Vagabundos (Moya)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Ocean, Flat
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Vagabundos in San Felipe is a north-coast surfing beach break on Gran Canaria known for a regional-class wave that can deliver both left and right sections. It’s described as a sandy break (with rock present near the bottom/shore), giving fun, maneuverable lines—especially when the surf is smaller and you can connect through the peel. In terms of wave size, multiple guides converge on the same working range: it typically starts to come in around 1.0–1.5m and can build to 3m or more before closing out. Low to mid tide is repeatedly identified as the best window for wave shape and safety margin; at higher tide the wave can steepen more and push closer to the rocks during heavier sets. Wind conditions can vary. One guide highlights south/southeast trade-wind influence with generally clean offshore conditions from the south, while another provides a monthly statistic indicating winds are “blown” about 76% of the time (with a higher “clean” probability than “small” surf days). Overall wind reliability is described as low by one provider, so checking live forecasts is important. The main safety theme across sources is water movement: strong currents/rip currents and drift are specifically called out, along with submerged rocks and a heavy/rocky entry-exit. Local tips emphasize managing your positioning carefully, favoring low-to-mid tide, and being mindful of tide-related changes near the rocks. Crowd-wise, it’s described as much less crowded than urban spots on weekdays, while weekends can draw more surfers.
- Regional classic sandy beach break on the north coast
- Works from ~1.0–1.5m up to 3m+
- Low-to-mid tide typically best; strong currents and rocks require careful positioning
- Sandy beach-break feel with maneuverable lefts and rights; ideal for progressing when conditions are smaller.
- Works across a solid swell window: starts around 1.0–1.5m and can hold to 3m+.
- Quieter weekdays compared with urban spots; regional classic reputation.
- Strong currents and rip/drift during larger swells; rocks near the shore make positioning critical.
- Often exposed/steepened conditions; can get heavy and push toward rocks at higher tide.
- Parking/access can be constrained at times (and occasional access restrictions due to road works).
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S, SE
- Offshore directions
- S, SE
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade winds are a key influence on the coast; wind direction varies by season and swell/pressure patterns.
- Reliability
- low (general), 76% blown/monthly stat reported
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Sources describe gustiness as moderate; one guide characterizes winds as steady.
- Best Months
- October, November, December
- Shadow Zones
- High cliffs/terrain to the south can create wind shadows at times.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean, Flat
- Beach
- Mixed — Sand with rock; some sources describe sandy/pebbly sand with rocky patches depending on tide.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Wave size described as small in one physical summary; surf guides note it starts around 1.0–1.5m and can build to 3m+ depending on swell.
- Launch
- Medium — Instant access walking described (< 5min); another source notes rocky shoreline with patches of sand depending on tide.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Easy launch reported by one source; rocky shoreline and tide-dependent access described as moderate by another.
Through the year
Much less crowded than urban spots; fewer surfers during weekdays; weekends can be more crowded/regularly busy.
November to February (occasional rain and storms).
By sport
What to expect for each.
A regional-class sandy beach break on the north coast with right and left sections that start working around 1.0–1.5m and can hold to 3m+. Low to mid tide is commonly best.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- NE, NW, N
- Swell Height
- 1–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low, Mid, All tides — Low and mid tide are repeatedly indicated as best; low-to-mid gives better shape. (Some sources also mention low as optimal.)
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Exposed coastal setting overall, with a mix of shelter depending on swell size and tide; one guide lists it as exposed.
- Wind Effect
- South winds provide cleaner/offshore conditions; general wind effect described as good.
- Bigger Swell
- Works best with NE swell on low to mid tide (especially in summer) and holds up to 3m+ before closing out; another guide notes it holds size up to ~3m+ before closing out.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Described as good/regional classic.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Wave power described as moderate in one source; another describes it as powerful.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling described across sources; one notes fast/clean offshore conditions with south winds.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peel speed reported as medium; another source describes sections as fast.
- Ride Length
- Short — Ride lengths are typically 50 to 150m; described as short-medium depending on swell connection.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Normal length reported as 50 to 150m; some sources quote typical range around ~100m depending on connection.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Vagabundos (Moya) in the full forecast view.
Vagabundos (Moya) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 5–14 ktsGusts 23 kts
- Direction
- ENE74°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2414 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–1.7 m9s period
- Temperature
- 23–26 °C
Over the next 7 days, Vagabundos (Moya) is forecast for daytime winds of 5–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 23 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 0.7–1.7 m with a period of about 9s. 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
- strong currents
- rip currents and drift during larger swells
- submerged rocks and rocky outcrops near the shore
- heavy shore break/rocky entry-exit
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Rescue availability reported as no dedicated on-site rescue.
- Emergency Info
- No dedicated on-site rescue reported for this spot; general emergency number is 112 (regional context).
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Localism described as mild to moderate depending on source; local peak priority is expected.
Rules of the spot
Respect standard surfing etiquette and local peak priority. Plan for strong currents and heavy handling when waves steepen.
- Occasional access restrictions due to coastal road works / beach closures reported in the past. Check current access.
- Manage your positioning carefully due to strong currents.
- Best enjoyed at low to mid tide; at higher water levels the wave can get very heavy and push closer to the rocks.
- Access restrictions may occur due to coastal road works; check before going.
- Parking can be limited along the old coastal road; limited roadside parking reported.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Santa María de Guía de Gran Canaria
- Nearest Town
- San Felipe
- Nearest Airport
- Gran Canaria Airport (LPA)
- Parking
- Easy parking in town reported; limited parking along the roadside/old coastal road also reported.
- Public Transport
- Global bus network connects Moya and the coastal GC-2 road to the capital (car is typically essential for gear to specific launches).
- Access
- Located in San Felipe at the end of the coastal road. Access from the motorway at San Felipe; follow the small street to the end.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Guesthouses and rentals available in San Felipe; other accommodation also in nearby Las Palmas.
- Food & Drink
- Local restaurants and cafes located in San Felipe.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental reported as not available at the spot; shops located in Las Palmas (regional context).
- Gear Storage
- Limited on-site storage; most visitors rely on vehicle storage (regional context).
- Gear Repair
- Specialized surfboard and wetsuit repair services available in Las Palmas (regional context).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
One of the last remaining laurel forest strongholds on the island, with scenic hiking trails.
Major archaeological site showcasing pre-Hispanic Guanche culture.
Iconic cliff-edge church overlooking the Moya barranco.
Rugged trails along the northern volcanic cliffs connecting various surf breaks.
Traditional Canarian seafood with ocean views directly on the coast.
Natural rock pools protected from the open ocean, ideal for swimming.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Vagabundos (Moya)?
The best overall months at Vagabundos (Moya) are October, November, December, January, February, March, April. The best wind months are October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Vagabundos (Moya)?
Vagabundos (Moya) works with S, SE winds. Offshore directions are S, SE.
What skill level is Vagabundos (Moya) suitable for?
Vagabundos (Moya) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.