Hornito

Hornito (Hornitos area) is an exposed sandy beach break on Chile’s northern coast, offering both lefts and rights over a sandy bottom. Surf starts working around 1.0–1.5m and can hold up to about 2.5m+, with generally good wave quality and moderate wave power. The spot is best when swell and wind are aligned: southwest swell combined with east offshore wind is repeatedly described as the favorable setup for cleaner, more dependable surf. Even though the beach break can be dependable, it is also easily affected by onshore breeze, which can quickly degrade wave quality. Water and conditions are generally cool year-round due to the Humboldt Current (water temperatures reported roughly in the mid-teens up to about 19°C). The beach is described as having clean water and sand, but safety warnings are important: dangerous rips / rip currents can occur, and stingrays may be present in the sand. Crowds are typically low on weekdays and only a few surfers appear on weekends, though summer weekends/holidays can feel busier for families. Access is by road from Antofagasta with a signposted coastal turnoff about 40 km north of Mejillones; some sandy approaches may call for 4x4.