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OpenWaterAtlas
A surfer prepares to ride the Atlantic waves at Espinho Beach, Portugal.
📷 Tiago Ribeiro · Pexels

Chica Beach

3.9 — based on 16 community signals
4.3 12 species 30 contributors

Chica Beach is a year-round French surf destination with a small but growing community of local video documentation.

⭐ Best for beginners.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Beginner
Shore entryFamily-friendly

At a glance

Activity
surf
Difficulty
beginner
Marine life
Nudibranch

Top operators here

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Map

This spot Operators Airport Nearby spots
Chica Beach location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
4.8 kn
Wave
2.06 m
Water
21.8°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: WNW (22%)
Now: ESE (122°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 3.42m

Next: Low at 04:00 (-0.98m)

+1.3 m0 m-2.1 m
▼ 04:00 · -0.98m ▲ 10:00 · +0.2m ▼ 17:00 · -0.99m ▲ 23:00 · -0.01m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV5.55 · mod Air PM2.54 · good 07:50 20:09
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 7 2.06 6 0mm
09-20 5.7 1.36 6 0mm
09-21 7 1.34 5 0mm
09-22 9.9 1.16 5 0mm
09-23 5.7 1.12 5 0mm
09-24 6.3 1.18 5 0mm
09-25 6.8 1.38 5 0mm

About this spot

Chica Beach sits on the French coast and works as a surf spot throughout the year. The beach draws a mix of local and visiting surfers who keep the lineup relatively mellow. Water conditions shift with the seasons, but consistent swell availability makes it a reliable option for planning a session. The area has minimal environmental protection designation, so you won't face major access restrictions. A modest community of 3 available videos gives you a decent sense of conditions and wave patterns before you paddle out. The 12 species observations logged in the region suggest solid marine biodiversity typical of Atlantic French waters. Whether you're scoping a quick trip or planning a longer stay, Chica Beach offers accessible waves without the heavy crowds found at more famous breaks. Check recent video uploads from the community to gauge current swell and tide timing.

📖 Guide: Diving in France: 220 Sites From Alpine Lakes to Tropical Reefs

Marine life

Nudibranch

Dive types

Shore

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 🏄 Surfboard or rental confirmation
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type C/E/F · 230V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 47%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 903km · ~208kg · €4

FAQ

Is Chica Beach good year-round?

Yes, Chica Beach works throughout the year. Atlantic swell is fairly consistent, though winter months typically bring the largest waves and most active conditions.

What kind of waves can I expect?

Without specified difficulty ratings, your best bet is to review the 3 community videos available. They'll show you current wave size, shape, and conditions so you can judge if it matches your level.

Are there marine species to watch for?

12 species observations have been recorded in the area. Check local current reports and speak with nearby shops or locals for details on any hazards or points of interest.

Do I need permits or special access?

Chica Beach is not inside a marine protected area, so you won't face MPA-specific restrictions. Standard French coastal access rules apply—check local regulations before your trip.

Operators near this spot

Dive centres, kite & surf schools within 10 km, sourced from OpenStreetMap.

Atlantic Pirogue

1.9 km
Dive centre

CLUB SUBAQUATIQUE URPEAN

9.7 km
Dive centre

L'indalo Sun-shop

1.6 km
Dive centre

Paral'Aile

1.7 km
Dive centre
Hours: 10:00-20:00

Zocoa'Loc

1.8 km
Dive centre
Hours: 10:00-19:00

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

2019-07-14 Surfing Bolsa Chica on the GoFish 5'3" (First Air on this board)

Thomye Surfs

Female Surfers Of Bali

Surfers of Bali

Maya Gabeira Breaks Guinness World Record for the Largest Wave By a Woman | 73.5 Feet at Nazaré

SurferToday
wind peaks Jan-Nov-Oct, calmest Jul-Sep-Aug, dry Feb-Oct.

5-year monthly climate

60 samples
0 5 10 15 20 25 JFMAMJJASOND
p25–p75 range Median Wind (kn) Air (°C)

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