Les Dunes (Anglet)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell, 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Les Dunes (Anglet) is an exposed Atlantic beach break known for reasonably consistent surf across the year. It favors a west swell, and the cleanest wave shapes are typically associated with offshore winds coming from the East or Southeast. The wave setup is described as powerful and often hollow, with fast peeling waves. Conditions generally work across tides, but high tide is repeatedly indicated as the best option for the most favorable beach/wave formation. Reported working swell height is roughly 1.0–2.5 meters, while larger swell can run up to around 3–4 meters depending on set behavior. When swell builds, the sandbars can shift frequently, and the spot’s larger-swell behavior can include sections that close out once sets exceed about 3 meters. Still, the break can hold size well up to very large surf, so the session can vary from clean, barrel-capable waves to more challenging, heavier conditions. Safety is a key consideration here: strong rip currents (baines) and shifting sandbars are highlighted hazards. In summer it can get quite busy, so arriving early can help reduce lineup congestion. Lifeguards are reported as seasonal during peak summer season, and in general emergencies the number 112 is available.
- Exposed, consistent beach break
- West swell + offshore East/Southeast winds for best grooming
- Powerful, hollow wave shape with fast peeling
- Reasonably consistent year-round surf
- Offshore East/Southeast winds can groom hollow/barrel waves
- High tide is typically best; spot handles a wide swell range
- Can be very crowded in summer
- Strong rip currents (baines) and shifting sandbars
- May close out on larger swells (especially when exceeding ~3 meters)
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, ESE, SSE
- Offshore directions
- E, ESE, SSE
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Offshore winds when blowing from the East (or Southeast), helping groom the surf.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- September, October, November
- Thermal Window
- Sea breeze · Afternoon · Months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug · Dir: NW, NNE, WNW · Regional pattern indicates a daytime thermal sea-breeze window that strengthens through late morning into afternoon/early evening.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Surf described as medium overall, with the ability to handle waves up to about 3–4m depending on conditions.
- Launch
- Big — Wide sandy beach with dunes.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Launch difficulty reported as moderate.
Through the year
Very crowded in July and August; quieter but still popular during autumn weekends.
Winter months (December to February) can see frequent storms and heavy rain.
By sport
What to expect for each.
An exposed beach break with reasonably consistent surf year-round. Best when a west (W/NW) swell meets offshore East/Southeast winds. Works at all tides, with high tide typically preferred. Waves can reach larger sizes and can become very heavy or close out on bigger sets.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, WNW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- High — High tide is reported as best.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed beach break with dunes; not sheltered from prevailing swell or wind.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore winds from the East or Southeast groom waves into cleaner barrels.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out when swell exceeds about 3 meters, but holds well up to double overhead.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Consistency and generally good wave quality reported; can get very busy.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Waves described as powerful.
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Often hollow/barrel-capable.
- Peel Speed
- Fast — Fast peeling waves reported.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Short to medium rides depending on sandbar formation.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Short to medium rides; reported typical ride length ranges from about 50 to 150 meters depending on sandbar formation.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Les Dunes (Anglet) in the full forecast view.
Les Dunes (Anglet) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–17 ktsGusts 27 kts
- Direction
- W261°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2517 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–4.4 m11s period
- Temperature
- 9–22 °C
Over the next 7 days, Les Dunes (Anglet) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–17 kts, peaking around 17 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 27 kts. The prevailing direction is W. Waves run 0.9–4.4 m with a period of about 11s. 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
- strong rip currents (baines)
- shifting sandbars
- crowded conditions in summer
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards reported during peak summer season.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability reported as limited for the spot; regional notes indicate strong coastal coverage from SNSM and seasonal lifeguards at major beaches.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency number: 112. Seasonal lifeguards reported during peak summer season.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette; respect the locals and lineup priority.
- Seasonal swimming zones
- Kitesurfing is generally restricted in summer months
- Check the sandbars as they shift frequently after winter storms.
- Arrive early for a less crowded lineup before summer heat builds.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Anglet
- Nearest Town
- Anglet
- Nearest Airport
- Biarritz Pays Basque Airport (BIQ)
- Parking
- Dedicated parking lot available near the beach access point.
- Public Transport
- Well-connected by regional bus network and a coastal train line (links main towns and beaches).
- Access
- Accessible by car via the coastal road with pedestrian paths leading over the dunes.
- Local Language
- French
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Numerous hotels, campsites, and holiday rentals in the Anglet and Biarritz area.
- Food & Drink
- Several snack bars and restaurants within walking distance along the coastal promenade.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental shops are available in the center of Anglet and near the southern beaches.
- Gear Repair
- Surf repair shops located in the nearby industrial zones of Anglet.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Basque coastal culture and seaside attractions across Anglet and nearby Biarritz, with strong surf heritage and accessible waterfront recreation.
Iconic Biarritz rock formation with a statue of the Virgin Mary and a bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel.
Famous resort town with imperial history and surf culture.
A scenic coastal path stretching along the coastline with ocean views.
An Art Deco aquarium with marine life exhibits.
Interactive museum dedicated to oceanography and the history of surfing.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Les Dunes (Anglet)?
The best overall months at Les Dunes (Anglet) are September, October, November.
Which wind directions work at Les Dunes (Anglet)?
Les Dunes (Anglet) works with E, ESE, SSE winds. Offshore directions are E, ESE, SSE.
What skill level is Les Dunes (Anglet) suitable for?
Les Dunes (Anglet) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.