Los Charcos (Fuerteventura)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoiling
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Kitesurfing freestyleKitesurfing freerideKitesurfing foilKitesurfing wave
What's great
  • 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
Heads up
  • 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
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
18–23 °C
Water Temperature
18–29 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 3/2mm
Crowds by Season

Highest during summer months and at peak high tide.

Storm/Rain Season

Rain is rare; occasional storms can occur between November and February.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

WaveFreestyleFreerideFoil
Kite Sizes
9–12 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Possible but less common than kitesurfing due to shallow lagoons; standard setups can be problematic.

FreestyleFoil
Sail Sizes
4.5–5.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

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
Photos

From the spot

Wavind Team
Wavind Team
Forecast

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.

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 volcanic rocks
  • Moles
  • Wave breakers
  • Reef edges
  • Shallow water (some areas unrideable at low tide)
  • Power lines
  • Limited launch space
  • Crowds
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
BootsImpact vestWetsuit

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.

Restrictions
  • No riding at low tide
  • Restricted launch area
  • Follow any local swimmer-safety agreements when kiting in the lagoons
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

El Tostón Lighthouse10-15 km

An iconic lighthouse and museum located on the northwestern tip near El Cotillo.

Calderon Hondo Volcano Hike5-10 km

A hiking trail leading to the rim of a well-preserved volcanic crater with panoramic island views.

El Cotillo Harbor Restaurants10 km

Traditional seafood restaurants overlooking the old harbor.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.