Isla de Santa Marina
Cantabria's most famous big-wave right: powerful, fast and for experts only.
Off Loredo beach, the small island of Santa Marina hides one of the most respected big waves on the Bay of Biscay: a reef right-hander that needs a serious north-west swell (2 m and up) to break and holds a lot of size.
The take-off is tight and over shallow rock, with a long paddle from the beach. When it's on it offers long walls and heavy barrels; when it isn't, it's better watched from the sand.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Reef |
|---|---|
| Direction | Right |
| Level | Expert |
| Best swell | NW |
| Best wind (offshore) | S, SE, E |
| Tide | Mid to high |
| Size | 2–5 m+ |
| Best season | Autumn and winter |
| Crowd | Medium |
| Localism | High |
Surf forecast
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Hour-by-hour forecast for 14 days, with stars for your board and level, and the whole site without ads.
Model forecast for open water a few kilometres offshore: it can't see sandbanks or the shelter of headlands and jetties. The rating (0–5) is worked out from this spot's ideal swell and wind. Use it as a guide and check the sea before paddling out. Data: Open-Meteo (DWD, ECMWF; CC BY 4.0)
Which board to bring
A step-up or a gun (6'8" and up depending on your weight) to get into the take-off with speed. Summer shortboards are too small here. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Isla de Santa Marina
The water is around 12 °C in winter and 20 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
The autumn-to-spring suit for water at 12–16 °C.
View on AmazonWarm feet in winter and protection on rocks.
View on AmazonA shortboard leash won't hold in waves of several metres.
View on AmazonThe three-fin set for a shortboard.
View on AmazonRock or urchins on the bottom: protect your feet going in and out.
View on AmazonWarm-water wax won't grip in this water.
View on AmazonAmazon affiliate links: if you buy through them, Shapers Europe earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Localism and vibe
A very small, competitive peak: five or six surfers and it's full. Respect the priority order, don't drop in and, if it's your first time, watch before you paddle out.
Surfing style
Big-wave surfing: committed drops, long lines and barrels.
Hazards
Shallow rocks at the take-off, strong currents and a long paddle back. Only for surfers with big-wave experience.
Map
Shapers near Isla de Santa Marina
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Somo (Ribamontán al Mar)
Santander's surf-school beach: miles of sand with peaks for every level.
Langre (Ribamontán al Mar)
A wild beach below the cliffs, with banks that work at low tide.
Santander
Santander's city beach: it only wakes up with a big swell, and then it breaks hard.
Santander
A sheltered Santander cove that becomes a fun plan B on big days.
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.