Best Surf lessons in Lanzarote
Lanzarote is an island of volcanic landscapes and pristine beaches that are perfect for surfing, both for beginners and expert surfers.
Surfing in Lanzarote | ©Thierry Gregorius
Surfing in this Canary Island is one of the best things to do in Lanzarote. Here you will find beaches with calm waves ideal for beginners, such as Famara, Orzola and Las Cucharas, as well as some of the most sought-after waves by surfers from all over the world, such as El Muelle or El Quemao.
Most of these places have surf schools with experienced guides who will tell you everything you need to know to have a safe experience in the water. These schools also rent equipment to practice on your own, and organize surf camps with more activities you can join.
1. Famara Beach
Famara is one of the best beaches in Lanzarote where you can surf, because it has areas for both beginners and professionals, and there are many surf schools.
Famara beach stretches for 6 km of white sand and has no rocks, so it is perfect for surfing.
The center is the most suitable area for beginners, as the waves are longer and more constant, and it is where the surf schools usually give lessons. On the other hand, the extremes are the most chosen by more experienced surfers.
The main surfing spots in Famara are:
- The center of the beach: it is the best area to get started in surfing.
- El Codito: it is located at the entrance of Famara and has both sand and rocks. It is for more experienced surfers.
- El Muelle: is next to the fishing pier of Famara and is one of the most renowned surfing spots, only for experienced surfers.
- San Juan: it is a place for experienced surfers only, due to its fast and powerful waves.
Surf lessons in Famara beach
On Famara beach you will find many surf schools that give lessons for beginners, intermediate and advanced surfers, starting from 10 years old. Prices vary between 45 EUR for a 4-hour group lesson, or 90 EUR for a 4-hour individual lesson.
You can also book a combo of several lessons over several days, if you have the time to dedicate to this sport. If you are a beginner, it is best to take specific classes for those who are just starting out.
These are some of the companies that offer classes and surf camps for all levels all year round, as well as equipment rental and even bicycles.
Many also offer courses in kitesurfing, wingsurfing, SUP and the possibility of combining surfing with other activities such as yoga. In short, the area offers some of the best activities that can be done in Lanzarote.
How to get to Famara Beach
Famara beach is located within the Natural Park of the Chinijo Archipelago, northwest of the island, between the village of Caleta de Famara and the base of the cliff of the same name.
If you go by car or bus, you must first get to Caleta de Famara and from there to the beach next to it.
2. La Santa
On the beaches of La Santa, a town located on the northwest coast of Lanzarote, you can surf every day of the year. However, it is necessary that you have more experience, since its world-famous waves are sought after by the most experienced surfers.
The surfing areas of La Santa are:
- El Quemao: receives surfers from around the world who want to try their hollow and strong waves, especially between October and March. It has even hosted important surfing championships. It is only recommended for expert surfers.
- The left: The best waves are between September and May. Its waves are short and explosive, and the entrance to the water has some difficulty.
- The right: its waves are constant, so they are one of the most famous of Lanzarote. Only suitable for expert surfers.
- El Centro: it is a place of medium difficulty, with long and constant waves.
Surf lessons in La Santa
In La Santa there are several surf schools that offer lessons for beginners, such as Lanzarote Vida Surf, and surf lessons for all levels, such as Kaboti Surf.
How to get to La Santa
From Arrecife you have about 45 minutes by car, taking the LZ-20 road to La Santa. You can also take a bus from the Ida Public Library in Arrecife to La Santa. The trip takes about 45 minutes.
3. La Garita Beach
La Garita beach is located in the northeast of the island and is an ideal place for beginners.
It is located in the village of Arrieta, near the Jameos del Agua, one of the most recommended places to visit in Lanzarote. It is also one of the places that can be combined with the Timanfaya tours in Lanzarote.
In La Garita you will find a dark sandy beach 800 meters long with constant waves ideal for learning to surf. It is also home to many surf schools and equipment rental stores.
Although it is an area of calm waves, there may be some of greater force, so it is advisable, if you are a beginner, surfing when the tide is low.
Surf lessons at La Garita
In La Garita you will find several surf schools that offer classes for all levels from 10 years of age, so it is an ideal activity for those who are looking for what to do with children in Lanzarote.
In these same schools you will be able to rent the equipment, as in La Garita Surf Surf.
How to get to La Garita
From Arrecife you can reach Arrieta in 20 minutes by car taking the road LZ-01. You can also take a bus from the Guaguas station, which will take you to Arrieta in 45 minutes.
4. La Graciosa Island
There are several surf spots on the island La Graciosa, which is located north of Lanzarote and can be reached by ferry or by hiring a tour to La Graciosa from Lanzarote.
It is not a place for beginners, since, in addition, on the island there are no surf schools. But if you have some experience, you will love to know this island, where there are no paved roads or cars: that's what makes it so special.
Some places in La Graciosa are:
- Playa de la francesa: It is the most accessible surfing area. The ferry leaves you two kilometers from this beach, where you can only get there by walking or renting a bike.
- Yellow Mountain: It is located southwest of the island, and has a fast left wave, although there are not always waves in this place.
How to get to La Graciosa
The only way to get to La Graciosa island is to take a ferry from the port of Órzola, which in half an hour leaves you at Caleta del Sebo, in the center of the island. From Arrecife you have 35 minutes by car to Órzola by the LZ-01 road. By bus it takes one hour from the Guaguas station.
The ferry companies that go to La Graciosa are Biosfera Express and Líneas Romero. They leave every day every one hour and a half, starting at 8 am. The last ferry returns from La Graciosa at 6.30 pm - 7 pm. You can book the trip on their websites:
The ticket costs about 28 EUR round trip.
Water cabs also operate on the island, which make transfers from other points of the island, but their prices are higher.
5. Caleta de Caballo
Caleta de Caballo beach is located in Teguise, between Famara and La Santa, and is one of the most popular surfing spots for surfers from all over the world. It has surfing areas of high difficulty and intermediate difficulty.
The wave on the left is ideal for intermediate surfers, while the one on the right is faster and hollow, so it is more suitable for experienced surfers.
How to get to Caleta de Caballo
From Arrecife you can take the LZ-20 road and in 20 minutes you will arrive at Caleta de caballo. You can also get there by bus from the Ida Public Library in Arrecife, and in 1 hour and 10 minutes you will arrive at your destination.
6. Orzola Beach
Órzola is located in the north of the island and is an ideal place for beginner surfers, as the waves break on a sandy bottom from the left and right.
Órzola is a small fishing village of 400 inhabitants, from where the ferry takes you to the island La Graciosa, where there are no cars or asphalt.
In Órzola you can take the opportunity to taste the delicious dishes of the area, especially if you eat fish and seafood, although you will also find other options.
How to get to Órzola
From Arrecife you can take the LZ-01 road that takes you to the village, and it will take you about 35 minutes. You can also go by bus and you will have an hour from the Guaguas station.
7. Caleta del Espino Beach
The beach Caleta del Espino is a place located in Haría only for expert surfers.
Here you will find a long wave that forms very interesting tubes. However, it can be dangerous due to the sharp volcanic rocks at the bottom. If you do not have enough experience, you should not risk it.
It is best to surf here when the tide is high and the wind comes from the west, and in the months of October to April.
How to get to El Espino
If you go by car from Arrecife you can take the LZ-1 road to Caleta del Espino, in Punta Mujeres. You can also go by bus from the Guagua station in Arrecife. It will take you 25 minutes by car and 50 minutes by bus.
8. Jameos Beach
At Jameos beach you can find a long and fast wave, with direction to the left, ideal for surfers with some experience. However, if there is a lot of current and you don't know the way, it will be difficult to get into the water, but maybe if you watch the locals you will be able to go up.
This beach is very close to the site of interest Jameos del Agua de Lanzarote, a tunnel that was formed by a volcanic eruption and was intervened by César Manrique, an important artist of the Canary Islands who managed to bring together art and nature in his designs throughout the island.
How to get to Playa Jameos
If you go by car from Arrecife you can take the LZ-1 road to Jameos del Agua, which will take you about 25 minutes. You can also take the bus in front of the Guagua station in Arrecife. It will take you about 50 minutes.
9. Caletón del Mero
In Caletón del Mero you will find high difficulty waves, fast, only for experts. This is one of the most sought after waves by professional surfers. The left and right waves form tubes, and the right one is longer.
How to get to Caletón del Mero
If you drive from Arrecife you can take the LZ-1 road towards Órzola, to Caletón del Mero beach, which will take you about 30 minutes. You can also take a bus in front of the Guagua station in Arrecife in the direction of Órzola, to Caletón del Mero beach. The bus takes 1 hour and 15 minutes to get there.
10. Las Cucharas
Las Cucharas beach is located in Teguise and La Santa, and is ideal for beginners, as its waters are calmer.
Its waves coming from the left can be enjoyed all year round, although winds are more regular between May and August.
How to get to Las cucharas
In Las Cucharas you can find surf schools for beginners, intermediate and advanced surfers, and equipment rental, such as Volcano Surf Lanzarote.
How to get to Las cucharas
If you drive from Arrecife you can take the Las Palmeras road and drive 13 minutes to Teguise. You can also take the bus from the Vuelta Public Library in Arrecife, which will drop you 500 meters from the beach. The bus takes about 30 minutes.
What you need to know if it's your first time surfing
If this is your first time surfing, you should know that you don't need to buy specific equipment as the surf schools will provide you with all the elements you need, i.e. the board and the wetsuit. Just make sure you put on plenty of waterproof sunscreen as you will be under the sun for several hours.
You can opt for private lessons, which are a bit more expensive, or group classes of no more than 5 people per instructor. There are more suitable places to take lessons as a beginner, such as the center of Famara beach, La Garita or Las Cucharas, where the bottom is sandy and the waves do not offer much difficulty.
On the other hand, many companies include the transfer and can take you to the best place depending on the sea conditions of the day you take your lessons.
On average, it takes a person about 20 hours to learn how to ride a wave, but this depends on each person. Some can do it after just one lesson. However, if you really want to learn to surf, you can opt to take lessons several days in a row, taking advantage of the discounts offered by surf companies.
Finally, make sure you take lessons in a surf school with a recognized trajectory, which can give you the security you need to practice this sport and enjoy it to the fullest.
Surf lessons for advanced surfers and equipment rental
Most surf schools in Lanzarote, in addition to giving lessons, rent equipment for those who travel without their equipment and want to surf on their own. The rental of a board per day is around 20 EUR and a wetsuit, 5 EUR, with the possibility of buying a combo for several days at a discount.
As for the classes for advanced surfers, they are oriented to provide information on the best places to surf, in relation to the waves, wind, currents, etc., with transfer included.