Private Isla de Lobos Boat Tour from Punta del Este
Leave Punta del Este port on a boat just for your group, cruise 45 minutes to Isla de Lobos and anchor next to one of the largest sea lion colonies in South America.
What the Isla de Lobos tour is like
Our Isla de Lobos tour is a private boat trip: the boat, the schedule and the pace belong to your group. Want to plan your own route? See our Boat Rental in Punta del Este.
- Boarding at Punta del Este portWe meet you with the boat ready and life jackets for everyone.
- Cruise to the island, about 45 minutesYou leave the bay and see the peninsula and the Punta del Este coastline from the sea.
- Around Isla de LobosWe circle the island to see the sea lions on the rocks, the lighthouse and the seabirds.
- Anchoring with the sea lionsWe stop near the island to watch them calmly and, if the sea allows, swim with the sea lions around you.
- Back to portWe return to Punta del Este 3 hours after departure.
Isla de Lobos, Uruguay: what you’ll see
Isla de Lobos (Lobos Island) lies about 8 km southeast of Punta del Este. It is a 41-hectare rocky island and the southernmost point of land in Uruguay.
The sea lions
Two species live on the island: the South American fur seal and the South American sea lion. It is one of the largest sea lion colonies in South America, and they live there all year round.
Isla de Lobos lighthouse
Built in 1858 and rebuilt in 1906. In 2001 it became Uruguay’s first automated, solar-powered lighthouse.
A National Park since 2024
The island, its islet and the surrounding seabed are a National Park managed by Uruguay’s Ministry of Environment.
Ask for the price for your date
The price is per boat, not per person, and depends on the season, the boat and the size of your group.
- Private motorboat, just for your group
- Captain
- 3-hour trip: cruise, tour around the island and anchoring to swim
- Life jackets for adults and kids
Optional: finger-food catering on board.
Check price and availabilityPrivate boat vs. shared Isla de Lobos tour
How a private boat trip compares with the shared tour that leaves from the port.
| Comparison | Private Virazon boat | Shared tour |
|---|---|---|
| How you pay | Per boat, for the whole group | Per person |
| On board | Just your group | Shared with other passengers |
| Schedule | You choose | Fixed schedule |
| Swim with the sea lions | Yes, while anchored, if the sea allows | Depends on the operator |
| Add Gorriti Island | Yes, on the same trip | Depends on the operator |
| Catering on board | Optional | Depends on the operator |
How to get to Isla de Lobos: departure and times
Punta del Este portIsla de Lobos can only be reached by boat. Once you book, we’ll send you the exact meeting point.
Your choice of time, all year roundSubject to boat availability. The sea lions live on the island all year.
Bad weatherIf sea conditions aren’t safe, we reschedule your trip or refund your money.
Boats for the Isla de Lobos tour
Boats for every kind of groupWe have more boats, for groups from 4 up to 120 guests. Tell us your group size and we’ll recommend the right boat for this trip.
Ask about my groupAdd Gorriti Island on the same trip
Same boat, same day: Isla de Lobos plus a stop at Gorriti Island, off Playa Mansa. Ask us about the combined trip.
What our guests say
“We came on holiday and booked with them. We had a wonderful day. Super professional, attentive and friendly.”
“The best boat rental agency: great service, a very friendly atmosphere and always there for any question.”
“Great experience. We rented a boat for 3 hours and sailed around Punta del Este with no hassle at all.”
Isla de Lobos tour: frequently asked questions
Still have questions? Message us on WhatsApp.
How much does the Isla de Lobos tour cost?
The price is per boat, not per person, and depends on the season, the boat and the size of your group. Send us your date and number of guests on WhatsApp and we’ll send you a quote.
How do you get to Isla de Lobos from Punta del Este?
Only by boat. We leave from Punta del Este port and the cruise to the island takes about 45 minutes.
How long is the tour?
The trip lasts 3 hours in total: about 45 minutes cruising to the island, the tour around Isla de Lobos, anchoring next to the sea lions and the ride back to port.
Can you land on Isla de Lobos?
No. Isla de Lobos has been a National Park since 2024 and landing is not allowed. You see the sea lions from the boat and, while anchored, you can swim near the island.
Can you swim with the sea lions?
Yes, if sea conditions allow. We anchor near the island and you can swim with the sea lions around you. They are wild animals: we always keep the distance the captain indicates.
How is this different from the shared tour?
On the shared tour you pay per person, share the boat with other passengers and leave at a fixed time. With Virazon the boat is just for your group, you choose the time and the price is per boat.
Where does the boat leave from?
From Punta del Este port. Once you book, we’ll send you the exact meeting point.
Is there a guide on board?
It isn’t a guided tour. It’s a private boat trip with a captain, designed to enjoy the island and the sea lions at your own pace.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If sea conditions aren’t safe, we reschedule your trip for another day or refund your money.
Can I combine it with Gorriti Island?
Yes. You can add a stop at Gorriti Island on the same trip. Ask us about the combined trip.
Is it suitable for kids?
Yes, the tour is suitable for all ages. We have life jackets in every size and the captain is in charge of safety on board.
What should I bring?
Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear and a towel if you want to swim, and a light jacket: it’s usually windier at sea than on land.
Can we add catering on board?
Yes. You can add finger-food catering for your group. Ask us for the menu when you check your date.
When can you visit Isla de Lobos?
All year round. The sea lions live on the island permanently, so you can see them in any season.
Shall we sail to Isla de Lobos?
Tell us your date and group size. We’ll confirm price and availability on WhatsApp.
Check price and availability
