Surf photos at Sainte-Barbe, Saint-Jean-de-Luz

On the northern headland of the bay, Saint-Jean-de-Luz’s big-swell spot. Were you in the water at Sainte-Barbe? Pick the day and the time: your photos are in there.

Dead flat. No sessions here.

Either nobody shot this slot, or you’ve got the wrong spot. Happens to the best of us.

Latest surf photos in the Basque Country

Wave forecast at Sainte-Barbe

Time	Swell	Dir.	Wind
	1.2 m13 s2^nd 0.5 m · 5 s	NW	10 km/h ESE
	1.2 m13 s2^nd 0.5 m · 5 s	NW	5 km/h ENE
	1.1 m13 s2^nd 0.4 m · 5 s	NW	5 km/h N
Now	1.0 m13 s2^nd 0.4 m · 5 s	NW	8 km/h NW
	0.9 m13 s2^nd 0.4 m · 5 s	NW	10 km/h WNW
	0.9 m12 s2^nd 0.4 m · 5 s	NW	5 km/h N

Source: Météo-France, MFWAM model (Licence Ouverte), forecast issued 2 November at 1am. Offshore swell (spot facing WNW): at the shore, the waves also depend on the sandbanks and the tide.

Sainte-Barbe surf spot in Saint-Jean-de-Luz

Getting there: Pointe Sainte-Barbe car park, then on foot to the entry point.; Directions to the spot →
Good to know: Right-hander over uneven rock and sand, best in a north-westerly to northerly swell with an easterly wind: it works when the rest of the coast maxes out.
Best tide: All tides
Level: Intermediate to advanced

More about Sainte-Barbe

On the northern headland of the Saint-Jean-de-Luz bay, Sainte-Barbe peels a right over rock and sand. It works when a big swell maxes out the rest of the coast, best in a north-westerly swell with an easterly wind.

Find your Sainte-Barbe session by day and time, scroll through the photos and download yours in HD.

Sainte-Barbe: your questions answered

What level is Sainte-Barbe for?

Experienced surfers: the right along the harbour wall is technical, with a take-off that can be pretty intimidating. If you’re a beginner, the nearby Les Flots Bleus peak is gentler, as long as the swell stays under 2 m.

What tide is best for Sainte-Barbe?

It depends on the peak: the right by the harbour wall needs a steady swell and high tide, while the channel wave works from low to mid tide. That one is long and demanding, and particularly suited to longboards.

How big can Sainte-Barbe get?

This reef keeps working even at 3 to 4 m, hence its reputation as a big-swell spot. After an intense take-off, the wave gives you an easier section for cutbacks.

Does Sainte-Barbe get crowded?

The peak rarely gets packed thanks to the long paddle out, 10 to 15 minutes. The vibe is relaxed and family-friendly, and the regulars are keen to keep it that way.

What are the hazards at Sainte-Barbe?

The rocks, especially at low tide, and the water movement near the jetty. Take time to watch before you paddle out if you don’t know the spot.