The Surf Window

Garður

Reykjanes, Iceland

Beach breakAdvanced

At the northernmost tip of Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, Garður is an exposed headland where the Atlantic meets the Faxaflói Bay and north swells wrap around the lighthouse point to create Iceland's most accessible quality surf.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size–NW 1.5–2.5m at 12–16s

Wind

SE

Light to E under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Sep–Mar

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Reef and beach break

Bottom

Lava rock and sand

Shape

Rights off the lighthouse point, beach peaks in the bay

Length

50–120m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Advanced surfers
  • •Why: Cold, exposed Atlantic Iceland conditions demand experience

Hazards

  • •Very cold water, 4–10°C
  • •Wind exposure is extreme, Garður is Iceland's most windswept point
  • •Lava rock reef is sharp and unforgiving

Local Tips

  • •Two historic lighthouses at the point, one of Iceland's most photographed coastal scenes
  • •Keflavík Airport (10 minutes) makes this Iceland's easiest surf stop from international arrivals
  • •The Garðskagi museum inside the old lighthouse tells the story of Reykjanes fishing history

Location

Map showing the location of Garður in Reykjanes, Iceland

64.0833, -22.6833