Cerro Chato

Uruguay3.25/5
Surfing
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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.
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • 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.
Heads up
  • 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.
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
11–23 °C
Water Temperature
8–28 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jul, Aug: 5/4mmJun, Jul, Aug: 4/3mmJan–Dec: 3/2mm
Crowds by Season

Quiet year-round compared to neighboring beaches, though the park is busy in January.

Storm/Rain Season

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.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

Point break
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
Forecast

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.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBoots

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.

Restrictions
  • National Park entry fees may apply.
  • Strict environmental protection rules.
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Toilets
Camping
Picnic area
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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Best time to visit: January and February for the liveliest atmosphere; March and December for a balance of good weather and fewer crowds.
Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.