Belharra
Belharra is France's premier big wave—a deepwater reef 2.5 kilometers offshore from Saint-Jean-de-Luz that only wakes up during the most massive North Atlantic storms. The wave requires tow-in assistance and breaks maybe a handful of days per winter; some years it doesn't break at all. When it does, Belharra produces giant, powerful A-frames in the 40-60 foot range. The Basque Country setting and the rarity of rideable swells make a Belharra session a career highlight for Europe's big wave elite.
Belharra surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
Today's Conditions
Find FlightsLocation & Conditions
Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
Tide times today
Strike Score Breakdown
Plan Your Strike
Return flights to BIQ, departing today with a 5-day trip window.
Search Flights on SkyscannerLocation & Conditions
Know when Europe is about to fire
Get the best strike windows in Europe — and worldwide — in your inbox every Monday & Thursday. Live Strike Scores, the swell behind them, zero fluff.
Vous préférez le français ? Recevez le Strike Report en français, gratuitement →
Get the full Belharra trip window
Pro unlocks the 10-day forecast window, unlimited alerts, and custom spot tracking that help turn a good-looking surf report into a better travel decision.
10-day window
See the trip window before flights get expensive.
Unlimited alerts
Let the app watch your score threshold for you.
Custom spots
Track the breaks that actually matter to your travel plans.
Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (310°)
- Direction range
- 280° - 340°
- Size range
- 6m - 15m
- Ideal size
- 8.3m - 11m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 20s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (110°)
- Offshore range
- 70° - 150°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
Water temp
14°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
10/10
Crowd level
2/10
Access: Tow-in/jet ski required. 2.5km offshore.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Belharra?
The Belharra profile favors mid tide. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Belharra?
The Belharra profile uses wind from ESE (110°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 70° to 150°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Belharra?
The Belharra scoring profile favors swell from NW (280° to 340°), a swell-height range of 6m to 15m, and a reference period of 20s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Belharra?
The main season at Belharra is Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb. Handful of days per year. Some winters doesn't break at all.
How do I get to Belharra?
The spot profile lists BIQ as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 25 minutes. A boat transfer is also required. The profile estimates $200 USD; confirm the current price and departure point with an operator. Tow-in/jet ski required. 2.5km offshore.
What kind of wave is Belharra?
Belharra is a big wave break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 10/10.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Handful of days per year. Some winters doesn't break at all.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Lafitenia
🇫🇷 Intermediate perfection • Long right walls • Basque Country classic
Guéthary
🇫🇷 Basque big wave territory • Heavy reef • Respect the locals
Les Cavaliers
🏖️ Anglet surf strip classic • Sandbar-dependent peaks • French beach culture
Zurriola
🏛️ Europe's most elegant surf • San Sebastián beauty • Urban beach perfection
La Graviere
🇫🇷 World's heaviest beachbreak • Canyon-amplified power • Pro-level tubes
La Nord
💪 Europe's heaviest beach break • Canyon power • Autumn perfection
Plan a trip around Belharra
Compare this break with other destinations in these surf guides.