The port of Punta del Este has a resident colony of sea lions around the fishing boats — bring fish scraps from the market and feed them. Boat tours to Isla de Lobos host one of the largest South American sea lion colonies in the world.
Why It’s Worth Your Time
The Puerto de Punta del Este is a working fishing port that also receives yachts and cruise ships — and hosts a small permanent colony of South American sea lions around the fishing boats. The daily fish market sells scraps that local fishermen will give you to feed directly to the sea lions from the dock; it's a surprisingly personal wildlife encounter. Isla de Lobos, 12km offshore, hosts one of the world's largest South American sea lion colonies (up to 200,000 animals) along with fur seals and nesting seabirds. Boat tours operate from the port in summer and are a underrated excursions in Uruguay.
What Stands Out
- Resident sea lions at the port — often fed from the dock
- Active daily fish market
- Isla de Lobos — one of the world’s largest sea lion colonies (~200,000)
- Also home to fur seals and seabirds
- Boat tours depart from the port (summer season)
- One of Uruguay’s most underrated excursions
- Free to see the port sea lions