El Brazo

El Brazo is a reef-sand hybrid breaking between the Alacrán Peninsula and the port to its north, producing a hollow, fast wave with a fatter face than the more intense El Gringo nearby. Both left and right waves work here, with the break performing best at low tide over an uneven, rocky reef covered with sand, suitable for intermediate surfers though it requires an advanced level when swell sizes exceed two meters.

The spot works consistently with southwest swell and southeast winds; winter provides the most reliable conditions. It holds waves up to about two meters and remains uncrowded even on good days, making sessions relatively easy to find without competition for waves.

El Brazo sits on the northern tip of the Alacrán Peninsula, roughly two to three kilometers from central Arica—a 20 to 30-minute walk following Avenida Comandante San Martín, which connects to a man-made causeway linking the former island to the mainland. The break is accessible by taxi, local bus, or bicycle, with free access to Alacrán and public facilities including restrooms. Hazards include rocks and rips that require awareness when paddling out.