Las Bajas (Famara)
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Expert
- Skill Level
- Swell, Ocean
- Spot Type
- 3–6 m
- Swell Height
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Las Bajas (Famara) is an exposed reef break in the Famara bay, known for very powerful surf and advanced-level waves. It’s described as consistently surfable when the larger-swell conditions arrive, with the best activation tied to major Atlantic swell periods (especially winter). Depending on conditions, the break can produce both left and right-hand waves, and it’s widely regarded as a top-tier wave when it’s fully “on.” The spot is reefy and hazardous: submerged volcanic reef/rocks and strong currents are repeatedly emphasized, along with hold-down risk. Access is also a major factor—descriptions include a long paddle from the Famara beach area and the possibility of needing jet-ski safety or tow-in when swell is at its peak. Because of the extreme wave power and the risk profile, the spot is framed as reserved for highly experienced big-wave surfers. Wave behavior is strongly swell-dependent. One set of descriptions notes that the spot becomes properly productive only when swell exceeds roughly 3 metres, and that it can handle massive swell that shuts down other nearby breaks. When it works, it offers peeling, powerful faces with long ride potential—reported from tens of metres to rides that can reach around 200 metres on the best days. For wind, the broader area is influenced by NE trade winds (Alisios), and spot-level wind descriptions include southeast/east/south directions. Offshore winds from the south and east are noted to help groom the wave faces, while northerly trade winds can add bumpy texture. The safety context remains the priority: keep a lookout for reef hazards, watch the water before committing, and treat rescue support as limited.
- Exposed reef break in the center of Famara Bay
- Massive, swell-activated big-wave potential
- Powerful, peeling waves with long ride options on best days
- Exposed reef break with powerful, consistent waves when activated
- Long, high-quality rides reported (including very long rides on best days)
- Offshore winds from south/east can groom wave faces
- Big-wave, expert-only conditions
- Long distance from shore and exhausting paddle; often needs jet-ski safety or tow-in at peak swell
- Strong currents and hold-downs
- Sharply hazardous reef bottom (rocks/volcanic reef)
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- ESE, E, SSE
- Wind Type
- Trade — Regional NE trade winds (Alisios). Spot winds described as southeast/east/south with a trade-wind pattern.
- Reliability
- medium
- Gust Factor
- Steady
- Best Months
- October, November, December, January, February, March
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Mixed
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Huge — Winter can produce very large Atlantic swells; winter-size references include 6–10 feet in at least one description.
- Launch
- Big — Long paddle out toward the center of the bay; expert-only entry.
- Launch Difficulty
- Expert only — Described as expert-only with a long distance from shore.
Through the year
Usually uncrowded due to extreme difficulty and distance from shore.
Occasional storms between November and February; rain is rare overall.
By sport
What to expect for each.
An exposed reef break with consistent surf when it’s in its big-swell window, producing powerful waves. Works best on large Atlantic swells and is known for strong left/right possibilities depending on swell and conditions.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- NW, N
- Swell Height
- 3–6 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low, High, All tides — Sources conflict: one guide states low tide; another reports high to mid tide; another says it works on all tides.
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Offshore winds from the south and east groom the faces; northerly trade winds can make it bumpy.
- Bigger Swell
- Handles massive swells that shut down other spots; it’s only properly active when swell exceeds about 3 metres.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Also described as world-class.
- Wave Power
- Very powerful — Also described as powerful.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Fast
- Ride Length
- Long — Rides can be long on the best days.
- Typical Ride Length
- 200 m
- Ride Length Details
- Reported ride lengths include about 20–40 metres and, on best days, rides exceeding 200 metres.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Las Bajas (Famara) in the full forecast view.
Las Bajas (Famara) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 5–16 ktsGusts 22 kts
- Direction
- NE56°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2416 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.6–1.3 m10s period
- Temperature
- 21–26 °C
Over the next 7 days, Las Bajas (Famara) is forecast for daytime winds of 5–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 22 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.6–1.3 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 and submerged reef
- Extreme wave power
- Heavy water movement and strong currents
- Long distance from shore (long, exhausting paddle/possible need for jet-ski or tow-in)
- Hold-downs
- Submerged reef and volcanic rocks
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence reported for the spot itself; regional main-beach services are limited and typically seasonal/daylight.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Rescue availability reported as no for this spot; regional emergency response exists (112) and medical facilities are in Arrecife.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency number 112; nearest medical facilities are in Arrecife (Hospital Doctor José Molina Orosa is ~25 km).
Rules of the spot
Respect the local big-wave hierarchy; prioritize safety and rescue support. Respect local rules and surfers; watch the lineup and observe conditions before going out.
- Spend a few minutes watching the waves before paddling out to gauge shape, timing, and safety.
- Only attempt this spot if you have big-wave experience.
- Often requires jet-ski safety or tow-in when the swell is at its peak.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Arrecife
- Nearest Town
- Caleta de Famara
- Nearest Airport
- Lanzarote Airport (ACE)
- Parking
- Dusty carpark hemmed in by low dunes near Famara town (via Av. del Marinero); public parking along the beach road in Famara.
- Public Transport
- Public buses (Guaguas) connect the area to Teguise and Arrecife; car rentals are standard for visiting athletes
- Access
- Park at Caleta de Famara and paddle out several hundred meters toward the center of the bay; another access description notes driving west out of Famara town to a dusty carpark by low dunes, then walking along a short track to San Juan Beach.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Surf camps and apartments in Caleta de Famara.
- Food & Drink
- Numerous restaurants and cafes in the nearby village area of Caleta de Famara.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental shops available in the town; big-wave guns are reported as rare.
- Gear Storage
- Several surf schools and specialized shops provide gear storage facilities in the village.
- Gear Repair
- Local surf shops in Famara offer board repairs; gear repair services for boards are available locally.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Famara area combines volcanic scenery with a surf-focused coastal atmosphere, with outdoor activities and viewpoints around the bay and surrounding cliffs.
Volcanic landscape offering guided tours through craters and geothermal demonstrations.
An art, culture, and tourism center built inside a volcanic tunnel by César Manrique.
Major cliff backdrop that defines the regional landscape and viewpoints over the coast and the Atlantic.
Island views are a notable part of the coastal scenery from the Famara area.
Traditional Sunday market in the historic former capital of the island.
The village is noted as part of César Manrique’s childhood background.
Tandem flights launching from the Risco de Famara cliffs for aerial views of the bay.
The coast is widely recognized as a surfing destination with consistent Atlantic waves.
Open coastline supports wind sports at the regional level.
Renowned for local seafood and views of the Atlantic.
Inland areas near Teguise for hiking and exploring volcanic trails.
The long beach and cliff scenery support general sightseeing and low-intensity coastal recreation.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Las Bajas (Famara)?
The best overall months at Las Bajas (Famara) are October, November, December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Las Bajas (Famara)?
Las Bajas (Famara) works with ESE, E, SSE winds.
What skill level is Las Bajas (Famara) suitable for?
Las Bajas (Famara) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced to Expert.