Chicama
Chicama is the world's longest left-breaking wave and the first legally protected wave in the world, a point break in Peru that can run around 2 kilometers to the pier on a big enough swell. The wave peels along the desert coastline with mechanical precision, passing through sections the locals call Malpaso, Keys, The Point and El Hombre. Full connections are rare but possible during optimal SW swells. The setting is stark and beautiful: Peruvian desert, cold Humboldt Current water, and endless walls of surf. This is surfing's marathon.
Chicama surf forecast
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (210°)
- Direction range
- 200° - 220°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2m - 2.6m
- Height multiplier
- 0.90×
- Ideal period
- 18s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (0°)
- Offshore range
- 315° - 45°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Beach/paddle
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Chicama?
Chicama is a point break in Puerto Malabrigo, Peru, that mostly breaks left. It's on our list of the world's 100 best waves.
What's the story behind Chicama?
Chicama was the first legally protected wave in the world, and the town of Malabrigo is unofficially known as Puerto Chicama.
What swell works best at Chicama?
Chicama picks up swell from the SSW round to the SW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SSW. That's a tight window, so it needs the swell direction to line up. It starts working at around 1.2m and handles up to about 3m, with the sweet spot around 2 to 2.6m. 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 Chicama?
A N wind is dead offshore at Chicama, and anything from the NW round to the NE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to midday. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Chicama?
Chicama is at its best around the low to mid tide.
When is the best time of year to surf Chicama?
The most reliable run of swell at Chicama comes Apr to Oct. There's a second window in Mar and Nov too. 90% Apr-Oct (full connect rare).
Is Chicama good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 6/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 3/10). Things to watch for: strong rips, crowds and a long walk or paddle in.
How do I get to Chicama?
The nearest airport on our list is TRU, then it's roughly a 1.5-hour drive. Beach/paddle.
What other surf spots are near Chicama?
The closest breaks we track are Chicama - El Point (1.1 km), El Faro (1.3 km) and Chicama - Keys (1.6 km), handy when Chicama isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Oct
Secondary: Mar, Nov
90% Apr-Oct (full connect rare)
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Chicama - El Point
🌍 World longest left • 2km+ rides • Bucket list wave
El Faro
🗼 Chicama starting point • Connects to main wave • Part of longest ride
Chicama - Keys
🔑 Inside section • Near the pier • Perfect walls
Chicama - Malpaso
🛢️ Barrel section • Low tide tubes • Chicama hollow
Punta Prieta
🌑 Dark Point • Volcanic rock • Empty waves
Puemape
🌊 Hidden gem • Between the famous spots • Less crowded
Plan a trip around Chicama
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