BEST SURF SPOTS IN CHILE

Arica

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Pichilemu

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Iquique

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Maitencillo

Maitencillo - Chile Maitencillo features a sandy beach break with both right and left waves, ideal for surfers of all levels. The spot is accessible with instant access and works best at mid tide during rising tide conditions. Waves typically range from 0.6 to 1.2 meters, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced surfers. Located about 60 km north of Viña del Mar, Maitencillo is a charming town with a relaxed atmosphere. The southern end of Playa Abanico offers a notable left point break, while the rest of the beach presents numerous fun peaks. The local surf community is friendly, and the area provides affordable accommodations and great food. A 3/2 full wetsuit is recommended, especially from October to April when water temperatures are mild. Despite potential for larger waves, the spot is generally manageable, making it a must-visit for those in the region.

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Punta de Lobos

Punta de Lobos - Pichilemu, Chile Punta de Lobos features a powerful left point break over a sandy and rocky bottom. This consistent surf spot is known for its hollow waves, particularly at low and mid tide, making it suitable for experienced surfers. Access is easy, with a short walk from the parking area, and it is located 3 km south of Pichilemu. The stunning scenery, characterized by pine trees and cold waters, attracts a mix of local and expat surfers, especially during the summer months. While the waves can be challenging due to heavy currents and rips, the atmosphere is vibrant, with a lively beach vibe. Expect a crowded lineup on weekends, but with multiple take-off zones, there’s room for everyone. Just be mindful of the local surfers and the potential hazards like rocks and urchins.

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La Boca Con Con

La Boca Con Con - Chile La Boca Con Con features a beach break with both right and left waves, set on a sandy bottom interspersed with rocks. This spot is located at the mouth of the Aconcagua River, making it popular among beginners and surf schools. It offers good public access with instant entry to the water, although it can experience strong currents on certain days. The atmosphere at La Boca is vibrant and welcoming, particularly for novice surfers. While it can be crowded, especially on weekends, the beach is well-protected from south winds, providing a pleasant surfing experience. Conditions can vary, and while the surf can be decent when the sand is aligned, it is often inconsistent. For those seeking less crowded waves, nearby Playas Amarillo and Negra offer more mellow setups. Be mindful of potential hazards such as rips, rocks, and pollution while enjoying your session.

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El Quisco Point

El Quisco Point - El Quisco, Chile El Quisco Point features a left-point break with a sandy bottom interspersed with rocks. The wave can be powerful yet mushy, making it suitable for various skill levels. It works at all tides, with rising and falling tide movements, providing instant access from the main beach. Located in a popular area, El Quisco can become extremely crowded during summer, while winter sees fewer surfers. The atmosphere can be influenced by localism, so be respectful. Parking can be a hassle in peak seasons, often requiring a long walk or costly fees. The wave quality varies with swell and tide, making it a hit-or-miss spot. Despite its inconsistencies, El Quisco Point remains a worthwhile destination for surfers looking to explore the Chilean coastline.

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Las Machas

Las Machas - Chile Las Machas features a sandy bottom with both right and left breaking waves, making it suitable for surfers of all levels. The spot works best with northwest swells and is optimal during mid to high tide, particularly with rising and falling tides. Access is straightforward, with instant access from the street just 15 meters from the beach. This long beach is ideal for beginners, offering a friendly atmosphere and softer waves. While it can get crowded on weekends due to surf schools, weekdays see fewer surfers. The best season to visit is from May to July, when swells are more consistent. Mornings typically have calm winds, but expect stronger winds by midday, which can affect wave quality. For those seeking less crowded conditions, exploring a mile or two north can lead to more wave action with fewer surfers. Be cautious of the nearby pier, as it can pose a hazard if overlooked.

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Buchupureo

Buchupureo - Chile Buchupureo features a left-breaking rivermouth wave with a sandy bottom interspersed with rocks. The spot is known for its hollow, fast, and powerful waves, suitable for all tides, particularly during falling tide. Access is straightforward, requiring a short walk (5-15 minutes) from public areas, and it can be reached by four-wheel drive. This surf spot is characterized by its laid-back atmosphere, though it can become crowded on weekends when conditions are optimal. The primary break, La Boca, offers long lefts and is somewhat sheltered from northern and eastern winds. The local surf community is proud of their territory, and while the vibe is generally friendly, surfers should be aware of the potential for rips and undertow. Consistency can vary with the sand flow from the river mouth, making it essential to check conditions before heading out.

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Punta Piedra

Punta Piedra - Chile Punta Piedra features a beach break with both right and left waves, breaking over a reef with sharp rocks and sand. The waves are known for being fast, powerful, and ledgey, making it suitable for experienced surfers. Access requires a short walk of 5-15 minutes, and the spot is publicly accessible. This surf spot is located at latitude -32.8896 and longitude -71.5162, offering a unique surfing experience with minimal crowds during the week and weekends. The optimal conditions occur with swells from the north and south, while winds from various directions, including north and southwest, are manageable. However, surfers should be cautious of rips, undertow, and rocks in the area. Punta Piedra is ideal for those seeking an adventurous surf session in a less crowded environment.

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Puertecillo

Puertecillo - Chile Puertecillo features a left point break with a sandy bottom interspersed with rocks, delivering hollow, fast, and powerful waves. This pristine surf spot requires a solid swell, typically from the northwest, west, or southwest, and works best at low and mid tide during falling tide conditions. Access is challenging, necessitating permission from local hacienda owners. Nestled under a headland, Puertecillo offers decent protection from south winds, making it a unique spot compared to nearby Pichilemu, which often has larger waves. Ideal conditions arise with a minimum 3m southwest swell, southeast winds, and an outgoing tide, allowing for impressive barrels that can stretch up to 700m. However, the surf can be inconsistent, with crowded weekends seeing up to 100 surfers in the water. Despite the potential for a busy line-up, the local vibe remains mellow, making it a worthwhile adventure for those who can navigate the access challenges.

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La Rinconada

La Rinconada - Chile La Rinconada features a powerful left point break over a sandy bottom mixed with rock. Access requires a short walk of 5-15 minutes, and the spot is publicly accessible. It works well at all tides, with optimal conditions from swells coming from the South and SouthWest, complemented by winds from the North and East. This surf spot is located on a scenic black sand beach, frequented by both locals and visitors. While it offers a relaxed atmosphere with colorful fishing boats and tasty seafood, it can become crowded, particularly in summer. Surfers of all levels can enjoy the waves, but caution is advised due to the presence of rips and undertow. The vibrant culture and natural beauty make La Rinconada a worthwhile destination for both surfing and leisure by the ocean.

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Papa Hanga Roa

Papa Hanga Roa (Pea) - Easter Island Papa Hanga Roa features fun, right and left breaking waves over a rocky reef bottom, characterized by sharp coral and rocks. The spot is accessible within a 5-minute walk and is open to the public. Ideal conditions occur during mid to high tide with rising tide movement, and it works best with swell from the NorthWest, SouthWest, and South, complemented by winds from the SouthEast and East. This surf spot caters to various skill levels, handling swells starting from 0.3 meters. While it maintains a laid-back atmosphere, especially during weekdays with few surfers, it can become crowded on weekends and during summer months, particularly with local bodyboarders when waves are under 1.2 meters. Surfers should remain vigilant of local etiquette and potential hazards such as urchins and rocks while enjoying the waves at Papa.

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Reñaca

Reñaca - Chile Reñaca features a powerful beach break with both right and left waves, characterized by hollow and fast conditions. The sandy bottom provides excellent opportunities for aerial maneuvers. This spot works well at all tides, with optimal conditions during the months of October to December when the north swells arrive. Located just north of Viña del Mar, Reñaca is a popular surf destination, especially in the summer. The beach can become ultra crowded on weekends, but its spacious layout allows surfers to find their own waves. The atmosphere is lively, with a mix of local and visiting surfers enjoying consistent surf. With easy access and a vibrant beach culture, Reñaca is a must-visit for those looking to experience the surf scene in Chile.

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El Gringo

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Mauro

Mauro (Punta Una) - Iquique This surf spot features a shallow, small tubular wave breaking to the left over a rocky reef bottom, ideal for tuberides. Access is straightforward, located at the north end of Playa Cavancha, just a short walk from a nearby building. The wave is best surfed at mid tide and is known for its hollow power. Punta Una is popular among surfers, especially during the winter months from May to July when swells are more consistent. Expect a lively atmosphere, particularly on weekends, as the spot can get crowded. The parking lot nearby allows for quick access to the water, making it convenient for surfers to gear up. While the vibe is friendly, it's essential to respect the lineup and be prepared for the workout of paddling through cleanup sets. A shortboard is recommended to fully enjoy the wave's potential, but be cautious of urchins and sharp rocks in the area.

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Las Salinas

Las Salinas - Playa Las Salinas, Chile Las Salinas features a left-point break with a sandy bottom interspersed with rocks. This spot is best accessed from the street, with instant access available in under 5 minutes. It works primarily at mid to high tide, particularly during rising tide conditions, and is known for its fast and powerful waves. Situated between Reñaca and Viña del Mar, Las Salinas is a unique mini pointbreak that offers a refuge from the wind and crowds, especially at high tide. While the spot can get lively with competition during decent surf, it remains relatively empty on weekdays and weekends. Optimal conditions arise with a north swell and southeast winds, making it a viable option when other spots are too big or blown out. Be cautious of rips and rocks, as they pose potential dangers for surfers.

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La Puntilla

La Puntilla - Pichilemu La Puntilla is a left-point break with a sandy bottom, known for its hollow, fast, and powerful waves. The spot is located in Pichilemu, Chile, and is accessible within a 5-minute walk. It works best at low and mid tide, with rising and falling tides, and is influenced by swell from the north, northwest, west, and southwest. This surf spot offers a unique experience for surfers of all levels, thanks to its laid-back vibe and stunning coastal scenery. While it can become crowded on weekends, the atmosphere remains friendly and welcoming. The paddle-out can be challenging due to strong currents, so be prepared for a workout. Although the waves have not been world-class in recent years, La Puntilla still provides fun lefts, especially on good days. With its picturesque setting and reliable conditions, it's a must-visit for anyone in the area.

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Quintay

Quintay - Chile Quintay features a beach break with both right and left waves, characterized by a sandy bottom. The waves are known for being fast, powerful, and fun, making it one of the best surf spots in the region. It works well at all tides and is best with a northeast swell. Located about 30 minutes from Viña del Mar, Quintay is accessible via a short walk of 5-15 minutes. This spot remains relatively uncrowded during the week, with only a few surfers on weekends, allowing for an enjoyable surfing experience. The picturesque surroundings enhance the appeal, making it a hidden gem for those seeking epic waves and nice tube rides without the hassle of large crowds.

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Matanzas

Matanzas - Chile Matanzas is a left point break characterized by fast and powerful waves, breaking over a sandy bottom with rocky outcrops. This spot is accessible within a 5-minute walk and is located in the town of Matanzas, VI Region. It primarily works at low tide and is best suited for surfers seeking less crowded conditions during the week. While Matanzas can be patchy due to its reliance on sand for wave formation, it offers a mellow atmosphere for those looking to escape the hustle of more popular surf spots. The ideal wind direction is from the east, which can enhance wave quality. Although it may not consistently deliver the best surf, the area boasts surf-friendly accommodations and a unique charm that attracts surfers. Be cautious of rips and rocks, especially during powerful swells.

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Mataveri

Mataveri - Easter Island Mataveri is a gnarly left point break renowned for its powerful, hollow, and fast waves, breaking over boulders. This world-class surf spot is suitable for experts only, with challenging entry and exit due to rocky conditions. It works at all tides and is best with swells from the south-west and south. Located on the far south-west side of Easter Island, Mataveri boasts the longest wave in the area, reaching up to 800 meters. Access is relatively straightforward, with parking available near the point and a short walk to the water. However, exiting can be treacherous, requiring navigation over a barely submerged rack and scaling a 2-meter lava cliff. The atmosphere is generally uncrowded, with only a few surfers present during the week and weekends. Be prepared for rips and undertow, and ensure you possess the necessary skills before tackling this challenging surf spot.

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Ahogados

Ahogados - El Quisco, Chile Ahogados features a powerful beach break with hollow waves that can exceed 3 meters. The sandy bottom interspersed with rocks creates a challenging environment, making it suitable only for experienced surfers. The spot is accessible within a five-minute walk and is located south of the main beach in El Quisco. Known as "drowned people's beach," Ahogados is notorious for its dangerous conditions, including strong currents and rocky hazards. The waves break both right and left, working at all tides, with optimal conditions when the swell comes from the west or southwest and the wind blows from the east. Surfers should be aware of the risks, including urchins and riptides, and should approach this spot with caution, as it has a history of fatalities. Despite its dangers, the beach remains relatively uncrowded during the week and on weekends.

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Las Bahamas

Las Bahamas - Chile Las Bahamas features a beach break with both right and left waves, characterized by a sandy bottom interspersed with rocks. The waves are known for being hollow, fast, and powerful, making it suitable for experienced surfers. Access requires a short walk of 5 to 15 minutes, and the spot is publicly accessible. This surf spot works well at all tides, particularly during a rising tide, with optimal conditions when the swell and wind come from the SouthWest, South, or SouthEast. Despite its impressive wave quality, Las Bahamas remains relatively uncrowded throughout the week and on weekends. However, surfers should be aware of localism, which can pose a challenge for newcomers. Overall, Las Bahamas offers a thrilling surf experience for those willing to make the trek.

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