El Hierro (The Bubble)
El Hierro, also known as The Bubble, is the heaviest wave in the Canary Islands—a shallow, hollow right that has been compared to Pipeline. The wave breaks over volcanic rock just below the surface, producing thick, grinding barrels that close out violently. This is a wave for professionals and experienced chargers only. Multiple serious injuries have occurred here.
El Hierro (The Bubble) surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (350°)
- Direction range
- 315° - 30°
- Size range
- 1.5m - 3.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.4m - 3m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (180°)
- Offshore range
- 150° - 220°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.2m
Water temp
20°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
10/10
Crowd level
4/10
Access: Pipeline of Europe. Extremely dangerous, heavy slabs. Pros only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is El Hierro (The Bubble)?
El Hierro is a reef break in Fuerteventura, Spain, that mostly breaks right.
What swell works best at El Hierro (The Bubble)?
El Hierro picks up swell from the NW round to the NNE, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the N. It starts working at around 1.5m and handles up to about 3.5m, with the sweet spot around 2.4 to 3m. Period matters too: aim for 16s or longer, as anything under 12s 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 El Hierro (The Bubble)?
A S wind is dead offshore at El Hierro, and anything from the SSE round to the SW keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at El Hierro (The Bubble)?
El Hierro is at its best around the low to mid tide, roughly 0.3m to 1.2m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf El Hierro (The Bubble)?
The most reliable run of swell at El Hierro comes Oct to Mar. There's a second window in Apr and Sep too. Winter N-NW swells. Pipeline of Europe. Extremely dangerous.
How cold is the water at El Hierro (The Bubble)?
The water at El Hierro averages around 20°C, so you'll want a 3/2mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is El Hierro (The Bubble) good for beginners?
No. At 10/10 for difficulty, it's strictly for experts. Expect a moderate crowd (4/10) when it's on. Pipeline of Europe. Extremely dangerous, heavy slabs. Pros only.
How do I get to El Hierro (The Bubble)?
The nearest airport on our list is FUE, then it's roughly a one-hour drive. Pipeline of Europe. Extremely dangerous, heavy slabs. Pros only.
What other surf spots are near El Hierro (The Bubble)?
The closest breaks we track are El Cotillo (8.6 km), Spew Pits (9.8 km) and Los Lobos (13 km), handy when El Hierro isn't working. We track 4 spots around Fuerteventura in total.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Apr, Sep
Winter N-NW swells. Pipeline of Europe. Extremely dangerous.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
El Cotillo
🚢 Shipwreck backdrop • Cobblestone lefts • Surf village charm
Spew Pits
🦔 Urchin-covered reef • Fast barrels • Respect the spikes
Los Lobos
🐺 Canaries' longest wave • 500m rides • Boat access island
La Santa Right
🏋️ La Santa sports hub • Lanzarote quality • Dawn patrol essential
El Quemao
🌋 Canary Islands slab • Lava reef carnage • Experts only
Famara
🏔️ 6km beach break • Cliff backdrop • Lanzarote's surf hub