The Surf Window

Chiloé

Los Lagos, Chile

Beach breakIntermediate

The mythical island of Chiloé off Chile's southern coast is a world of wooden churches, stilt houses on the water, and an ancient potato culture, its exposed Pacific coast also catches powerful south swells on empty dark sand beaches.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size–W 2–4m at 14–20s

Wind

NE

Light under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Mar–Sep

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

Dark volcanic sand

Shape

Long exposed beach with shifting peaks

Length

60–120m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Advanced surfers
  • •Why: Powerful, exposed Pacific beach in very cold water requires experience

Hazards

  • •Extremely cold water, 8–11°C requires 5/4mm with hood, gloves, and boots
  • •Strong rip currents
  • •Very remote beaches with no assistance

Local Tips

  • •Chiloé's culture is unique in Latin America, the mythology, wooden churches (UNESCO), and food
  • •Dalcahue and Chonchi are the most atmospheric towns for overnight stays
  • •The west coast beaches face the full Pacific, conditions change fast

Location

Map showing the location of Chiloé in Los Lagos, Chile

-42.6167, -73.9167