Learning to Surf in Famara, Lanzarote: Courses, Prices and the Beach

Famara, on the north-west coast of Lanzarote, is where the island's surf schools teach. The beach is about six kilometres long, with sandbanks that shift and give waves of different strengths. Here is how a beginner course works there and what it costs.

Where beginners learn

Calima's head of instructors recommends that learners stay in the first two kilometres of the beach next to the village, where most instructors and the lifeguards are. Strong currents can occur at Famara, especially at high tide, so staying close to qualified people matters. Famara works best with a north-west swell. The wind is not always ideal, but beginners need not worry much about it, he says.

How a course day runs

Groups are small, with one instructor for up to eight students. A basic lesson is 2 hours, either 10:00 to 12:00 or 12:30 to 14:30. An intensive day is 4 hours with a break in between. For longer course days Calima can pick you up in Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen or Puerto Calero (from two people); the meeting point in the village is Avenida El Marinero 13. Lessons are taught in English and Spanish, and the instructors are BSA-certified.

Courses and prices

All courses include the surf equipment, liability insurance and transport from the school to the beach. Prices are per person in euros.

From 3 intensive days, a photo session is included; from 5 days, photos, a diploma and a dry-surf video review. The 5-day course follows the BSA level 3 program. Private lessons for one person cost €150 for 2 hours or €550 for five days, with an instructor watching you all the time.

Book on the Caleta de Famara surfing page or on the Calima Surf School profile. For other surf spots on the island, see where to surf in Lanzarote.