La Paloma
La Paloma is a laid-back surf town on Uruguay's Rocha coast, offering consistent waves and a more authentic, less developed atmosphere than Punta del Este. Multiple beaches around the cape provide options for different swell directions.
La Paloma 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
- 112° - 200°
- Size range
- 0.9m - 2m
- Ideal size
- 1.4m - 1.7m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (0°)
- Offshore range
- 315° - 45°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
17°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
3/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is La Paloma?
La Paloma is a beach break in Rocha, Uruguay, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at La Paloma?
La Paloma picks up swell from the ESE round to the SSW, 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 La Paloma?
A N wind is dead offshore at La Paloma, and anything from the NW round to the NE 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 La Paloma?
La Paloma 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 La Paloma?
The most reliable run of swell at La Paloma comes Mar to Oct. Best in autumn/winter.
How cold is the water at La Paloma?
The water at La Paloma averages around 17°C, so you'll want a 3/2mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is La Paloma 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 3/10).
How do I get to La Paloma?
The nearest airport on our list is MVD, then it's roughly a 3.5-hour drive.
What other surf spots are near La Paloma?
The closest breaks we track are La Pedrera (9.6 km) and José Ignacio (48 km), handy when La Paloma isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-Oct
Best in autumn/winter
Getting There
Nearby Spots
La Pedrera
🎨 Bohemian village • Sunset gatherings • Budget surf trip
José Ignacio
✨ Jet-set destination • Less crowded surf • Famous lighthouse
Montoya
🏆 WSL venue • Rock ledge power • Uruguay's premier
La Barra
🇺🇾 Uruguay's best • Punta del Este style • South Atlantic swells
El Emir
🚢 Shipwreck in lineup • Punta's most popular • Resort surf
Punta del Diablo
🎣 Fishing village charm • Near Brazil • Rustic authenticity