ION CLUB TARIFA BIBO
The Best of Surfing Elements
Location : Tarifa, Spain
Season : 15th March – 30th October
Opening hours: 10.30am – 6.30pm
July & August : 10.30am – 8.00pm
Tarifa is the wind capital of Europe and is well known amongst water sports enthusiasts. The Andalusian town is located in the heart of the Costa de la Luz, where the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean sea meet, and where Europe and Africa meet through the Strait of Gibraltar. Tarifa became known to european windsurfers in the early 90s. Thanks to its location, it offers wind and sun for almost 300 days a year, making it the best destination in the world for kitesurfing, wingfoil and windsurfing. It is a mecca for all water sports enthusiasts.
There are two prevailing winds in Tarifa, the Levante and the Poniente. The Levante is a warm, dry and strong wind from the east that can reach 30 to 40 knots. The Poniente, on the other hand, blows in the opposite direction, i.e. from the west and is a weaker, cooler, wetter wind that comes from the ocean, i.e. side-onshore wind. The combination of these two winds makes the city and its surroundings an ideal playground for those who want to enjoy wind and waves. As you can see, Tarifa is a paradise for kitesurfing, windsurfing and wingfoiling.
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No matter which month of the year, there is always plenty of activities you can try. With the beautiful landscapes you can go hiking, climbing, mountain biking, whale watching, horse-back riding or just enjoy the day on the beach and in the evening visit one of the many authentic restaurants and tapas bars and watch the famous sunsets. The great food, amazing wine, friendly locals and the wind makes Tarifa a perfect spot not only for professional kiters and windsurfers but for everyone stoked by the wind!
Our ION CLUB Tarifa BIBO centre is situated on the beautiful beach of Valdevaqueros, the perfect location for both wind directions. The shape of the beach and the dune at the end make it a safe spot with side offshore levante and enjoyable playground with thermal support in the summer with poniente.
Our international team is here to help you start and get hooked at windsurfing, kitesurfing and wingsurfing as well as master your tricks once you’re already addicted! No wind? No problem. Grab an SUP or a surf board and enjoy the calm before another wind storm hits!
After the session you can enjoy our chill out area and have a delicious lunch or sunset beer at a 3✶ Michelin chef- Dani Garcia’s restaurant BiBo next door.
DISCOVER the best spots in tarifa
Tarifa is located on the southernmost tip of the European continent, where the Strait of Gibraltar and the African coast are so close that they almost touch. Due to the jet effect of the Strait the winds get additional force and acceleration so that they easily reach up to 8 beaufort on top days. No doubt Tarifa is one of the best spots in Europe with almost a 100% wind guarantee.
BEST PERIODS
April, May, June, July, August, September, October
WIND
During the spring and summer months the prevailing wind is the Levante which comes from the east. It is an onshore/side-offshore wind blowing from the left when looking at the ocean. In autumn and winter the Poniente shows up a little more, and this wind comes from the west, so it is a side-onshore wind blowing from the right, and it increases the height and power of the waves. With PONIENTE, we have the perfect spot with a thermal effect being created even if the wind forecast is showing light wind.
WAVES
Small swell, chop and also flat water in summer, and a good swell in fall - winter thanks to the Poniente.
VALDEVAQUEROS
ION CLUB Tarifa center is located right in front of the spot, not too far from the huge Dune amidst lush vegetation and on a beautiful sandy beach. Due to the protected bay, all levels can be taught depending upon the wind force. The bay also offers a safe spot in strong Levante days as you will be drifting towards the dune in case of something happens. The shorebreak can be challenging in Autumn with onshore wind (Poniente). Beginners tuition depends on the wind conditions and cannot be guaranteed. There is no disputing the fact that our ION CLUB Valdevaqueros is one of the best windsurfing and kitesurfing spot in Tarifa.
LOS CAÑOS DEL MECA
During the summer months Los Caños de Meca has the best conditions for waves. The center is organizing day trips to Caños and rental guests are free to take equipment away to different spots any time they like.
CURRENT WEATHER
HOW TO GET TO ION CLUB TARIFA?
From Tarifa to ION CLUB
Leave the town of Tarifa at the roundabout near the Mercadona and Dia supermarkets. To reach the N340, take the left turn, in the direction of Cadiz.
Stay on this road for about 10-12 minutes. You will pass a gas station on your right, and a little further on the Hurricane Hotel on your left. The mountains are still on your right and the ocean on your left.
Continue driving almost to the end of the coast, and just before the dune, just after the yellow restaurant and the black house "ZERO 9", turn left before the next bend. Continue to the beach parking lot of the ION CLUB Tarifa center and the BiBo Beach House in front of you.
From Jerez to Tarifa
Follow the A-381 towards the A-390 for about 24 km and take exit 24, then leave the A-381. Then take the A-396 towards the N-340/E5 for about 22 km, then finally turn left onto the N-340/E5 (follow the signs for "Tarifa/Algeciras") and continue driving for about 40 km. Once you have passed the village of Facinas, just before Tarifa, you will see signs for "Punta Paloma" on the right. Continue driving for another kilometer and just before the restaurant ZERO 9, turn right and continue to the beach parking. Our center is located right next to the BiBo Beach House bar and restaurant.
From Malaga to Tarifa
A rental car is highly recommended to get from the airport to Tarifa, and will come in handy during your trip.
Leaving the airport in Malaga, take the AP-7 highway to Algeciras/Cadiz as the fastest route. It shortens the trip considerably compared to the national road, which takes about 35 minutes longer.
After passing Algeciras, continue towards Cádiz on the N-340, passing through the village of Pelayo, in the mountains. After about 20 km you will see Tarifa.
To get to the center, pass the town of Tarifa, then a gas station 1 km further on your right hand side on the mountain side, a little further the Hurricane hotel on your left hand side on the ocean side, and finally, about 3 more km, you will see the Camping Valdevaqueros. Continue driving for 200 meters and just after the restaurant "ZERO 9", turn left and continue to the beach parking lot. Our center is located right next to the BiBo Beach House.
It is also possible to land in Seville, but it takes ½ hour longer to get to Tarifa, i.e. 2h15 instead of 1h45 from Malaga airport to Tarifa.
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- From Tarifa town:
At the Mercadona/Dia roundabout, head towards Cádiz (N-340).
Drive ~10 min. Pass the gas station (right), then Hurricane Hotel (left).
Just before the dune and after ZERO 9 restaurant (black house, yellow restaurant), turn left into the beach parking.
You’ll find ION CLUB Tarifa next to BiBo Beach House. - From Jerez Airport (1h30):
Take A-381 → A-396 → N-340 towards Tarifa/Algeciras (~40 km).
Pass Facinas. About 1 km before Tarifa, just after ZERO 9, turn right to the beach parking. - From Malaga Airport (1h45):
Take AP-7 to Algeciras, then continue on N-340 towards Tarifa.
Pass Pelayo, then Tarifa, gas station (right), and Hurricane Hotel (left).
~3 km later, after ZERO 9, turn left to the beach parking.
Our center is next to BiBo Beach House.
Note: You can also fly into Seville (2h15 drive).
N-340, Km. 76, 6, 11380 Casas de Porro, Cádiz, Spain
WHAT TO DO AROUND TARIFA?
BOLONIA RUINS
Baelo Claudia is one of Andalucia´s most significant and well-preserved Roman archeological sites. The extensive ruins are situated on the Costa de la Luz, some 15km north of Tarifa, by the small town of Bolonia and its beautiful beach. The site´s important history rests on the former city having been a strategic point for trade routes between Europe and North Africa; the Straits of Gibraltar are just 14km wide at their narrowest point, and Baelo Claudia profited from this proximity. The remains of the impressive temple, Forum, basilica, baths, aqueduct, and large fish-salting factory in particular, can all be seen today, giving an insight into the former glory of the city.
Whale watching
A wonderful opportunity to get close to whales, dolphins and other sea mammals, in their natural habitat in the Straits of Gibraltar. Because this stretch of water is only 13 miles wide at its narrowest point, the concentration of cetaceans (whales) is very high, especially towards the middle. It is about three miles offshore that you find the larger creatures, such as the Minke Whale and Sperm Whale. From mid July to mid September Orcas are most abundant in the Straights of Gibraltar because they are hunting the Tuna that passes through the Straights at this time of the year to reach the Atlantic. ION CLUB Tarifa can organise a sailing trip or SUP crossing over the straight upon request. Don’t miss this opportunity of living an unforgettable experience !
VEJER DE LA FRONTERA
“Pueblo blanco”, classic white village on the hilltop is well worth a visit. The more interesting arrival is from the bottom of the ravine called La Barca de Vejer. From here take the steep road up the escarpment and straight into the beautiful Plaza de España, undoubtedly one of the prettiest village squares in Spain. The town square, shaded by vast palm trees, has a wonderful old fountain with traditional ceramic Andalucian frogs, which spout water high into the air, thus forming a fountain. If you are lucky, park the car in the plaza. If not park on the road leading up to the plaza and walk back. From the plaza enter the old walled town through the arch (Arco de la Villa). This stunning castellated town is a magical place to explore, its quiet cobbled streets meandering through a charming jumble of secret corners, hidden patios and delightful houses.
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A story of pioneer since 1985
YEARS EXPERIENCE
Destinations
CENTERS
Sports
YEARS EXPERIENCE
Destinations
CENTERS
SPORTS
The story of the ION CLUB tells of people who have turned their passion for windsurfing and kitesurfing into a profession. Since its founding in 1985, customer orientation, team spirit, innovation and professionalism have been the top priorities of our corporate philosophy.
The ION CLUB / Club Mistral has gained a lot of experience in the 40 years of its existence and has developed more and more into a company that focuses on communicating with guests and fulfilling their needs and wishes.
With 14 water sports schools worldwide, we are one of the leading companies in this field. ION CLUB has a network of international partners in different countries. We strive to be international and multicultural and express this through the selection of our employees, who currently come from 24 different countries.
Frequently asked questions ?
LESSONS
Do you need to be young and strong to learn kitesurfing?
No you don’t need to. It’s a sport where you need feeling not strength.
How many lessons do I need to learn kitesurfing from a total beginner?
After 8-10 hours in easy conditions you normally start to ride. But already after 1hr you can have a lot of fun.
What kind of classes do you offer?
We offer private and semiprivate classes for all levels and all disciplines. All the lessons are done using the advanced BB talking radio system.
What do I need to bring for my kite/windsurf lessons at ION CLUB Tarifa bIBO?
You should bring sun protection, sunglasses (preferably with a strap so you don’t lose them) and a smile on your face. Everything else (wetsuit, harness, helmet, life jacket and kite equipment) will be provided by us.
What languages do your instructors speak?
All our instructors speak English and normally we have Spanish, Italian, German and French speaking instructors in our team.
How can I pay for my lessons?
We accept all types of credit-cards, Euro and you can now pay through our web page with your smartphone – link –
Is wetsuit, harness and protection (lifejacket and helmet) included in the price?
We really care about the comfort and safety of our guests. Wetsuit, harness, life jacket and helmet are included in the price of lessons as well as in the price when you’re renting your equipment.
What happens if I pay for the lesson in advance but there is no wind?
Kitesurfing and Windsurfing are both sports that depends on the nature. Tarifa is one of the best spots in Europe to guarantee wind but of course, no wind days can happen as well. If you are renting with us, you can use the SUPs and surf boards free of charge. If you have booked lessons with us and the conditions don’t allow us to provide the lesson, you will get a voucher for the remaining lessons. Perfect excuse to come back to Tarifa one day…
Why is ION CLUB the best school in Tarifa?
ION CLUB has been teaching watersports for more than 35 years worldwide and followed the development of the sports and the gear. ION CLUB Tarifa is the biggest kite, windsurf and SUP center in Tarifa. We are based on the beautiful beach in Valdevaqueros,the perfect spot for the both most common wind directions in Tarifa. With PONIENTE, thanks to the sand dune the thermal wind usually kicks in after lunch, with LEVANTE, the shape of the beach provides safe conditions.
Our professional and friendly team is multilingual, certified with the Spanish FAV license and German VDWS license and IKO. We teach Kitesurfing with the radio BB Talking system, that provides the fastest way of learning and every lesson is fitted to your personal needs to make a great progression.
Our guests have the unique possibility to use the showers, changing room, lockers or storage right on the beach.
After your session you can chill on the private chill-out area, enjoy the summer vibes and drinks from the TUMBAO bar, have lunch in the chiringuito, fresh smoothies and amazing burgers in the afternoon.
RENTAL
Do I need to book equipment in advance?
Pre-booking will always assure you the best price and availability.
Do I need insurance for the equipment?
It is recommended if you like a stress-free vacation but you can choose not to take it.
What does a rental include?
The complete gear, a wetsuit and a harness if you did not bring your own.
Do I have to bring my own wetsuit and harness?
If you prefer a special model it’s recommended. Or if you want to make sure to find your size available.
Can I store my own equipment at your center?
At our center you can store your kite and windsurf equipment all year long or for the time of your holidays so that your car doesn’t get sandy and you don’t have to carry everything back and forth. As part of the storage deal, the showers, changing room, lockers and chill-out zone is fully to your disposal.
Can I rent equipment and go to a different spot?
Yes, you can.
What happens if I pay for rental in advance but there is no wind?
It depends on the rental option you choose.
Do you have a rescue boat?
Rescue service in Tarifa is provided by two main private companies. All of our guests are under the supervision of a private safety boat. The other users of the spot can purchase a pre-paid rescue card at our center.
SPOT
What is the best time of the year to kite in Tarifa?
Tarifa offers good conditions all year but of course from March to November the weather is normally nicer.
Where can I check the wind conditions?
It is hard to read the forecast because the micro climate of the area is affecting the standard charts. Our team will be happy to give their view on daily basis during your stay and suggest the best activity to organize.
What is the best wind direction for the spot in Valdevaqueros?
The two most known winds of the area are Poniente (West) and Levante (East) and they are both good on our spot.
Do I need shoes at your spot?
Only in some little area there are some stones so normally you don’t need them.
What no-wind activities do you offer?
Sup excursions and Surf lessons.