Montevideo- hitting the beach

[NDRB]

Is there an easy and SAFE way to spend a few hours at the beach on your own in Montevideo without having to travel long distances from the ship?

 

We did the city tour the last time we were there and don't really want to spend $$$ doing a winery tour.

 

Thanks,

Nina

[Aussie Gal]

I am sure you could arrange for a taxi to take you to the beach and ask for him to return when you set a time. Perhaps you could pay him half the fare and pay the rest on his return.

 

When we were in Montevideo last year in January, the weather wasn't hot and a cool change came in around 10am. It became a very cold, windy day. Certainly no place to spend time at the beach though on our tour we did see some lovely beaches.

 

Jennie

[seemount]

Hi Nina

There are beaches all along the coast, starting about 5 kms east of the port. It's like one long necklace of beaches and bays. Take a cab and stop at one that you fancy. They get nicer the further you go... However, these are not the best beaches. Those are on the ocean, about 120 kms from Montevideo, and remember this is river water, it's not remotely salty. But you'll get sand, sunshine, and the chance to paddle. Also, the beaches are pretty safe unlike, say, Rio. Take normal precautions, and you will be fine.

 

If I had to recommend one, I'd probably choose Carrasco, but it's about a 15 km ride from the port, say 20-25 minutes - at the end of the necklace, so to speak. Long, wide beach, and if you get off at the Hotel Carrasco, you have the beach one side, and a shopping area the other, for drinks, a meal or whatever. And it's a very pleasant, waterfront ride. Plenty of taxis to get back, too. And it's a very attractive residential area if you want to wander round there and have a look at the houses. It would cost about US$8 to get there, and 8US$ back.

Hope this helps.