Montoya
Montoya is one of Uruguay's premier surf spots, a powerful beach break that has hosted WSL qualifying events. The wave breaks over sand and rock ledges, producing punchy peaks with good barrel potential. The nearby resort infrastructure makes it comfortable for surf trips.
Montoya 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° - 202°
- Size range
- 0.9m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.6m - 2.1m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (0°)
- Offshore range
- 315° - 45°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
17°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
5/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Montoya?
Montoya is a beach break in Punta del Este, Uruguay, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Montoya?
Montoya picks up swell from the SE 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 2.5m, with the sweet spot around 1.6 to 2.1m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 10s 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 Montoya?
A N wind is dead offshore at Montoya, 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 Montoya?
Montoya 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 Montoya?
The most reliable run of swell at Montoya comes Mar to Oct. Best in autumn/winter.
How cold is the water at Montoya?
The water at Montoya 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 Montoya good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 5/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. Expect a moderate crowd (5/10) when it's on. Rock ledges.
How do I get to Montoya?
The nearest airport on our list is MVD, then it's roughly a 2-hour drive.
What other surf spots are near Montoya?
The closest breaks we track are La Barra (2.0 km), El Emir (10 km) and José Ignacio (21 km), handy when Montoya isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-Oct
Best in autumn/winter
Getting There
Nearby Spots
La Barra
🇺🇾 Uruguay's best • Punta del Este style • South Atlantic swells
El Emir
🚢 Shipwreck in lineup • Punta's most popular • Resort surf
José Ignacio
✨ Jet-set destination • Less crowded surf • Famous lighthouse
La Paloma
🌅 Authentic Uruguay • Cape options • Laid-back vibes
La Pedrera
🎨 Bohemian village • Sunset gatherings • Budget surf trip
Punta del Diablo
🎣 Fishing village charm • Near Brazil • Rustic authenticity