Los Charcos (Fuerteventura)
- Freestyle, Freeride
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat
- Spot Type
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Range
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Los Charcos is a shallow, flat-water lagoon kitesurfing spot with crystal-clear visibility and a compact, sandy launch area backed by sharp volcanic rock. The riding environment is closely tied to the tide: at high tide there is enough water for riding, while at low tide the lagoons are mostly empty or too shallow with exposed rocks. Wind is most dependable from the NE, driven by the Alisios trade winds. The main wind season runs from May through September, with reported typical winds around the mid-teens up to the mid‑20s knots, and very consistent summer performance. Gustiness is more noticeable near shore and around buildings/lighthouse structures, so riders should expect short-term turbulence close to the launch. This is a hazard-heavy spot around the water and launch zone. Multiple sources emphasize extremely sharp rocks, reef edges, moles, and wave breakers near the access/exit areas—making line/kite management critical. The launch and rigging space is also very restricted, and the spot can become crowded on windy days. Because of the shallow, rocky bottom and the restricted tidal window, the spot is best for intermediate to advanced kitesurfers who are comfortable with shallow-water riding and careful timing around high tide. For planning, carefully check tide tables before going out, respect restricted riding times, and consider protective booties when needed.
- NE trade winds with strong summer consistency
- Crystal-clear shallow lagoon riding conditions
- Works only around high tide (tight tidal window)
- Flat-water playground character for freestyle kitesurfing
- Crystal-clear, protected shallow-water lagoon for flat-water riding
- Reliable NE trade winds in the main season (May to September)
- Good conditions for freestyle flat-water kitesurfing within the tidal window
- Wind can be very strong in summer, allowing efficient freestyle/foil progression for capable riders
- Rideability is highly tide-dependent (not for low tide)
- Extremely sharp volcanic rocks and reef/edge hazards around the launch area
- Very restricted, small launch/rigging space can get crowded
- Shallow water can limit or end up unrideable depending on tide
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Alisios trade wind pattern.
- Reliability
- Very high during summer months due to consistent Alisios trade winds.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Slightly gusty/turbulent near the shore; can stabilize farther out.
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy launch patches within a rocky volcanic environment (some sources describe mixed beach composition).
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Flat to very small conditions inside the lagoon.
- Launch
- Small — Small sandy patches with limited rigging space surrounded by sharp volcanic rocks.
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult — Restricted launch space with limited rigging; sharp rock hazards nearby.
Through the year
Highest during summer months and at peak high tide.
Rain is rare; occasional storms can occur between November and February.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A shallow, flat-water lagoon setup with crystal-clear water. Wind is typically NE trade wind, and the riding area can be extremely tide-dependent. Sources describe it as a flat-water playground prized by freestyle riders, with a reef-protected basin and very flat conditions during the working tidal window.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Possible but less common than kitesurfing due to shallow lagoons; standard setups can be problematic.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–5.5 m²
Limited suitability because foiling is only feasible at peak high tide with extreme caution around rocky bottom.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Foiling only feasible at maximum high tide.
- Min Depth
- Only rideable at maximum high tide.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–5 m²
From the spot
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Los Charcos (Fuerteventura) in the full forecast view.
Los Charcos (Fuerteventura) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 5–15 ktsGusts 27 kts
- Direction
- ENE74°
- Strongest day
- Tue, Oct 2715 kts
- Windy days
- 3/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.0–1.9 m10s period
- Temperature
- 20–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, Los Charcos (Fuerteventura) is forecast for daytime winds of 5–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 27 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 1.0–1.9 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 rocks
- Moles
- Wave breakers
- Reef edges
- Shallow water (some areas unrideable at low tide)
- Power lines
- Limited launch space
- Crowds
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence reported for the spot.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Rescue not available on-site at the spot.
- Emergency Info
- Universal emergency number: 112. Nearest medical facilities are in El Cotillo or Corralejo.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Local advice is important (e.g., recommended to talk to a local before going out).
Rules of the spot
The spot is only safe/rideable during the tidal window (roughly 2 hours before and after high tide). Avoid riding at low tide.
- No riding at low tide
- Restricted launch area
- Follow any local swimmer-safety agreements when kiting in the lagoons
- Check tide tables carefully before heading out; lagoons are unrideable at low tide.
- Watch your kite and lines around extremely sharp rocks.
- Bring sturdy booties if you are not confident with volcanic rock.
- Talk to a local before you go on water.
- Expect the spot to get crowded on windy days; maintain good board control and awareness of others.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Los Lagos
- Nearest Town
- El Cotillo
- Nearest Airport
- Fuerteventura Airport (FUE)
- Parking
- Unorganized parking available on dirt areas near the lagoons and the lighthouse.
- Public Transport
- Tiadhe bus network (Guaguas) connecting Corralejo, El Cotillo, and the airport; a rental car is recommended for remote stretches.
- Access
- Accessible via unpaved dirt tracks heading north from El Cotillo toward the Faro del Tostón lighthouse.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Apartments and surf houses available in the nearby town of El Cotillo.
- Food & Drink
- A cafe at the lighthouse and several restaurants in El Cotillo.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental shops available in El Cotillo and Corralejo.
- Gear Storage
- Yes
- Gear Repair
- Repair services available in Corralejo.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
An iconic lighthouse and museum located on the northwestern tip near El Cotillo.
A hiking trail leading to the rim of a well-preserved volcanic crater with panoramic island views.
Traditional seafood restaurants overlooking the old harbor.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Los Charcos (Fuerteventura)?
The best overall months at Los Charcos (Fuerteventura) are May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Los Charcos (Fuerteventura)?
Los Charcos (Fuerteventura) works with NE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Los Charcos (Fuerteventura)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Los Charcos (Fuerteventura): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–5.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–5 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Los Charcos (Fuerteventura) suitable for?
Los Charcos (Fuerteventura) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Expert.