An Introduction To Capbreton Surf
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By
Matt
- Updated | April 18, 2025
The Capbreton surf scene on France’s southwestern coast, beside the well-known Hossegor, offers a blend of strong beach and reef breaks, all at car-free convenience. From walking around town to biking on coastal paths, Capbreton offers good waves in a chilled and easygoing environment suited to surfers of all levels.
For more advanced surfers, La Piste is the star. Ten minutes from town, it attracts visitors for its hollow fast-breaking waves and reliable swells. If you’re looking for something mellower, Plage Centrale has a very casual feel, with much softer conditions and a pretty nice ride from the center of town.
Capbreton is small, so surf schools, rental shops, and beach cafés are always nearby. The laid-back pace of the village and vibe of the town make for a smooth transition from surf to chilling, no car needed.
From pulling into barrels at La Piste and riding mellow peaks at Plage Centrale to hopping over the legendary breaks of Hossegor, Capbreton offers a thoroughly rewarding and memorable experience.
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In This Guide
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Best Time To Surf Capbreton
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Peak Capbreton Surf Season | October to March
Suited For Intermediate & Advanced
Capbreton surf fires up from October to March, with powerful Atlantic swells delivering consistent 3 to 8-foot waves to its beach & reef breaks. Known for its deep-water trench, the Gouf de Capbreton, this area amplifies swell energy, creating heavy, barreling waves. La Piste & VVF are among the most famous spots, producing fast, hollow waves that challenge even experienced surfers.
Capbreton surf during peak season is all about power, with strong currents & shifting sandbanks making conditions unpredictable but rewarding. The cooler months also mean fewer crowds, giving surfers more opportunities to enjoy the best waves without heavy competition.
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Shoulder Capbreton Surf Season | April, May & September
Suited For All Skill Levels
In April, May & September, Capbreton surf offers fun, consistent waves in the 2 to 5-foot range, perfect for all levels. While the waves lack the raw power of the peak season, the beach breaks still provide quality surf, making this an ideal time for progressing surfers. La Centrale & Santocha become great options for intermediates, while La Piste still sees the occasional powerful swell.
Capbreton surf in the shoulder months is reliable & enjoyable, with cleaner morning conditions before the afternoon winds pick up. With lighter crowds than in peak summer, this is a great time to experience quality waves without too much hassle.
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Low Capbreton Surf Season | June to August
Suited For Beginners & Intermediate
The months of June, July & August are the slowest for Capbreton surf, with wave heights averaging 1 to 3 foot. While the deep-water trench still funnels occasional pulses, conditions remain mostly small & ideal for beginners. Longboarders & surf schools take advantage of the mellow waves, especially around central Capbreton.
While not the best time for experienced surfers, Capbreton surf in summer is perfect for relaxed sessions & those just starting out. The beaches get crowded, but with its long coastline, Capbreton surf still offers plenty of space to find a fun peak.
Capbreton Surf Temperature, What To Wear & Rainfall Guide
Capbreton Surf Temperature:
19–22°C (66–72°F)
What To Wear:
A 2 mm spring suit is usually enough. On the hottest days, boardshorts/bikini might work for short sessions, but a light wetsuit gives better comfort & protection.
Rainfall:
Expect around 5–8 rainy days each month. Summer is generally dry, with only occasional light showers & good day-to-day consistency.
Capbreton Surf Temperature:
17–21°C (63–71°F)
What To Wear:
A 3/2 mm full wetsuit is perfect throughout autumn. Early in the season may still feel warm, but cooler mornings & longer surfs make full suits ideal by October.
Rainfall:
Rainfall climbs to 8 to 12 rainy days per month. Expect more showers & damp stretches, especially in November.
Capbreton Surf Temperature:
12–15°C (54–59°F)
What To Wear:
A 4/3 mm wetsuit with boots is standard. Gloves & a hood are useful during the coldest periods, especially for early sessions.
Rainfall:
This is the rainiest period, with 11–14 rainy days each month. Storm fronts are more frequent, often bringing several wet days in a row.
Capbreton Surf Temperature:
14–18°C (57–64°F)
What To Wear:
A 3/2 mm wetsuit is needed for most of the season. Water temperatures rise steadily but remain chilly in March & April, warming noticeably by May.
Rainfall:
Rainfall begins to ease with 7–10 rainy days per month. Expect a mix of sunny days & brief passing showers through the season.
Surf Spots Within 5km or 3 Miles From Capbreton
| Capbreton Surf Spots | Distance from Capbreton | Wave Size | Wave Quality | Skill Level |
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Le Prévent |
In town centre |
2-4 foot |
Sheltered beach break |
Beginner |
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Santocha |
Approx. 500m (0.3mi) south |
3-8 foot |
Fast, hollow beach break |
Intermediate to advanced |
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Plage Centrale |
Approx. 2km (1.2mi) north |
2-6 foot |
Mellow beach break |
Beginner to intermediate |
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La Piste |
Approx. 2km (1.2mi) south |
3-8 foot |
Heavy beach break with barrels |
Intermediate to advanced |
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Note: All times & distances are measured from Le Prévent. If you stay further north or south, travel times & distances will vary accordingly. |
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Further Information To Capbreton Surf Spots
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: All tides
- Wind: East
- Swell Direction: West or northwest
- Crowd Factor: Moderate
Le Prévent in Capbreton is a consistent beach break located just north of the harbor, favored for its fun and user-friendly waves. With west to northwest swell and clean east winds, the wave works best at mid to high tide, delivering short but shapely lefts and rights.
It’s a favorite among surf schools and locals alike for its approachable takeoffs and mellow conditions on smaller swells. The sandy bottom and variety of peaks mean there’s usually a wave to be found, even when nearby spots are flat. Despite its quality, it stays relatively uncrowded, offering a peaceful surf session most days.
Rating: 3.5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: All tides
- Wind: East
- Swell Direction: West & northwest
- Crowd Factor: High
Santocha is one of Capbreton’s premier surf spots, known for powerful, well-formed beach break waves that draw experienced surfers. With a west to northwest swell and offshore east wind during mid tide, Santocha can produce fast, hollow barrels and rippable shoulders.
The sandbanks are generally reliable, offering lefts and rights with punchy drop-ins and steep sections. It’s a consistent option throughout much of the year and plays host to local surf contests and photo-worthy sessions. Crowds are common, especially when the waves turn on, but the quality of the surf makes it worth the hustle.
Rating: 4.5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Low to mid tide
- Wind: East
- Swell Direction: West or northwest
- Crowd Factor: High
Capbreton’s Plage Centrale is an accessible, centrally located beach break with consistent peaks that suit all levels depending on the swell size. It performs best at mid tide with a clean west-northwest swell and light easterly wind. Lefts and rights break over a sandy bottom, and though it’s not the heaviest wave around, it offers enough shape and energy to entertain both shortboarders and longboarders.
Its ease of access and proximity to shops, cafes, and surf schools make it one of Capbreton’s busiest beaches, particularly in summer. While not the most powerful wave, it’s fun, dependable, and part of the town’s surf identity.
Rating: 3.5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid to low tide
- Wind: East
- Swell Direction: West or northwest
- Crowd Factor: Moderate to high
La Piste is a famed Capbreton surf break that offers powerful, hollow waves, especially during the fall and winter months. At mid to low tide with a solid west-northwest swell and clean east winds, the beach break can deliver barrels and steep walls ideal for shortboarding.
It’s more suited to experienced surfers due to its speed and occasional heavy shorebreak. The quality of the wave rivals Hossegor on its day, though crowds can be slightly more manageable. Backed by military bunkers and dunes, it has a raw, wild feel and remains one of the top high-performance waves in the region.
Rating: 4.5/5
Travel Time To Capbreton Surf Spots
| Capbreton Surf Spots | Walking Time | Biking Time | Public Transport |
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Le Prévent |
In town |
Not required |
Not required |
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Santocha |
5-10 min. |
Not required |
Not required |
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Plage Centrale |
Approx. 20 min. Includes paddle across Passe du Boucarot |
Approx. 20 min. |
Approx. 50 min.
(Local bus)
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La Piste |
Approx. 30 min. |
10 min. |
Approx. 10 min.
(Local bus)
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Note: All times & distances are measured from Le Prévent. If you stay further north or south, travel times & distances will vary accordingly. |
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Accommodation In Capbreton
Looking to experience the best of Capbreton surf? First, search for a Trip.com, a place that suits your style and budget, close to the beach. Early booking helps you avoid the last-minute rush and gives you more time to enjoy the waves.
For a more meaningful surfing experience in France, Tripaneer organizes surf camps for every level. These camps integrate coaching and social activities into accommodation opportunities, helping you get better at surfing while building valuable friendships. It wouldbe the perfect way to get involved in the French surf culture and make it a trip to remember.
| Accommodation Type | Description | Price Range (EUR)* | Price Range (USD)* |
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Hostels |
Dormitory-style accommodation |
€40 to €50 |
$45 to $55 |
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Mid-range Hotels/Serviced Apartments |
Studio apartments, motels, or 1-bedroom units |
€80 to €190 |
$90 to $210 |
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Luxury Stays |
Luxury beachfront resorts or high-end apartments |
€230 to €460+ |
$260 to $500+ |
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*Rates are per night and subject to change. |
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Capbreton Surf Lessons & Surf Schools
Capbreton surf schools combine expert instruction with a relaxed coastal atmosphere, making it a great place for surfers of all levels to learn & progress. Les Vagues Surf School offers comprehensive lessons tailored to all skill levels, ensuring a fun and supportive environment for learning.
Ecole de Surf Oceanides provides expert instruction with a focus on safety and skill development, making it a great option for both beginners and experienced surfers. Ted Surf School delivers personalized coaching to help surfers refine their technique and build confidence in the waves.
Reva Surf Coaching specializes in high-performance training, perfect for surfers looking to take their skills to the next level. Whether you’re new to surfing or aiming to improve your skills, Capbreton surf schools offer the guidance & structure you need.
Capbreton Surf Camp
8-Day Capbreton Surf Camp & French Learning Getaway With Le Bon Mot Tours | Language Travel
Looking to balance your love for surfing with a boost in your French skills? This 8-day surf & language immersion in Capbreton offers the perfect blend of active adventure & cultural enrichment.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, you’ll catch waves on the famous beaches of Capbreton-Hossegor while taking part in small-group French classes designed to make language learning fun & practical.
Hosted by Le Bon Mot Tours, this experience combines expert surf coaching, hands-on cultural excursions, & laid-back beach vibes. You’ll be based in a shared surf house, soaking up the savoir-vivre of France’s stunning Atlantic coast.
What’s Included
The program includes 20 hours of immersive French lessons (A2–B1 level) & 10 hours of guided surf instruction, all taught in small, supportive groups. You’ll enjoy seven nights of accommodation in a shared house, plus two group dinners to connect with fellow participants.
Surf sessions are tailored daily by experienced French-speaking instructors, with all gear, wetsuits & surfboards, provided during lessons. Outside the classroom, you’ll explore real-world French through visits to bakeries, restaurants, & markets.
Optional yoga is available for an added fee, offering morning Vinyasa & afternoon Hatha sessions that perfectly complement your surfing routine. Find Out More
Capbreton Surfboard Hire
Capbreton surfboard hire options are convenient & varied, offering easy access to a wide selection of boards to match local conditions.
Les Vagues Surf School offers quality surfboard rentals, ensuring you’re equipped to tackle the breaks. Ted Surf School also provides a variety of boards for hire, catering to different skill levels and preferences.
Capbreton Surfer is another excellent option for surfboard rentals, making it easy to access well-maintained gear and enjoy Capbreton’s famous surf spots. With reliable rental services & plenty of board choices, Capbreton surfboard hire makes it simple to get out in the waves.
Capbreton Surf Report & Surf Cam
When chasing the best waves, knowing the surf conditions in France is crucial. And this is where Surf-Forecast and Surfline come into play. Both provide accurate information, but the real-time live camera feeds from Surfline give them a very nice edge for last-minute decision-making. With a subscription to Surfline, you will know the exact moment to paddle out at your favorite Capbreton surf break.
A Yesim eSIM or a Drimsim eSIM are your best bets. They’re fast, reliable, and eliminates the need to find and connect a French SIM card. So, whether you are on the pool deck or on the beach, staying connected has been made more accessible.
How To Get To Capbreton Surf
- Biarritz Airport (BIQ) To Capbreton
Distance: 30km (20mi)
Getting to Capbreton surf from Biarritz Airport is quick & easy. It’s just a 30–40min. taxi or rideshare away. Alternatively, you can take a bus, which runs frequently & provides a budget-friendly option.
Public Transport
Approx. 1.5-2 hrs.
Details:
From the airport, take the Line 3 Txik Txak bus to Gare de Biarritz, then transfer to a TER (local train) to Bayonne. From Bayonne, buses operated by RDTL head toward Capbreton. While there are a few changes involved, connections are relatively smooth.
This is the most affordable way to get to Capbreton surf, though travel times can vary depending on schedules. It’s worth checking timetables in advance for better planning.
Shuttle Service
Approx. 45-60 mins.
Details:
Shuttle companies based in the Biarritz area offer direct service to Capbreton. You can book a seat in a shared van or opt for a private ride, depending on your needs and group size.
This is a good middle-ground option for travelers looking for ease without the price tag of a private taxi.
Booking your shuttle in advance with HolidayTaxis or Welcome Pickups guarantees your ride is waiting when you arrive. This convenient option allows you to get to the beach quickly without any waiting or confusion.
France Travel Information | Essentials You Need To Know
So if you’re planning a surf trip to France? Most surf towns are fully developed, but a little preparation goes a long way. French is the primary language, but touristy areas often speak English. Cash is used in markets or rural towns, though credit cards are widely accepted. Drinking tap water is safe in any city.
Our France surf page has collected those 7 essentials for you: visa info, health tips, and emergency numbers, so you’ll be all set to face anything.
Travel Insurance For Your Capbreton Surf Trip
Travel risks like injuries or having travel delays can really shatter your Capbreton surf adventures. VisitorsCoverage travel insurance covers expenses associated with medical emergencies, evacuations, trip cancellations, and damage or loss to surfing equipment.
With this policy, all one will think of is surfing and enjoying the experience, while knowing one is safe against unexpected huge costs.
Discover Capbreton: What To Do When The Waves Are Flat
When the surf is flat in Capbreton, there are still plenty of exciting alternatives to explore. Here are 3 recommended activities to make the most of your time.
Keep Exploring With More France Surf Destinations
Written by Matt
Surfer for nearly 20 years and an environmental scientist for nine, Matt grew up on the Sunshine Coast in Australia and now calls Melbourne home. He’s all about finding surf towns you can reach without a car and writes simple surf guides to help you do the same.