Iquique
Iquique is Chile's desert surf capital—a city wedged between the vast Atacama Desert and the cold, powerful Pacific, offering some of South America's most dramatic surf settings. Multiple left points line the coastline, receiving consistent Southern Ocean groundswells against a backdrop of sand dunes and barren hills that haven't seen rain in years. The water is brisk thanks to the Humboldt Current, but wetsuits are a small price for quality waves with minimal crowds. The city's dramatic setting beneath towering cliffs and its duty-free shopping zone make it an unlikely but rewarding surf destination.
Iquique surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (230°)
- Direction range
- 210° - 260°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.8m - 2.5m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (120°)
- Offshore range
- 80° - 160°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.5m
Water temp
16°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
4/10
Access: Beach access from city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Iquique?
Iquique is a point break in Tarapacá, Chile, that mostly breaks left.
What swell works best at Iquique?
Iquique picks up swell from the SSW round to the W, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SW. It starts working at around 0.8m and handles up to about 3m, with the sweet spot around 1.8 to 2.5m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 10s 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 Iquique?
An ESE wind is dead offshore at Iquique, and anything from the E round to the SSE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Iquique?
Iquique has a preferred tide range, roughly 0.4m to 1.5m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Iquique?
The most reliable run of swell at Iquique comes Mar to Oct. March-October Southern Ocean swells.
How cold is the water at Iquique?
The water at Iquique averages around 16°C, so you'll want a 4/3mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Iquique good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 5/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. Expect a moderate crowd (4/10) when it's on. Rocky coastline. Urchins.
How do I get to Iquique?
The nearest airport on our list is IQQ, then it's roughly a 15-minute drive. Beach access from city.
What other surf spots are near Iquique?
The closest breaks we track are Punta Dos (0.2 km), Intendencia (0.3 km) and El Colegio (0.4 km), handy when Iquique isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-Oct
March-October Southern Ocean swells.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Punta Dos
✌️ Point Two • Iquique slab • Heavy barrels
Intendencia
🌊 Wedging slab • Thick barrels • Iquique power
El Colegio
🎓 The School • Harsh lessons • Iquique heaviest
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