Playa de las Américas is the most surfed seafront in Tenerife. Several reefs line up in front of the promenade, each with its own character: a left, a long right, an A-frame and a learner wave. For the rest of the island, read our guide to surf spots in Tenerife.
The downside is the crowd: when it works, the line-up is packed and the locals hold their ground.
At a glance: Las Américas
| Wave type | Reefs, lefts and rights depending on the peak |
| Bottom | Volcanic rock, sand and pebbles at El Conquistador |
| Best tide | All tides for most peaks, El Dedo rather at high tide |
| Swell direction | South-west to north-west |
| Best wind | East (offshore) |
| Level | Beginners at El Conquistador, intermediate and experienced elsewhere |
| Crowd | Heavy |
| Best season | Winter |
Las Américas surf spot (Tenerife)
La Izquierda: a left over reef, the best known, often packed. La Derecha del Cartel: a long right over rock, which works from about 1.5 m of swell. El Dedo: a left and right peak with a steep take-off over a shallow reef. El Conquistador: a reef covered with sand and pebbles, the school wave in 1 to 1.5 m swells.
The spot takes south-west to north-west swells and cleans up with an east wind. In winter, north swells wrap around the island and come in through the channel between Tenerife and La Gomera.
When to surf Las Américas?
The best period runs from November to March. In summer it is often flat, unless a south swell arrives.
Surf calendar Las Américas: intensity by month
Las Américas forecast
Before you paddle out, check today’s conditions:
- Windy weather map (28.0580, -16.7310): swell, wind and live conditions.
- Windguru forecast for Las Américas below: wind, gusts and rating over 7 days.
Las Américas: which surf level?
Beginners: only at El Conquistador
Start at El Conquistador, on a rising mid tide: it is the wave where schools take their students. The other peaks break over rock, so wear reef booties.
Intermediates: La Izquierda and El Dedo
These two peaks are for you, but respect priority: the line-up is local and busy.
Experienced surfers: La Derecha del Cartel
On big swells, the Cartel right runs for a long time. When the south is flat in winter, check the north coast, like Punta del Hidalgo.
How to get to Las Américas
The peaks are in front of the Playa de las Américas promenade, about twenty kilometres from Tenerife South airport. You get in the water from the seafront. Check the entry and exit points carefully, the reef is sharp.
Spot location
GPS coordinates (approximate): 28.0580° N, 16.7310° W. In front of the Playa de las Américas seafront, in south-west Tenerife.
Open the full map on OpenStreetMap
Where to stay near Las Américas?
Las Américas, Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje have plenty of hotels and apartments. Accommodation map below.
What to do near Las Américas?
Whale and dolphin boat trips leave from Los Cristianos, right next door. For a quieter session, El Médano is half an hour away by car.
FAQ: Las Américas (Tenerife)
Only at El Conquistador, on a rising mid tide. The other peaks break over rock and are for more experienced surfers.
From November to March. In summer it is often flat.
Most peaks work on all tides. El Dedo is safer around high tide, as the reef is shallow there.
Yes, very. It is the busiest spot on the island when it works.
In short
Las Américas is a row of reefs in south-west Tenerife, for all levels depending on the peak. Best surfed in winter, respecting the locals. To discover the other islands, read our guide to surfing in the Canary Islands.
Sources: Surf-forecast, Mondo Surf, The Surf Atlas. Photos: Phil Reid / Unsplash.