Cerro Chato
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Cerro Chato is an exposed point break on the western side of Uruguay known for consistent surfing, especially in autumn and winter. The spot is primarily a rocky launch and takeoff area, so careful wave and navigation choice is important. Wind-wise, the spot is associated with East winds. It is described as having fair to fairly consistent reliability, with a typical range around 10–20 knots and moderate gustiness noted by one source. Day-to-day conditions can vary, so checking forecasts before going out is strongly recommended. For surfing, the spot is best during autumn and winter, with June specifically highlighted as the best month. Swell direction that works well includes south to southeast (and sources also mention east), and the surf can be small at times; however, it remains rideable when swell and wind line up for this exposed orientation. Safety considerations are a major theme: rocks and submerged rocky sections are the primary hazard, and rip currents are possible near the point. One provider also notes rules and restrictions tied to the Santa Teresa National Park environment, plus the importance of having appropriate cold-water preparation for the June–September period.
- Consistent surf for an exposed point break, with best results in autumn and winter.
- East winds are favorable for the spot’s orientation.
- Often less crowded than more famous nearby areas, despite being inside a national park.
- Exposed point break with consistent surf, particularly in colder months.
- Best wind direction is East for this spot’s orientation.
- Quieter than more famous neighboring breaks, with year-round sessions.
- Rock hazards (including submerged rocks and rocky shoreline).
- Conditions can be small, and clean/wave quality is not guaranteed.
- Rip currents are possible near the point.
- Rescue availability is indicated as no by one provider.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E
- Offshore directions
- N, W, NW, SSW, SW
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Gradient — Providers describe the wind regime as a gradient wind type for this spot.
- Reliability
- fairly consistent
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Described as having moderate gusts by one provider.
- Best Months
- June
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Rocks
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Small surf is common (one guide states small conditions dominate).
- Launch
- Medium — Rocky point with some sandy patches nearby.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Moderate launch difficulty due to rocks.
Through the year
Quiet year-round compared to neighboring beaches, though the park is busy in January.
Winter can bring frequent cold fronts; sudden S/SW Pampero storms can occur any time, bringing sharp temperature drops and strong winds.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Cerro Chato is an exposed point break with consistent surf, best in autumn and winter. It is rocky and requires careful navigation around rocks; waves can be small at times but still stay rideable with the right swells and winds.
- Optimal Swell
- S, SE
- Swell Height
- 1–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- East winds are described as favorable for the spot’s orientation; on this coastline, west or northwest are generally offshore.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become messy with very large swells, though it holds moderate size well.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Clean/ridability is not constant year-round; one source notes a high proportion of small conditions and a smaller fraction of clean conditions.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Cerro Chato in the full forecast view.
Cerro Chato wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–19 ktsGusts 32 kts
- Direction
- SSE156°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2419 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–1.8 m7s period
- Temperature
- 11–18 °C
Over the next 7 days, Cerro Chato is forecast for daytime winds of 2–19 kts, peaking around 19 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 32 kts. The prevailing direction is SSE. Waves run 0.7–1.8 m with a period of about 7s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Rocks
- Submerged rocks
- Rocky shoreline
- Rip currents possible near the point
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguard presence is noted by one provider.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — One provider indicates rescue availability as no for the spot.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in Chuy or Castillos; primary emergency number is 911.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
Located within a National Park; follow all park regulations regarding access and environment. Nearest medical facilities are in Chuy or Castillos. Primary emergency number is 911.
- National Park entry fees may apply.
- Strict environmental protection rules.
- Be aware of rock hazards and navigate carefully around the point.
- Bring a thick wetsuit if visiting between June and September.
- Check daily forecasts before heading out.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Chuy
- Nearest Town
- Santa Teresa
- Parking
- Parking available at designated areas within the Santa Teresa National Park.
- Public Transport
- Regular bus services connect the region to Montevideo and the Brazilian border at Chuy.
- Access
- Accessible via the Santa Teresa National Park entrance on Route 9; drive through the park to the coastal area.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping is the primary option within Santa Teresa National Park; hostels and cabins are available in nearby areas.
- Food & Drink
- Small kiosks and a restaurant are located within the park, mostly active during the summer season.
- Equipment Rental:
- No rentals at the spot; check nearby surf shops.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Cerro Chato?
The best overall months at Cerro Chato are June, July, August, September, October, April, May. The best wind months are June.
Which wind directions work at Cerro Chato?
Cerro Chato works with E winds. Offshore directions are N, W, NW, SSW, SW.
What skill level is Cerro Chato suitable for?
Cerro Chato suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.