Arenillas Negras
Arenillas Negras ("Black Sands") is a reef break on a distinctive dark volcanic sand beach in Arica. The wave offers quality walls without the intensity of nearby El Gringo.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (225°)
- Direction range
- 200° - 250°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 2.4m
- Ideal size
- 2.0m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NE (45°)
- Offshore range
- 20° - 70°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.4m
Water temp
18°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
2/10
Access: Near Arica slab zone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Arenillas Negras?
Arenillas Negras works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.4m and 1.4m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Arenillas Negras?
Offshore wind at Arenillas Negras blows from the NE (45°). Anything in the 20° to 70° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Arenillas Negras?
Arenillas Negras wants SW swell (200° to 250°) between 1.2m and 2.4m, with a period of 16s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Arenillas Negras?
The main season at Arenillas Negras is Apr-Sep. A secondary window runs Mar, Oct. Quality reef break.
How do I get to Arenillas Negras?
Fly into ARI, then allow about 12 minutes by road. Near Arica slab zone.
What kind of wave is Arenillas Negras?
Arenillas Negras is a reef break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Sep
Secondary: Mar, Oct
Quality reef break.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
El Gringo
🇨🇱 Chilean Pipeline • Helmet required • Slab of death
El Brazo
💪 The Arm • Reef/sand hybrid • Versatile waves
El Buey
🐂 The Bull • Tow-in giant • 40ft+ faces
La Lisera
🪨 Arica reef right • Needs solid swell • Desert perfection
El Laucho
🏖️ Arica mellow option • Beginner-friendly • Warm-up spot
Las Machas
🐚 Razor clam beach • Beginner waves • Consistent