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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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)
- Rocky/urchin hazards and rip currents near the point
- Exposed conditions with choppy water possible in strong southerlies
- Remote access with limited nearby services
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
Generally low profile; less crowded than many Chilean surf destinations.
Virtually non-existent (hyper-arid Atacama Desert).
By sport
What to expect for each.
A consistent right-hand point break on the rugged Peninsula de Mejillones with year-round reliability. Works best with a SW swell.
- 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.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Pozo Verde (Mejillones) 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
- Rocks
- Sea urchins
- Rip currents
- Remote location
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.
- Avoid being in the water during strong southerly winds if you are not comfortable with choppy conditions and the remote nature of the spot.
- 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
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.
Off the water
A large coastal bay that defines the area and supports marine-oriented tourism.
A renowned beach with warmer waters and scenic cliffs north of Mejillones.
Mejillones is described as a historic port city within the Antofagasta Region.
Showcases the regional history of the saltpeter industry and maritime heritage.
The bay is a known habitat for various whale species, with seasonal boat tours available.
The coastline and bay support general outdoor and marine recreation.
Known for fresh local seafood, particularly conger eel and scallops.
A calm beach area suitable for swimming and family outings.
Calm coastal scenery and beaches are described as family-friendly visitor draws.
From riders who've been here
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.