The Surf Window

Matanzas

O'Higgins, Chile

Point breakIntermediate

Four hours south of Santiago, Matanzas is Chile's answer to a perfect point break, a long, reeling right-hander that draws the country's best surfers to a windswept clifftop overlooking a cold but perfect wave.

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–Oct Chilean winter swells

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Point break

Bottom

Rock and sand

Shape

Long right-hand walls with multiple sections

Length

200–400m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate to advanced
  • •Why: Long walls require surfing fitness and rail-to-rail ability to work the whole ride

Hazards

  • •Cold water, wetsuit essential (14–17°C)
  • •Rocky point with surge
  • •Strong wind exposure on the cliffs

Local Tips

  • •The point is best at 1–2m when it's long and workable, gets chunky in bigger swells
  • •The town of Matanzas has a strong local crew, show respect and you'll be welcomed
  • •Bring a full 4/3mm wetsuit minimum

Location

Map showing the location of Matanzas in O'Higgins, Chile

-34.0000, -71.8833