Pozo Verde (Mejillones)

Longboard, Advanced riders
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Ocean
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Pozo Verde is an exposed right-hand point break on the Peninsula de Mejillones, known for consistent surf through the year and a calmer, lower-profile feel than many more famous Chilean lineups. It’s described as working at any time of year, with the character of the wave staying reliable while swell angle influences the ride. The spot is strongly affected by southerly winds. When winds pick up, conditions can become choppy, and early mornings are usually favored for better texture. For wave setup, a SW (and nearby W) swell is generally the key, and the break is most often described as peeling along a rocky point. Safety is a major consideration: submerged rocks and sea urchins are present, and rip currents are reported near the point. Access is also not straightforward—routes involve dirt tracks and can require a high-clearance vehicle. Because the area is remote with limited/no on-site services, bringing sufficient water and supplies is strongly advised. Water remains cold year-round due to the Humboldt Current, so planning for a proper wetsuit (often a thicker suit such as 4/3mm; spring suit logic depending on conditions) is consistently emphasized. The spot’s difficulty is commonly framed around intermediate surfing ability, particularly for the combination of currents and the heavy nature of the paddle-out on bigger days.

  • Consistent right point break with year-round reliability
  • Works with SW/W swell; peels along a rocky point
  • Low-crowd, remote vibe
Great for
Surfing longboardAdvanced ridersBeginners
What's great
  • Consistent right-hand point break with year-round surf
  • Quiet, low-profile lineup compared with many better-known destinations
  • Can handle a range of swell sizes (holds size well)
Heads up
  • Rocky/urchin hazards and rip currents near the point
  • Exposed conditions with choppy water possible in strong southerlies
  • Remote access with limited nearby services
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
S, SW
Wind Range
12–20 kts
Wind Type
Sea breeze — Strong afternoon sea breezes/thermal reinforcement in the Antofagasta region.
Reliability
moderate
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Best Months
September, October, November, December
Thermal Window
Other · Afternoon · +20–35 kts · Months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec · Dir: S, SSE, SSW · Thermal winds are most active from about 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean
Beach
Rocks
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Medium — Breaking waves can vary; described as consistent with varying swell exposure.
Launch
Medium — Rocky entry with access via dirt tracks.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
13–20 °C
Water Temperature
12–25 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 4/3mm
Crowds by Season

Generally low profile; less crowded than many Chilean surf destinations.

Storm/Rain Season

Virtually non-existent (hyper-arid Atacama Desert).

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

A consistent right-hand point break on the rugged Peninsula de Mejillones with year-round reliability. Works best with a SW swell.

Point break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
SW, W
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
All tides
Shelter
Exposed — Exposed point; not sheltered from open-ocean conditions.
Wind Effect
Sensitive to strong southerly winds, which can make the water choppy; early mornings are usually best for glassy conditions.
Bigger Swell
Holds size well, but it can become difficult to manage due to currents and a heavy paddle-out.
Wave Quality
Good
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium — The wave peels along a rocky point, offering carving sections and occasional faster parts depending on swell angle.
Ride Length Details
Peels along a rocky point with sections that vary with swell angle.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Pozo Verde (Mejillones) in the full forecast view.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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
  • Sea urchins
  • Rip currents
  • Remote location
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBootsHood

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — No dedicated private kite-rescue service; maritime rescue via the Maritime Authority.
Emergency Info
Maritime rescue is handled by the Chilean Navy (Armada de Chile) via the Maritime Authority; emergency numbers include 137 (Maritime Rescue), 131 (Ambulance), 133 (Police). Nearest medical facility: Hospital Comunitario de Mejillones.
Localism / Vibe
Mild

Rules of the spot

Self-sufficient planning is essential: the spot is remote and hazards are present.

Restrictions
  • Avoid being in the water during strong southerly winds if you are not comfortable with choppy conditions and the remote nature of the spot.
Local Tips
  • Bring plenty of water and supplies as there are no services nearby.
  • Early mornings are usually best for glassier conditions when southerly winds make things choppy later.
  • Access can be tricky via dirt roads.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Antofagasta
Nearest Town
Mejillones
Nearest Airport
Andrés Sabella Gálvez International Airport (ANF)
Parking
Unregulated parking on dirt areas near the spot.
Public Transport
Regular bus services connect Mejillones with Antofagasta and northern Chile.
Access
Access is via dirt tracks; a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
Cost Level
Budget
Local Language
Spanish
Amenities

What's on the beach

Accommodation
Nearby town — Hotels and cabins are available in Mejillones and the nearby Hornitos area.
Food & Drink
None at the spot; must bring own supplies from Mejillones.
Equipment Rental:
Available through local clubs and schools, primarily concentrated in Antofagasta or via seasonal operators in Mejillones.
Gear Storage
Limited storage, primarily at local yacht clubs or private schools.
The area

Off the water

Best time to visit: Summer months (December to March) offer the best combination of warmer air temperatures and consistent wind.
Mejillones Bay

A large coastal bay that defines the area and supports marine-oriented tourism.

Playa Hornitos30km

A renowned beach with warmer waters and scenic cliffs north of Mejillones.

Historic port city center

Mejillones is described as a historic port city within the Antofagasta Region.

Museo Municipal de Mejillones5km

Showcases the regional history of the saltpeter industry and maritime heritage.

Whale Watching2km

The bay is a known habitat for various whale species, with seasonal boat tours available.

Coastal exploration

The coastline and bay support general outdoor and marine recreation.

Port District Restaurants3km

Known for fresh local seafood, particularly conger eel and scallops.

Balneario Municipal2km

A calm beach area suitable for swimming and family outings.

Beach visits

Calm coastal scenery and beaches are described as family-friendly visitor draws.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Pozo Verde (Mejillones)?

The best overall months at Pozo Verde (Mejillones) are December, January, February, March. The best wind months are September, October, November, December.

Which wind directions work at Pozo Verde (Mejillones)?

Pozo Verde (Mejillones) works with S, SW winds.

What skill level is Pozo Verde (Mejillones) suitable for?

Pozo Verde (Mejillones) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.