San Juan

Caleta de Famara · Lanzarote and Fuerteventura · Spain

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A long, hollow left over volcanic reef just west of Caleta de Famara. The swell wraps in along the coast and peels for a long way, with fast barrel sections on good days, and a short, heavy right is also possible. It has hosted WQS contests. It is one of the classic reefs of Lanzarote and draws a strong local crew.

Level
Advanced
Break
Reef break, reef
Waves
Lefts
Crowd
Crowded
Season
autumn, winter, spring
Boards
A shortboard or a step-up when it is big.

When it works

✓ A 1.5–3 m north-northwest swell with a south-southwest wind, around low tide.

When it doesn't

✕ Mostly flat in summer, and the trade wind ruins it in the afternoon.

Watch out for

  • reef
  • rocks
  • localism
  • crowds

Best months

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

Local tips

Booties help on the urchin-covered reef. The paddle out is long, so time it between sets. Let the locals have their waves and you'll be fine.

Getting there

A dirt track leads from Caleta de Famara to a parking area less than 100 m from the break.

History

San Juan has hosted ASP WQS contests.

Travel notes

How often it works
Breaks most of the winter when a north or northwest swell runs.
Crowd and vibe
Busy when it is good, with a strong local crew. Wannasurf lists localism; be patient and respectful.
Camping and vans
Wild camping is banned on Lanzarote. The only regulated camping area is at Papagayo in the far south, open in set periods with a booking. Vans parked overnight at Famara and Caletón Blanco are a known problem, and overnight stays there are not allowed.
Facilities
None at the spot. Cafés and shops are 2 km away in Caleta de Famara.
Water quality
In the 2025 EU bathing-water results, the nearest points were rated excellent (Playa de Famara) and good (La Caleta harbour).

Ideal conditions

Swell
NW–N best, WNW–NNE works
Size
1.5–3 m offshore swell; starts at 1.2 m, holds to 4.5 m
Period
10 s minimum, best from 13 s
Wind
Offshore S–WSW; handles onshore up to 8 km/h
Tide
low best, avoid high
Faces
NE (35°)

Live cam

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

In the guides

Nearby spots

All spots in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura · All spots

Sources