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 is usually surfed with 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 peaks of 8 meters and more. 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.
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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 kind of wave is Belharra?
Belharra is a big-wave spot in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France, that mostly breaks right. It's on our list of the world's 100 best waves.
What's the story behind Belharra?
Belharra (Belarra in Basque) literally means 'grass' or 'weed'. It was first surfed on 22 November 2002. Before the harbour jetty was built, the wave sometimes swallowed ships moored at Socoa.
What swell works best at Belharra?
Belharra picks up swell from the W round to the NNW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the NW. It starts working at around 6m and keeps going up to about 15m, with the sweet spot around 8.3 to 11m. Period matters too: aim for 20s or longer, as anything under 16s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Belharra?
An ESE wind is dead offshore at Belharra, and anything from the ENE round to the SSE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to midday. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Belharra?
Belharra is at its best around mid tide.
When is the best time of year to surf Belharra?
The most reliable run of swell at Belharra comes Oct to Feb. Handful of days per year. Some winters doesn't break at all.
How cold is the water at Belharra?
The water at Belharra averages around 14°C, so you'll want a 4/3mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Belharra good for beginners?
No. As a big-wave spot, it's strictly for experienced surfers. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 2/10). Usually tow-in. 2.5km offshore. Extreme hold-downs.
How do I get to Belharra?
The nearest airport on our list is BIQ, then it's roughly a 25-minute drive. From there you need a boat to reach the break (we estimate around $200 USD, but confirm with an operator). Tow-in/jet ski required. 2.5km offshore.
What other surf spots are near Belharra?
The closest breaks we track are Lafitenia (4.5 km), Guéthary (6.1 km) and Les Cavaliers (18 km), handy when Belharra isn't working. Fun fact: it's the second most southerly break we track in France.
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
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