San Juan is a reef just west of Caleta de Famara, a few minutes from the village. It is an A-frame peak: a left that opens into a long wall, and a shorter right.
The spot works even in small swells, which makes it a good option when Famara beach is too messy. But the take-off is fast and the reef shallow: you need to be confident already.
At a glance: San Juan
| Wave type | A-frame reef, long left and shorter right |
| Bottom | Rock reef, sea urchins |
| Best tide | Low to mid tide for the left, higher for the right |
| Swell direction | Northwest to north |
| Best wind | South to south-southwest (offshore) |
| Level | Confident intermediates and experienced surfers |
| Crowd | Often busy when it works |
| Best season | October to March |
San Juan surf spot (Lanzarote)
Surfnerd describes an A-frame peak over uneven reef: the left runs into a long wall, the right fades quickly. The Surf Atlas mentions a fast left that can barrel, with a near vertical take-off: miss the first section and you end up on the rock. Surf-Forecast lists it among the island’s consistent reefs.
It works with a northwest to north swell, from about 0.6 to 1.8 m, and a south wind. A southwest wind is still surfable. On tide, our sources don’t all agree: low tide for Surf-Forecast and The Surf Atlas (for the left), all tides with a preference for the rising tide for Surfnerd. The lower the tide, the faster the wave.
When to surf San Juan?
The best period runs from October to March, with northwest swells. In summer the spot is often flat. As it picks up small swells, it can work when other spots on the island are too small.
Surf calendar San Juan: intensity by month
San Juan forecast
Before you paddle out, check today’s conditions:
- Windy weather map (29.1256, -13.5753): swell, wind and live conditions.
- Windguru forecast for nearby Famara below: wind, gusts and rating over 7 days.
San Juan: which surf level?
Beginners: not for you
Shallow reef and fast take-off: learn on Famara beach next door, with a surf school.
Intermediates: if you are confident
Our sources disagree: Surfnerd recommends it for intermediates, The Surf Atlas keeps it for good surfers. If you already handle fast take-offs and can turn, go in small swells at mid tide. Otherwise, wait.
Experienced surfers: the left at low tide
With a clean north swell, the left gets fast and hollow at low tide. The spot is also used for contests.
How to get to San Juan
San Juan is west of Caleta de Famara. Park for free along the road and reach the water over the rocks. The reef is covered in sea urchins: booties recommended.
Spot location
GPS coordinates (approximate): 29.1256° N, 13.5753° W. West of Caleta de Famara, on the north coast of Lanzarote.
Open the full map on OpenStreetMap
Where to stay near San Juan?
Stay in Caleta de Famara: surf houses, apartments and surf schools a few minutes from the spot.
What to do near San Juan?
Famara beach is right next door. At the end of the day, climb the cliffs above the bay, or visit Teguise and its Sunday market.
FAQ: San Juan (Lanzarote)
No. The reef is shallow and the take-off fast. Beginners should go to Famara beach next door.
From October to March, with northwest to north swells and a south wind.
Low to mid tide for the left. The lower the tide, the faster the wave.
In short
San Juan is an A-frame reef near Caleta de Famara, with a long, fast left. Surf it from October to March, with a northwest swell and a south wind, if you are already confident on a reef. See all the surf spots in Lanzarote and our guide to surfing in the Canary Islands.
Sources: Surf-Forecast, Surfnerd, The Surf Atlas, Mondo Surf.