El Buey
El Buey ("The Bull") is a tow-in big wave reef near El Gringo that comes alive when massive SW swells hit Arica. The wave can produce 40-foot faces, making it one of South America's premier big wave venues.
El Buey surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (225°)
- Direction range
- 200° - 250°
- Size range
- 4.5m - 12m
- Ideal size
- 6.6m - 8.8m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 20s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NE (45°)
- Offshore range
- 20° - 70°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 2m
Water temp
18°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
10/10
Crowd level
1/10
Access: Near El Gringo. Tow-in only on big days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at El Buey?
The El Buey profile favors the recorded tide range, ideally between 0.5m and 2m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at El Buey?
The El Buey profile uses wind from NE (45°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 20° to 70°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at El Buey?
The El Buey scoring profile favors swell from SW (200° to 250°), a swell-height range of 4.5m to 12m, and a reference period of 20s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf El Buey?
The main season at El Buey is May-Sep. A secondary window runs Apr, Oct. Big wave spot. Tow-in territory.
How do I get to El Buey?
The spot profile lists ARI as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 15 minutes. Near El Gringo. Tow-in only on big days.
What kind of wave is El Buey?
El Buey is a big wave break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 10/10.
Best Season
Peak: May-Sep
Secondary: Apr, Oct
Big wave spot. Tow-in territory.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
El Brazo
💪 The Arm • Reef/sand hybrid • Versatile waves
Arenillas Negras
🖤 Black sand reef • Quality walls • Less intense
El Gringo
🇨🇱 Chilean Pipeline • Helmet required • Slab of death
Playa Chinchorro
🏜️ Desert beach break • Consistent waves • Northern Chile gateway
La Lisera
🪨 Arica reef right • Needs solid swell • Desert perfection
El Laucho
🏖️ Arica mellow option • Beginner-friendly • Warm-up spot
Plan a trip around El Buey
Compare this break with other destinations in these surf guides.