Isla de Lobos
A rock island off Punta del Este holding one of the largest South American sea lion colonies.
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Isla de Lobos lies about eight kilometres off Punta del Este, a bare rock of some forty hectares carrying a colony of South American sea lions and fur seals that has been counted in the hundreds of thousands at its peak and remains one of the largest in the world. Its lighthouse, built in 1906, is among the tallest in South America. The island is a protected reserve and landing is not permitted; boats circle it.
What you actually see
- The sea lion colony - one of the largest South American sea lion breeding sites.
- The fur seals - the second species sharing the rock in large numbers.
- The 1906 lighthouse - a very tall tower on the bare island.
- The boat circuit - trips that circle the island without landing.
When to go
December to March is when trips run regularly. Breeding season peaks in December and January. Swell frequently cancels crossings.
Honest expectations
Landing is prohibited and the visit is a boat circuit only. The crossing is exposed and rough; seasickness is common. Trips are cancelled often in wind.
Nearby
Punta del Este is northwest, and Isla Gorriti is beyond it.
What to pack for Isla de Lobos
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
