Isla Santa Maria

Isla Santa Maria (near Antofagasta) is a remote, mixed-water coastal spot where kitesurfing is typically about combining flat/choppy sections with opportunities on the more exposed side of the island. Reported hazards are rocks and sea urchins, so entering and setting up around rocky areas requires extra care. Wind is described as thermal-driven and strongest in the warmer months, with a typical daily pattern building in the afternoon. The most favorable wind directions are south to south-west, and the wind season is commonly given as mid-October to April (with kite-focused best months including January through April and November/December). Typical kitesurfing conditions are described as flat to choppy, with steady gusting reported. Surfing is characterized as an exposed reef-and-point break with consistent waves that can work through the year. Wave quality is described as good, with a moderate overall wave power and mixed/peeling wave character. Sources also note afternoon thermal winds can make conditions choppier, and that larger swell can hold size while making entry and exit more challenging. Water temperature stays cold, with month-by-month ranges reported across the year (roughly 14–21°C from winter into summer). For safety and comfort, thick wetsuits are recommended year-round, and local guidance specifically highlights watching for urchins when walking into rocky sections.