Playa Chinchorro
Playa Chinchorro is the main surf beach in Arica, Chile's northernmost coastal city. This west-facing beach break offers consistent waves year-round.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (225°)
- Direction range
- 200° - 270°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.0m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 50° - 130°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.5m
Water temp
18°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Main beach in Arica. Easy access from town.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Playa Chinchorro?
Playa Chinchorro works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Playa Chinchorro?
Offshore wind at Playa Chinchorro blows from the E (90°). Anything in the 50° to 130° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Playa Chinchorro?
Playa Chinchorro wants SW swell (200° to 270°) between 0.8m and 2.5m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Playa Chinchorro?
The main season at Playa Chinchorro is Mar-Oct. A secondary window runs Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb. Year-round surf. Best swells autumn through spring.
How do I get to Playa Chinchorro?
Fly into ARI, then allow about 10 minutes by road. Main beach in Arica. Easy access from town.
What kind of wave is Playa Chinchorro?
Playa Chinchorro is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 4/10.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-Oct
Secondary: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Year-round surf. Best swells autumn through spring.
Getting There
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