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 kind of wave is El Colegio?
El Colegio is a slab in Iquique, Chile, that mostly breaks left. It's also a renowned bodyboarding wave.
What swell works best at El Colegio?
El Colegio picks up swell from the SSW round to the WSW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SW. It starts working at around 1.8m and handles up to about 4.5m, with the sweet spot around 3 to 3.8m. Period matters too: aim for 18s or longer, as anything under 14s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at El Colegio?
An ENE wind is dead offshore at El Colegio, and anything from the NE round to the E keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 10am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at El Colegio?
El Colegio is at its best around mid tide, roughly 0.5m to 1.5m on the local chart. Below 0.3m it gets dangerously shallow.
When is the best time of year to surf El Colegio?
The most reliable run of swell at El Colegio comes Apr to Sep. There's a second window in Mar and Oct too. Iquique heavy wave. Needs solid swell.
How cold is the water at El Colegio?
The water at El Colegio averages around 17°C, so you'll want a 3/2mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is El Colegio good for beginners?
No. As a slab, it's strictly for experienced surfers. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 2/10). Heavy slab. Experts only.
How do I get to El Colegio?
The nearest airport on our list is IQQ, then it's roughly a 10-minute drive. Iquique slab zone.
What other surf spots are near El Colegio?
The closest breaks we track are Punta Dos (0.2 km), Iquique (0.4 km) and Intendencia (0.6 km), handy when El Colegio isn't working. We track 6 spots around Iquique in total.
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
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