Morouzos Beach (Cariño)

Morouzos Beach (Playa de Morouzos) in the Ría de Ortigueira is a large, sandy, clean-water beach with conditions that range from flat water (especially inside the estuary) to small, gentle surf on the more exposed side. Water depth is described as tide-dependent and can be shallow near the estuary edges, which matters for both launching and foil/waterstart timing. For kitesurfing, the spot is known for using the summer Northeast/N-NE thermal winds. The wind is described as picking up after around 2 PM and operating in an afternoon-to-early-evening thermal window. Flat-water sections for freestyle are described as being strongest inside the estuary mouth when the tide is rising, while outside the estuary you may find small wave activity. Kite sizing is commonly in the 9–12 m range on typical days, with smaller sizes used when thermal strength is higher. Safety is dominated by tide-driven currents near the mouth of the ria during tide changes; sources warn that when the tide goes out it can pull hard toward open sea. Shifting sandbanks and localized bird/nesting protection areas in dunes and the upper beach add additional caution—especially in spring/summer. Kitesurfing access may also be limited to designated zones during peak swimming season. For surfing, it’s described as a gentle beach break that typically works best with a West/NW swell. Waves are usually soft/mushy with short rides that can close out on larger swell (around the 2 m threshold described). NE wind can groom waves or add chop depending on the exact angle, so checking wind direction versus the break is important. Overall, the place is widely used through the warmer season for wind sports, but the water remains cold year-round (around 13–18°C), so a wetsuit is always recommended. Emergency services are available via 112, and regional maritime rescue coverage is in place; lifeguard presence is described as seasonal.