Punta Choros
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Small waves
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Punta de Choros is a small, sandy coastal spot best known for a sheltered beach break with fairly consistent surf and both left and right directions. Waves are typically described as working once around 1.0 to 1.5 m and holding up to roughly 2.5 m+ on larger days. Typical ride distances are reported in the 50 to 150 meter range, and the break is described as usable across all tide stages. Water quality is reported as clean, but conditions require respect: rocks are present in/near the surf zone and rips/undertow have been reported. Cold Humboldt-influenced water makes year-round wetsuit use important, and even in summer a thicker wetsuit and thermal protection (including boots) are commonly recommended. For wind sports, Punta de Choros is characterized by an afternoon thermal pattern. Wind is reported strongest in the spring/summer window (including October through March), building in the afternoon and peaking between roughly 14:00 and 19:00. For kitesurfing, southwest wind is reported as the key direction, with a light-gust profile; kite size guidance commonly given for typical riders is around 9 to 12 m². Crowding is generally low: weekdays are reported empty for surfing, and weekend crowds are described as few. Access is via the caleta pier area; the beach is reported about 500 m north of the pier, and the available launch area can be restricted at high tide.
- Sheltered beach break with consistent surf
- Works on all tides
- Afternoon thermal wind window for kitesurfing (spring/summer)
- Low crowd levels
- Sheltered, consistent beach-break surf with both left and right peaks
- Clean water
- Strong afternoon wind reliability for kitesurfing during spring and summer
- Rocks in the surf zone
- Rips/undertow reported
- Cold water year-round (strong Humboldt current cooling)
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SW
- Offshore directions
- ESE, E
- Wind Range
- 6.7–11.2 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Afternoon thermal winds build as the coastal desert heats up; generally thermally reinforced coastal wind.
- Reliability
- Reliable during spring and summer months; some sources note limited wind statistics.
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Gusts reported up to about 17.8 mph; otherwise light gustiness.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, August, September, October, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy bottom with rock.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium
- Launch
- Small — Beach area can be restricted at high tide; best launching is roughly 500 meters north of the caleta pier.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate
Through the year
Quiet on weekdays; small crowds on summer weekends due to ecotourism.
Winter months (June to August) can occasionally see coastal rain.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Workable kitesurfing spot with reported small to medium waves and clean water; offers a mix of flatter water between waves with consistent side-onshore wind from the southwest.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Manageable wave size with consistent breeze; rocky bottom near shore requires care.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Foil-friendliness reported as limited.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Sheltered beach break with both left and right peaks; works on all tides with a working range starting around 1.0 to 1.5 m and holding up to about 2.5 m+.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- SW, W
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Works across all tide stages.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Sheltered overall; sometimes described as sheltered beach break.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore easterly to east-southeasterly winds improve the surf; southwest winds can create chop, while morning offshore breezes groom the swell.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds surf up to about 2.5 m or more before closing out.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Good with consistent surf frequency.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Also described as ordinary to powerful; good overall wave quality.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Also described as peeling at times.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Normal rides typically reported in the 50 to 150 meter range.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Standard rides commonly reported between 50 and 150 meters (some notes mention typical around 100 m).
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Punta Choros in the full forecast view.
Punta Choros wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–18 ktsGusts 27 kts
- Direction
- SSW200°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2418 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.2–1.8 m10s period
- Temperature
- 14–21 °C
Over the next 7 days, Punta Choros is forecast for daytime winds of 3–18 kts, peaking around 18 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 27 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. Waves run 1.2–1.8 m with a period of about 10s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
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
- Rips and undertow
- Cold water
- Marine life
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Regional context indicates rescue is limited; no dedicated kite-specific rescue services.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities are in La Serena.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Localism reported as none.
Rules of the spot
Be respectful of local fishing activities near the caleta.
- Avoid unsafe areas around rocks in the surf zone.
- The best kiting and surfing is usually found a short walk north of the main pier area.
- The beach is reported to be about 500 m north of the caleta pier.
- Wear a thick wetsuit even in summer due to the Humboldt current.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Punta de Choros
- Nearest Town
- Punta de Choros
- Nearest Airport
- La Florida Airport (LSC) in La Serena
- Parking
- Limited parking available near the beach and fishing village.
- Public Transport
- Limited; daily rural bus services connecting La Serena and Punta de Choros
- Access
- Accessible from the city/village area; beach launching is best done roughly 500 meters north of the caleta pier area (launch area can be restricted at high tide).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Mainly campsites, cabins, and small guesthouses within the village.
- Food & Drink
- Local seafood restaurants are concentrated near the caleta.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is limited; it may be available through local schools/operators or mobile support, and it is best to bring your own gear.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A tranquil, nature-focused coastal destination known for marine wildlife and protected ecosystems, with a rustic village feel and limited commercial infrastructure.
Protected marine area comprising three islands and supporting major Humboldt penguin colonies.
Islands and marine areas commonly visited for wildlife viewing and boating.
Wildlife and marine-viewing excursions are a central activity.
Sea kayaking is listed among common visitor activities for the Punta de Choros area.
Premier diving destination due to high biodiversity and clear waters.
Numerous small eateries specialized in locally caught seafood.
Boat tours frequently encounter resident bottlenose dolphins near the islands.
Penguins, dolphins, seabirds and other marine fauna viewing are major family-oriented activities.
Nature observation and photography are highlighted visitor activities.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Punta Choros?
The best overall months at Punta Choros 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 Punta Choros?
Punta Choros works with SW winds. Offshore directions are ESE, E.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Punta Choros?
Recommended equipment sizes at Punta Choros: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 6.7–11.2 kts.
What skill level is Punta Choros suitable for?
Punta Choros suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.