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.
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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
- 8.4m
- 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?
El Buey works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.5m and 2m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at El Buey?
Offshore wind at El Buey 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 El Buey?
El Buey wants SW swell (200° to 250°) between 4.5m and 12m, with a period of 20s or more for quality waves.
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?
Fly into ARI, then allow about 15 minutes by road. 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