The Surf Window

Cabo Polonio

Rocha, Uruguay

Beach breakIntermediate

Uruguay's wildest corner, a headland accessible only on foot or by truck through sand dunes, Cabo Polonio has no electricity grid, a sea lion colony, and surf breaking in complete isolation under an extraordinary night sky.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size–S 1.5–3m at 14–18s

Wind

W

Light to NW under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Mar–Aug

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Peaks on both sides of the headland

Length

60–120m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate to advanced
  • •Why: Remote, powerful beach break with no safety infrastructure

Hazards

  • •Completely off-grid, no phone signal, no power
  • •Strong currents around the cape
  • •Sea lions on the beach, give them space

Local Tips

  • •The truck ride through the dunes from Cabaña la Calandria is part of the experience
  • •No electricity means candle-lit dinners and extraordinary stargazing
  • •The sea lion colony is massive, one of South America's largest

Location

Map showing the location of Cabo Polonio in Rocha, Uruguay

-34.4029, -53.7825