Papagayo Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Papagayo Surf Guide
Papagayo is a pretty popular, quirky left reef break, smack out in the middle of the bay fronting the town of Quintero. It's one of the few true reef breaks in central Chile. It's not located in the lee of a headland or point and can be a bit sensitive to wind. Swells stack on the outer bit of the reef and feel their way along into a few speedy sections, tubing when it all comes together, and usually maintaining size as it goes down the line. There's a convenient paddling channel that runs next to the break, and when it's super huge, which is often, especially in winter, there's a way inside section that many of the local kids like to surf.
Ability Level
Intermediate - Advanced
intermediate to advanced.
Local Vibe
Doable
Can be a bit intense at times, but if you're mellow you'll be fine.
Crowd Factor
Heavy
Yep.
Spot Rating
Fun
Can get good, but requires cooperative wind since it lacks the protection of a headland.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
A workout when it's on, take advantage of the paddling channel.
Water Quality
Fair
Not bad, can get dirty when it rains.
Hazards
Bouncing off the reef.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Gun, Fish, Longboard
Access
Park on top of the hill and hoof it on down.
Bottom
Rock reef.
Best Season
March-May.
Do you have local knowledge about Papagayo?
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