A Buraca

Vigo · Galicia Sur · Spain

Today’s forecast: the current surf forecast for A Buraca (wave height, swell, wind, tide and a 0–10 rating for every hour of the next 16 days) are only shown on SurfCams. They change every hour, so this text doesn’t contain them. To check today’s surf, open https://surf-cams.com/spot/a-buraca.

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A Buraca is a rock reef peak in the Oia district of Vigo, between Cabo Estai and Canido, hidden behind houses. The right is a powerful, proper wall; the left is shorter, gentler and suits longboards. It is usually empty, which makes it a useful choice when other Vigo spots are poor or crowded. Getting in and out over the rocks takes care.

Level
Advanced
Break
Reef break, rock
Waves
Lefts and rights
Crowd
Quiet
Season
autumn, winter, spring
Boards
A longboard for the left; a shortboard for the right.

When it works

✓ A solid north-west swell with a south, south-east or east wind around high tide.

When it doesn't

✕ Low tide exposes the rocks, and northerly or westerly winds blow it out.

Watch out for

  • rocks
  • reef

Best months

January, February, March, April, October, November, December

Local tips

Getting in over the rocks and finding the peak takes practice. Go with a local on your first visit. Once you know it, it is fun rather than dangerous.

Getting there

Go via Canido and take the road to the oceanographic institute. Park on the street near Playa das Barcas, then paddle about five minutes.

History

Local surfer Kike Manero is credited with finding the wave in the late 1980s.

Travel notes

How often it works
More reliable than most Vigo spots: despite the shelter of the Cíes Islands, it breaks on small swells and keeps working up to about 3 m.
Crowd and vibe
Usually empty, even in summer, so it is a good escape when the beaches are busy. People describe a relaxed mood. Going with a local the first time helps.
Camping and vans
The nearest campsite is Camping Playa América in Nigrán, about 6 km south (March to September). Nearest campsite about 6 km away.
Facilities
No facilities at the reef; park on the street near Playa das Barcas.
Water quality
No rating for the reef itself. Neighbouring Canido beach holds Bandera Azul for 2026, which needs excellent water results the season before.

Ideal conditions

Swell
WNW–NNW best, W–NNW works
Size
2.5–4 m offshore swell; starts at 2 m, holds to 5 m
Period
11 s minimum, best from 14 s
Wind
Offshore E–S; handles onshore up to 12 km/h
Tide
high best, avoid low
Faces
NW (320°)

Live cam

No cam at this spot yet: the forecast and the guide are on the map.

Nearby spots

All spots in Galicia Sur · All spots

Sources