La Garita (Lanzarote)
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat, Chop
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
La Garita (Playa de la Garita) is a wide, sandy beach near Arrieta on Lanzarote’s northeast coast, well known for kitesurfing in predominantly NE trade winds. Reported wind months are May through September, with typical gustiness described as steady (and in another dataset as light-gusts), and wind reliability is described as high during peak summer months. The beach is characterized by clear water and a generally easy launch setup, with partial coastal protection effects from harbor facilities. For kiting, winds are side-onshore to side-onshore/cross-onshore depending on the exact direction, supporting freeride and wave riding options. In the southern area, moderate shorebreak is specifically called out, and big-wave days can make the shorebreak more powerful. Surfing is described as a semi-sheltered beach break with peeling waves and short, fast rides; wave quality is reported as variable (average/poor depending on conditions), and rides can close out when swell builds. Wind direction effects matter: NE winds are generally onshore/cross-onshore (windy), while West/Southwest winds are described as offshore and more likely to groom the waves. A best match for tide is given as mid tide. For safety, bathers have priority in designated swimming zones, and kiting may be restricted to certain zones during peak summer to protect swimmers. Shorebreak, nearby harbor structures/pier, and the possibility of moderate lateral currents during stronger winds are the main practical hazards, and seasonal lifeguards plus emergency services (112) are referenced. Multiple sources emphasize that you should plan on using a wetsuit year-round despite relatively warm water temperatures.
- Consistent NE/N-NE trade-wind pattern in May–September
- Wide sandy beach with easy launching and clear water
- Moderate shorebreak (southern area) plus possible stronger shorebreak on big swell days
- Seasonal lifeguard coverage and bathers priority in swimming zones
- Consistent NE/N-NE trade winds in late spring through early autumn
- Wide sandy launch with ample space to set up and launch
- Clear water and generally straightforward access with nearby amenities
- Crowds of bathers in summer and possible zone restrictions for kiting
- Moderate shorebreak (especially in the southern area) and stronger shorebreak potential on big swell days
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE
- Wind Range
- 12–35 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Predominantly N–NE trade winds (Alisios).
- Reliability
- high (almost daily in peak months)
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Steady winds reported; a lighter gust character also described (light-gusts).
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September
- Shadow Zones
- Slight shadow directly behind the Arrieta harbor wall when wind is more northerly.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Chop
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Surfaces report medium wave conditions for surfing/swells.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Water type reported as flat/chop; chop can increase with wind/swell conditions.
- Launch
- Big — Extensive/spacious beach for launching with plenty of room for setup; harbor facilities in Arrieta partly protect the area.
Through the year
Highest in July and August with local families and tourists.
Very dry climate; occasional winter storms can occur between November and February.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Freeride and wave kiting on a wide, extensive beach with trade winds blowing side- to side-onshore. Partly protected by harbor facilities; outside-swell days and swell-influenced days can change shorebreak intensity.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Freeride and bump-and-jump described; shorebreak can be a challenge for beginners when swell is up.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–6 m²
Foil-friendly due to sandy bottom and adequate depth; shorebreak requires careful entry.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly reported.
- Min Depth
- 1.5m
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Beach break with semi-sheltered setup; can be a popular alternative when other coasts are too big/blown out, but wave quality is inconsistent across conditions.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- N, NE, NW
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Mid tide reported as a best match for surfing (also cited as working best on a mid tide).
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Partly sheltered by harbor structures; still open to wind/swell at times.
- Wind Effect
- Onshore to cross-onshore NE/N winds can be windy; West/Southwest winds are offshore and can groom the waves.
- Bigger Swell
- Starts to close out when swell exceeds about 2 meters; on big wave days shorebreak can become more powerful and challenging.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Surpfaces described as average/poor depending on swell and conditions.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Wave power described as moderate; some sources rate wave quality average/poor depending on conditions.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Can produce peeling waves; larger swells can shift toward shorebreaky closeouts.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Short — Fast, punchy beach-break rides; can close out on larger swells.
- Typical Ride Length
- 30–50 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical ride length reported as 30–50 m; ride can become short fast sections on closeouts.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for La Garita (Lanzarote) in the full forecast view.
La Garita (Lanzarote) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 5–17 ktsGusts 28 kts
- Direction
- ENE59°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2417 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.4–1.3 m6s period
- Temperature
- 21–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, La Garita (Lanzarote) is forecast for daytime winds of 5–17 kts, peaking around 17 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 28 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 0.4–1.3 m with a period of about 6s. 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
- Moderate shorebreak in the southern area
- Rocks and harbor wall/pier at the northern end
- Crowds of swimmers and sunbathers during summer
- Moderate lateral currents can occur during strong trade winds
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguards reported at Playa de la Garita.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability described as limited/seasonal lifeguard coverage.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency services available via 112. Nearest medical center is in Arrecife.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Mild localism reported.
Rules of the spot
Bathers have priority in designated swimming zones; respect local surfing and kiting areas.
- Kiting may be restricted to certain zones during peak summer months to protect swimmers
- Park right at the water for easy access and short gear carries
- Check the southern end of the beach if the northern end is crowded
- Partly protected by harbor facilities in Arrieta, but conditions outside swell can still bring a tougher shorebreak on big wave days
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Arrecife (approximately 20 km)
- Nearest Town
- Arrieta
- Nearest Airport
- Lanzarote Airport (ACE)
- Parking
- Park right at the water; ample parking directly adjacent to the beach and near the harbor reported.
- Public Transport
- Regular intercity bus service connects Arrieta and Punta Mujeres to Arrecife and Costa Teguise (limited compared with mainland cities)
- Access
- From Arrecife, take LZ1 toward Arrieta. Before Arrieta, Playa de la Garita appears on the right; alternatively follow LZ-1 north from Arrecife toward Arrieta with the beach clearly visible on the right before entering the village center.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Apartments and holiday rentals widely available in Arrieta and nearby Punta Mujeres.
- Food & Drink
- Numerous seafood restaurants and cafes are located in the village of Arrieta, just steps from the beach.
- Equipment Rental:
- Limited rentals directly on the beach; specialized kite/windsurf rentals usually found in Costa Teguise.
- Gear Storage
- Limited storage available via private accommodations or some school facilities.
- Gear Repair
- Basic surfboard repairs available locally; major kite or sail repairs typically require travel to other areas.
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 Garita (Lanzarote)?
The best overall months at La Garita (Lanzarote) are May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at La Garita (Lanzarote)?
La Garita (Lanzarote) works with NE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at La Garita (Lanzarote)?
Recommended equipment sizes at La Garita (Lanzarote): Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–6 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–35 kts.
What skill level is La Garita (Lanzarote) suitable for?
La Garita (Lanzarote) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.