Boat Trip with Kids in Punta del Este: What to Bring and the Best Age

Going out on a boat with children in Punta del Este is perfectly possible and safe: bring sunscreen, a cap, a towel, water and some snacks, and choose a short, calm route such as the boat trip to Gorriti Island or the Isla de Lobos boat tour. As a general guide, from around 2 or 3 years old children can already enjoy the trip, always wearing a life jacket (we have them on board in all sizes). The boat is private with a captain, so only your group goes and you can manage the timing, the stops and the pace according to what the kids need.

Many families have doubts before their first trip: whether the kids will get bored, whether they can swim, whether experience is needed, what happens if someone gets seasick. The good news is that all these questions have an answer when you choose the right trip and bring what you need. Here is what to keep in mind so the experience is good for everyone.

From what age can children go out on a boat?

There is no legal minimum age for going out on a boat, but experience tells us that from around 2 or 3 years old children already enjoy it and can be comfortable on a trip of a couple of hours. The youngest need more attention, but since the boat is private, you set the pace: if you need to stop earlier, head back sooner or stay at anchor somewhere calm, you can.

Babies can also come on board, but we recommend short trips close to the coast in calm seas. The sail to Gorriti Island is ideal in those cases: you are a few minutes from the port, the water is usually calm on the Playa Mansa side, and you can head back at any time if needed.

From around 5 or 6 years old, most children really get into the experience: they love seeing the sea lions, helping the captain, swimming from the boat or trying the fishing rods on a fishing trip. The captain guides them, teaches them and gives them simple tasks, so they feel part of the crew.

What should you pack when going out with children?

Packing just the right things makes all the difference. What you must never forget is sunscreen, a cap and sunglasses: the reflection off the water multiplies sun exposure, even on cloudy days. Also bring towels, swimwear, a change of dry clothes and rubber-soled shoes (flip-flops fly off easily).

For food and drinks, we recommend:

• Plenty of water: children dehydrate quickly in the sun and wind.
• Salty snacks (crackers, pretzels, chips): they help prevent seasickness.
• Fresh fruit cut up in containers: watermelon, melon, grapes.
• Something sweet for the way back: cookies, cereal bars.

If any of the children are prone to seasickness, ask your pediatrician before the trip and bring whatever they recommend. It also helps for them to eat something light before boarding and to look at the horizon while sailing, not at a phone screen.

What about life jackets?

Life jackets are mandatory and we provide them: we have life jackets in all sizes, from babies to adult XXL. Children must wear them throughout the sail, even if the sea is calm. When we anchor and the boat is still, you can take them off so the kids are more comfortable, but they put them back on before we set off again.

Which route is best with children?

It depends on the children’s ages, how long they can sit still and what they like doing. For the youngest or for a first family trip, it is best to choose something short, close by and with several activities on board.

The trip to Gorriti Island is the most popular with families with young children: it lasts from 2 hours, you are a few minutes from the port, and once we anchor off the island you can swim, sunbathe, eat at your leisure and play music. If the boat has a grill, you can barbecue right there. Some boats have a paddle board and inflatables, which kids love.

The Isla de Lobos trip is ideal for slightly older children, from around 5 or 6, who are excited about seeing animals. The trip lasts about 3 hours in total, with about 45 minutes of sailing to the island. We sail around the island so they can see the sea lions, the historic lighthouse and the birds, and then anchor for a swim if the sea allows. You do not go ashore, but the sea lions swim around the boat and it is an experience children never forget.

If you want a longer, calmer trip, the boat trip to Solanas and Punta Ballena is perfect: you sail along Playa Mansa, pass Casapueblo and the caves, and anchor at Solanas to swim and eat. It lasts about 4 hours, has a slower pace and is one of the best trips for watching the sunset. It works well with children from around 7 or 8 who can handle a bit more time on the water.

What if you want to combine activities?

You can plan your own route by combining two destinations on the same trip: for example, going to Isla de Lobos first and then anchoring at Gorriti Island to eat and swim. Or spending a morning fishing near Gorriti Island and then staying at anchor to eat your catch grilled on board. Talk to us when you get in touch and we will put together the itinerary that best suits your group.

How long is the ideal trip with children?

For children aged 2 to 6, we recommend trips of 2 to 3 hours. Any longer and they get tired, bored or restless. From 7 years old they can easily manage half a day, especially if the trip includes activities like fishing, swimming or exploring.

Since the boat is private, you have flexibility: if you booked 3 hours and after an hour and a half you see the kids are ready to head back, we head back. And if, on the contrary, they are having a great time and you want to stay a bit longer, you can discuss it with the captain on the spot and it can be extended depending on availability.

Frequently asked questions

What if my child gets seasick on the boat?

Eating something light before setting out, looking at the horizon and avoiding screens helps a lot. If your child is prone to it, ask your pediatrician before the trip.

Can children swim from the boat?

Yes, when we anchor at Gorriti Island, Solanas or near Isla de Lobos, they can swim wearing a life jacket and always supervised by an adult. The captain checks sea conditions before giving the go-ahead for a swim.

Can I bring my own food and drinks on board?

Yes, you can bring your own food, drinks and snacks. You can also book finger-food catering as an optional extra if you would rather not deal with anything.

Book your boat trip with the kids

Going out on a boat with your children in Punta del Este is an experience they will always remember: seeing the sea lions up close, swimming in clear water, helping the captain, eating on board with the family. All our trips leave from the Port of Punta del Este, are private with a captain and include life jackets for all ages. If you are not sure which route to choose or how long to book for your children’s ages, message us on WhatsApp with the date you plan to come and how many people are going: we will send you a quote for Boat Rental in Punta del Este and help you plan the perfect trip for your group.