The Surf Window

Zapallar

Valparaíso, Chile

Point breakIntermediate

One of Chile's most exclusive beach towns, where Santiago's elite have summered for a century, Zapallar hides a surprisingly good reef and beach break from its old-money privacy behind a photogenic rocky cove.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size1.5–2.5m at 14–18s

Wind

NE

Light under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Mar–Aug

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach and reef break

Bottom

Rock and sand

Shape

Rights off the reef, beach peaks on the main bay

Length

50–100m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate surfers
  • •Why: Reef adds some power and requires wave reading ability

Hazards

  • •Rocks and reef at the edges of the cove
  • •Cold water, 14–16°C
  • •This is an elite vacation community, park respectfully and be on your best behavior

Local Tips

  • •The cove has beautiful old architecture and gardens, worth exploring
  • •Cachagua beach just north has its own surf and a penguin colony at the point
  • •Bring your own food and supplies, services are limited and expensive here

Location

Map showing the location of Zapallar in Valparaíso, Chile

-32.5528, -71.4588