La Santa is both a village and a group of reefs on the northwest coast of Lanzarote. Just opposite, the La Isleta peninsula has several peaks: the La Santa right, The Slab, Morro Negro and Boca del Abajo. El Quemao, the best known left, breaks in front of the village.
This is experienced surfer territory. The reefs are shallow, the currents strong, and the line-up feels more local than in Famara.
At a glance: La Santa
| Wave type | Shallow reefs: hollow rights, a few lefts, long walls at Morro Negro |
| Bottom | Volcanic rock |
| Best tide | Around high tide at The Slab, depends on the peak elsewhere |
| Swell direction | West-northwest to northwest |
| Best wind | East (offshore) |
| Level | Experienced surfers |
| Crowd | Often busy, local atmosphere |
| Best season | October to March, especially December |
La Santa surf spot (Lanzarote)
The Surf Atlas describes a shallow volcanic reef with fast, hollow rights, a few lefts and strong currents, which can get very big waves in winter. Perfect Wave Travel mentions Morro Negro, at the tip of La Isleta, for its long walls with hollow sections that hold big swell, and Boca del Abajo, a hollow left in shallow water.
According to Surf-Forecast, The Slab works best with a west-northwest swell, an east wind and around high tide. Our sources disagree on the direction of La Santa’s main wave: a right for The Surf Atlas, a left for Perfect Wave Travel. In fact there are several peaks breaking both ways.
When to surf La Santa?
The season runs from October to March. According to Surf-Forecast, December is the best month at The Slab, and summer is mostly flat.
Surf calendar La Santa: intensity by month
La Santa forecast
Before you paddle out, check today’s conditions:
- Windy weather map (29.1200, -13.6590): swell, wind and live conditions.
- Windguru forecast for La Santa below: wind, gusts and rating over 7 days.
La Santa: which surf level?
Beginners: not for you
Shallow reefs, currents and a local line-up: go and learn in Famara.
Intermediates: with caution
In small swells some La Isleta peaks become more manageable, but the rock is always close. Caleta de Caballo, next door, is a better step.
Experienced surfers: several reefs to choose from
With a northwest swell and an east wind, you can choose between the La Santa right, The Slab, Morro Negro in big swells and El Quemao. Booties recommended, and keep a low profile in the line-up.
How to get to La Santa
La Isleta is reached by the road that runs past the La Santa sports resort and around the lake. Park without blocking residents. You get in and out of the water over the rocks.
Spot location
GPS coordinates (approximate): 29.1200° N, 13.6590° W. La Isleta peninsula, next to the village of La Santa (Tinajo).
Open the full map on OpenStreetMap
Where to stay near La Santa?
La Santa has a few apartments and a large sports resort. Caleta de Famara and Tinajo offer more choice.
What to do near La Santa?
Timanfaya National Park is close by. On calm days, visit the wild coast of Los Hervideros or the green lagoon of El Golfo, further south.
FAQ: La Santa (Lanzarote)
No. These are shallow reefs with currents, for experienced surfers only. Beginners should go to Famara.
From October to March, with northwest swells. December is often the best month.
El Quemao is the left that breaks in front of the village. La Santa also refers to the La Isleta reefs opposite: the La Santa right, The Slab, Morro Negro and Boca del Abajo.
In short
La Santa is a group of shallow reefs around La Isleta, on the northwest coast of Lanzarote. Surf it from October to March, with a northwest swell and an east wind, if you are experienced. See all the surf spots in Lanzarote and our guide to surfing in the Canary Islands.
Sources: Surf-Forecast, The Surf Atlas, Perfect Wave Travel, Surfnerd.