Lenakel
Lenakil is Tanna Island's most famous left, breaking right in front of Lenakel village on the west coast. A hollow reef break that works best with SW-S swells during the trade wind season. The unique setting includes views of Mt. Yasur, one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes. Remote and uncrowded.
Lenakel surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (200°)
- Direction range
- 170° - 230°
- Size range
- 0.6m - 2m
- Ideal size
- 1.2m - 1.7m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 13s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ENE (70°)
- Offshore range
- 40° - 100°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid to high
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 1.5m
Water temp
26°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
1/10
Access: Use Tanna/Whitegrass Airport (TAH) for Lenakel-area access; Port Vila is the international gateway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Lenakel?
Lenakel is a reef break in Tanna Island, Vanuatu, that mostly breaks left.
What swell works best at Lenakel?
Lenakel picks up swell from the S round to the SW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SSW. It starts working at around 0.6m and handles up to about 2m, with the sweet spot around 1.2 to 1.7m. Period matters too: aim for 13s or longer, as anything under 9s 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 Lenakel?
An ENE wind is dead offshore at Lenakel, and anything from the NE round to the E keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 10am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Lenakel?
Lenakel is at its best around the mid to high tide, roughly 0.5m to 1.5m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Lenakel?
The most reliable run of swell at Lenakel comes Apr to Sep. SE trade wind season. South swells.
How cold is the water at Lenakel?
The water at Lenakel averages around 26°C, so boardshorts or a rashguard will do. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Lenakel good for beginners?
Not really. It's rated 7/10 for difficulty and suits experienced surfers. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 1/10). Reef break in front of Lenakel village. Mt. Yasur active volcano nearby.
How do I get to Lenakel?
The nearest airport on our list is TAH, then it's roughly a 10-minute drive. Use Tanna/Whitegrass Airport (TAH) for Lenakel-area access; Port Vila is the international gateway.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Sep
SE trade wind season. South swells.