Uruguay
Country/State Data
Regions
1
Breaks
20
Coastline
660 KM
Cost of living
Capital
Montevideo
Current Time
Security
Health
Positives
- Quantity of uncrowded spots
- Semi-consistent pointbreaks
- Cheap and safe
- Relaxed line-ups
- Punta del Este tourist hotspot
Negatives
- Lack of powerful spots
- Small and average in summer
- Brownish, muddy water
- Unspectacular scenery
- Cold winter temps
Where to surf in Uruguay
Despite being neighbours with Brazil, Uruguay is fairly unknown as a destination. Squashed between the immense coastlines of Brazil and Argentina, the mere 200km of littoral Uruguay should barely rate a mention, yet this nation on the north side of the River Plate receives plenty of great winter waves and some fun summer action as well.
Local riders paddled out as early as the late ‘50s. Omar “Vispo” Rossi began standing up on a homemade board, not even knowing he was “surfing”, in Praia de Pocitos, one of the most exposed beaches in Montevideo.
There are more than 80 breaks scattered along just 200kms (124mi) of Atlantic coast, with a very small number of surfers compared to the giant surfing nation to the north. There’s everything from left or right pointbreaks to beachbreaks, not to mention the rivermouths and even outer reefs with big waves. Some of the best spots are not easy to get to and that is why they are seldom crowded. Knowing where to look can yield fun, mellow waves in the middle of the summer, with only the seagulls for company. The capital of Uruguay, Montevideo rarely has any rideable size in the turbid brown waters of Playa Honda.
Surf spots in Uruguay
Research the 20 surf breaks in Uruguay and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 19 breaks in Uruguay.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Uruguay
- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
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- oct
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- dec
Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Uruguay.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 3,469,000
- Population
- 3,473,730
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- UYU
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +598
- Dialing out
- 00
- Language
- Spanish
Electricity
- Plug Type
- cfil
Visas
Visa free travel for nearly all nationalities for stays of up to 90 days.
Getting There
No visa. Most flights to Montevideo (MVD) go through Brazil (Pluna) or Buenos Aires (EZE). Direct flights from Spain (Iberia). High-speed ferries connect the 2 capitals in 2.5h ($60 o/w), Colonia being even a shorter ride. Because Uruguay is small, you don’t need domestic flights. Small departure tax.
Getting Around
The well maintained Interbalnearia highway connects most seaside resorts on the Atlantic coast. Compact cars are $40/day or $200/week. Beware of sandy, swampy access roads to the beach.
Accommodation
Unless you get a cheap package in Punta del Este, hotels will cost $100/day. Best is to stay in La Paloma (1949 Hostel $20/pax) or Santa Teresa (Hotel Oceanico, $55). Lively night-life. Expect lots of BBQ’s serving sausages, blood sausages and 1l bottles of stout beer or first-class red wines. Pay around $10 for a full meal.
Activities
Take a sunset stroll along Gorlero Avenue, Punta del Este’s main place to see and be seen. In a few blocks there’s restaurants, bars, shops, cinemas and the Feria Artesanal. Isla de Lobos, 8 km offshore, is one of the world's largest sea-lion colonies. Whales may be seen October-November. Easter is Semana Criolla when people from all around hit the capital to party.
Hazards & hassles
Aside from rocks & some jellyfish in summer, things are pretty safe. No aggressive crowds, very little thievery, not much urban pressure (not Brazil). Avoid Punta del Este tourist traps in summer. Wind changes are fast and without warning so surf when you see good waves.
Handy Hints
There are surf shops, shapers and board repairs in the main beach towns. Equipment is cheap and decent quality. Use a thicker, longer board for the mellow waves. Surf Lessons with all equipment is $100 per 6 classes. Surfboards rental $20/day, wetsuit $10/day.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.
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