Puerto Cardiel is located on the northern beach of Mar del Plata, part of the La Perla stretch that features numerous waves along a length of several miles. It tends to be a bit quieter than the more popular spots closer to the city, making it a good option for those looking to escape the crowds, especially during summer months. However, Cardiel itself can still get packed with surf tourists, so don’t expect total solitude.

This spot offers mainly right-handers that break well along the pier in the middle of Perla Beach. With a solid swell, waves can reach up to 2 meters (around 6 feet). The ideal conditions include a low to incoming tide and swells from the southeast, with sizes that can range from about 0.6 meters (2 feet) to 2 meters (6 feet). On the right day, you can enjoy some decent rides, but generally, it can be classified as mostly mediocre. The preferred wind directions are southwest, west-southwest, west, and northwest, making those the best days to hit the water.

Access is straightforward since you can park right in front of the wave. Expect heavy crowds during the summer, but most of the year, it tends to be quite empty. This local vibe can get a little intense in the busy months, so keep that in mind. It's great for intermediate surfers, and you can use shortboards, funboards, longboards, or fish depending on your style.