.
Bigger Swell
Can handle larger swells but becomes heavy and challenging.
Wave Quality
Good
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium — Can offer rides between 50 to 150 meters on good days.
Ride Length Details
Rides commonly 50 to 150 meters on good days.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for El Cable (Playa Honda) in the full forecast view.

El Cable (Playa Honda) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
4–16 ktsGusts 26 kts
Direction
NE49°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2416 kts
Windy days
2/712 kts or more
Waves
0.2–0.7 m4s period
Temperature
21–27 °C

Over the next 7 days, El Cable (Playa Honda) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 26 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.2–0.7 m with a period of about 4s. 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
  • Lava reef and rocks
  • Shallow reef
  • Sharp rocks
  • Sea urchins
  • Avoid the reef at very low tide as it becomes dangerously shallow
Ability Level: Intermediate to Expert
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBoots

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — Spot-level guidance indicates no rescue coverage; regional context notes limited rescue availability primarily via local lifeguards during peak hours and Spanish Red Cross.
Emergency Info
Universal emergency number 112; nearest health center is in Playa Honda and main hospital is in Arrecife.
Localism / Vibe
Moderate — Locals frequent the spot; respect local priorities on the peak.

Rules of the spot

Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect local priorities on the peak.

Local Tips
  • Watch out for rocks.
  • Avoid the reef at very low tide; mid to high tide is recommended for more safety clearance over the rocks.
  • If entering from the car park at high tide, carry your board down; at low tide the entry can be only rock.
  • Respect the lineup (locals frequent the spot).

Getting there & access

Nearest City
San Bartolomé
Nearest Town
Playa Honda
Parking
Parking at the car park near El Cable; expect a long carry/paddle from the car park to reach the spot.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Spanish
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Restaurant
Bar
Accommodation
Nearby town — Accommodation available in Playa Honda and the adjacent Playa Honda–Puerto del Carmen–Arrecife corridor.
Food & Drink
Numerous cafes and restaurants along the Playa Honda beachfront.
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 El Cable (Playa Honda)?

The best overall months at El Cable (Playa Honda) are October, November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are January, February, March, October, November, December.

Which wind directions work at El Cable (Playa Honda)?

El Cable (Playa Honda) works with W, NW winds. Offshore directions are W.

What skill level is El Cable (Playa Honda) suitable for?

El Cable (Playa Honda) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Expert.