El Hierro
El Hierro, Spain
Reef breakAdvanced
The smallest and wildest of the Canary Islands, El Hierro is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where volcanic reef breaks on the island's north coast deliver uncrowded, powerful surf in one of the most pristine island environments in the Atlantic.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
OptimalN (0°)
WindowNNW–ENE (330°–60°)
Size–NW 1.5–3m at 14–18s
Wind
E
Light to SE under 15 knots
Tide
Mid to high
LowMidHigh
Season
Nov–Mar
JFMAMJJASOND
The Wave
Type
Reef break
Bottom
Volcanic lava rock
Shape
Rights and lefts over exposed reef
Length
80–200m
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Advanced surfers
- •Why: Remote volcanic reef breaks with limited assistance, experience essential
Hazards
- •Sharp lava reef throughout
- •Very remote island, medical assistance is limited
- •Strong currents in the channels between reef sections
Local Tips
- •El Hierro is the least visited Canary Island, genuinely uncrowded and pristine
- •El Hierro is 100% renewable energy powered, a sustainability pioneer
- •The underwater volcanic eruption (2011–2012) created new reef formations offshore
Location
27.6400, -17.9833