In this post, we will show you the main kitesurfing spots in Tarifa and others within an hour’s drive.
Before continuing reading, here are some concepts to understand the article:
- Swell day: It refers to the waves formed due to various atmospheric phenomena that occur at sea, usually winds and storms that can travel thousands of kilometers before reaching our shores in the form of waves. It is a succession of giant water masses (usually with a long period between them), which can be seen as parallel lines on the horizon. As they approach the coast and collide with the seabed, the waves that we surf are formed.
- Offshore: … It is the wind that blows from land towards the sea.
Let’s start from East to West:
Spots in Los Lances Beach:
Within the same beach, we have different locations:
Balneario Spot
Location on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/e6ENLFiyF5vJxo2L9
Suitable for Beginners (amateurs): No
Legendary spot for “freestyle” and “big air,” depending on the wind intensity. You’ve probably seen images on Instagram of riders flying in this place. Here you can see both professionals and amateurs putting on a show that you won’t find in many places around the world.
It only works with Levante wind (NE), but be careful since it is completely offshore – from land to sea. Therefore, it is only suitable for very experienced kitesurfers.
The spot is small and its popularity is growing, so it’s becoming more crowded.
It extends from the island’s breakwater to a group of rocks towards the west, about 150 meters away. If you go beyond the rocks, the wind disappears due to the shadow cast by the buildings, so it’s best not to take risks.
It offers flat water and a small, well-ordered wave that serves as a perfect kicker to launch you into the sky.
On swell days, a good surfable wave comes in, although most days it doesn’t break cleanly. With a bit of luck, you can have a good day of surfkiting.
To summarize:
- One
- Levante Wind (consistent and strong) off-shore side
- For some, it is the best spot in the world.
- Only suitable for very experienced kitesurfers.
- Flat Water
- It is important to emphasize the dangerous nature of this spot
Los Lances Sur Beach Spot (La Jaima-soccer field)
Los Lances Sur Beach Spot Location on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/8hwrAMPo2kYX5y2SA
Suitable for Beginners (amateurs): Yes, but only from October to May.
It is the beach of the town. It works very well with Poniente wind and is very convenient due to its ample space. It has numerous parking areas, and you can walk there if you stay in the town. Kitesurfing is not recommended with Levante wind as it is usually very gusty.
Navigation is only allowed between October 15th and June 15th. Outside of these dates, the spot is reserved for swimmers.
It is a multi-purpose spot (freestyle, big air, surfkite, foil…) Whatever you want.
Rio Jara Spot
Location on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/hXgYyTqY247JYmjG7
Suitable for Beginners (amateurs): Yes
It is located in front of the Rio Jara campsite, and although it is all part of the same beach from Balneario to Arte Vida, this spot marks the boundary between Lances Sur and Lances Norte. It works just as well as the rest of the beach with westerly winds, but on days with swell and easterly winds, it forms a left-hand wave that turns into a paradise for kitesurfing enthusiasts, especially when the wave reaches a considerable size.
If the mentioned conditions are met, as the wind comes from the land – which is more dangerous – you must take extreme precautions. However, during the months of March and December, rescue boat companies provide their services. We recommend purchasing a voucher in case of emergencies, so you can navigate with total security at an affordable price.
Los Lances Norte Beach Spot
Location on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/Kk6yYkWajjk36GLS9
Suitable for Beginners (amateurs): Yes, at any time of the year and with any wind. The best spot.
It is the area known for kite schools, including our Radikite school (we are the only ones with beachfront facilities for changing and storing your belongings, avoiding the need for travel).
Although students mix with independent practitioners, Playa de los Lances Norte is very extensive, and the areas for kite surfers and swimmers are properly delimited during the seasonal months.
It works well with both westerly (Poniente) and easterly (Levante) winds.
During the hot season (spring-summer), thermal winds often come in with westerly winds. Even if the forecast is not good, most days are navigable with around 15 knots of southwest wind.
With easterly winds (Levante), we recommend sailing towards the Rio Jara area, where the wind channels better and is more consistent.
There is ample parking available, and it has beach bars (chiringuitos) and a great atmosphere.
To summarize:
- Playa with a length of 10 km.
- With Poniente wind, constant and moderate waves.
- Especially in winter, it can bring larger waves.
- Perfect for learning.
- During summer, the northern area works with Levante. It’s important to hire rescue services.
- Designated areas for athletes and bathers between June and September.
- Wind direction:
- Poniente: Side on-shore, on-shore.
- Levante: Side off-shore.
- Water:
- Flat and choppy with Levante.
- Moderate waves with Poniente.
Spot Arte Vida
Location on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/EeC2AUdr15sLQS1g6
Suitable for Beginners (amateurs): Yes, but avoid low tide and days with heavy swell.
Located in front of the hotel of the same name, we find the western end of Playa de los Lances, frequented especially by kitesurfers and windsurfers looking for waves to surf during the winter months.
This spot works exclusively with westerly winds (Poniente), and the waves are more organized compared to the rest of Playa de Los Lances. Exercise caution during low tide as the seabed is rocky.
Spots in Valdevaqueros
Location on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/8SwCGUDX2dVKHJrL6
Suitable for Beginners (amateurs): Yes, but be careful…
Next to the Punta Paloma dune, Valdevaqueros beach is the trendy spot during the summer months due to the beach bars in the area. It tends to be very crowded, with kite surfers, windsurfers, and swimmers all sharing the space. Although the zones are well defined, they are not always respected. If you go, try to respect the boundaries.
Furthermore, the beach is quite narrow, so space is limited. If you don’t enjoy crowded places, this may not be the spot for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking to combine a lively atmosphere and party scene with your sports activities, you’ll find everything you’re looking for here.
It works with both westerly (Poniente) and easterly (Levante) winds, and there is no need for rescue boat services as the bay itself provides protection in case of any issues.
On days with low wind forecast and westerly winds, it is very likely that the thermal wind will kick in here, so don’t lose hope, you’ll probably be able to go out and ride.
To summarize:
- The quintessential spot.
- Works with both Levante and Poniente.
- With a high tidal coefficient, a lagoon with flat water is formed where navigation is allowed.
- Wind direction:
- Side-shore with Levante.
- Side on-shore with Poniente.
- Water:
- Choppy, moderate waves.
Kitesurf spots around Tarifa
Spot Palmones
Location on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/ppbgeZavK3ujbmVj8
Suitable for Beginners (amateurs): Yes, but make sure there is wind before you go.
About a half-hour drive towards Malaga, we have Palmones, located in the Bay of Algeciras, in front of the Rock of Gibraltar.
This spot is recommended for beginner and experienced riders when the Levante wind in Tarifa is too strong. There is a river with a lagoon where kitesurfing is strictly prohibited, so please respect it if you go.
To summarize:
- 30 minutes by car from Tarifa.
- An alternative when the wind is too strong in Tarifa.
- Good for beginners.
- Wind: Side on-shore.
- Water: Moderate waves.
Kitesurf Spot in Caños de Meca
Location on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/zTi2yg2ARHrTUoAj6
Suitable for Beginners (amateurs): No.
Just a 40-minute drive from Tarifa, we find this legendary spot. Behind the dunes and next to the Trafalgar lighthouse, we find an ideal spot for lovers of good waves. However, it requires a minimum level of skill, and caution must be taken with the rocks at the end of the spot, especially at low tide.
To summarize:
- The quintessential spot for wave lovers.
- Works well with Levante.
- Wind: Side-shore.
- Water: Medium to large waves.
Getares Spot
To summarize:
- 20 minutes by car from Tarifa.
- An alternative when the wind is too strong in Tarifa.
- Perfect for wave lovers.
- Wind: Side on-shore.
- Water: Medium to large waves.
Sotogrande Spot
- 45 minutes by car from Tarifa.
- Usually has good waves.
- Wind: On-shore.
- Water: Large waves.