The Surf Window

José Ignacio

Maldonado, Uruguay

Beach breakIntermediate

Uruguay's most fashionable small village, where celebrities and intellectuals escape to simple whitewashed houses, José Ignacio has surprisingly good beach break beneath the famous lighthouse in an atmosphere of understated luxury.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size–S 1.5–2.5m at 12–16s

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 lighthouse point

Length

50–100m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate surfers
  • •Why: Consistent beach break in a beautiful setting, the crowds are sophisticated rather than heavy

Hazards

  • •Rocks around the lighthouse base
  • •Can be crowded in peak January–February season
  • •Cold water in autumn and winter

Local Tips

  • •The beach at Playa Brava northeast of the lighthouse is the most consistent
  • •The New Year's Eve lobster barbecue tradition here is one of the most famous events in Uruguay
  • •La Huella restaurant on the beach is one of South America's most celebrated dining experiences

Location

Map showing the location of José Ignacio in Maldonado, Uruguay

-34.8358, -54.6559