El Mejoral (Algarrobo)
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Expert
- Skill Level
- Mixed
- Spot Type
- Busy
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
El Mejoral (Algarrobo) is a small, clean-water rocky/reef break area accessed via Playa del Pejerrey, with the surf break located behind the rocks. The surfing at this spot is characterized as a powerful left-hand reef break with a fast, highly regarded “regional classic” feel. Waves are typically fast and powerful, with excellent wave quality when conditions align. For surfing, sources consistently emphasize the tide and bottom hazards: sea urchins and rocks are present, and the spot should not be surfed at low tide. The spot is best at mid to high tide and on a rising tide, when the wave can form properly over the reef and riders avoid the most exposed hazards. On optimal days and bigger swells, the left reef wave can connect farther along the reef line, with reports of much longer runs than the usual short rides. Wind-wise, the location is known for southwest wind support (West to South/Southwest), with a sea-breeze/thermal influence that strengthens in the afternoon during spring and summer. Reported typical wind strength for the wind season is roughly 15–25 knots, with wind generally more reliable in summer. Kitesurfing is described as freeride/wave/foil-friendly at a level that suits intermediate riders, but the small launch area and nearby rocks mean kite control and hazard awareness are important. Safety considerations are a major part of the spot profile. Hazards include sea urchins, rocks/reef, maritime traffic, and localized surf etiquette issues. Lifeguard presence is seasonal, and the wider area rescue capability is limited—so planning around currents, keeping clear of maritime lanes, and respecting local priorities are important, especially during crowded summer periods.
- Regional-classic left reef break with fast, powerful waves
- Best around mid to high tide and rising tide
- Southwest wind supports kitesurfing with a sea-breeze pattern
- Rock and urchin hazards—avoid low tide
- High-quality, powerful left-hand reef break with a strong regional reputation.
- Works best around mid to high tide and rising tide.
- Southwest wind window supports multiple wind sports (kitesurfing; some wingfoiling).
- Rock and sea-urchin hazards in the lineup; avoid low tide.
- Maritime traffic/shipping near the area increases risk.
- Surf can be sensitive due to localism during peak times.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, WSW, SW, S
- Offshore directions
- W, WSW, SW, S
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Sea-breeze influence, strongest in the afternoon during spring and summer months.
- Reliability
- High during the summer season; often working overall.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gusts reported.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, August, September, October, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Mixed
- Beach
- Rocks — Reported as rocks; one source describes mixed beach composition.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium — Medium waves reported; surf swell works from about 1.5 m and holds up to 4 m+.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Chop/small waves noted for wind sports; ocean chop can vary.
- Launch
- Small — Small beach area with significant rock presence; surf break lies behind rocks.
Through the year
Quieter on weekdays; can get busy on weekends during summer. Very crowded during summer.
Winter months (June to August) bring more rain and larger storms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Flat water to small waves with southwest winds. Small launch area and nearby rocks make it more suitable for riders with good kite control.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Rideable in southwest winds, but foil depth must be monitored carefully near rocky reef sections.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Limited foil-friendly conditions reported.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
A rocky left reef break with a regional-classic reputation. Fast, powerful sections with reef-bottom hazards (sea urchins and rocks). Works best on mid to high tide and rising tide.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- W, WSW, SW, S
- Swell Height
- 1.5–4 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid, High — Also noted as best on a rising tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed reef break.
- Wind Effect
- Best with offshore winds; listed best wind directions are West, SouthWest, and South. Southwest can be cross-shore to on-shore for the wave face.
- Bigger Swell
- On big swells, the wave starts on an offshore reef and can connect all the way along the reef.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Regional classic / regional-classic reputation.
- Wave Power
- Very powerful — Often described as fast and powerful/very powerful.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Reported as mixed/peeling.
- Peel Speed
- Fast
- Ride Length
- Long — Typical rides are under 50 meters, but can connect much farther (150 to 300 m) on optimal/bigger days.
- Typical Ride Length
- 150–300 m
- Ride Length Details
- Normal rides are short, but on bigger swells the wave can connect for a much longer line along the reef; can reach 150-300 m. Another dataset notes typical rides under 50 m and 50-150 m on many days.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for El Mejoral (Algarrobo) in the full forecast view.
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
- Urchins
- Rocks
- Reef
- Localism
- Ships/boats
- Maritime traffic
- Strong currents
- Rocks and sea urchins in the lineup near access
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards are seasonal.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability in the wider area is limited.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities located in Algarrobo town center. Group-level emergency number for maritime rescue: 137.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Localism reported as moderate.
Rules of the spot
Do not surf at low tide due to rocks and urchins. Use standard surfing priority rules; keep kitesurfers clear of the primary surf peak when surfers are present.
- Potential seasonal restrictions near swimming beaches during peak summer.
- Access via Playa del Pejerrey and enter behind the rocks.
- Best surfing is on mid to high tide and rising tide.
- Wear thick-soled boots to protect against sea urchins.
- Be kind with locals during summer crowd periods.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Algarrobo
- Nearest Town
- Algarrobo
- Parking
- Limited parking available near the beach access and marina.
- Public Transport
- Regular bus services connect Santiago and Valparaíso directly to the Algarrobo terminal.
- Access
- In Algarrobo, go to Playa del Pejerrey and reach the spot behind the rocks.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Various cabins, hotels, and rentals available in Algarrobo.
- Food & Drink
- Numerous restaurants and cafes in the nearby town and marina area.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is limited availability in the local town; equipment rental is available via local nautical clubs and small independent shops near main beaches.
- Gear Storage
- Primarily offered by private sailing clubs for members and guests.
- Gear Repair
- Limited specialized repair for kites/sails; most major repairs require a trip to Santiago or Valparaíso.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at El Mejoral (Algarrobo)?
The best overall months at El Mejoral (Algarrobo) are October, November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are January, February, March, August, September, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at El Mejoral (Algarrobo)?
El Mejoral (Algarrobo) works with W, WSW, SW, S winds. Offshore directions are W, WSW, SW, S.
What equipment sizes are recommended at El Mejoral (Algarrobo)?
Recommended equipment sizes at El Mejoral (Algarrobo): Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is El Mejoral (Algarrobo) suitable for?
El Mejoral (Algarrobo) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Expert.