El Emir - Punta del Este, Uruguay El Emir features a beach break with both right and left waves, characterized by a sandy bottom. The waves are known to be hollow, fast, and fun, making it suitable for various skill levels. This spot works well at all tides, with optimal conditions arising from north to west winds and swells coming from the south, southeast, and east. Located just one block from the bustling Gorlero Avenue, El Emir is easily accessible with nearby parking. While it offers a vibrant atmosphere and friendly locals, expect a crowded lineup, especially on weekends due to a surf school in the area. The beach may be diminishing, but it still provides enjoyable sessions, particularly during east swells. Surfers should assess their skill level against the day's conditions, as stronger waves may pose challenges for beginners.
View spotPunta del Diablo - North-East Uruguay Punta del Diablo features powerful and fun sandy bottom waves that generally break to the left, particularly in the northern corner. This surf spot is accessible via public roads, located approximately 5 km from the coast after taking Route Interbalnearia from Montevideo. Known for its ability to pick up a good amount of swell, Punta del Diablo can get crowded on popular days. While it offers decent surf conditions, surfers should not expect consistent epic days. For those seeking variety, nearby Playa Rivero and Bahía de los Pescadores provide a mix of gentle breaks and more defined walls when the swell is up, making this stretch of coast a worthwhile exploration for surfers of all levels.
View spotEl Desplayado - La Pedrera El Desplayado features right-breaking waves over a sandy and rocky bottom, offering hollow, powerful, and fun surf. Located at La Pedrera, approximately 230 km from Montevideo, the spot is easily accessible with less than a 5-minute walk from the parking area. It works well at all tides, with optimal conditions from swells coming from the south, southeast, east, and northeast, and winds from the north, northwest, west, and southwest. This scenic surf spot is less crowded during the week, attracting a mix of surfers of all levels, particularly in summer. While the waves can be inviting, paddling out may pose challenges, especially with larger swells, so caution is advised to avoid the rocks. Nearby, Playa del Barco offers a contrasting beachbreak experience for those looking to switch it up after a session at El Desplayado. The friendly local vibe and occasional marine life sightings enhance the overall experience, making it a magical spot for surfers.
View spotZorba - Location Zorba features a beach break with both right and left waves, characterized by a sandy bottom. The waves are known for being hollow, fast, and fun, making it an exciting spot for surfers. It works well at all tides and offers instant access with a short walk from parking. Located in a vibrant area, Zorba attracts a mix of surfers, from beginners to more experienced riders. While the weekdays see fewer surfers, weekends can get crowded. The atmosphere is generally friendly, with a chill vibe among the surfers. Although the beach has sections that can produce hollow waves, consistent sandbars may be limited. For those still honing their skills, a longer, thicker board is recommended to navigate the conditions effectively.
View spotCorumbá - Rocha, Uruguay Corumbá is a sandbar wave that breaks both right and left over a sandy bottom. It offers fun waves suitable for all abilities, with optimal conditions at low and mid tide. Access is instant, taking less than 5 minutes on foot, and the spot is publicly accessible. This beachbreak is a reliable backup for nearby Zanja Honda, providing a wide and peaky setup ideal for surf schools and casual surfers. While it can produce hollow sections and a dumping shore, the crowd remains manageable with few surfers during the week and weekends. Be cautious of rips and undertow, and always check the wind and swell directions, which favor north and south orientations. Respect localism and enjoy the variety this spot has to offer.
View spotLa Barra - Maldonado, Uruguay La Barra features powerful, hollow waves that break both right and left over a sandy bottom interspersed with rocks. This experienced surfers' spot is easily accessible within a five-minute walk, with parking available nearby. The waves can be fast and challenging, particularly during tidal extremes, making it essential to be cautious of the rocks. Located at the mouth of the Maldonado River, La Barra offers a unique mix of surf conditions due to its rocky coastline and sandy beaches. The river's influence shapes the sandbars, creating diverse wave types suitable for various surfing styles. While the spot can be empty during the week, expect crowds on weekends. Surfers should be prepared for rips and the potential dangers posed by rocks when entering or exiting the water. Overall, La Barra is a must-visit for those seeking a thrilling surf experience in Uruguay.
View spotLos Botes - La Paloma Los Botes features a left-hand reef break with a sandy bottom interspersed with rocks. The wave is known for its fast and fun characteristics, making it one of the best spots in La Paloma. It works best with south swells and is accessible with instant access, located just a short walk from La Paloma Beach. This popular surf spot offers rides of up to 150 meters, especially when northeast to east winds are calm. The take-off is smooth, leading into short cylindrical sections, but be cautious of exposed rocks at low tide. The crowd can be few during the week but tends to get crowded on weekends, so be prepared to assert yourself in the lineup. Overall, Los Botes provides an exciting surf experience with great barrel opportunities when conditions align.
View spotLos Dedos - Uruguay Los Dedos features a right-breaking beach break with a sandy bottom, offering ordinary to fun wave power. Access is instant, taking less than 5 minutes on foot, and the spot is publicly accessible. Ideal conditions occur with a northwest wind and southwest swell. This unique surf spot is marked by a striking sculpture of giant fingers partially buried in the sand, adding to its charm. While not the most powerful wave, Los Dedos provides a relaxed atmosphere, attracting a mix of surfers, particularly beginners looking to hone their skills. The crowd is generally sparse during the week and only a few surfers on weekends, enhancing the overall experience. Be mindful of occasional bodyboarders, especially when southeast swells roll in, as they may frequent the nearby rocky areas.
View spotBikini Beach (Left Reef Break) - Manantiales, Uruguay Bikini Beach features a powerful left reef break over flat rocks, offering long rides that can reach impressive sizes on good days. The wave is not particularly fast, requiring a 200-meter paddle to reach the take-off point. Access is easy, with public pathways leading to the beach. The atmosphere is friendly, but respect for local surfers is essential. The spot works well at all tides, with optimal conditions during rising tides and swells from the south and southeast. While weekdays see fewer surfers, weekends can become crowded. Surfers should be cautious of hidden rocks, urchins, and rips, as well as the localism that can occur. Overall, Bikini Beach is a great spot for those looking for a fun and powerful surf experience.
View spotPlaya Honda - Montevideo Playa Honda features a beach break with both right and left waves over a sandy bottom. The waves are characterized as ordinary to fun, making it an ideal spot for beginners. Access is easy, with less than a 5-minute walk from public areas. Located in Montevideo, Playa Honda offers a unique atmosphere with deep, dark tubes. The beach is suitable for all tides, and while it can get crowded on weekends, weekdays see fewer surfers. The optimal conditions include wind from the north and swell from the south or southeast. However, caution is advised due to the presence of rocks. This spot is perfect for those looking to start their surfing journey in a welcoming environment.
View spotEl Pinar - Canelones, Uruguay El Pinar features a rivermouth wave that breaks both right and left over a sandy bottom. The wave is characterized as ordinary in power, making it suitable for surfers of various skill levels. Located in Canelones, it is easily accessible within a 5-minute walk from the parking area. This surf spot, situated 20 km from Montevideo, offers a laid-back atmosphere where surfers are encouraged to keep moving to avoid being caught by the wave. Optimal conditions occur during mid to high tide with a rising tide, particularly when the swell comes from the southwest. The crowd is generally light, with few surfers present during both weekdays and weekends, making it an ideal location for those seeking a more relaxed surfing experience.
View spotLa Olla - Uruguay La Olla is a left-point break with sandy and rocky bottom, offering fun wave conditions suitable for beginner and intermediate surfers. The spot works at all tides, with rising and falling tide movements. Access is instant, taking less than 5 minutes on foot, and it is publicly accessible. Located in the heart of town, La Olla provides a vibrant atmosphere, though it can get crowded on weekends. The surf caters primarily to those looking to improve their skills, making it an ideal training ground. While the beach may lack consistent sandbars, it still offers enjoyable sessions. Surfers are advised to use longer, thicker boards for better stability. Overall, La Olla is a welcoming spot for those eager to learn and have fun in the water.
View spotPunta Negra - Uruguay Punta Negra features a sandbar wave that breaks both right and left over a bottom of flat rocks and sand. The wave is known for its hollow power and is accessible within a short walk of less than 5 minutes. It works well at all tides, particularly during rising tide conditions. Located in Uruguay, Punta Negra offers a unique surfing experience with consistent swells from the south and favorable winds from the northwest. The spot tends to attract few surfers during the week, but it can become crowded on weekends. With its picturesque setting and reliable conditions, Punta Negra is a must-visit for surfers looking to enjoy a dynamic surf session in a beautiful environment.
View spotParque del Plata - Uruguay Parque del Plata features a beach break with both right and left waves, characterized by a sandy bottom and hollow power. The spot is accessible within a 5-minute walk, with public access available and parking options on the beach or along the rambla. This surf spot is known for its magical conditions during classic days, offering long rides with unique rails. While it can be deserted during the week, expect a crowd on weekends. The ideal conditions occur at high tide, particularly with rising and falling tides, and favorable wind directions from the north and northwest. Swell from the southwest, south, and southeast enhances the wave quality, making it a hidden gem for surfers seeking a less crowded experience.
View spotArachania - La Paloma, Uruguay Arachania features a sandbar wave that breaks both right and left over a sandy bottom. The spot is accessible by car, located just 5 km from La Paloma, with a short walk of 15-30 minutes to the beach. It works best at mid tide during rising and falling tides, offering good conditions for surfers. This hidden gem boasts an excellent atmosphere, often devoid of crowds, even on summer days when waves can exceed 0.9 meters. Surfers can enjoy the vastness of the ocean with approximately 10 km of beach to explore. While the paddle out can be challenging, returning to the lineup is straightforward. Facilities are limited, so it's advisable to bring food and water. With its serene environment and consistent waves, Arachania is perfect for those seeking solitude and quality surf.
View spotZanja Honda (Playa Solari) - La Paloma, Uruguay Zanja Honda features a powerful point break with both left and right-hand waves. The right is fast and hollow, while the left offers a long, clean ride with an easy take-off and tubular sections. The bottom consists of sandy areas mixed with rocks, and the spot works well at all tides, particularly with rising tide conditions. Located in the Rocha region, Zanja Honda is a short 5-minute drive from downtown La Paloma. The area is known for its localism, so surfers should be respectful when paddling out. The surrounding landscape includes rocky ledges and sandy beaches, providing diverse options for surfers. For those seeking alternatives, nearby Corumba beachbreak offers a more forgiving setup suitable for all skill levels. Always check the conditions before heading out, as Zanja Honda can produce hollow sections and challenging waves depending on the swell.
View spotLa Moza - Parque Sta Teresa, Rocha La Moza is a powerful right point break with a sandy bottom interspersed with rocks. The wave features a steep drop followed by an extensive wall with tube sections, making it a premier surf destination when conditions align. Access is straightforward, with less than a 5-minute walk from the parking area. This surf spot is situated along a lengthy beach, attracting a mix of surfers throughout the week. While it remains relatively empty during weekdays, expect significant crowds on weekends, particularly in summer due to the nearby National Park's popularity. The atmosphere is relaxed, catering to various skill levels, but be prepared to share the waves. For those seeking alternatives, nearby peaks like the rivermouth at Las Achiras and Cerro Chato offer additional options when La Moza becomes too congested. Caution is advised when navigating the mussel-coated rocks during peak times.
View spotLa Plage - Uruguay La Plage features a beach break with both right and left waves over a sandy bottom. The spot is known for its irregular conditions, but when the swell aligns perfectly, it produces enjoyable waves. Access is straightforward, with less than a 5-minute walk from parking, and it is publicly accessible. This surf spot is located at latitude -34.9441011 and longitude -54.91425991. During the week, surfers can expect an empty lineup, while weekends see only a few fellow wave riders. The wave power is classified as ordinary, making it suitable for various skill levels. Overall, La Plage offers a unique surfing experience when conditions are right, appealing to those seeking a less crowded environment.
View spotEl Barco - La Paloma El Barco is a consistent sandbar wave that breaks left over a sandy bottom, located between La Pedrera and La Virgen. This beachbreak works best at mid to high tide, particularly during rising tide conditions, and is suitable for small to medium swells. Be cautious of the underwater rocks, especially when catching rights at nearby La Pedrera. The spot offers a laid-back atmosphere, often empty during the week and attracting only a few surfers on weekends. Access requires a long walk (over 30 minutes) from La Pedrera, but the effort is rewarded with quality waves and a scenic backdrop. While parking can be tricky in summer, nearby restaurants enhance the experience. El Barco is ideal for surfers seeking a less crowded alternative to the more popular spots, providing a unique surf experience when conditions align.
View spotLa Boya - Uruguay La Boya is a left point break characterized by fast and powerful waves breaking over flat rocks. This expert-level surf spot is easily accessible, with instant access within 5 minutes of walking. It works well with southeast swells and northeast winds, making it a prime location when conditions align. Known for its challenging waves, La Boya attracts a dedicated crowd, particularly on weekends. The spot is suitable for all tides, but caution is advised due to the rocky bottom. While it can get crowded, especially when the swell pumps, weekdays often see fewer surfers. This location is a must-visit for experienced surfers seeking thrilling rides in a stunning coastal setting.
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