Isla de Santa Marina Surf Guide

Surf spot guide

Ideal Surf Conditions

Swell Direction

NW, N

Wind

SE

Surf Height

Overhead-double overhead+

Tide

Mid to high

Isla de Santa Marina Surf Guide

Playa de Somo is a long, sandy beach found just to the east of the Cantabrian port town of Santander. Just off the eastern end of the beach is the small island nature reserve called Isla de Santa Marina. This rocky isle is home to a true hidden gem, including a right-hand point that wraps down the western fringe, throwing up huge, perfect walls. It's a long paddle out and is bigger once you get out there. Huge rocks pepper the white water and with 12-foot sets grinding down the reef it's hard not to think of this setup as being like a mini-Mavericks style wave. The outside section offers a huge open face with room for maneuvers before it hits the inside and throws out into a big barrel. Fall on the take-off on the lower tides and you'll go through the rocks. But on the higher tides this isn't such a problem. Then it's just the big hold down to worry about.

Ability Level

Advanced

BegIntAdv

Advanced

Local Vibe

Doable

WelcomingIntimidating

Competitive.

Crowd Factor

Moderate

MellowHeavy

Large local crew

Spot Rating

Perfect

PoorPerfect

Gets very good, hence the large local crew.

Shoulder Burn

Exhausting

LightExhausting

A workout just getting out to the wave.

Water Quality

Clean

CleanDirty

Not bad

Hazards

Bouncing off the bottom.

Bring Your

Shortboard, Gun

Access

Long paddle

Bottom

Sand and rocks

Best Season

September-February

Do you have local knowledge about Isla de Santa Marina?

If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]