The Surf Window

Los Vilos

Coquimbo, Chile

Point breakIntermediate

Between La Serena and Valparaíso, Los Vilos is a fishing town on a rocky Pacific headland where several reef and point breaks accumulate swell energy and offer consistent surf in an authentic Chilean working town.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size–W 1.5–3m at 14–18s

Wind

NE

Light under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Mar–Sep

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Point and reef break

Bottom

Rock

Shape

Rights off the main point, long and walling

Length

80–200m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate to advanced
  • •Why: Rocky point with power requires solid surfing ability

Hazards

  • •Rocky coastline, impact zone is over rocks
  • •Cold water, 14–16°C
  • •Kelp beds can tangle around fins and leashes

Local Tips

  • •The town's seafood market sells the freshest mariscos in the region
  • •Multiple breaks in the area, explore north and south of the main point
  • •Kelp is everywhere, learn to navigate through it gracefully

Location

Map showing the location of Los Vilos in Coquimbo, Chile

-31.9122, -71.5139