Summary
The surf in Gran Canaria is truly spectacular with a big variety of waves for surfers of all skills levels. Just like for the rest of the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria is blessed with amazing swells as well as year-round sunshine and warm weather.
Experienced surfers will have a blast cruising along the north side of the island, from Las Palmas to El Pagador. On this stretch, several surf spots catch most of the winter swells and provide amazing waves.
Beginners can also undoubtedly catch their first few waves on the north side of the island as there are many surf camps and surf schools in the Las Palmas area. However, the south side of Gran Canaria can provide smaller and softer waves, perfectly suitable for novice surfers.
When to go
The best time to surf Gran Canaria, in the Canary Islands, is from October to April for bigger and more consistent waves. Beginners looking for smaller waves will probably have a better time from May to September, during the summer season.
January-February March-April May-June July-August September-October November-December
Suitable for: All surfers All surfers All surfers All surfers All surfers All surfers
Air temperature 18°C
64°F19°C
66°F21°C
70°F23°C
73°F23°C
73°F20°C
68°F
Water temperature 19°C
66°F19°C
66°F21°C
70°F22°C
72°F23°C
73°F21°C
70°F
Crowd Fairly crowded Few people Few people Fairly crowded Few people Few people
Swell Consistency 85% 85% 55% 40% 70% 85%
Swell height 7 ft 7 ft 6 ft 6 ft 6 ft 8 ft
Surf Camps in Gran Canaria
4 or 8-day Basic Beginner Surf Camp in Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
Starts at US$131, including:
- Daily surf lessons
- Qualified surf instructors
- Various surf spots suitable for all levels
- Accident and liability insurance
- 3 nights accommodation
- Surfing equipment
8-day Surf and Yoga Holiday in Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
US$656
- 5 surfing lessons
- 7 energizing yoga classes
- Experience and certified instructors
- A visit to the Osorio farm and Canarian plantation
- Enjoy an amazing day trip around the island
- 7 nights shared accommodation
Where to stay in Gran Canaria
A great place to stay on a surf trip to Gran Canaria is in Las Palmas which gives you the best access to the island’s best surf spots.
Browse our interactive map to find the best accommodation deals in Gran Canaria!
Getting there
The two only options to get to Gran Canaria are by plane or by the sea. You can catch a domestic or international flight landing at Gran Canaria Airport or jump on a ferry from mainland Spain or any other islands in the Canaries.
Safety/things to know
-Waves can get very powerful in winter.
-Localism can be an issue. Always respect local surfers.
Surf spots in Gran Canaria
El Confital
Wave direction : Left and right
Bottom : Sand and rocks
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : W
Optimal wind direction : E
La Cicer
Wave direction : Left and right
Bottom : Sand and rocks
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : NNW
Optimal wind direction : S
El Lloret
Wave direction : Left and right
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : NNW
Optimal wind direction : S