Pichilemu
O'Higgins, Chile
Beach breakIntermediate
Chile's surf capital, Pichilemu is the town that put Chilean surfing on the global map, hosting WSL Championship Tour events and a range of breaks from beginner beach to expert point break waves.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size4-8ft
Wind
S
Offshore
Tide
Any
LowMidHigh
Season
March–October
JFMAMJJASOND
The Wave
Type
Beach and point options
Bottom
Sand and rock
Shape
Variable, from gentle beach break in the town area to powerful point breaks at Punta de Lobos nearby
Length
Varies by spot
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Intermediate
- •Why: The main beach has manageable waves; advancing surfers graduate to the surrounding point breaks.
Hazards
- •Cold water (13–15°C, full wetsuit essential)
- •Pichilemu can be very windy, timing sessions for the morning window is important
- •Earthquakes and tsunami history, always be aware of evacuation routes in Chile
Local Tips
- •Pichilemu is a 200km drive south of Santiago along the Route 5 highway, an easy weekend escape for city-based surfers.
- •The boardwalk above the main beach has excellent swell-watching and is lined with surf shops and cafes.
Location
-34.3852, -72.0047