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.
Today's Conditions
Location & Conditions
Tide Times
Strike Score Breakdown
Location & Conditions
Spot Details
Swell 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
👥 Spring Break (Apr 4 – May 4) — expect extra crowds
Access: Tow-in/jet ski required. 2.5km offshore.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Handful of days per year. Some winters doesn't break at all.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Lafitenia
🇫🇷 Intermediate perfection • Long right walls • Basque Country classic
Guéthary
🇫🇷 Basque big wave territory • Heavy reef • Respect the locals
Guethary
🏄♂️ Basque big wave • Harbor reef • Size magnet
Les Cavaliers
🇫🇷 Anglet's workhorse • Year-round consistency • Basque reliability
Les Cavaliers
🏖️ Anglet surf strip classic • Sandbar-dependent peaks • French beach culture
Anglet Les Cavaliers
🏖️ Biarritz accessible • Multiple peaks • Autumn gold