Why I combine windsurfing and diving at Famara
Famara is one of those special places where the Atlantic shows itself in all moods — flat and glassy at dawn, then building steady wind and swell that draws windsurfers from across the island. For me, the appeal is practical and playful: I can get a morning shore dive or snorkel to check marine life or rinse out kit, then spend the afternoon on a long windsurf session along the coast. Planning both in one day takes a little logistics, but with local shuttle services and the right Duotone kit it's a very achievable and memorable day.
Start with a realistic timeline
I usually plan a full day (about 6–9 hours) rather than cramming both activities into a short window. Here’s a typical plan that works well:
- 06:30–08:00 — Drive or take a shuttle to Famara and drop dive/snorkel kit at the meeting point.
- 08:00–10:00 — Morning shore dive/snorkel while wind is usually lighter.
- 10:30–12:30 — Break, refill air if diving, change, eat and hydrate.
- 13:00–16:00 — Windsurf session taking advantage of thermal winds.
- 16:30 — Pack, shower and catch a shuttle back or drive home.
That schedule gives you breathing room and ensures you’re not rushed between activities — especially important for safe post-dive surface intervals before sustained physical exertion.
Shuttle services: what to look for and how to use them
Local shuttles are a game-changer, because moving windsurf and dive gear is the most awkward part of the day. On Lanzarote, and particularly around Famara, look for shuttle providers that:
- Allow surf and dive equipment (boards, rigs, tanks) on board.
- Provide early pickup options — some will meet you at your accommodation or central spots like Arrecife or Costa Teguise.
- Offer storage/secure drop-off so you can leave windsurf gear while you dive or vice versa.
Practical tips I use:
- Book a shuttle the day before and confirm they know you have cylinders (some shuttles require prior notice for tanks).
- If you’re traveling with a wetsuit or ropes, roll them into a duffel; soft bags are easier for cramped trunks on shuttles than hard cases.
- Check return schedules — there are often fewer runs late in the day.
| Example shuttle timing | Pickup | Drop-off |
|---|---|---|
| 08:00 service | Playa Blanca / Puerto del Carmen | Playa de Famara (beach access) |
| 17:00 service | Playa de Famara | Arrecife / Costa Teguise |
Choosing Duotone gear for a mixed day
Duotone makes life easy for me because their kit is reliable and adaptable. For a Famara day I typically go with:
- Windsurf sail: a Duotone Freeride or, if I expect gusty thermal winds, a slightly smaller Duotone Unit to keep control.
- Board: a stable freeride board for long coastal runs — something with enough volume to plane early but responsive enough for gusts; Duotone’s freeride boards cover that sweet spot.
- Foil alternative: if the forecast looks light and glassy, a Duffton (foil) setup like Duotone Warp foil helps me stay on the water longer and explore the headlands.
Two quick packing rules: bring a smaller sail than your ideal guess (winds can surprise you), and always secure booms and masts with straps when loading onto a shuttle.
Dive and snorkel spots near Famara
Famara’s coast offers several shore-access dive/snorkel opportunities. If you’re diving, choose a shallow, sheltered spot to keep your surface interval comfortable afterward. I prefer beginning with a gentle snorkel or a 30–40 minute shore dive around the rocky outcrops at lower swell — it’s enough to see curious reef fish and inspect your gear in sea conditions without getting cold.
Before entering the water, I always check:
- Tide and current predictions (the Atlantic can turn quickly).
- Local weather and swell — ask a local centre for recent reports.
- Exit options — boulder fields or steep shorelines can be tiring after a dive.
Safety: dive deck decompression and windsurf intensity
You must respect surface intervals and exertion limits. My personal rule: after any dive deeper than 12 m or after a multiple-dive day, I avoid strenuous windsurfing for at least 12–18 hours. For a single shallow shore dive (max 30–40 minutes) I wait at least 3–4 hours before heavy windsurfing, keep intensity moderate, and avoid hyperventilation or breath-holding activities.
Always do a buddy check for diving and a rig check for windsurfing. If you hire tanks from a local dive centre, leave contact details with them and register your dive plan. For windsurfing, wear a leash and a breathable impact vest — Famara’s shore can be unforgiving when you come back into the beach under force.
Packing list for a combined day
- Wetsuit (3/2 mm is fine most of the year; bring a hood in winter).
- Dive gear: mask, snorkel, fins, BCD, regulator, and at least one spare O-ring.
- Spare mask defog and a small kit for regulator mouthpiece changes.
- Windsurf kit: sail(s), mast(s), boom, board, harness, leash, pad or travel bag.
- Hydration and snacks — electrolytes and energy bars.
- Sun protection: hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and a light UV shirt.
- Dry bag and bungee cords for shuttle loading.
- Cash and a charged phone with emergency numbers saved (local dive centre, shuttle company).
Local resources I use and recommend checking
I always call or message ahead to:
- Local dive centres (they’ll advise on conditions and tank availability).
- Windsurf shops — some stock Duotone gear for rent or can set up hire kit to be waiting on the beach.
- Shuttle companies — confirm that your chosen pickup and drop-off times work with the gear you bring.
Finally, I check a couple of weather and tide apps plus a local Facebook group where windsurfers and divers post live observations. That local intelligence is often the difference between a fantastic day and waiting out a passably rough day on the beach.
Small things that make a big difference
Two personal habits that smooth the day: I pre-pack two separate bags (one for diving, one for windsurfing) so I’m not digging through wetsuits to find harness lines, and I label my mast sections and booms with a bit of colored tape — saves awkward fumbling in a busy shuttle. Also, I always carry a lightweight towel and a spare pair of flip-flops to stay comfortable between transitions.
If you want a tailored plan — including shuttle contacts, recommended Duotone setups for your weight and wind range, or a map of my favorite shore dive exits — reach out via the contact page on scubalanzarote.co.uk and I’ll help you arrange a smooth, fun and safe Famara windsurf-and-dive day.
