Las Piscinas (Moya)

Surfing
Shortboard, Advanced riders
Best for
Intermediate
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Las Piscinas is a low-profile, exposed reef break at the natural sea-water pools on the north coast of Moya. It’s known for a consistent right-hand wave that peels well when the right swell arrives, with conditions working best around mid tide. Surf quality is generally described as good, and the break is particularly reliable in the autumn-to-winter window (with October highlighted as a best month). When swell is larger, the wave can still hold its size, but access becomes more difficult across the rocks. Wind-wise, trade-wind influence and local cliff effects can make conditions variable; reported typical winds are around 10–20 knots with moderate gustiness, and overall reliability is described as low. Wind direction matters for wave grooming: south winds tend to be offshore and cleaner, while NE trades can come cross-onshore and add chop. Safety planning is important at this spot because it’s an exposed reef with rocks and reported sea-urchins, plus strong currents and rocky entry/exit. Avoid the natural pools area (especially to keep clear of swimmers), use reef-appropriate footwear, and consider early-morning sessions when winds are less disruptive.

  • Consistent right-hand reef wave in front of the natural pools
  • Best at mid tide
  • October through winter are the core months for reliable surf
  • South winds can improve wave shape (offshore component)
Great for
Surfing shortboardAdvanced ridersBeginners
What's great
  • Reliable right-hand reef wave in autumn and winter
  • Works best around mid tide
  • Good facilities nearby (natural pool area and nearby food/drink)
Heads up
  • Exposed reef conditions with rock/sea-urchin hazards
  • Wind reliability reported as low
  • Entry/exit can be difficult, especially on larger swell
Was this description helpful?
Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
S, SW, SE
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Trade-wind (Alisios) influence on the north coast; some local complexity near cliffs.
Reliability
low
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Moderate gustiness reported.
Best Months
October, November, December, January, February
Shadow Zones
Cliffs-to-the-west-can-create-shadows

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell
Beach
Rocks — Reef/rocky shoreline with natural sea pools.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Medium — Medium-sized waves reported.
Launch
Small — Rocky entry near natural pools.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate — Moderate difficulty due to rocky entry and exit.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
Wetsuit Guide
Nov–Apr: 3/2mm or 4/3mm full suitMay–Oct: 2/2mm shorty or spring suit
Crowds by Season

Busy on weekends and during peak winter swell events.

Storm/Rain Season

November to February

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed reef break with a consistent right-hand wave breaking near the natural sea-water pools of Moya (Las Piscinas). Works best around mid tide and can handle significant swell, with entry difficulty increasing on larger sets.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
N, NW
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Best tide: mid tide.
Shelter
Exposed — Exposed reef break.
Wind Effect
South winds are offshore and groom the wave face; NE trades are cross-onshore and can create chop.
Bigger Swell
Holds size well, but entry becomes more difficult across the rocks.
Wave Quality
Good — Good wave quality reported.
Wave Power
Powerful — Fast, peeling right-hand reef wave; generally reliable when swell is present.
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium — Approximately 50–100 meters on good days.
Typical Ride Length
50–100 m
Ride Length Details
Approximately 50–100 meters on good days.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Las Piscinas (Moya) in the full forecast view.

Las Piscinas (Moya) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
4–15 ktsGusts 22 kts
Direction
ENE71°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2415 kts
Windy days
2/712 kts or more
Waves
0.7–1.7 m9s period
Temperature
23–26 °C

Over the next 7 days, Las Piscinas (Moya) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 22 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 0.7–1.7 m with a period of about 9s. 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
  • Sharp rocks
  • Sea urchins
  • Strong currents
  • Rocky entry and exit
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBoots

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguard presence reported.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — No dedicated on-site rescue reported.
Emergency Info
Emergency services available in nearby Moya or San Felipe. General emergency number is 112.
Localism / Vibe
Moderate — Moderate localism reported.

Rules of the spot

Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the local rotation. Keep clear of swimmers in the natural pools area.

Restrictions
  • Keep clear of swimmers in the natural pools area
Local Tips
  • Entry is easiest through a small channel in the rocks to the left of the main peak.
  • Best surf is often found in the early morning before the NE trade winds kick in.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Nearest Town
Moya
Nearest Airport
Gran Canaria Airport (LPA)
Parking
Dedicated parking lot available for the natural pools.
Public Transport
Global bus network connects Moya and the coastal GC-2 road to the capital (car is typically essential for gear to specific launches).
Access
Easy access via the GC-2 coastal road. Spot is located at the Charco de San Lorenzo natural pools.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Spanish
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Parking
Restaurant
Bar
Accommodation
Nearby town — Apartments and small hotels available in El Altillo and San Felipe; rural houses in the hills of Moya plus surf hostels and hotels in nearby Las Palmas or San Felipe.
Food & Drink
Several seafood restaurants and cafes located directly at the El Altillo beachfront.
Equipment Rental:
Extensive rental options in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, with fewer specialized shops directly on the Moya coast.
Gear Storage
Limited on-site storage; most visitors rely on vehicle storage or facilities provided by schools in the capital.
Gear Repair
Specialized surfboard and wetsuit repair services available in industrial zones and surf shops in Las Palmas.
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 Las Piscinas (Moya)?

The best overall months at Las Piscinas (Moya) are October, November, December, January, February, March, April. The best wind months are October, November, December, January, February.

Which wind directions work at Las Piscinas (Moya)?

Las Piscinas (Moya) works with S, SW, SE winds.

What skill level is Las Piscinas (Moya) suitable for?

Las Piscinas (Moya) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.