Mundaka
Europe's most famous river-mouth left: long barrels over a sandbank in the Urdaibai estuary.
Mundaka breaks at the mouth of the Urdaibai estuary, a UNESCO biosphere reserve. The sandbank left by the river forms, with a north-west swell and low to mid tide, a very long, fast, barrelling left that is considered one of the best waves in Europe. It was a world-tour stop for years.
The take-off looks easy from the harbour, but it isn't: the wave is powerful, the river current is strong and the tide window is short. The current itself works as a conveyor belt back to the peak.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Rivermouth |
|---|---|
| Direction | Left |
| Level | Expert |
| Best swell | NW, W |
| Best wind (offshore) | S, SW, SE |
| Tide | Low to mid, best on the dropping tide |
| Size | 1.5–4 m |
| Best season | Autumn and winter (usually flat in summer) |
| Crowd | Heavy |
| 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 shortboard with a good rail to go fast in the barrel; a step-up or small gun on big days. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Mundaka
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 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
Heavily surfed by locals and by lots of visitors when it's on. Reports mention localism: come in a small group, respect priority and never sit inside anyone.
Surfing style
Barrels and very long left-hand walls.
Hazards
Very strong estuary currents, shallow water over the bank at low tide, and crowds.
Map
Shapers near Mundaka
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Ibarrangelu (Bizkaia)
A beautiful beach below Cape Ogoño, across the estuary from Mundaka.
Bakio (Bizkaia)
A fast, hollow beach break, with a long right by Peña Roja.
Plentzia (Bizkaia)
Plentzia's sheltered bay: the plan B when the rest of Bizkaia is maxed out.
Sopelana / Barrika (Bizkaia)
Bizkaia's big-wave right, breaking over a rock slab.
All spots in the Basque Country (Spain) →
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.