San Antonio Province, Central Chile, Chile
Matanzas
-33.961, -71.879
Edited by Tom Jackson
Verified May 2026
Multi-checkedCross-checked against Stormrider and WannaSurf
At a glance
- Matanzas is a left over mixed, long but often sectiony left pointbreak over sand and rock.
- Beginner to intermediate ability, working 3-8 ft.
- Peak March to October, water 12-18°C.
Left · MixedBeginner → Intermediate3–8 ftMar – Oct
Matanzas delivers long left-handers off a rock-anchored mini headland on Chile's central coast, roughly between Cartagena and the Pichilemu zone. It needs S to SW swell with SE to E winds offshore, and works best at low tide when the sand fills in the gaps between the rocks and gives the wave its shape. Above mid tide the sections turn unmakeable. Size range is 3-12ft and consistency is high, though the wave frequently runs too fast to connect properly. Weekend crowds gather, drawn by the long potential rides, but locals know the nearby Pichilemu pointbreaks outclass it on most days. Bottom: mixed sand and rock. Season: year-round, strongest autumn through spring. Consistency: high but quality variable. Arrive early on calm mornings when the easterly is light and the sand banks are fresh from recent swell.
Wave fit
Skill suited
Beginner → Intermediate
BegIntAdv
Best months
Mar – Oct
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Character
Long but often sectiony left pointbreak over sand and rock.
Conditions
When it worksSwell window
S
S - W
Offshore wind
E
Easterly
Optimum tide
Low tide only
Size range
3-12ft
High
Hazards
No concerns
Trip planning
Quick facts
Water temp
12° to 18°C
Wetsuit
3/2 to 4/3
What to bring
- Longboard or mid-length for small messy days
- Shortboard 6ft to 6ft 6in when it lines up at 4-8ft
Lineup
Easy-going
Where it sits
Location
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10-day swell, wind and tide
Matanzas surf forecast
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Forecast by Windy.app
Stay nearby
Camps within boat range
Browse all Chile surf camps
No vetted camps within boat range of Matanzas yet.
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Playa Punta Piedra
fast powerful beach peaks, lefts and rights · A-frame · Beach
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Puertecillo
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La Boquilla
long walling rivermouth left with rip current · Left · Mixed
Intermediate
Renaca
punchy hollow A-frame beach peaks with quick barrels · A-frame · Beach
Intermediate → Advanced
Pichilemu
long soft left point over sand, with fast sections at low tide · Left · Point
Beginner → Advanced
Algarrobo
powerful left submerged reef with linking sections · Left · Reef
Intermediate → Advanced
Maitencillo
punchy beachbreak A-frames with a left point option · A-frame · Beach
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Punta De Lobos
long powerful left point with big-wave potential · Left · Point
Intermediate → Advanced
Playa Cachagua
punchy beach break peaks · A-frame · Beach
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Plan a trip
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Frequently asked
What you need to know before paddling out at Matanzas
What skill level is Matanzas suited for?
Matanzas is a mixed bottom, long but often sectiony left pointbreak over sand and rock, break suited for beginner through intermediate surfers. Beginners can give it a go on the smaller end of the size range.
What size does Matanzas work best at?
Working size is 3 to 8 ft. Below 3 ft the swell goes flat. Above 8 ft it tends to close out.
When is the best season to surf Matanzas?
Matanzas fires from March through October. Outside that window the swell window narrows and the lineup goes quiet.
What swell direction does Matanzas need?
Matanzas switches on with a s - w groundswell. Offshore winds blow from the easterly.
What are the main hazards at Matanzas?
Main hazards at Matanzas: no concerns.
What type of wave is Matanzas?
Matanzas is a left-breaking wave over mixed. Long but often sectiony left pointbreak over sand and rock.
Sources
- Stormrider
- WannaSurf
Matanzas
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