Belharra

Belharra is an A-frame peak formed where swell hits a rocky plateau shoal sitting 14–18 metres deep about 2.5 kilometers offshore from Saint-Jean-de-Luz. The wave consistently breaks on Northwest swell with Southeast wind and low-to-mid tide, producing waves that routinely exceed 20 metres and have been measured at up to 66 feet. The break is inherently dangerous—the stepped underwater structure creates a violently unpredictable, fast-moving peak that requires tow-in access and has historically been powerful enough to swallow boats moored in the harbour. This is an expert-only wave; even advanced surfers lack the necessary skill without professional tow-in support and trained safety crews.

The wave has been surfed since the early 1990s. The most famous session occurred on November 2, 2002, when Sebastian St Jean rode a 66-foot wave and won the XXL big wave contest final. In 2013, Justine Dupont became the first woman to surf Belharra and eventually rode a 45-foot wave there, establishing herself as one of Europe's elite big wave surfers. The break remains one of the continent's premier tow-in destinations and only breaks during the two or three largest swells of winter, making historic sessions relatively rare.

Access is strictly by boat or jet ski from Saint-Jean-de-Luz, and only professional surfers with dedicated safety teams operate there. The spot lies offshore from the Socoa area and is inaccessible to self-guided paddle-surfers or recreational visitors. When swell is absent, the rocky plateau serves as a diving site.