Chile, Chile
Chile's iconic big-wave left point.
| Wave height | 9.8 ft (9-11 ft) |
| Swell period | 10 sec |
| Swell direction | 232° |
| Wind | E offshore 4.5 kt |
| Tide | mid / optimal |
| Surf score | 75 / 100 |
Punta de Lobos in Pichilemu is a long left-hand point that holds serious size and hosts big-wave events on the heaviest South Pacific swells. On the right day, the ideal swell window runs from SSW–WSW (210–250°); groundswell with periods around 12–19s gives it the most shape; the wave is comfortably workable up to roughly 20 ft on the face. Best winds are E or NE, with N or SE still rideable. Tide influences the wave moderately, so timing the swing helps line up the better sets. The sweet spot in our data sits between roughly 0.4 m and 1.8 m of tide height. It is one of the more consistent waves in the region, producing rideable days across much of the season. Expect cold water that demands a thick wetsuit, boots, and a hood when winter rolls in. Expect a moderate crowd, especially on the best days. Logistically, it is roughly 3.3 hours from SCL airport. It rewards strong, confident surfers and is not the right place for a first session of the trip - paddle fitness and wave-reading both matter. Board-wise, locals lean on step-up for size.
The best window is typically Mar–Sep, when swells from SSW–WSW (210–250°) are most consistent.
Punta de Lobos handles size all the way from head-high to twenty-foot faces on prime winter swells.
Not really - it suits advanced surfers and is not the place to learn.