La Galea is a right-hand point that peels into the Bilbao rivermouth over an uneven reef. It sits in an ugly, industrial setting, and the water here is highly polluted.
When It Works
This is a wave that only comes alive a few times a year, when a big, lined-up swell finally shows up. It draws swell from west to north (W-N), with northwest (NW) the direction that lights it up best. The point is usable from 1.8 m / 6 ft to 4.6 m / 15 ft, so you genuinely need size on the buoys before it starts to break.
Wind and Tide
Look for an east (E) offshore wind, though it also holds up on northeast winds. It breaks on low and mid tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
La Galea is an expert-only wave. On the rare days it turns on, expect a virtually empty lineup.
Access
Access is difficult, and both the entry and exit are dangerous. Parking is roadside at the top of a steep cliff. There are no beach facilities of any kind here, and the hazards go beyond the razor-sharp rocks to include boat traffic.
