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.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (310°)
- Direction range
- 280° - 340°
- Size range
- 6m - 15m
- Ideal size
- 10.6m
- 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
👥 Summer Holidays (Jul 4 – Sep 1) — expect extra crowds
Access: Tow-in/jet ski required. 2.5km offshore.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Belharra?
Belharra works best on a mid tide. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Belharra?
Offshore wind at Belharra blows from the ESE (110°). Anything in the 70° to 150° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Belharra?
Belharra wants NW swell (280° to 340°) between 6m and 15m, with a period of 20s or more for quality waves.
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?
Fly into BIQ, then allow about 25 minutes by road, plus a boat transfer (around $200 USD). 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
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