Le Santocha is Capbreton’s central spot, between Le Prévent and La Piste. A long right runs from the rocky groyne towards the bunkers, with left and right peaks.
I surf here all year round: it is a demanding and fickle spot. In summer, the waves are easy for beginners, but watch out for crowds; in winter, it is the backup spot for surfers from Seignosse and Hossegor. For the other spots, read our guide to surfing in Capbreton.
At a glance: Le Santocha
| Wave type | Beach break, long right off the groyne and left and right peaks |
| Bottom | Sand, rocks near the groyne |
| Level | Beginners in summer with a school; intermediate surfers the rest of the year |
| Tide | All tides, best at mid tide |
| Swell | West |
| Wind | East (offshore) |
| Best period | October to February |
| Hazards | Currents, rocks near the groyne, summer crowds |
About Le Santocha (Capbreton, Landes)
Le Santocha is a sandy beach break. Its best-known wave is a long right that runs from the rocky groyne towards the Second World War bunkers, with left and right peaks too. It works best at mid tide.
My take on Le Santocha
I love the view from Le Santocha: the waves, the bunkers and, on a clear day, the Basque mountains. The spot is often crowded, but when you manage to get a session on your own, it’s great.
Clean lines are fairly rare here, but it’s a good spot to practise your take-off. It is a backup spot, and it can really get good waves, especially in autumn and winter.
There are several sections: the right off the groyne, the middle, often bigger and hollower, and the peak in front of the bunkers. Perfect for sunset.
When to surf Le Santocha?
In summer, the waves are small and schools teach at Le Santocha. From October to February, west swells make it more demanding; when Hossegor and Seignosse are too big, it becomes a backup spot.
Le Santocha surf calendar: swell size by month
Le Santocha forecast
Before you paddle out, check the swell, wind and tide: here, the level of the spot changes with the size of the waves.
- Windy weather map (43.6476, -1.4465): swell, wind and live conditions.
- GoSurf webcam at Le Santocha and La Piste : the waves live before you go.
- Surfline forecast : swell, period and tide over several days.
Le Santocha: what level?
Beginners: in summer, with a school
Schools teach here in summer. The line-up is busy: stay in the surf zone.
Intermediate surfers: the spot to improve
From October to February, the groyne right is good for working on your turns. A fickle spot: check the conditions before you go.
Experienced surfers: the big-swell backup
When Hossegor and Seignosse are too big, Le Santocha stays surfable.
How to get to Le Santocha?
Le Santocha is in Capbreton. Parking is paying in town, but the Beausoleil car park, which serves Le Santocha and La Piste, is free. Its lifeguard station is shared with Le Prévent.
On site: showers, toilets and a beach bar.
Spot location
GPS coordinates (approximate): 43.6476° N, 1.4465° W. Le Santocha, Capbreton, Landes.
Open the full map on OpenStreetMap
Where to stay near Le Santocha?
Stay near Capbreton harbour to walk to Le Prévent and Le Santocha. Hossegor and Seignosse are just to the north. Book early for July and August.
What to do near Le Santocha?
On flat days, stroll around Capbreton harbour. At the end of September, the Quiksilver Festival livens up Capbreton, Hossegor and Seignosse, free to attend.
FAQ: Le Santocha
Yes in summer, with a school. The rest of the year, it is a spot for intermediate surfers.
From October to February for the best waves, summer to learn with a school.
Because it stays surfable when Hossegor and Seignosse are too big.
In short
Le Santocha is Capbreton’s central spot: a long right off the groyne, good for improving from October to February, and a beach for surf lessons in summer.
Other spots to check out nearby: Le Prévent surf spot and La Piste surf spot. To compare with other regions, see our guide to surfing in France.
Information may change. This guide is for general guidance only: surf conditions, temperatures, access, opening hours and prices can change. Before your trip and every session, check the forecast, local conditions and information from local providers. A spot description and its suggested level are no guarantee of safety: always match your session to your level and the conditions on the day. Learn more
Sources: Surfline, Ultimate France, Belambra, Mondo.surf, Surf-forecast, Plages des Landes.