The calmest beaches
- Playa Chica de Papudo: calm sea, approved for swimming and with lifeguards in season.
- Playa Zapallar: sheltered bay, approved for swimming and with lifeguards.
Compare them all in the beach finder with the "Calm sea" filter.
Activities
- Sandcastle and sand sculpture contests in late January in Papudo and Maitencillo (see the calendar).
- Parque El Boldo in Zapallar: short trails in native forest (advance booking).
- Penguin Island: you can see it from Cachagua beach.
- Surf lessons for kids in Maitencillo and in Papudo, where Escuela de Surf Salinas de Pullally starts beginners off in the river.
Where to eat as a family
- Papudo: La Mare, Casa Hidalgo, Casona Esmeralda.
- Zapallar: Restaurant César, El Chiringuito.
- Cachagua: Siete Olas, Emporio Don Matías.
Where to stay
- Maitencillo: Cabañas Hermansen, Marbella Resort, Hotel MAE.
- Papudo: Quebrada Lodge, Cabañas Aquario.
Times are a suggestion. Confirm hours and bookings directly with each place; listings marked as informational have not yet been visited by our team.
VivExplora tip
Swim only in front of the lifeguard station and during supervised hours. Children under 10 must enter the sea with an adult (Zapallar bylaw).
Guide reviewed by the VivExplora team · October 2026