Antofagasta
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Positives
- Great left pointbreaks
- Consistent swell
- Spot diversity
- Never rains
Negatives
- Few rights
- Cool water
- Desert area
- Lack of tourist interest
Antofagasta surf travel guide
Much like Chile itself, the city of Antofagasta is long and narrow, sandwiched between the mighty Pacific Ocean and the lofty Andes mountains. The largest city of the Norte Grande region, Antofagasta lays just 10km (6mi) south of the Tropic of Capricorn. With 20km (12mi) of sandy beaches scattered among rocky coves, this port town is increasingly turning into a beach resort, but still lacks attractiveness for the tourist masses. It’s also off the beaten path for surfers, who tend to congregate at the northern cities of Arica and Iquique. Things may change with the completion of the Ruta 1 coastal highway which makes the 400km (250mi) long Iquique-Antofagasta stretch of coastline much more accessible. In the meantime, there is more variety to the surf here, with beachbreaks among crazy rock formations, some longer left points like Piedra del Lobo and La Puntilla as well as the obligatory Chilean death slab known as Nuluhaga, south of town. Not beginner territory, but intermediates will be able to manage the points.
Surf spots in Antofagasta
Research the 15 surf breaks in Antofagasta and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 15 breaks in Antofagasta.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Antofagasta
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Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 5,723,000
- Population
- 19,116,201
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- CLP
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 538.75 CLP CLP
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +56
- Dialing out
- 00
- Emergencies
- 911
- Language
- Spanish
Electricity
- Plug Type
- cl
Visas
For most countries in the world no visa is needed for stays of up to 90 days.
Getting There
No visa required. LanChile flies daily to Cerro Moreno airport, 25km (16mi) north of the city. Flights are around $150 and the ride to town costs $6. Buses from Santiago costs under $40 but it’s a 1,350km (845mi), 18h ride along the Pan American Highway. From Iquique $20/6h buses are available.
Getting Around
Antofagasta’s location on the Pan-American Hwy, eases transportation to the rest of the country. Rent a car ($35/d) to cruise the 20km (12mi) long coastal road facing the Pacific Ocean or follow the impressive Ruta 1 coastal highway all the way to Iquique. It’s possible to rely on public transport with collectivos to Portada and Mejillones ($2) or Hornitos ($4) running in the summertime.
Accommodation
Budget rooms under $15 are widely available. Comfort options include the beach facing Hotel Tatio ($80/dble) and Hotel Antofagasta ($120/dble). Hotel Capitania in Mejillones is the base for Janosurf’s Desierto Surfero; they know the area perfectly. Excellent seafood is available around the Terminal Pesquero.
Activities
A modern city with good restaurants and entertainment spots, yet Antofagasta remains an unlikely tourist destination. The city’s architecture has a European feel with a clock tower replica of Big Ben. La Portada is a natural arch shaped by erosion into a giant rock while the “Mano Del Desierto” (Hand of the Desert) is a large sculpture 50km (31mi) south of Antofagasta.
Hazards & hassles
With surfing and bodyboarding becoming increasingly popular among young Chileans, crowds are developing and vibes are not always positive. Sharp reefs and urchins are often lurking under the water, so bring reef boots. Don’t mess with the ‘araña del rincón’; these reclusive Chilean spiders are extremely venomous.
Handy Hints
Limited choice of surf equipment is available at the DMG and 5ªAvda Surf. It’s best to bring over a quiver or a good all-around board. Most shops are closed in the afternoon till 5pm. Desierto Surfero runs 2 days all-inclusive surf schools.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.