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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Advanced riders
What's great
  • Exposed point break with reliable surf
  • Best when southern swells meet offshore North/NE winds
  • Clean faces when winds are offshore
Heads up
  • Rocky entry and exit with sharp, slippery rocks
  • Narrow comfort zone and concentrated take-off area
  • Wind reliability can be low
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
12–23 °C
Water Temperature
10–28 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jun–Sep: 5/4mm full suit + Boots, HoodApr, May: 4/3mmDec–Mar: 3/2mm
Crowds by Season

Can get crowded during the summer holidays (January) and on weekends with good swells.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

Point break
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.
Forecast

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.

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
  • 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
Ability Level: Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBootsLeashImpact vest

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.

Restrictions
  • Consider higher caution or avoid the spot in heavier, more crowded conditions when the break is fully working.
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
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).
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

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.

Best time to visit: December to February for the peak social scene; March and April for quieter beaches and good surfing conditions.
Leonel Viera Bridge2-5 km

The famous 'undulating' bridge connecting Punta del Este with La Barra.

Fundación Pablo Atchugarry5 km

An extensive sculpture park and contemporary art museum in Manantiales.

Whale Watching0 km

Seasonal southern right whale sightings from the shore or boats between July and October.

La Huella20 km

A world-renowned beachfront restaurant located just to the east in Jose Ignacio.

Oh! La Barra3 km

An upscale outdoor shopping mall with entertainment and dining options.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.