El Nido: The Complete Guide
Quick facts
| Wave tech | Wavegarden Cove · electro-mechanical |
|---|---|
| Session length | 60 minutes |
| Wave height (max) | 6.6 ft / 2 m |
| Waves per hour | 1,000 |
| Skill levels | All levels |
| Public pricing | Pricing TBD |
| Address | Punta del Este, Maldonado Department, Uruguay |
Wave settings and pricing
Getting there
El Nido is at Punta del Este, Maldonado Department, Uruguay.
The technology
El Nido runs on Wavegarden Cove — a electro-mechanical system from Aizarnazabal. The Cove uses 46+ independent electro-mechanical modules along one wall. Each module pushes a submerged panel; sequencing the pushes creates a travelling swell that peels down the reef bay. Software controls the panel firing pattern, so a Cove can shift from a mellow Waikiki roller to an overhead barrel between waves.
El Nido is being developed by a Uruguayan and Argentinian ownership group in partnership with Wavegarden. The site combines the Cove with a beach club, restaurants, tennis, padel and residential units, and slots into the summer high season that draws surfers from across the Rio de la Plata region. Opening is targeted for 2026.
Frequently asked about El Nido
+Is El Nido open to non-members?
The project is structured as a private beach club, but session bookings for the Cove are expected to be open to the wider public, with details confirmed closer to opening.
+Where is Punta del Este?
On the Atlantic coast of Uruguay, about two hours east of Montevideo. It is a major summer destination for surfers and travellers from Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo and Rio.
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