Overview
Reñaca is a stretch of beach breaks just north of Viña del Mar, up the coast from Santiago, and one of the most popular waves in Chile. The peaks break over a mix of uneven reef and sand and throw up both lefts and rights, but the real action sits at the north end, concentrated around a pile of boulders that helps hold the sandbanks together. Those banks produce short, sharp wedges that barrel quickly before shutting down, with plenty of ramps to launch off.
When It Works
Swell arrives from south through west-southwest to northwest, and southwest (SW) is the direction that lines things up best. It works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 3 m / 10 ft, so there is room to enjoy some real size here rather than only small days. Consistency is one of Reñaca's strengths, and waves turn up regularly through the year.
Wind and Tide
Look for northeast (NE) offshore wind for the cleanest version of the place. Low, mid, and high tide all have something to offer, so it can work through most of the tide, with a rising tide generally the better call. If you are desperate, the wedges will still hold up under a bit of onshore wind.
Local Tips
Reñaca suits intermediate surfers, and the shifting peaks reward anyone comfortable moving around to find their own bank. Expect a busy lineup, especially at weekends, since this is the major beach holiday destination in Chile and summer brings a lot of learners on bodyboards. Tempers can get short when it is packed, but there are enough peaks spread along the beach that it rarely becomes an issue.
Access
There is roadside parking along with a car park.
