El Tiburon (Playa Honda)
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Swell
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
El Tiburon (Playa Honda) is a localized sand-and-rock influenced beach break on Lanzarote’s east coast area. Surf is described as primarily left-handed with some right-hand sections depending on how the waves link, and it can offer rides all the way to the beach when conditions cooperate. The break is generally best when you’re getting a large NE swell that wraps into the southeast coast, with an East-leaning component and wind that is more northerly (one note also emphasizes the option of wind swells from NE–W as the waves develop). For surfing specifically, the wave character is commonly described as peeling/moderate in energy, with localized variability: it may be mushy/softer at times, and can become messy or close out with very large swells. A mid tide is noted as optimal in one dataset, and wind drops or a shift northward is repeatedly highlighted as improving surf usability. Beyond surfing, the Playa Honda corridor is described as well suited to wind and water sports under trade-wind conditions. Wind signals vary by season: one dataset highlights September through March for wind-related months in this spot area, while regional trade-wind reinforcement in June–August is noted as building from late morning into afternoon. Kitesurfing and wingfoiling are described as especially convenient here, with wingfoiling noted as having rapid access to deep water for foils (minimum depth is cited), and kitesurfing/windsurfing listed for freeride/foil-style riding. Safety-wise, the key cautions are rocks (both near reef breaks in the broader area and scattered rocks at/near the shoreline), plus potential issues with bather proximity and the nearby airport flight path. Additional operational notes include a long paddle from the car park at the end of Playa Honda, extra caution at low tide due to shallow/revealed hazards, and awareness of Calima (Saharan dust storm) as a serious seasonal hazard mentioned in guide notes. Lifeguard coverage is described as seasonal, and rescue is described as limited overall (regional baseline).
- Left-hand dominant sand break with some right sections (setup dependent)
- Best surf alignment: large NE swell; wind drops or shifts north
- Wingfoiling and kitesurfing benefit from nearby deep-water access and trade-wind conditions
- Important rock/reef caution, especially at low tide, plus airport/proximity restrictions for kiting
- Sand beach break character with sections that can run to the beach (setup dependent)
- Multiple board disciplines possible: kitesurfing, windsurfing and wingfoiling in the broader Playa Honda trade-wind conditions
- Town promenade access with nearby amenities, plus the spot is described as low-profile within surf coverage
- Wingfoiling/kiting benefit from rapid access to deeper water for foils (minimum depth noted)
- Rocks/reef hazards in the broader Playa Honda area and scattered rocks at the shoreline/bottom
- Setup-dependent surf: needs a significant swell to wrap into this coast; larger swells can get messy/close out
- Wind/shore alignment and crowding can affect usability (especially with beach/urban turbulence near the promenade)
- Calima (Saharan dust storm) is noted as a serious hazard in some seasonal notes
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NNE, NE, NW, W
- Offshore directions
- W, NW, N, NNE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Alisios trade winds, mainly from the N and NE (trade-wind regime).
- Reliability
- medium
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- September, October, November, December, January, February, March
- Shadow Zones
- Buildings along the promenade can cause turbulence very close to shore.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach is emphasized; another dataset describes mixed composition with rocky patches.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — One dataset describes small waves overall; other notes emphasize the need for significant swell for surfing success.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Windsurfing notes describe choppy water rather than clean waves; surfing notes range from peeling to mushy/variable.
- Launch
- Medium — Long paddle from car park; sandy beach with some rocky patches at the water’s edge.
Through the year
Busy on weekends and during July/August with local bathers.
Calima (Saharan dust storm) is noted as a serious hazard; rain is very rare with occasional storms from November to February.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Often used as an alternative for kiting when trades are strong; deep enough for foils quickly from the beach; wind alignment matters and beach width can be narrow at high tide.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Good for freeriding/slalom when NNE trades blow; water can be choppy rather than clean waves.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Very popular for wing foiling due to deep water accessible quickly from the beach and consistent side-onshore winds.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foils accessible quickly from shore (minimum depth noted).
- Min Depth
- 1.5m
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Localized beach break with sand over rock influence, typically producing left-hand sections with some right sections when waves link. Requires a significant swell to wrap into this southeast coast area; works best with large NE swell (and an East-leaning component) plus wind shifted more North.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- NE
- Swell Height
- 1–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — A mid tide is noted as optimal in one dataset.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Urban/coastal setup with partial shelter; conditions depend on swell wrapping and nearby rock/reef breaks.
- Wind Effect
- Best when wind drops or moves north; offshore winds from West/Northwest can groom the face.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become messy and close out with very large swells; best with a large NE swell setup.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Localized and variable; can be average to better when swells and wind alignment are right.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Reported as moderate; some sources describe localized beach-break surf with average quality.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling when it links; other notes describe mushy/soft character and can become messy on bigger swell.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Short — Short rides; also described as possible to take the wave to the beach depending on setup.
- Typical Ride Length
- 30–50 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typically fast, short lefts/rights; one guide notes you can ride the wave all the way to the beach in sand-break conditions.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for El Tiburon (Playa Honda) in the full forecast view.
El Tiburon (Playa Honda) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 5–15 ktsGusts 25 kts
- Direction
- NE51°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2415 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–0.7 m4s period
- Temperature
- 20–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, El Tiburon (Playa Honda) is forecast for daytime winds of 5–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 25 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.
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 (including rocks in/near nearby reef breaks and scattered rocks at the shoreline/bottom)
- Proximity to airport flight path
- Bathers
- Occasional strong currents
- Calima (Saharan dust storm) is a serious hazard
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Dedicated rescue coverage is primarily provided by local lifeguards during peak hours (regional baseline).
- Emergency Info
- Universal emergency number 112. Nearest major medical facility: Hospital Dr. José Molina Orosa in Arrecife.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Mild localism reported for the area.
Rules of the spot
Respect designated areas for swimmers and sports. Height restrictions may apply due to the nearby airport flight path. Kitesurfing can be restricted during peak summer hours.
- No kiting in swimmer-only zones
- Height restrictions may apply due to the nearby airport
- Long paddle from the car park at the end of Playa Honda to reach El Tiburon.
- Use extra caution at low tide due to shallow reefs/rocks nearby.
- The spot is described as best after the wind drops or shifts north; for surfing, a large NE swell with a bit more East than NE and wind more North is preferred.
- Park in side streets of Playa Honda for easier access (per local notes).
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Arrecife
- Nearest Town
- Playa Honda
- Nearest Airport
- César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport (Lanzarote Airport, ACE)
- Parking
- Car park at the end of Playa Honda (requires a long paddle to reach El Tiburon). Street parking is also available throughout Playa Honda but can be busy on weekends.
- Public Transport
- Regional connectivity via bus links connecting Playa Honda with Arrecife and Puerto del Carmen; coastal promenade supports walking/cycling.
- Access
- Long paddle from the car park at the end of Playa Honda (in the Playa Honda area near the Deiland commercial centre).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous holiday apartments and rentals in Playa Honda and Arrecife.
- Food & Drink
- Food and drink options (tapas bars, cafes and restaurants) are located directly on/along the promenade.
- Equipment Rental:
- Specialized equipment rental is available nearby (industrial zone/Arrecife), with rental options also referenced in the Playa Honda area vicinity.
- Gear Storage
- Secure daily/weekly storage lockers are provided by water sports centers in the Matagorda area (regional cluster note).
- Gear Repair
- Repair services available in the Arrecife/Playa Honda industrial area.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Long, vibrant coastal promenade for walking, cycling, and viewing due to its proximity to the airport.
Seafront walking and dining area that anchors the town’s coastal leisure scene.
Major retail and services hub serving the Playa Honda area.
The island capital’s urban center provides nearby cultural and civic sights.
A César Manrique-designed monument and museum celebrating traditional island agriculture and crafts.
Flat coastal terrain makes the area suitable for easy cycling and active sightseeing.
Volcanic landscapes and geothermal demonstrations in the heart of the island’s fire mountains.
The wider east-coast corridor is a practical base for kite, windsurf, and wingfoil travel.
Seafront dining is a notable part of the Playa Honda visitor experience.
Popular beachfront dining offering fresh seafood and traditional Canarian tapas.
The sheltered urban coastline supports relaxed family outings.
A large indoor mall featuring a cinema, bowling alley, and various international retailers.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at El Tiburon (Playa Honda)?
The best overall months at El Tiburon (Playa Honda) are September, October, November, December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at El Tiburon (Playa Honda)?
El Tiburon (Playa Honda) works with N, NNE, NE, NW, W winds. Offshore directions are W, NW, N, NNE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at El Tiburon (Playa Honda)?
Recommended equipment sizes at El Tiburon (Playa Honda): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is El Tiburon (Playa Honda) suitable for?
El Tiburon (Playa Honda) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.