Los Patos (La Orotava)
- Advanced riders
- Best for
- Expert
- Skill Level
- Chop, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Empty
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Los Patos (La Orotava) is a remote, advanced-level surf spot on Tenerife’s north coast characterized by powerful peaks that can produce hollow/barreling waves. It’s generally framed as a “regional classic” for experienced surfers, with the break described as working from around 1.0–1.5 m and holding into the 2.5 m+ range on the right conditions. The wave setup is associated with a sandy bottom with rocky/reef sections, and multiple sources emphasize strong currents and undertow. Conditions can be highly variable, and the beach is also described as a known nudist beach—so behavior and etiquette matter. Wind direction influences whether faces are groomed or get messy, with southerly winds described as offshore/grooming while northerly winds are described as onshore and messy. A key defining aspect is access: the steep cliff path/stairs are described as difficult and unstable, and the spot is reported to be subject to official closures due to imminent landslide danger. Even when the wave is working, entry can be restricted, and safe access checks are essential. If access stairs are closed, sources indicate alternative routes may only be possible via neighboring beaches at low tide. Crowd levels are typically low (weekday-empty / weekends few), which matches the spot’s reputation as difficult to reach and low-profile. Given the hazards (rocks/reef, strong currents, falling-rock/cliff risks) and the lack of on-site rescue/lifeguards, preparation and a strong safety-first approach are strongly implied.
- Powerful peaks and hollow/barreling potential
- Works from ~1.0–1.5 m and can hold to ~2.5 m+
- Strong rip currents/undertow risk
- Low crowds due to difficult access
- Powerful, consistent high-performance surf described as a 'regional classic'.
- Starts working around 1.0–1.5 m and can hold up to 2.5 m+.
- Potential for hollow/barreling tubes and strong ride lengths.
- Crowds reported as empty on weekdays and few on weekends.
- Official closures due to landslide danger; access may be blocked for safety.
- Very difficult, hazardous access with steep/unstable cliff paths and falling-rock risk.
- Strong currents/rip currents and powerful undertow.
- Can be messy depending on wind direction (onshore conditions reported).
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S, SE, SW
- Offshore directions
- S, SE, SW
- Wind Range
- 5–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Mixed — Provider inputs conflict on dominant wind; winds described as mixed, with southerly winds described as offshore and northerly winds as onshore/messy.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- October, November, December, January, February, March
- Shadow Zones
- High cliffs provide significant shelter from southerly winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Black sand reported in general descriptions; sand composition noted.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Huge — Some sources call it huge; working range described as 1.0–1.5 m starting and up to ~2.5 m+.
- Chop Level
- Heavy chop — One provider describes water as chop; other sources emphasize messy/onshore wind scenarios.
- Launch
- Big — Long beach with cliffside access; walking approach reported as 15–30 minutes.
Through the year
Generally quiet on weekdays due to difficult access; can get busy with local surfers on weekends during good swells.
Rain is more frequent from November to February; rainy season typically occurs November to March (regional).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Los Patos is a high-performance, remote-feeling surf spot known for powerful peaks and hollow/barreling barrels, with strong currents and a sand-and-rocky bottom profile.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- N, NNE, NW, NE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides, Mid — Tide guidance conflicts between sources; one describes best as mid tide, another as all-tides.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed break; also described as semi-sheltered by high cliffs depending on wind.
- Wind Effect
- Southerly winds are offshore and groom wave faces; northerly winds are onshore and messy. (Wind direction data also indicates S/SW/SE as optimal.)
- Bigger Swell
- Holds up to approximately 2.5 to 3 m (and reported to reach beyond ~2.5 m / 8 ft+); can close out on very large swells.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Also described as a 'regional classic' quality wave.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Described as powerful waves.
- Wave Shape
- Barreling — Provider inputs also describe hollow peaks.
- Peel Speed
- Fast
- Ride Length
- Long — Typical wave lengths reported as 50–150 m; standard rides often around ~100 m depending on sandbar configuration.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Normal ride lengths commonly range from 50 to 150 m; standard rides typically reported between 50 and 150 m (often ~100 m) depending on sandbar configuration.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Los Patos (La Orotava) in the full forecast view.
Los Patos (La Orotava) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–11 ktsGusts 21 kts
- Direction
- NE48°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2411 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.8–1.9 m10s period
- Temperature
- 22–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, Los Patos (La Orotava) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 21 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.8–1.9 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
- Reef
- Strong rip currents
- Powerful undertow
- Falling rocks from cliffs
- Unstable access paths
- Landslide danger
- Steep cliffs
- Dangerous currents (nudist beach conditions reported)
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No spot-level rescue availability reported.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency services: 112.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate
Rules of the spot
Access is officially blocked/closed due to imminent landslide danger; do not attempt entry. Respect local peak priority and the nudist culture at the beach.
- Often subject to official closures due to landslide risks on the access stairs.
- Access is officially blocked/closed due to imminent danger to life caused by landslides.
- Do not attempt access due to official closure for landslide risk.
- Check the status of the access path before heading down.
- Be very careful with strong rip currents/undertow.
- Access may only be possible via neighboring beaches at low tide if the main stairs are closed.
- The beach is a well-known nudist spot; respect local culture.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- La Orotava
- Nearest Town
- Puerto de la Cruz
- Nearest Airport
- Tenerife North Airport (TFN) (~25 km away)
- Parking
- Limited parking near the top of the cliffs in the El Rincon area; a car park near Restaurante Bollullo Beach is reported (~3€), followed by a footpath.
- Public Transport
- Connected by TITSA bus network, with access to coastal cliff areas often requiring a private vehicle or walking.
- Access
- Difficult and dangerous access via a steep, fragile cliff path/stairs; officially closed due to landslide risk. Main access is often restricted/closed; access may require alternative routes (e.g., via neighboring beaches at low tide).
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Accommodation options are available in Puerto de la Cruz and the surrounding Orotava Valley.
- Food & Drink
- A few restaurants are located at the top of the cliff in the El Rincon area.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Historic gardens associated with La Orotava’s old-town sightseeing.
Spain’s highest peak and a UNESCO World Heritage site, accessible via a scenic drive from the Orotava Valley.
World-renowned zoo and marine park located on the outskirts of Puerto de la Cruz.
One of the best-known historic houses in La Orotava, reflecting traditional Canarian architecture.
Well-preserved historic center noted for 17th-century houses and strong Canarian identity.
Historic 17th-century house famous for traditional Canarian wood balconies and crafts.
Mountain and volcanic terrain in the wider municipality supports hiking-focused visits.
The Orotava Valley is one of Tenerife’s popular paragliding areas, with jumps starting from Izaña.
Traditional family-run establishments serving local wine and home-cooked Canarian food.
Walkable heritage streets and gardens provide a low-intensity family visit.
A large complex of seawater swimming pools designed by César Manrique.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Los Patos (La Orotava)?
The best overall months at Los Patos (La Orotava) are September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April. The best wind months are October, November, December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Los Patos (La Orotava)?
Los Patos (La Orotava) works with S, SE, SW winds. Offshore directions are S, SE, SW.
What skill level is Los Patos (La Orotava) suitable for?
Los Patos (La Orotava) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced to Expert.