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Aerial satellite view of Los Platos-La Orrotava surf break in Tenerife Canaries, Canary Islands, Spain
Tenerife Canaries, Canary Islands, Spain

Los Platos-La Orrotava

28.423, -16.510
Edited by Thomas Jackson
Verified May 2026
Editor-reviewedCross-checked against 1 reference
Varies · ReefAdvanced3–8 ftJan – Dec

A raw reef break on Tenerife's north coast, Los Platos-La Orrotava punches above its profile by staying quieter than nearby Socorro and Bajamar while still delivering genuine power when the Atlantic swells line up. It needs NW to N swell in the 3-5ft range to start showing its character, holding up past 8ft on bigger winter pulses before the energy turns unrideable. Offshore winds from the S and SE are the move. Tides affect the close-out tendency, so check carefully before paddling out. This is an experienced surfers' wave: the reef bottom, strong lateral currents, and frequent close-out sections make it unforgiving for anyone still building their ocean reading skills. Weekdays you may find yourself nearly alone, weekends bring a handful of locals. Bottom: reef. Season: autumn through winter. Consistency: moderate, with regular close-out windows filtering sessions down to the better-shaped sets.

Wave fit

Skill suited
Advanced
BegIntAdv
Best months
Jan – Dec
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Character
Powerful reef peaks with frequent close-out sections.
Trip planning

Quick facts

Water temp
18° to 23°C
Wetsuit
2mm to 3/2
What to bring
  • Shortboard 6ft to 6ft 4in for everyday reef sessions
  • Step-up 6ft 6in to 7ft for bigger winter swells
Lineup
Easy-going
Where it sits

Location

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About this break

What it's actually like

Crowd & Localism

One of the quieter reef options on Tenerife's north coast. Weekday sessions can be almost empty, weekends attract a few surfers. The crowd reality is far more relaxed than Socorro or Bajamar, but the experienced-only nature of the break creates a natural filter. Respect the lineup and locals who know the section rhythms.

Access & Facilities

Located along the rugged north Tenerife coast, the break sits within a visually striking stretch of volcanic shoreline. Current can run strongly along the reef, so pick your entry and exit carefully. No elaborate facilities on site, stock up on water and food before heading out. The surrounding natural landscape of north Tenerife is part of the draw.

Nearby Alternatives

If close-outs are dominating or the swell is too heavy, Socorro and Bajamar are the go-to alternatives along the same north coast stretch. Both handle a wider range of conditions and offer more consistent, surfable sections when Los Platos-La Orrotava is shutting down.

10-day swell, wind and tide

Los Platos-La Orrotava surf forecast

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Forecast by Windy.app

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Frequently asked

Before you paddle out

Los Platos-La Orrotava is a reef break suited for advanced surfers. It is not a beginner wave. Start somewhere softer and work up.
Los Platos-La Orrotava
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