José Ignacio
José Ignacio is Uruguay's most fashionable beach town, a former fishing village turned jet-set destination. The surf is consistent and less crowded than nearby Punta del Este, while the restaurants and nightlife rival any in South America. The famous lighthouse adds charm.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSE (157°)
- Direction range
- 117° - 172°
- Size range
- 0.9m - 2m
- Ideal size
- 1.7m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (0°)
- Offshore range
- 315° - 45°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
18°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
4/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at José Ignacio?
José Ignacio handles all stages of the tide, so time your session around the wind instead. The live chart above shows the next few days.
What wind direction is offshore at José Ignacio?
Offshore wind at José Ignacio blows from the N (0°). Anything in the 315° to 45° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at José Ignacio?
José Ignacio wants SSE swell (117° to 172°) between 0.9m and 2m, with a period of 12s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf José Ignacio?
The main season at José Ignacio is Mar-Oct. Best in autumn/winter
How do I get to José Ignacio?
Fly into MVD, then allow about 150 minutes by road.
What kind of wave is José Ignacio?
José Ignacio is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 4/10.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-Oct
Best in autumn/winter
Getting There
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Punta del Diablo
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