El Cotillo
El Cotillo is a charming fishing village on Fuerteventura's northwest coast with multiple surf spots. The main break produces fun lefts that peel along a cobblestone bottom, with a dramatic shipwreck visible from the lineup. The village has become a surf town, with cafes and accommodation catering to wave riders.
El Cotillo surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNW (330°)
- Direction range
- 300° - 360°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 2m
- Ideal size
- 1.3m - 1.7m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SE (135°)
- Offshore range
- 100° - 180°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 2m
Water temp
20°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
5/10
Access: Lefts peeling over cobbles beside shipwreck in port.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at El Cotillo?
The El Cotillo profile favors the recorded tide range, ideally between 0.3m and 2m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at El Cotillo?
The El Cotillo profile uses wind from SE (135°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 100° to 180°. 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 El Cotillo?
The El Cotillo scoring profile favors swell from NNW (300° to 360°), a swell-height range of 0.8m to 2m, and a reference period of 12s. 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 El Cotillo?
The main season at El Cotillo is Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. A secondary window runs Apr, May, Sep. Year-round swells. Left peeling over cobbles beside shipwreck in port.
How do I get to El Cotillo?
The spot profile lists FUE as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 35 minutes. Lefts peeling over cobbles beside shipwreck in port.
What kind of wave is El Cotillo?
El Cotillo is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 4/10.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Apr, May, Sep
Year-round swells. Left peeling over cobbles beside shipwreck in port.
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