Playa Cachinales is a beach located approximately 30 kilometers north of the town of Taltal in the Antofagasta region of Chile. The beach is characterized by loose sand and abundant rocks. It is situated within the coastal desert landscape of northern Chile. The overall paddling environment is known to be very windy, with strong lateral currents present along the shore. These conditions create significant hazards for launching and landing, particularly through any shore break. The beach's exposure and the noted currents demand advanced paddling skills and careful assessment of conditions. Access is via a 37.2-mile out-and-back trail near Taltal, indicating the beach is remote and reached by a significant overland journey. The area is part of a natural habitat where wildlife encounters are possible; a social media post from a Chilean authority specifically noted the presence of a female elephant seal undergoing its molting process on the shores of Taltal, at Playa Cachinales, and urged people not to approach or disturb it. The aesthetic is one of a rugged, exposed coastline where the desert meets the sea.