Gorriti Island and Isla de Lobos in One Day: The Combined Boat Trip

Yes, you can combine both islands in a single private boat trip. The Isla de Lobos boat tour normally lasts 3 hours, but if you add Gorriti Island to the route, the trip extends to about 4 or 5 hours in total, depending on how long you want to stay at anchor. It is one of the most requested trips when you want to make the most of a single day to see the best of Punta del Este from the water: the sea lions in their natural habitat, the historic lighthouse, and then anchoring in calm water to swim, eat something on board and enjoy time with your group.

The boat is just for your group, with the captain included, and leaves from the Port of Punta del Este. Every trip carries life jackets for adults and children, and if the weather is not right on the day you booked, we reschedule without any problem or refund your money. Here is what the combined route is like and what each stop includes.

What is the route like when you combine both islands?

The trip starts with about 45 minutes of sailing from the port to Isla de Lobos, which is about 8 kilometers off the coast. Along the way you already see the bay from a different perspective, passing the Punta del Este peninsula and leaving Gorriti Island behind. Once you reach Isla de Lobos, the boat slowly sails around the island so you can see up close the colony of fur seals and sea lions, one of the largest in South America. You also see the lighthouse, dating from 1858, and lots of birds that live in the area.

After the loop, the captain anchors near the island and, if sea conditions allow, you can swim from the boat with the sea lions around you. You do not go ashore because the island is a National Park, but swimming with the animals nearby is something you will never forget. This part takes between 1 hour and 1 hour and a half.

When you have finished at Isla de Lobos, the boat heads back toward Punta del Este and anchors off Gorriti Island, just a few minutes from the port, right opposite Playa Mansa. There the pace changes: you stay at anchor as long as you like to swim from the boat, sunbathe, listen to music, eat and relax. Depending on the boat, there may be a grill on board, a paddle board and inflatables. This second part usually lasts between 2 and 3 hours, depending on what we arrange beforehand.

What kind of group does this combined trip suit best?

It is a trip that suits several kinds of groups. If you are coming with family and children, the sea lions leave them fascinated, and then at Gorriti they can play calmly in the water without the ocean swell. If you are celebrating something, such as a birthday, a bachelor or bachelorette party or an anniversary, combining both islands gives you a fuller trip with different moments: first the adventure of seeing the wildlife, then the more laid-back plan of anchoring and spending time together.

It also works very well for groups of friends with just one free day who want to make the most of the experience. Since the boat is private, you set the pace: if you want to stay longer at Isla de Lobos to take photos and get in the water, or if you prefer to reach Gorriti earlier to spend more time at anchor eating and having a drink, it can all be arranged with the captain.

What to bring on the combined trip

We recommend bringing the following to make the most of both stops:

• Sunscreen and a cap, because you will be in the sun for several hours
• A towel and swimsuit
• Sunglasses
• Warm clothing if you go in the low season, because it can get cool while sailing
• Your own food and drinks, or you can book finger-food catering on board as an extra
• A camera or phone with a charged battery, because you will want to capture everything

You can bring your pet if you like, as long as it is comfortable on the boat and with the movement of the water.

When is the best time for the combined trip?

Trips in Punta del Este run all year round, so you can combine both islands in any season. Each season has its own appeal. In summer (December to March) the water is warmer and there is more going on, ideal if you are coming with a big group that wants to celebrate. The sea lion colony is active all year, but in spring and autumn there are usually fewer people and the sea is calmer, which makes a swim near Isla de Lobos more likely.

We also go out in winter, as long as the weather allows. In fact, seeing the sea lions in the colder months can be spectacular because there are fewer boats and the experience is more intimate. At that time of year, though, it is key to dress warmly for the sail.

If you want to combine the island trip with other activities, you can also ask about the boat trip to Solanas and Punta Ballena, a longer route heading west, or the fishing trip if you are interested in catching croaker or weakfish on the banks near Gorriti Island. For smaller groups looking for something different, we offer sailboat rental with a captain, where you can take part in the sailing if you like.

How is the price worked out for this trip?

The price is per boat, not per person, and it depends on several factors: the season you come in, how many hours the trip lasts, the size of the group and the type of boat. Across our whole fleet we have boats for groups of 4 to 120 people, so there are options for different group sizes.

Finger-food catering on board is optional and quoted separately. Many people prefer to bring their own food and drinks, which is perfectly fine. If you want to use the grill on board (available on some boats), we arrange that beforehand too. The important thing is to tell us how many people are going, what date you have in mind and whether you want to add any extras, so we can send you a quote tailored to what you need.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go ashore on either island?

No. Isla de Lobos is a National Park and landing is not allowed, and the boat trip to Gorriti Island is spent anchored off the island, enjoying the day from the boat.

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 date that suits you or refund your money, no problem.

Can I bring children on this trip?

Yes, it is an ideal trip for families. All boats carry life jackets for children and adults, and the captain adjusts the pace to the group on board.

Get in touch to plan your combined trip

If you like the idea of seeing the sea lions and then anchoring at Gorriti Island in a single trip, just message us on WhatsApp with the date you have in mind and how many people are going. We will send you a quote the same day and arrange everything: departure time, meeting point at the port and any extras you want to add. Boat Rental in Punta del Este with Virazon is private and with a captain, so we plan the trip around you. See you on board.