Tiki (Manantiales)
- Advanced riders
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Chop
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Tiki is an exposed rocky point break in the Manantiales area, known for right-hand waves with quick walls and a narrow comfort zone. The spot is explicitly described as having a rocky bottom with both exposed and submerged rocks along the point and shoreline, making entries, exits, and take-off precision especially important. Surf quality is described as good to powerful when the right conditions line up. It performs best with southern to southeast swells, and offshore winds from the North or Northeast can groom the waves and create cleaner faces. When swell and tide align at the point, rides can extend longer, though the rock hazards and currents make the experience more demanding. Timing and line choice are repeatedly emphasized as key factors. Because the take-off zone is concentrated and the area can be challenging, the local lineup and safe navigation through the rock area matter. The spot can also see crowds when it is working well, so conditions may become busier during peak swell periods. Seasonally, June is identified as a best month, and winter months are noted as producing the most consistent and powerful swells. Water temperature ranges from roughly 12°C in winter to about 22°C in summer, so winter sessions typically require thicker wetsuits and added insulation (including boots, and a hood is mentioned in regional guidance).
- Right-hand point break over a rocky bottom
- Works best with southern swells and offshore N/NE winds
- Narrow comfort zone—requires precise timing
- Exposed point break with reliable surf
- Best when southern swells meet offshore North/NE winds
- Clean faces when winds are offshore
- Rocky entry and exit with sharp, slippery rocks
- Narrow comfort zone and concentrated take-off area
- Wind reliability can be low
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NE
- Offshore directions
- N, NE
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Gradient — N to NE winds commonly set up the conditions; sources also describe gradient-driven patterns.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- June, July, August
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop
- Beach
- Rocks
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium
- Chop Level
- Heavy chop — Water type is described as chop.
- Launch
- Small — Rocky entry near the point.
Through the year
Can get crowded during the summer holidays (January) and on weekends with good swells.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Tiki is an exposed rocky right-hand point break with quick walls and a narrow comfort zone, best with southern swells and offshore N/NE winds. The rocky bottom and concentrated take-off area demand precise timing and line choice.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- S, SE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Offshore winds from the North or Northeast can groom the waves and produce cleaner faces.
- Bigger Swell
- Can handle larger swells but becomes challenging due to currents and rocks.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Powerful
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Longer rides when swell and tide align perfectly at the point.
- Ride Length Details
- Waves can offer long rides when the swell and tide align perfectly at the point.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Tiki (Manantiales) in the full forecast view.
Tiki (Manantiales) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–17 ktsGusts 24 kts
- Direction
- SE137°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2417 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–2.1 m6s period
- Temperature
- 9–19 °C
Over the next 7 days, Tiki (Manantiales) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–17 kts, peaking around 17 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 24 kts. The prevailing direction is SE. Waves run 0.7–2.1 m with a period of about 6s. 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
- Strong currents
- Crowds during peak swells
- Exposed and submerged rocks at the point and along the shoreline
- Rip currents can be present near the point
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Regional context notes limited rescue availability; coast guard presence along the coast and municipal lifeguards at primary accesses during peak summer.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities are in Punta del Este and Maldonado; national emergency number reported as 911 (another reported as 105).
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate
Rules of the spot
Rocks are the primary hazard—enter and exit carefully and plan a precise line at take-off due to the narrow comfort zone and slick rock surfaces.
- Consider higher caution or avoid the spot in heavier, more crowded conditions when the break is fully working.
- Use precise line choice and timing due to the narrow comfort zone.
- Be extremely careful when entering and exiting the water due to slippery and sharp rocks.
- Respect the local lineup as the take-off zone at the point is concentrated.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Punta del Este
- Nearest Town
- Manantiales
- Parking
- Limited parking available along the main coastal road
- Access
- Access is via the coastal road (Ruta 10). A short walk from the road leads down to the rocky shoreline.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Various boutique hotels and rentals in Manantiales and nearby La Barra.
- Food & Drink
- Numerous restaurants and cafes are located in Manantiales within walking distance.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surf and SUP rentals are widely available at major beach points in the broader Punta del Este area; specialized gear availability is more limited.
- Gear Storage
- Storage is generally limited and typically available through surf schools or private beach clubs.
- Gear Repair
- Basic surfboard and wetsuit repair services are available in nearby areas (La Barra and Punta del Este).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Punta del Este coast is known for art galleries, boutique shopping, and high-end gastronomy alongside a dedicated water-sports culture.
The famous 'undulating' bridge connecting Punta del Este with La Barra.
An extensive sculpture park and contemporary art museum in Manantiales.
Seasonal southern right whale sightings from the shore or boats between July and October.
A world-renowned beachfront restaurant located just to the east in Jose Ignacio.
An upscale outdoor shopping mall with entertainment and dining options.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Tiki (Manantiales)?
The best overall months at Tiki (Manantiales) are June, July, August.
Which wind directions work at Tiki (Manantiales)?
Tiki (Manantiales) works with N, NE winds. Offshore directions are N, NE.
What skill level is Tiki (Manantiales) suitable for?
Tiki (Manantiales) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced.