La Chucha (Motril)
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Beginner to Advanced
- Skill Level
- Chop, 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
La Chucha is a reef-break surfing spot on the Motril coast (near Carchuna), known for a mostly right-hand reef wave that can deliver long, peeling rides when conditions align. Multiple sources emphasize that it is an exposed reef setup and tends to work only intermittently, so forecast checking is essential before going. The wave quality is consistently described as good to “regional classic.” The working swell window is typically around 1.0–2.5 m for south/east swells, and the spot is reported to produce both left and right waves depending on the day and swell. Ride lengths are usually in the 50–150 m range, with some reports of longer runs on standout sessions. Wind sensitivity is a major factor: offshore north winds are reported to groom the face, while south or west winds can blow the wave out. Providers also report that wind reliability can be low, and the break is highly dependent on both swell direction and the prevailing wind at the time. Safety-wise, the hazard profile is dominated by sharp/shallow reef and rocks. Sources specifically warn not to surf if rocks are exposed or the water is too shallow, and they highlight that stronger currents can occur during bigger swells. Lifeguards are reported as none for the spot, so surfers should be prepared for self-rescue and closely monitor conditions; rescue availability is considered limited in the broader area.
- Long, peeling reef waves (especially right-hand)
- Works best on south/east swell events with offshore north winds
- Exposed reef break with significant rock hazards
- All-tides reported, but conditions must be right
- Regional classic reputation for peeling reef waves
- Long, peeling rides are commonly reported on the right swell/wind setup
- Works on all tides (with emphasis on high/low tide from some sources)
- Works only occasionally
- Reef/rock hazards and shallow sections can make takeoffs and wipeouts risky
- Wind is sensitive; some wind directions can blow the wave out
- Can become extremely crowded on strong swell weekends
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, E, W
- Offshore directions
- N
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Provider reports frontal conditions; group context notes strong Poniente (west) and Levante (east) influence overall.
- Reliability
- low
- Shadow Zones
- The cliffs around Cabo Sacratif can provide some protection from stronger winds.
- Thermal Window
- Sea breeze · Afternoon · Months: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, May · Regional thermal reinforcements often develop in the afternoon (around 13:00–18:00) and can support onshore/offshore wind patterns along the coast.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Ocean
- Beach
- Pebble — Some sources describe pebble; another describes mixed composition.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium — Reported medium wave size; working swell around 1.0–2.5m.
- Chop Level
- Heavy chop — One source describes water as chop.
- Launch
- Small — Small rocky entry point requiring caution; locals use specific pathways through rocks.
Through the year
Weekends with good swell are extremely crowded.
Rain is most common between November and March.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A fairly exposed reef break that only works once in a while, known primarily for long peeling waves off a rocky reef bottom.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- SE, S, E
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Reported to work on all tides; additional sources emphasize it can be best around high and low tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed to the elements; limited local wind shelter is noted from nearby cliff areas.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore north winds can groom the wave face; the spot is highly sensitive to south or west winds which can blow it out.
- Bigger Swell
- Reef can hold substantial size and maintain shape during larger winter swells.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Reported as good/regional classic.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Described with fun power; providers disagree slightly (one calls it moderate/another provides a lower rating).
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Long, peeling right-hand wave described; also reported to produce both left and right waves.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Reported as medium peel speed.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Typical rides are reported around 50 to 150 meters, with exceptional days longer.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Normal-length rides typically span 50 to 150 meters; a provider also reports normal around 50–150m and good days 150–300m.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for La Chucha (Motril) in the full forecast view.
La Chucha (Motril) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–8 ktsGusts 15 kts
- Direction
- SE125°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 288 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.1–0.6 m3s period
- Temperature
- 16–24 °C
Over the next 7 days, La Chucha (Motril) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–8 kts, peaking around 8 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 15 kts. The prevailing direction is SE. Waves run 0.1–0.6 m with a period of about 3s. 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
- Shallow reef
- Reef
- Sharp submerged rocks
- Crowds during peak swells
- Strong currents during big swells
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported at the spot; regional notes indicate seasonal municipal coverage in summer.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Provider reports no rescue availability; regional context indicates limited rescue with seasonal lifeguard coverage.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital reported as Hospital de Motril (about a 10–15 minute drive). Emergency number 112.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Localism reported as moderate in one provider result; other sources indicate none.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the local lineup.
- Avoid when the reef is too shallow / rocks are exposed.
- Only works occasionally—check swell forecasts before going.
- Do not surf if rocks are exposed and the water is too shallow.
- The spot is highly dependent on swell direction; Levante (east) swells are often the most productive.
- Access is best through the La Chucha urbanization.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Motril
- Nearest Town
- Carchuna
- Parking
- Limited parking within urbanization streets near beach access points; street parking near La Chucha is mentioned.
- Access
- Walk to the beach; access via the N-340 road following signs for Carchuna and the La Chucha urbanization; access best through the La Chucha urbanization.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Various apartments and holiday rentals are available in the La Chucha and Carchuna area.
- Food & Drink
- There are chiringuitos and restaurants within/near the urbanization.
- Equipment Rental:
- No dedicated rental shops directly at the reef; equipment is available in Motril.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at La Chucha (Motril)?
The best overall months at La Chucha (Motril) are November, December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at La Chucha (Motril)?
La Chucha (Motril) works with N, E, W winds. Offshore directions are N.
What skill level is La Chucha (Motril) suitable for?
La Chucha (Motril) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.