Fuerteventura – A Surfer’s Wonderland

Miles of largely deserted white sands make Fuerteventura, one of the Spanish Canary Islands, worthy of any water sport addict’s attention. The wild west coast, with its unruly waves entices fanatics from all over the globe to this tiny European island.

Thanks to the strong canary current and powerful wind speeds, the Professional Windsurfing Association Grand Slam takes places here year after year, allowing the crème de la crème the chance to take centre stage and battle it out to prove who can best tame the ferocious waves.

Windsurfing

Windsurfing in Fuerteventura isn’t solely reserved for the experts, however. One great location for beginners is Caleta de Fuste, which is just a ten minute drive south of the airport and is awash with beautiful beaches and some of the best waters on the island. Small waves mean that there’s no fear of being swept under, although those hoping to progress will easily be able to pick up a little speed. The Caleta de Fuste Escuela de Windsurfing del Castillo (try saying that in one breath!) is a well-respected school with great reviews, and has teachers who offer lessons in English and will guide you through the ins and outs of picking up that ten tonne sail (or at least that’s how it will feel the first time!)

Windsurfing for pros:

Sotavento is where the PWA windsurfing world cup is held, so this is one of the better options if you’re looking to practice your skills. There are consistent winds, which are particularly good in the summer months (July, August). Lookouts are maintained throughout the day, so the main hazard is bumping into other windsurfers! The Rene Egli Centre is the place to hire kit from, with two centres (Pro 1 and Pro 2). The areas nearer Pro 1 are best for the more experienced.

Kitesurfing in Fuerteventura:

Beaches of Fuerteventura are always littered with many colourful kites. The summer trade winds make Fuerteventura the perfect location among kitesurfing fanatics.

Great kitesurfing locations are scattered throughout Fuerteventura. Towards the north you can find Corralejo, a very popular spot among kite surfers of all levels, as you can find challenging winds and local kitesurfing schools. Such schools include: Fuerteventura Kite School, Natural sense Kitesurf School and SUP School Fuerteventura.

More towards the west coast you can find, El Cotillo, Caleta de Fuste and Playa de Sotavento.  El cotillo is an especially renowned location for wave sailors.

For Diving:

Thanks to year-round great weather conditions, diving in Fuerteventura is always an option for those wanting clear underwater views of an array of exotic marine life. Corralejo, though famed for being a tacky faux-English resort with its dingy dive bars and cafes, is one of the better diving locations. Abyss Diving school offers PADI courses in small groups taught in a number of different languages. Although if you’re taking little ones with you, Caleta de Fuste could be a better option as children as young as eight or nine can do ‘Bubblemaker’ courses at Deep Blue Diving centre. Those already certified can take part in a number of different courses there too, such as the ‘drift diving’ or ‘underwater navigator course’ for the ambitious sea detectives.

For sailing:

If you see signs saying ‘Escuelas Nauticas’ – you’re on the right track! Sailing schools aren’t as easy to come by as the windsurfing variety, but it’s still a relatively popular activity for those who want to avoid getting their hair wet.

You can charter boats easily if you have a sailing qualification – just remember to bring your certificate. Corralejo harbour is again the best spot for this.

Those without a qualification who still want to feel the ocean spray can hop on board a fishing tour here any day of the week excluding Sundays. They usually run for 5 hours and include insurance and a snack. As well as the glory of your first catch, you might also get to spot the whales, dolphins and porpoises that call the island home.

Where to stay?

Thankfully Fuerteventura is not as built up as the other Canary Islands, but there is still an enormous choice range of hotels, bnbs and rental apartments. These verified reviews list 200 for Caleta de Fuste alone! (And will hopefully help you avoid getting ripped off!) Water-sports safety

Please ensure you are aware of the safety regulations of your chosen activity. Check here for additional information about being safe at sea.

Hollie Mantle

I’m a travel blogger currently trying to evade death by crushing each morning on London’s monstrous tube system.