With such beautiful views, Chile is home to some of the most well-known beaches in South America. From family and adventure to unexplored gems, Chile has everything. In this guide, we will detail the best beaches in Chile to set you up properly for the best beach holiday.

In this article:

• Top Family-Friendly Beaches in Chile
• Best Beaches in Santiago, Chile
• Best Beaches in Viña del Mar, Chile
• Best Northern Chile Beaches
• Best Beaches for Surfing and Water Sports
• Hidden Gems: Chile’s Undiscovered Beaches
• Beach Activities and Attractions
• Tips for Visiting Chilean Beaches
• FAQs

Top Family-Friendly Beaches in Chile

When planning family holidays, two very important concerns are safety and fun. Fortunately, Chile has some beaches perfect for a family day out at the sea. Indeed, parents and kids will find all they need to enjoy their holidays there.

Playa La Lisera

Photo by Gustavo Vargas is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0. Source: Flickr.

Located in Arica, the small beach of Playa La Lisera has little waves and shallow waters, allowing kids to enjoy the waters safely. Also, families picnic under the shade of coconut trees or join in beach volleyball games.

Playa Cavancha

Photo by vladimir prieto is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0. Source: Flickr.

The second family-friendly Chilean beach is Playa Cavancha in Iquique. This stretch of golden sand has soft waves, making it perfect for kids to play and swim. Older children can enjoy nearby sports facilities, such as playgrounds and a skate park.

Best Beaches in Santiago, Chile

Although there are no beaches in Santiago itself, a string of beautiful beaches is just a short drive away, offering perfect escapes from the city’s noise and activity.

Playa El Tabo

Photo by Dranish is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. Source: Flickr.

This is the favorite beach of the locals with beautiful views and a relaxed mood. Moreover, it is perfect for a day at the beach close to Santiago, as it is well-supplied by restaurants and shops nearby.

Playa Las Docas

Photo by vladimir prieto is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0. Source: Flickr.

For a quieter time, the least busy spot is Playa Las Docas. It’s a peaceful little beach where one can spend a calm day without being disturbed.

Best Beaches in Viña del Mar, Chile

Viña del Mar is among Chile’s well-known beach cities. It is also famously called the “Garden City,” as it has many of Chile’s best beaches, excellent nightlife, and cultural resorts, making it a top choice for many residents and vacationers.

Reñaca Beach

Photo by Milivoj Sherrington is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0. Source: Flickr.

Reñaca Beach is one of the busiest beaches in Chile, known for its lively atmosphere and excellent surf. Additionally, it is also a great place to sunbathe, with many nearby outdoor seating areas where you can relax and be served all day. You can even see excellent surfers.

Playa Acapulco

Photo by lamblukas is licensed under CC BY 2.0. Source: Flickr.

Playa Acapulco is near Viña del Mar’s center. Thus, it’s perfect for people who can spend their day at the beach without straying too far from the city. The wide sandy shore and soft waves make this beach perfect for families or tourists in general.

Best Northern Chile Beaches

The north of Chile has some beautiful beaches perfect for relaxation and adventure. Here are a few picks:

Playa de la Virgen

Photo by René is licensed under CC BY 2.0. Source: Flickr.

Playa de la Virgen is one of the best beaches in Chile, mainly due to the clarity and quality of its turquoise sea and white, incredible sand. If the sea conditions are favorable, it is possible to swim, snorkel, and dive at the site.

Bahía Inglesa Beach

Photo by René is licensed under CC BY 2.0. Source: Flickr.

Bahía Inglesa Beach’s most incredible feature is its unusual scenery. It has striking rock formations and calm, shallow waters, which make it perfect for a family who enjoys exploring the Chilean coast’s natural beauty.

Best Beaches for Surfing and Water Sports

For the adventurous, Chile offers many opportunities for surfing, kiteboarding, and other watersports along its coastline.

Pichilemu

Called the surfing capital of Chile, Pichilemu is a must-visit for any surfer. Its world-famous waves help both beginners and professionals alike. In fact, the beach hosts international surfing competitions, making it a very fun experience.

Matanzas

Matanzas is a paradise for kitesurfers and windsurfers. With constant winds blowing and beautiful coastal views, it is certainly one of the best places in South America.

Hidden Gems: Chile’s Undiscovered Beaches

Chile has countless unknown places blessed with peaceful, untouched nature. Some of them are hidden beaches created by design only: so visitors can escape from the crowds and be alone.

Playa La Ballena

Hidden in the vastness of Chile is Playa La Ballena. Besides being quiet and unspoiled there is no tourism. The beach is pearl-white and perfect for adventures.

Playa Chorrillos

Playa Chorrillos is in the Coquimbo Region. Furthermore, the sea view there is peaceful and beautiful, promising a relaxing and reflective day.

Beach Activities and Attractions

Chile’s beaches offer more than just sunbathing and swimming. Here are some activities and sights to explore:

Sandboarding in the Atacama Desert

The Atacama Desert offers many chances for sandboarding in the north of Chile. The vast dunes let travelers slide and enjoy at the same time in this beauty.

Exploring Coastal National Parks

Photo by Esther Lee is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0. Source: Flickr.

A wonderful view unfolds at every step along the Chilean coastline. National parks there are lined with hiking, wildlife, and beautiful scenes. Parks such as Pan de Azúcar and Lauca remain actual stops for individuals with an unending love for nature.

Tips for Visiting Chilean Beaches

At any of these Chilean beaches, you can have an exciting time. However, planning is essential for an enjoyable beach holiday in Chile. So, here are some handy tips for an amazing beach holiday in Chile.

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Bring Sun Protection

Chile’s beaches can be very sunny, so proper sun protection, including sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, is a must.

Respect Local Wildlife

The beaches of Chile are home to diverse wildlife, including sea lions and other birdlife. So, it is essential to maintain a safe distance to avoid disturbing their habitats.

Learn Basic Spanish Phrases

Although Chileans speak English, knowing simple Spanish words gives you a leg up on any other traveler at the barstool beside you. Just a simple Hola or Gracias can make it easier to get around.

FAQs

How far is Santiago, Chile, from the beach?

The nearest beach to Santiago is about 75 miles away. Popular coastal destinations like Viña del Mar are an easy 1.5 to 2-hour drive from the city.

How long is the Chilean coastline?

Chile has one of the longest coastlines in the world, stretching about 6,435 kilometers and offering diverse experiences from north to south.

Are Chile beaches dangerous?

Most Chilean beaches are safe, but some may have strong currents or waves. Always check local safety announcements and follow guidelines.

What is the water temperature of Chile beaches?

Water temperature is lower and varies with the region and season. Specifically, it is 18 to 24°C (64 to 75°F) in the north and much colder in the south.

Is Chile a cheap country to visit?

Chile is considered mid-range in terms of cost compared to other South American countries. However, budget options are available with proper planning and research.

In general, Chilean beaches offer spots for every preference. For instance, there are family beaches to get far away and isolated, hidden gems to discover, and well-known beaches to feel. So, if you want to lay back, explore, or get wild, the Chilean coastline serves up truly wonderful experiences.