A submerged outer reef on the north shore of Mejillones, Northern Chile, this wave punches well above its weight class and routinely deceives surfers who size it up from the beach. SW through NE swell windows feed the break, with W swells being the sweet spot, offshore winds blow from the SE. It starts showing shape around 6-8ft and holds well past 16ft, making mid-to-large swell the norm worth chasing. Only expert riders belong in this lineup: the rock and urchin-heavy entry and exit demand calculated judgment, low-tide currents run strong, and the wave itself is bigger, faster, and shiftier than it reads from shore. Bottom: submerged reef. Season: consistent year-round swell magnet. Consistency: high. Bring a gun or step-up with serious volume, because paddling into undersized boards here is a liability, not a style choice.
Weekends can draw a protective local crew who know this wave intimately and expect respect. The difficulty of the break self-selects the lineup, but don't mistake a quieter count for a relaxed vibe. Wait your turn, don't paddle around people, and be honest with yourself about your ability before paddling out.
Reach the north shore by car. No facilities on site, so bring water, food, and a first-aid kit. The rock and urchin entry is the primary hazard: reef booties are worth considering. There is no channel that forgives mistakes, and the hill above the shore masks just how much energy is moving through the water.
When Mejillones is maxed or the tide is wrong, a protected reef inside the bay picks up NE swells and offers a far less dangerous session for surfers who want hollow walls without the consequence. A long, lazy wall sheltered from W winds is also nearby and suits longboarders or those dialing down from the main reef.
Forecast by Windy.app
