Playa Cavancha is the most popular beach in the coastal city of Iquique, located in northern Chile's Tarapacá region. This urban beach features white sand and clean, temperate waters, with average annual air temperatures around 24°C, making it suitable for water activities year-round. The beach is situated in the heart of Iquique, bordering Arturo Prat Avenue, and is easily accessible on foot, by car, or via public transportation. Parking is available but fills up during the high season. The overall character of the beach is vibrant and family-friendly, backed by a neighborhood with over 30 restaurants, pubs, and bars specializing in seafood, as well as hotels, a casino, an aquarium, and parks.

For paddlers, the beach is known for its gentle surf, which is suitable for swimming and makes it a potential launch point for activities like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Equipment rentals for these sports are available on-site throughout the year. The beach has a full suite of amenities useful for paddlers, including showers, public restrooms, and outdoor showers. The water quality is clean. The beach's exposure to the Pacific Ocean means it is subject to typical coastal conditions, and a surf forecast is available for the area, indicating variable swell, wind, and tide conditions that paddlers should consult before launching. The region is recognized as a destination for sea kayaking, particularly in the north of Chile where river kayaking is less common due to dry conditions. The beach's central location along Iquique's costanera provides a base for exploring the nearby coastline.