The Best Surf Spots on Chile's Central Coast
Chile's central coast is home to the country's best surf spots. Just a few hours from Santiago, spots like Punta de Lobos and Matanzas have an international reputation. This guide covers the main ones, including water temperature, wave type, and which Kuhane wetsuit to use at each.
Pichilemu — the capital of Chilean surfing
Pichilemu, 200 km south of Santiago, is the undisputed capital of Chilean surfing. It has several breaks for different levels:
- Punta de Pichilemu: Right-hand wave, sand bottom, good for intermediates and advanced surfers. Works well with 1-2.5m swell.
- Infiernillo: Shorter, left-hand wave. Good for practicing maneuvers.
Temperature: 12°C–17°C depending on the season. Recommended wetsuit: Black or Grey without Hood in summer, with Hood in winter.
Punta de Lobos — world-class waves
6 km south of Pichilemu, Punta de Lobos is one of the best long-wave spots in the South Pacific. A right-hander that can reach 300 meters in ideal conditions. Home to the WSL Big Wave Tour for large waves.
- Level: Advanced and expert. In winter, only for experienced surfers.
- Best season: winter (May–September).
Temperature: 12°C–15°C. Recommended wetsuit: Black or Grey with Hood.
Matanzas — the best-kept secret
130 km south of Santiago, Matanzas is unique in Chile: the south wind that lashes the coast here comes head-on, creating perfect waves with a clean face almost all year round. It is the favorite spot for surfers from Santiago.
- Level: Intermediate to advanced.
- Special feature: works best with strong south wind, which ruins waves at other spots.
Temperature: 13°C–16°C. Recommended wetsuit: Black without Hood in summer, with Hood in winter.
El Tabo — accessible and consistent
El Tabo is the most accessible spot on the central coast, just 95 km from Santiago. Smaller and more regular waves, with several peaks that work for different levels. Ideal when large swells close out other spots.
- Level: Beginner to intermediate.
- Temperature: 14°C–17°C.
Recommended wetsuit: Black without Hood, Impact Wetsuit for bodyboarding.
La Boca (Río Rapel) — spot for no-swell days
The mouth of the Rapel River generates river waves when the swell is small. Fast, tubular left-hand waves. Water temperature higher than the open sea in summer.
- Level: Intermediate.
- Recommended wetsuit: Black or Grey without Hood.
How to choose your wetsuit according to the spot
The general rule: the further south the spot and the bigger the swell, the more protection you need. For the central coast, a 3/2mm Kuhane is the standard all year round. The main decision is hood or no hood depending on the day's temperature.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need permission to surf in Punta de Lobos? Not for recreational surfing. Access is free, but you must respect the protected coastal area.
When is Matanzas at its best? With a south wind of 15-25 knots and a swell of 1.5-2.5m. Check the forecast before going.
Are there surf schools near these spots? Yes, in Pichilemu there are several schools. In Matanzas, they are scarcer.