What Is Included in a Private Boat Rental in Punta del Este?

When you rent a private boat in Punta del Este, the captain, life jackets for everyone, fuel and insurance are included, and depending on the trip you choose, a grill on board, fishing rods with bait, or a paddle board and inflatables. The boat is just for your group, with no other passengers, and every trip leaves from the Port of Punta del Este. You can also bring your own food and drinks, or add finger-food catering as an optional extra.

Unlike group tours, here you plan the day at your own pace: you choose the route, how many hours you want to sail, and whether you would rather anchor for a swim or take a longer trip. Below we explain in detail what is included in each type of trip so you arrive knowing exactly what to expect.

What is always included in a private boat rental?

Every trip includes the basics you need to sail with peace of mind: a professional captain, life jackets for adults and children, fuel and the boat’s insurance. The captain knows the coast, the currents and the best spots in each area, so you will be with someone who knows what they are doing.

The boat is private, which means it is just for your group. If you book for eight people, those eight go and no one else. There are no fixed schedules or shared stops: the trip is planned around what you want to do. That applies to every option, from an early fishing trip to a sunset cruise.

The meeting point is the Port of Punta del Este. Once you confirm your booking, we send you the exact boarding spot, which may vary depending on the boat assigned. Trips run all year round, and if the sea is not cooperating on the day you booked, we reschedule or refund your money.

What does each type of trip include?

What is included depends on the trip you choose. Each route has its own feel and equipment, so here are the details of the most popular trips.

Isla de Lobos

The Isla de Lobos boat tour lasts three hours in total. It includes the round trip (about 45 minutes to the island) and a loop around it to see the sea lions, the historic 1858 lighthouse and the birds that live there. Then the captain anchors near the island and, if conditions allow, you can swim with the sea lions around you. You do not go ashore because it is a National Park, but seeing them up close from the water is what people love most about this trip.

You can combine it with Gorriti Island on the same trip if you want a longer route. It is ideal for families with children or groups looking for something different without going far from Punta del Este, since the island is about 8 km off the coast.

Gorriti Island

The boat trip to Gorriti Island is the most requested for birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties and get-togethers with friends. It includes a grill on board, and some boats also have a paddle board and inflatables to use in the water. The trip can be from two hours, half a day or a full day, depending on what you want to do.

You anchor off the island, which is just a few minutes from the port, and from there you swim, sunbathe, put on some music and eat at your leisure. You bring your own food and drinks, and if you want a barbecue on board, the captain will give you a hand with the grill. It is an easy plan to put together and works for big groups and smaller outings alike. And if you have a pet, you can bring it along.

Fishing trip

Fishing trips leave early and can be half a day or a full day. Rods, reels and bait are included, so you do not need to bring anything. The captain shows you how to rig the line, where to cast and how to reel in your catch, so it is perfect for beginners and for kids who have never fished.

You fish on the banks near Gorriti Island. The most common species are pescadilla (weakfish, which almost always bites), whitemouth croaker in the warmer months and brótola (Brazilian codling) in the colder ones. Depending on the day, you may also catch burriquetas (black drum) and silversides. If you catch something, you can grill it on board during the trip, and when you get back the captain cleans your fish so you can take it home.

Solanas and Punta Ballena

The boat trip to Solanas and Punta Ballena lasts four hours or more, with about 45 minutes of sailing along Playa Mansa. You pass in front of Punta Ballena, its caves and Casapueblo, and then the captain anchors at Solanas so you can swim and eat. There is a grill on board, so it works just like Gorriti: you bring your own and cook it there.

It is a quieter trip, ideal for families or groups looking for a more relaxed plan. It is also one of the best trips to watch the sunset from the water, with the coast in the background and the sun dropping over the horizon.

Sailboats

If you prefer sailboat rental, the trips are full-day outings. The sailboat sails under canvas and motor, with the captain included, and takes groups of two to twelve people. It has a bathroom and a kitchen on board, and you can take part in the sailing if you like, although you do not need to know anything: the captain handles everything.

It is the most relaxed option, perfect for couples, small families or groups looking for something slower-paced and different from a motorboat.

What can you bring on board?

You can bring your own food and drinks. In fact, most groups do, especially on longer trips to Gorriti, Solanas or Isla de Lobos. If you want a barbecue, bring the meat, the charcoal and whatever you are going to eat, and use the boat’s grill. The captain will help you with the fire and anything else you need.

If you would rather not deal with anything, you can add finger-food catering served on board as an optional extra. We arrange that before the trip.

You can also bring:

• Drinks in a cooler or portable fridge
• Snacks, fruit and sandwiches
• Towels, sunscreen and a hat
• Music (most boats have Bluetooth)
• A camera or phone to take photos
• Your pet, on trips where it is allowed

When you book, we will tell you about any specific rules for the boat you are assigned.

How much does it cost to rent a boat in Punta del Este?

The price is per boat, not per person, and it varies with the season, the type of trip, the number of hours and the size of the group. A short two-hour trip to Gorriti Island costs differently from a full day of fishing or a long trip to Solanas.

To get the exact quote, the best thing is to message us on WhatsApp telling us what date you have in mind, how many people are going and what type of trip you are interested in. We will then put together a proposal with the boat that suits you best and the final price, with no hassle.

Frequently asked questions

Is the boat shared or private?

It is private: the boat is just for your group. It is not shared with other passengers and there are no group trips with people you do not know.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of the trip?

If the sea is not cooperating, we reschedule the trip for another day or refund your money. Safety always comes first.

Can I bring children on the boat?

Yes, every trip is suitable for children and we have life jackets in all sizes. Fishing and the island trips are usually their favorites.

Book your private boat trip

Now that you know what each trip includes, all that is left is to choose the one that suits you best and get in touch. Send us a WhatsApp message with the date you have in mind and how many people are going, and we will send you a quote with all the options we have available. Boat Rental in Punta del Este is quick to arrange, but in high season it is best to book ahead. See you on board!