Playa de la Garita (La Garita)

Surfing
Shortboard, Families
Best for
Beginner
Skill Level
Flat
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Playa de la Garita (La Garita) is an accessible sandy surfing beach in the Arrieta area on Lanzarote’s northeast coast. It features a long golden-sand launch and works best when conditions line up: low tide is repeatedly flagged as the key tide state for getting the most favorable wave shape. The surfing setup includes a beach break and a left-hand point at the northern end, so the spot can suit both first-timers and riders looking to extend their runs. Wind is trade-wind influenced, with reported wind mostly from the west and off conditions helping to groom waves. In contrast, the north-swell season tends to bring different wind behavior (including offshore west/northwest windows for better surfing). One recurring theme is seasonal variability: summer can be flatter, so sessions are more dependent on tide and swell selection than on “always-on” wave energy. Safety considerations are important at this beach. Rocks and crowds are consistently noted hazards, and there can be rip currents near the northern pier—particularly when swells are larger. During high season there are designated swimming areas, and local guidance should be followed when the lineup becomes busy. Lifeguards are seasonal, and rescue availability is described as limited, so it’s best to keep a conservative plan for getting in and out of the water. On the practical side, the beach is well served with amenities such as showers, toilets, and changing rooms, and it’s directly connected to the village of Arrieta with easy access and ample parking behind the beach. There’s also local surf-school support and on-beach dining options, making it a convenient choice for relaxed sessions—especially when you target the low-tide + swell combination (often cited as best from May to December, with October highlighted as a standout month).

  • Long sandy beach with a northern left point
  • Low tide is generally best
  • Rocks and crowds are notable hazards
  • Seasonal lifeguard presence
  • Good facilities and easy access via Arrieta
Great for
Surfing shortboardFamiliesBeginners
What's great
  • Beginner-friendly sandy beach launch with generally manageable shore break.
  • Left-hand point at the northern end can improve wave quality for progressing surfers.
  • Seasonal lifeguards and straightforward access from Arrieta with facilities and dining nearby.
Heads up
  • Hazards include rocks and can be busy with crowds (especially in summer).
  • Limited rescue availability—take extra care near rocks/pier and watch for rip currents near the northern end.
  • Wind and swell windows vary by season; summer can be flatter than other months.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
W
Offshore directions
W, NW
Wind Type
Trade — Trade-wind influenced; winter swell season can shift offshore/west-northwest.
Reliability
low
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Shadow Zones
Shielded from fierce north winds by the spot’s unique location; the northern point can be slightly sheltered by the pier and nearby buildings.

Water & beach

Water Type
Flat
Beach
Sand — Fine golden sand.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Medium — Reports vary by season and swell; described as fairly exposed but with inconsistent surf.
Chop Level
Moderate chop — Onshore trade winds (NE) can add chop; west offshore can smooth conditions.
Launch
Medium — Long strip of golden sand (nearly 1 km), with a stone pier at the northern end.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
18–24 °C
Water Temperature
17–30 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–May: 3/2mmAug, Sep, Oct: shorty/vestNov, Dec: 3/2mm
Crowds by Season

Busy over the summer; surf crowded on weekends and with families in July and August.

Storm/Rain Season

Very dry climate; rain is rare but most likely between December and February.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Accessible sandy beach setup for beginners with a left-hand point at the northern end. Best conditions are reported with north swells and west offshore winds, typically working best at low tide; very large swells can cause the beach break to close out while the point holds size better.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Left
Optimal Swell
N
Swell Height
0.5–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Low — Low tide is generally best for wave shape.
Shelter
Sheltered — Generally sheltered compared with more exposed rocky stretches, with the northern point offering some protection from local factors.
Wind Effect
Offshore winds from the west help groom the waves; North–East trade winds are onshore and can add chop.
Bigger Swell
Beach break can close out in very large swells; northern point tends to hold size better.
Wave Quality
Good — Reported as good/average depending on section and conditions.
Wave Power
Moderate — Moderate overall; can vary by season and swell size.
Wave Shape
Mixed — Can show peeling/mixed characteristics; very large swells may cause closure on the beach break.
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium — Beach break typically shorter rides; northern point left-handers can be longer.
Typical Ride Length
50–100 m
Ride Length Details
Beach break offers shorter rides; northern point can produce longer left-handers. Typical ride lengths reported around 50–100 meters when conditions are right.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Playa de la Garita (La Garita) in the full forecast view.

Playa de la Garita (La Garita) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
5–16 ktsGusts 26 kts
Direction
NE54°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2416 kts
Windy days
2/712 kts or more
Waves
0.5–1.2 m6s period
Temperature
21–26 °C

Over the next 7 days, Playa de la Garita (La Garita) is forecast for daytime winds of 5–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 26 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.5–1.2 m with a period of about 6s. 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
  • Crowds
  • Rip currents (especially near the northern pier and during large swells)
  • Pier and breakwater
Ability Level: Beginner
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetLeashWetsuitBoots

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguards; additional oversight of the coastline by a boat is reported during summer.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue availability is limited; conditions around rocks/pier increase the need for caution.
Emergency Info
In Spain, emergency number is 112. Nearest major medical facility is Hospital Doctor José Molina Orosa in Arrecife (about 25 minutes away).
Localism / Vibe
Mild — Local families and weekend surfers can make the lineup feel busy; approach respectfully in crowded conditions.

Rules of the spot

Respect designated swim zones during high season; follow local guidance around the pier/rocky end of the beach.

Restrictions
  • Designated swimming areas in high season
Local Tips
  • Best around low tide.
  • Check the northern point during a North swell for the best left-hand waves.
  • Summer can be especially flat, so align expectations with tide and swell.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Arrieta
Nearest Town
Arrieta
Nearest Airport
Lanzarote Airport (ACE)
Parking
Large sandy parking area directly behind the beach.
Public Transport
Regular intercity bus service connects Arrieta with other towns on Lanzarote (frequency is limited compared with mainland cities).
Access
Located in Arrieta town (Haría municipality). Road access via LZ-1; buses 07 and 09 reach Arrieta.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Spanish
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Changing rooms
Toilets
Parking
Restaurant
Bar
Picnic area
Playground
Accommodation
Nearby town — Apartments and vacation rentals available in Arrieta village.
Food & Drink
Several seafood restaurants located on the beach and in the village, including options for fresh fish.
Equipment Rental:
Equipment rental available via the local surf school on the beach.
Gear Storage
Limited storage is available through private accommodations or some school facilities.
Gear Repair
Basic surfboard repairs available locally; major repairs may require travel to other parts of the island.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

La GeriaSouthwest of the northeast coast

Lanzarote’s wine-growing landscape with volcanic vineyards and Malvasía wine.

Jameos del AguaWithin the wider northeast Lanzarote area

A celebrated volcanic cave complex and cultural site designed by César Manrique.

Cueva de los VerdesWithin the wider northeast Lanzarote area

A major lava-tube attraction in northern Lanzarote.

Cueva de los VerdesWithin the wider northeast Lanzarote area

A major lava-tube attraction offering guided underground walks.

Jameos del AguaWithin the wider northeast Lanzarote area

A volcanic tunnel transformed into gardens and performance spaces by César Manrique.

Coastal hikingRegional

Volcanic shoreline and cliff-top walking are a major outdoor activity along the north coast.

Coastal Hiking0 km

Scenic trails along the lava-formed coastline connecting the villages.

Diving and snorkellingRegional

Clear Atlantic waters and volcanic topography support marine exploration.

Regional coastal cafés and restaurantsRegional

Dining is concentrated in nearby villages rather than directly at the launch.

Casa de la Playa0 km

Popular beachfront restaurant in Arrieta known for fresh local fish.

Punta Mujeres Natural Pools1 km

Sheltered lava pools suited for children to swim and snorkel safely.

Cave and lava-tube visitsRegional

Volcanic cave/lava-tube outings are among the family-friendly highlights of northern Lanzarote.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Playa de la Garita (La Garita)?

The best overall months at Playa de la Garita (La Garita) are May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.

Which wind directions work at Playa de la Garita (La Garita)?

Playa de la Garita (La Garita) works with W winds. Offshore directions are W, NW.

What skill level is Playa de la Garita (La Garita) suitable for?

Playa de la Garita (La Garita) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner.