Guéthary – Cenitz

Guéthary · Pays Basque · France

Today’s forecast: the current surf forecast for Guéthary – Cenitz (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/guethary-cenitz.

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Cenitz is a protected reef bay just south of Guéthary, with three waves over sharp rock: a long, slow left in the south of the bay that suits improving surfers, a faster left-and-right peak in the middle for intermediates, and a quicker, rockier right at the north end for advanced surfers. It is one of the few spots on this coast that likes high tide, picks up a lot of swell and is at its best when small and clean. The secluded setting and laid-back, longboard-heavy lineup give it a relaxed feel.

Level
Intermediate
Break
Reef break, rock
Waves
Lefts and rights
Crowd
Crowded
Season
autumn, winter, spring
Boards
A longboard or mid-length for the left, a shortboard for the north right.

When it works

✓ A clean 0.8–2 m northwest to west swell around high tide with a southeast to east wind.

When it doesn't

✕ Low tide, when the reef is too shallow and turns into rock pools, and big swells that make the bay messy.

Watch out for

  • rocks
  • reef
  • crowds

Best months

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

Local tips

Because it works at high tide when most reefs are off, it fills up then; go early morning or late evening for fewer people. The south-side left is inconsistent and its rocks need watching. The back right holds more size but is weak below about 2 m and has a steep take-off.

Getting there

From the centre of Guéthary take the cliff path along the railway and follow signs to plage de Cenitz, or drive down the narrow single-track lanes south of Guéthary and walk 5–15 minutes. The bay is a protected coastal site.

Travel notes

How often it works
Wannasurf rates it regular. It works at high tide when most reefs are off, and is best in small, clean swells.
Crowd and vibe
Few surfers on weekdays, crowded at weekends, with lots of longboarders and a laid-back mood. Respect the locals.
Camping and vans
Camping Plage Soubelet in Acotz is about 600 m south (April to October), and Camping Itsas Mendi is about 400 m from the Acotz beaches. Nearest campsite about 0.5 km away.
Facilities
There is a restaurant at the bay but little else. The lanes are narrow and parking is limited. Part of the beach is naturist.
Water quality
Guéthary's two bathing sites were rated excellent in the national dataset (2022 rating).

Ideal conditions

Swell
WNW–NW best, W–NNW works
Size
1–2 m offshore swell; starts at 0.7 m, holds to 2.5 m
Period
8 s minimum, best from 12 s
Wind
Offshore E–S; handles onshore up to 12 km/h
Tide
high best, avoid low
Faces
NW (315°)

Live cam

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

Nearby spots

All spots in Pays Basque · All spots

Sources