La Setenta

Tucked away in the Miramar district, just west of Havana's old center, La Setenta—also known as Playa 70, Calle 70, or El Triton—sits right in front of the iconic Russian Embassy, making it an unmistakable landmark for any traveling surfer. This stretch of coast delivers a mixed bag of waves, so it’s not always a sure bet, but when conditions align, it’s worth a look for those passing through the area. The primary swell window is northeast, though north-west swells can also sneak in. With wave heights typically hovering around a modest 1 foot (0.3 meters), La Setenta is best suited for beginners and those looking to work on their fundamentals. Expect a beach break offering both left and right sand-bottom waves, though the shape tends to run mushy and rides are often short-lived. Tides are forgiving—low, mid, or high can all produce rideable waves—and a south-east wind is your friend here. Be mindful of the shallow, sharp coral lurking beneath the surface; entering and exiting requires caution. Crowds can be substantial, and surf etiquette in Cuba is still evolving, so don’t expect the orderly lineups you might find elsewhere. The vibe in the water isn’t always welcoming, but that’s part of the authentic local experience. Overall, La Setenta offers a chance for some fun, low-stakes surfing, especially for beginners eager to log time in the water while soaking up Havana’s unique coastal character.

Best Surf Season (November - March)

La Setenta points directly into the north-west Atlantic swell window, and when the northern hemisphere winter cranks up, so does this stretch of Cuban coastline. From November through March, average wave heights build to around 2-2.5ft (0.6-0.7m) and, more importantly, the N, WNW, NW and NNW quadrants supply 28-40% of all swell energy. The average period of 5.7-6.1s means it is rarely true long-period groundswell, but swell from cold fronts diving across the Gulf of Mexico and the western Atlantic can still send punchy 3-8ft (1-2.5m) waves through the window. Offshore S, SSW, SW and WSW winds blow 18-23% of the time, and those offshore windows are what separate a good day from a great one at this spot.