A long left-hand point break delivering some of the most extended rides in northern Chile, La Puntilla sits on the exposed coastline near Antofagasta and rewards patience on the right swell. It needs SW to NW groundswell in the 3-8ft range, with low to mid tide and a light offshore to hold its shape. On a good day the wave strings together 300-500m of fast, hollow wall with the occasional section linking up for something exceptional. It suits experienced surfers who can handle heavy currents, a punishing paddle-out, and cold water year-round. Bottom: point. Season: autumn and winter (April-September) when groundswells are most consistent. Consistency: moderate, sand-dependent. Bring a 4/3 wetsuit minimum, a leash you trust, and check the current before committing to the paddle-out because this wave has a reputation for eating time and energy before you even reach the lineup.
Weekdays see relatively few surfers, but weekends draw crowds. Locals know this wave intimately and have surfed it for years. Respect the lineup, don't drop in, and earn your waves. Aggressive behavior toward locals reflects badly on visiting surfers and won't be tolerated.
Access is straightforward from Antofagasta, but the paddle-out demands reading the channel carefully before committing. Strong currents are a consistent hazard. Water is cold year-round, so a 4/3mm wetsuit is the baseline. Basic facilities are available in town. No specific parking or access details are given here as this is a local break deserving discretion.
Northern Chile's coastline holds several other exposed point and reef setups within reach of Antofagasta. When La Puntilla is blown out or the sand is off, scan the region for protected coves or north-facing points that handle the same swell with less wind exposure.
Forecast by Windy.app
