Punta de Lobos

Chile's iconic 800m left-hand point with barrels and big waves

Punta de Lobos is the crown jewel of Chilean surfing — a world-class left-hand point break that peels for up to 800 meters past dramatic sea stacks and rock formations at the western tip of a rugged coastal headland. When conditions align, the wave walls and tubes through the entire middle section of the point, delivering 200-meter rides with multiple bowl sections. Best swell direction is southwest, with southeast winds holding the face clean — and it is glassy an astonishing 90 percent of the time. The wave handles everything from fun head-high walls to terrifying 20-foot-plus big wave days during deep winter (June-August), when it draws big wave surfers from around the globe. March through October is the prime season, as long-period southwest groundswells generated by Southern Ocean storms deliver consistent, powerful surf. The break sits 6 km south of the laid-back surf town of Pichilemu, designated a World Surfing Reserve. Water temperatures range from about 12-17 degrees C depending on season, requiring at least a 3/2mm wetsuit year-round and a 4/3mm or thicker in winter.

Best months to surf Punta de Lobos

Wave consistency

Very Consistent

Things to do nearby

• Explore Pichilemu's surf culture and beachfront promenade
• Day trip to Santa Cruz wine valley for Chilean vineyard tastings
• Eat fresh seafood empanadas at Mercado Municipal
• Surf the beginner-friendly beach breaks at La Puntilla