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.
Today's Conditions
Find FlightsLocation & Conditions
Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
Tide times today
Strike Score Breakdown
Plan Your Strike
Return flights to FUE, departing today with a 5-day trip window.
Search Flights on SkyscannerLocation & Conditions
Know when Atlantic Islands is about to fire
Get the best strike windows in Atlantic Islands — and worldwide — in your inbox every Monday & Thursday. Live Strike Scores, the swell behind them, zero fluff.
¿Prefieres español? Recibe el Strike Report en español, gratis →
Get the full El Hierro (The Bubble) 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
- 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 tide is best at El Hierro (The Bubble)?
The El Hierro (The Bubble) profile favors low to mid tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1.2m 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 Hierro (The Bubble)?
The El Hierro (The Bubble) profile uses wind from S (180°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 150° to 220°. 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 Hierro (The Bubble)?
The El Hierro (The Bubble) scoring profile favors swell from N (315° to 30°), a swell-height range of 1.5m to 3.5m, and a reference period of 16s. 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 Hierro (The Bubble)?
The main season at El Hierro (The Bubble) is Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. A secondary window runs Apr, Sep. Winter N-NW swells. Pipeline of Europe. Extremely dangerous.
How do I get to El Hierro (The Bubble)?
The spot profile lists FUE as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 60 minutes. Pipeline of Europe. Extremely dangerous, heavy slabs. Pros only.
What kind of wave is El Hierro (The Bubble)?
El Hierro (The Bubble) is a reef break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 10/10.
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
🌋 Pipeline of Europe • Lava reef carnage • Extreme localism
Famara
🏔️ 6km beach break • Cliff backdrop • Lanzarote's surf hub