Punta del Este Boat and Winery Visits
Organised attractions near Punta del Este come down to a short list. There is no wide field of guided city tours, and most of the sights are free or have their own ticket. What follows is the full list of outings you can book or buy a ticket for.
The list at a glance
| Outing | Where it goes | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Isla de Lobos boat | 8 km southeast of the peninsula | Viewing from the water only |
| Isla Gorriti boat | About 2.5 km off Playa Mansa | Around 15 minutes each way |
| Whale-watching boat | Coastal waters | Southern right whales, roughly winter to spring |
| Bodega Garzón | Garzón, inland | Booking 24 hours ahead for meals |
| Casapueblo | Punta Ballena, 13 km west | UYU 600 adult entry |
Boats to the islands
Isla de Lobos is a protected area, and since the 2024 decree no visitor may land there, whether for tourism or recreation. A trip means looking at the sea lions and fur seals from the boat, near a lighthouse that dates from 1858. Touching or feeding the animals is prohibited. A few operators sell a guided dive or swim with sea lions; if you want that, choose a licensed operator and give the animals room.
Isla Gorriti is the milder choice. The crossing from the port is short, and the island has beaches, walking and abandoned cannons. It is listed as National Heritage together with Isla de Lobos. Operators, fares and sailing times differ, so compare before you pay.
Whale-watching
Southern right whales are the species to ask about. Trips run roughly from winter to spring, and the exact weeks change from year to year, so ask the operator when sightings have been strongest.
Winery and museum visits
Bodega Garzón lies about an hour’s drive from the peninsula. The restaurant sells two menus, UYU 3,900 and UYU 5,000 per person, with the first seating at 12:30. Details sit on the restaurant page .
At Casapueblo, adults pay UYU 600, residents and visitors over 65 pay UYU 500, and under-12s walk in free. Opening runs from 10:00 until sunset, every day of the year. See the museum’s website .
Add two free stops
Museo Ralli and MACA charge nothing. MACA is open Wednesday to Monday, 10:00 to 18:00, and Ralli’s opening days depend on the month.
Booking in the cooler months
Between March and November, check that boats are running and that a venue is open before you travel. The Montevideo guide helps if you are arriving through the capital.
Read more: Day trips and Walking tours . Look through options on Viator .