| Spot | Municipality | Bottom | Best season | Level (tourist board) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Medio | Arona | Volcanic reef | Autumn to spring | Beginner to intermediate; lifeguard, showers, bars |
| Martiánez | Puerto de la Cruz | Pebbles and sand | Autumn to spring | Beginner to intermediate, gentle |
| Playa Grande El Porís | Arico | Sand | All year | Beginner |
| El Socorro de Güímar | Güímar | Rocks | All year | Beginner to intermediate |
| El Lobo (Bajamar) | La Laguna | Pebbles | Autumn to spring | Beginner to intermediate; surf shops |
| Almáciga | Santa Cruz | Sand | All year | Beginner to expert |
Which option for whom
- First lesson. Book a group lesson with a school or an operator and let them choose the spot for the day's swell. The board says sand and pebble spots are the more accessible ones, and that volcanic reef spots are for experienced surfers.
- Once you can stand up. Almáciga, Benijo and Roque de Las Bodegas, all in Santa Cruz municipality, have sand bottoms; the board rates Almáciga from beginner to expert and the other two from intermediate to expert, with beginners welcome at Roque de Las Bodegas on smaller days.
- Experienced surfers. The board lists reef breaks such as Chickens, El Bunker, El Dedo and El Palmar in Arona as intermediate to expert, and rates La Caleta in Adeje, El Centro in Guía de Isora and the Derecha del Chalet as expert, the last with dangerous access and exits. These are not lesson spots.
Where the waves are
The strongest waves are on the north and north-west of the island, and the gentler ones are in the south and south-west. Atlantic low-pressure systems bring the winter swell from October to April, and the trade winds shape conditions from May to September. That is why the board lists most reef breaks as "autumn to spring" and why a summer lesson in the south can be flatter than one in winter. Spots with a summer season in the board's list include El Cabezo in Granadilla and Fitenia in Arona.
Schools listed by the tourist board
- Fitenia. Founded in 2006 by Carlos García Suárez; the board calls it the first surf school in Tenerife.
- Kontraola Surf School. Founded by Félix Trujillo.
- Tenerife Surf Point. Teaches in English, Spanish, Russian, German and Latvian.
- Wind Center Playa Surf. Based in El Médano, it also teaches windsurfing, wingfoil and paddle surfing. See El Médano.
Boards can be rented from local shops and surf schools, which can match a board to your level, according to the board.
How to book a lesson
- Choose the month. From October to April the north and north-west have the biggest waves, which suits intermediate surfers; for a first lesson, a school in the south or a sand-bottom beach is calmer.
- Pick a group or private format. The GetYourGuide surf lesson above is offered as private or small-group; the listing shows the meeting point, the language and what is included, so read them before you pay.
- Check what is included. Equipment such as the board and a wetsuit is not described on the tourist board's page, so read what the listing includes.
- Plan the rest of the day. For where to stay on the south coast, see where to stay in Costa Adeje and where to stay in Los Cristianos. For other sea activities, read Tenerife kayak and paddleboard tours and Tenerife boat trips.
Safety, from the tourist board
Ask the lifeguards when there are any. Otherwise check wind strength and direction, current direction, the tide, the time of day, the swell size and the entry and exit zones. Surf with a companion, limit a session to about two hours to avoid fatigue and dehydration, and use sun protection. At El Socorro in Los Realejos, the board advises asking the lifeguards about the currents.
Mistakes to avoid
- Choosing a reef break for a first lesson. The board rates most of them intermediate to expert.
- Expecting winter waves in the south. The biggest swell is on the north and north-west.
- Booking by price alone. The group lesson above is rated 4.8 from 1,267 reviews, but its price varies by date and group, so compare the dates on the listing.
- Skipping the lifeguard. The board recommends asking the lifeguards about the sea on the day.
FAQ
Do I need a permit to surf in Tenerife?
No. The tourist board says none is needed for surfing or bodyboarding.
How warm is the sea?
About 19 °C in winter and 26 °C in summer.
When is the best time for lessons?
All year. Winter swell runs from October to April, and the board lists El Cabezo and Fitenia as summer spots.
Where can complete beginners go?
The board rates Playa Grande El Porís in Arico as a beginner spot, and El Medio, Martiánez, El Socorro de Güímar and El Lobo as beginner to intermediate.
Can I rent a board?
Yes, from local shops and surf schools, which can match a board to your level.
The Tenerife Authority editorial team, 7 November 2026.
