Mar del Plata
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Positives
- Spot concentration
- Break diversity
- Many wind and swell options
- Wide range of accommodation
Negatives
- Crowded urban spots
- Summer surfing bans
- Freezing winters
- Built up and polluted
Mar del Plata surf travel guide
Mar del Plata stands as the main summer getaway for "Porteños" escaping their Buenos Aires lives. The city beaches stretch over 8km (5mi), but dozens of piers and jetties bisect the coastline into many surf spots.
Surf spots in Mar del Plata
Research the 15 surf breaks in Mar del Plata and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 15 breaks in Mar del Plata.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Mar del Plata
- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 6,942,000
- Population
- 45,195,774
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- ARS
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 3.09 ARS ARS
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +54
- Dialing out
- 00
- Language
- Spanish, English
Electricity
- Plug Type
- ci
Visas
Visa free travel for nearly all nationalities for stays of up to 90 days.
Getting There
No visa, 90-day tourist cards distributed on arrival. Aeropuerto Internacional Ezeiza, 35km (22mi) outside Buenos Aires is Argentina's main hub. Bus to MDP costs $20 for a 5 1/2h ride from the large Retiro terminal. Flights are $60 and up (Aerolinas Argentinas). If planning to rent a car, do so in Buenos Aires and drive the 400km (250mi) down to MDP. $30 dep tax.
Getting Around
Car rentals are rather expensive averaging $45/day with limited mileage, but offer the flexibility to find the best spot on any given day. It's possible to move around MDP by bus, they run regularly and go pretty much everywhere. Surfboards may not be accepted during summer peak season. Buses run between MDP and Miramar (1h, $3).
Accommodation
Among 700 lodging options in MDP, Hotel Electra ($15/p), Hostería San Valentín ($25/dble) and Hotel Traful ($75/dble) are all close to the central beaches and La Pepita. The classier Gran Hotel Iruña has rooms with views to the beaches next to La Popular for $120/dble. Argentina's beef is the best in the world.
Activities
MDP in summer is as packed as a city can be and everything revolves around hanging-out at the beach, bar-hopping around Plaza Mitre and dancing the rest of the night. Hang out around the port or visit the Museo del Mar, which displays over 30,000 shells. Juan Manuel Fangio has his own museum in Balcarce.
Hazards & hassles
Most of the crowds happen in the summer when the city is assaulted by Porteños and free surf schools give everyone a chance to hit the waves. Local surfers remain friendly towards foreigners. Economic crisis exploded in late 2001, leaving the country with high unemployment and poverty levels. No mad cow disease in the local beef!
Handy Hints
A regular shortboard is all that is needed around summer but a small gun can come handy for serious winter swells. The Crow is the main surf shop in Miramar, and more are found in MDP. Hola Surf gives daily surf reports on (7873). Recent devaluation makes the country much cheaper to visit. Some of the country's best spots are actually located in Necochea, 80km (50mi) south of Miramar.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.