Chapadmalal
Chapadmalal offers variety along its stretch of coast south of Mar del Plata, including some point break setups that work on different swell directions. The area is less developed and sees fewer crowds than the main city beaches.
Chapadmalal surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSE (157°)
- Direction range
- 135° - 227°
- Size range
- 0.9m - 2m
- Ideal size
- 1.4m - 1.7m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (315°)
- Offshore range
- 270° - 360°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
14°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
2/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Chapadmalal?
Chapadmalal is a beach break in Mar del Plata, Argentina, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Chapadmalal?
Chapadmalal picks up swell from the SE round to the SW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SSE. It starts working at around 0.9m and handles up to about 2m, with the sweet spot around 1.4 to 1.7m. Period matters too: aim for 12s or longer, as anything under 8s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Chapadmalal?
A NW wind is dead offshore at Chapadmalal, and anything from the W round to the N keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 5am to 10am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Chapadmalal?
Chapadmalal isn't especially fussy about tide and generally works through the cycle, so swell and wind matter more here. Big tides can still change how it breaks, so it's worth checking before you paddle out.
When is the best time of year to surf Chapadmalal?
The most reliable run of swell at Chapadmalal comes Mar to Oct. Best in autumn/winter.
How cold is the water at Chapadmalal?
The water at Chapadmalal averages around 14°C, so you'll want a 4/3mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Chapadmalal good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 4/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 2/10).
How do I get to Chapadmalal?
The nearest airport on our list is MDQ, then it's roughly a 25-minute drive.
What other surf spots are near Chapadmalal?
The closest breaks we track are Miramar (16 km), Punta Miramar (16 km) and Yacht Club (22 km), handy when Chapadmalal isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-Oct
Best in autumn/winter
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Miramar
👨👩👧👦 Family beach town • Multiple jetties • South gets better
Punta Miramar
🇦🇷 Argentina's quality point • Cold water walls • South Atlantic surprise
Yacht Club
⛵ Yacht club backdrop • Protected point • Quality rights
Playa Grande
🇦🇷 Argentina's capital • Mar del Plata consistency • National comp venue
Quequén
📅 Seasonal sandbars • Feb-March peak • Rivermouth influence
Necochea
🚢 Jetty lefts • Shipwreck feature • Classic resort