El Colegio
El Colegio ("The School") is the heaviest wave in the Iquique slab complex - a thick left that breaks over a shallow reef. The name is ironic, as this wave provides harsh lessons for those unprepared.
El Colegio 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
- 1.8m - 4.5m
- Ideal size
- 3m - 3.8m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 18s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ENE (67°)
- Offshore range
- 45° - 90°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 1.5m
- Danger below
- 0.3m
Water temp
17°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
9/10
Crowd level
2/10
Access: Iquique slab zone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at El Colegio?
The El Colegio profile favors mid tide, ideally between 0.5m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session. The profile flags a low-tide hazard below 0.3m.
What wind direction is offshore at El Colegio?
The El Colegio profile uses wind from ENE (67°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 45° to 90°. 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 Colegio?
The El Colegio scoring profile favors swell from SW (200° to 250°), a swell-height range of 1.8m to 4.5m, and a reference period of 18s. 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 Colegio?
The main season at El Colegio is Apr-Sep. A secondary window runs Mar, Oct. Iquique heavy wave. Needs solid swell.
How do I get to El Colegio?
The spot profile lists IQQ as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 10 minutes. Iquique slab zone.
What kind of wave is El Colegio?
El Colegio is a slab break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 9/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Sep
Secondary: Mar, Oct
Iquique heavy wave. Needs solid swell.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Punta Dos
✌️ Point Two • Iquique slab • Heavy barrels
Iquique
🏜️ Atacama meets Pacific • Cold water lefts • Dramatic desert setting
Intendencia
🌊 Wedging slab • Thick barrels • Iquique power
Hueso de Ballena
🐋 Whale Bone reef • Quality left • Less intense
Cavancha
🏖️ Iquique city beach • Beginner-friendly • Consistent
Huayquique
🌊 Northern Chile point • Long lefts • Desert backdrop
Plan a trip around El Colegio
Compare this break with other destinations in these surf guides.