Chicama
- Longboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Medium waves
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Chicama is best known for its world-class left-hand point break that can deliver extremely long rides by connecting multiple sections, with the point described as fast and mechanical yet also “soft but powerful” on the face. Surf conditions are repeatedly characterized as peeling and high quality, with typical single-section rides around a few hundred meters and much longer rides possible when sections link up. Water conditions are generally described as clean, with sandy bottoms but varying shallows near the point and sections of rock/reef along parts of the bay. Hazards include rocks and urchins, and at times jellyfish and sea lions are also mentioned. Currents can be very strong and include rip-current/drift components; this affects both entry/positioning and the return strategy after riding, with many surfers relying on tow-back/boat assistance rather than attempting to paddle back. Wind for wind sports is dominated by south to southeast trade winds, described as generally consistent during the windy season and often picking up in the early afternoon. For surfing, the south wind pattern is described as side-offshore and wave-grooming/hollowing. For kitesurfing, south winds provide cross-offshore grooming, but the technical challenge is elevated by strong current and local wind-shadow effects near the cliffs if launching too close to takeoff zones. Temperatures stay relatively cool due to the Humboldt Current, with wetsuit recommendations commonly around 3/2mm year-round (sometimes up to 4/3mm depending on preference). Access is via the North Panamericana (Km 614 to Paiján) and then an unmarked road toward Puerto Malabrigo/Port of Chicama, with a walk from parking to launch taking roughly 15–30 minutes depending on your exact route.
- Extremely long, longest-left point break reputation
- World-class wave quality with multiple connectable sections
- Cool, clean water influenced by the Humboldt Current
- South-driven wind pattern that can groom the swell for surfing and wave-oriented wind sports
- World-class, very long left-hand point break
- Clean water and consistent swell conditions
- Offshore/grooming wind pattern from the south supports long sessions for surfing when conditions line up
- Year-round activity with notable seasonal peaks
- Strong current can make lineup management and return difficult without assistance
- Rocks and reef sections present hazard risk
- Kitesurfing may be affected by wind shadow from the cliffs near the point
- No lifeguards
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S, SE
- Wind Range
- 12–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — South-to-southeast trade winds.
- Reliability
- The wind is generally consistent during the windy season, typically picking up in the early afternoon.
- Gust Factor
- Steady
- Best Months
- January, September, October, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Medium waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy with rock/reef sections around the point.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Surf wave size varies by conditions; swell can hold well into larger ranges (also described as starting working under 1 m and holding up to 4 m+).
- Launch
- Medium — Primarily sandy launch with rocky sections near the point and along the shoreline depending on tide.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Another provider describes launch difficulty as moderate.
Through the year
Area is very arid; significant rain is extremely rare except during El Niño events.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Premier wave-riding destination; cross-offshore wind from the south helps groom faces. Strong current makes it more technical to stay in the power zone.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Exceptional wave sailing; wind can be light to moderate, suiting large-wave carving and gear focused on pure wave riding.
Becoming a favorite for wingfoilers aiming to get out to the point and glide for kilometers on the swell.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 1.5m
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
World-class longest-left point break with multiple connectable sections; one described as a very long left-hand point break with rides up to 4,000 meters on best days.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- S, SSW, SW
- Swell Height
- 1.2–4 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides
- Shelter
- Exposed — Described as exposed; another provider characterizes the point as semi-sheltered.
- Wind Effect
- South winds are side-offshore here, grooming the waves and making them hollower.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well; sections begin to connect on larger swells.
- Wave Quality
- World class
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Described as powerful; another provider characterizes the power as moderate.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Long — Can reach very long rides when sections connect.
- Typical Ride Length
- 300–500 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical single sections are cited around 300–500 m; much longer if sections connect (one source cites rides over 2 km and up to ~4,000 m on best days).
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Chicama in the full forecast view.
Chicama wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 7–16 ktsGusts 28 kts
- Direction
- S176°
- Strongest day
- Thu, Oct 2916 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.3–2.0 m10s period
- Temperature
- 23–29 °C
Over the next 7 days, Chicama is forecast for daytime winds of 7–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Thursday, October 29 with gusts to 28 kts. The prevailing direction is S. Waves run 1.3–2.0 m with a period of about 10s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Rocks
- rip currents present
- urchins
- jellyfish
- sea lions
- strong down-the-line drift current
- fishing pier interrupting final section
- submerged reef sections in some parts of the bay
- possible trees/power lines near shore
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Formal public coastguard rescue is not well documented; local surf hotels/private operators may run zodiac boats to assist riders and surfers.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities are in Trujillo (~1.5 hours away); emergency services can be reached via 105 (Police) or 116 (Fire/Rescue).
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Localism present but described as relatively mild.
Rules of the spot
Priority is given to those further up the point. Surf down the point and walk back; do not paddle back to takeoff area.
- Watch for rocks and urchins.
- Respect the local lineup and the order on the point.
- Because the current is very strong, tow-back boat services are used to return rather than paddling or walking back.
- Paddle >20 minutes or use boat access (surf down the point and walk back is standard since paddling back to takeoff is useless).
- Bring a warm wetsuit even if the air is warm, as the Humboldt current keeps the water cold.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Trujillo
- Nearest Town
- Puerto Malabrigo
- Nearest Airport
- Cap. FAP Carlos Martínez de Pinillos International Airport (TRU)
- Parking
- Parking near the Port of Chicama/Puerto Malabrigo (unsurfaced; may require asking locals). Ground access at Km 614 of the North Panamericana to Paiján.
- Public Transport
- Access is primarily via private shuttle or bus from Trujillo; local moto-taxis provide transport within Puerto Malabrigo.
- Access
- Accessible via road via the North Panamericana Highway. Turn off at Paiján toward the coast to reach Puerto Malabrigo; from there follow an unmarked road to the port.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Several surf resorts and local hostels in Puerto Malabrigo.
- Food & Drink
- Local seafood and traditional Peruvian cuisine are widely available in Puerto Malabrigo.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental equipment is available at surf-focused hotels and shops in the village; specialized kitesurfing/wingfoiling gear may require advance booking.
- Gear Storage
- Offered by most surf resorts for guests.
- Gear Repair
- Basic surfboard repair is available locally.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
An iconic old pier providing a great vantage point for watching the world-famous long waves.
The largest Pre-Columbian adobe city in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Ancient Moche temples featuring intricate murals and archaeological excavations.
Riding the steep dunes found in the desert surrounding the Rázuri district.
The vast, sandy coastline is ideal for walking and exploring the desert-meets-ocean landscape.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Chicama?
The best overall months at Chicama are April, May, June, July, August, September, October. The best wind months are January, September, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Chicama?
Chicama works with S, SE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Chicama?
Recommended equipment sizes at Chicama: Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–20 kts.
What skill level is Chicama suitable for?
Chicama suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Intermediate.