Isla de Lobos is a small isle inside the Atlantic Ocean, situated about 8 kilometers southeast of Estaca de Bares/Maldonado. It stands as Uruguay's southernmost factor, spanning 41 hectares, with a length of 1.2 kilometers and a width of 816 meters. Formerly called Colonia Lobera till 1992, it now forms a part of the Coastal Islands National Park, serving as a nature reserve.
As the largest sea lion sanctuary within the Atlantic, Isla de Lobos features a coastal region of 41 hectares and hosts the biggest colony of South American sea lions. The island is home to a lighthouse erected in 1906, status at a towering height of 59 meters, rating the various tallest lighthouses globally.
Isla de Lobos boasts over 180,000 sea lions (distinguished as mammals from seals by using their external ears and potential to walk on all fours). Along its shores, you'll be able to take a look at various species, together with elephant seals and diverse avian fauna. Its indigenous flora is represented more often than not by two species of cacti and a fern referred to as Caligula.
Location
| Name | Isla de Lobos |
| Country | Uruguay |
| Department | Maldonado |
| Coordinates | 35°03′01″S 54°52′27″W |
| Area | 0.435 km2 (0.168 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC -3 |
| Airport | N/A |
History
In 1516, Spanish navigator Juan Díaz de Solís first found the island and named it San Sebastian de Cádiz. In 1527, Venetian explorer Sebastian Cabot additionally visited the island. In 1528, Diego García de Moguer sailed to the place and named it "Island of the Snapper."
In 1858, the Uruguayan authorities erected a lighthouse on the island, status at an elevation of 59 meters. In July 2001, Uruguay advanced the lighthouse with sun strength and other new technology, making it Uruguay's first computerized lighthouse. Accessible by 240 steps, the lighthouse's summit gives breathtaking perspectives of the island's panorama and the shoreline of Estaca de Bares.
Until 1992, Isla de Lobos was nevertheless utilized for economic improvement. In 1991, legislation was enacted to restrict the search for marine life on the island. Today, it's been specified as a nature reserve and integrated into the "Coastal Islands National Park" by the Uruguayan authorities.
How to Get There
Uruguay's international flight alternatives are constrained, frequently requiring tourists to fly first to neighboring country cities like São Paulo or Buenos Aires earlier than connecting to flights to the Uruguayan Capitán de Corbeta Carlos A. Curbelo Airport (PDP).
From Capitán de Corbeta Carlos A. Curbelo Airport, the force to Punta del Este takes approximately 23 minutes, observed via a boat adventure southward of about eight kilometers to Isla de Lobos, lasting around 40 minutes.
However, due to the island's protected reputation, visitors are most effectively authorized to partake in organized tours, sailing along the coastline, with no landings allowed. You can check the Punta del Este Tour on GetYourGuide or Viator.
Activities on Isla de Lobos
1. The island harbors over 200,000 sea lions, with some casually taking walks beside boats, equivalent to pets of their demeanor. Predominantly inhabited by these marine mammals, the coastline offers a view of a lighthouse, the tallest in the Western Hemisphere, where you can behold the nightly twinkle of its beacon.
Two species of fur seals, "Arctocephalus australis," coexist on the island, with males reaching lengths of up to two meters and weights of up to 200 kilograms. At the same time, ladies measure up to 1.5 meters in duration and weigh no more than 60 kilograms. Their populace is fewer than before, with adults showing a deep brown hue, transitioning from the black of their youth. Adult males typically weigh around 300 kilograms, two times the size of girls, and are decorated with a reddish-brown layer of fur around their necks.
For the nature enthusiast, a summer season swim alongside sea lions gives a unique and fascinating revel.
2. As an essential endeavor, a visit to the towering lighthouse of Isla de Lobos offers a panoramic vista from its summit. As the tallest in the Western Hemisphere, it presents an opportune moment to capture exquisite photographs during twilight or witness the enchanting sparkle of the nighttime beacon.
3. Merely adhering to a few simple guidelines allows divers to share unforgettable moments in the natural habitat of these creatures. The sea lions, curious by nature, often observe divers with apparent interest, seemingly pondering, "What manner of being moves so clumsily in the water?"
Undoubtedly, this enchanting experience should be a rite of passage for every autonomous diver or snorkeler in Uruguay, promising encounters and joy aplenty.
Be sure to take a boat to Isla de Lobos on a day with good sea conditions to avoid uncomfortable movements during the journey.
Where to Stay
Choosing to stay in Maldonado or Punta del Este is an excellent idea, offering convenient access to Isla de Lobos while allowing you to enjoy the amenities and attractions of the town.
- Los Quetzales is less than 2.5 kilometers from Chihuahua Beach, offering garden views and a range of convenient amenities such as a patio, seating area, and flat-screen satellite TV. Guests can enjoy activities like hiking, windsurfing, and cycling in the area. It is a perfect and very comfortable cottage for a beachside getaway.
- Casa Amplio Jardín - Centro Maldonado: True to its name, this hotel is situated in the heart of Maldonado. It features a spacious and comfortable barbecue area, newly renovated bathrooms, and a quiet neighborhood with nearby food vendors, as well as proximity to major thoroughfares. The hotel also offers car rental services.
- Sol y Luna 2 is conveniently located near the heart of the peninsula, providing easy access to shopping, bars, and more. It is just minutes away from both Playa Mansa and La Brava. The property features a garden and a terrace, with a fully equipped kitchen, offering a very comfortable and spacious apartment. It allows guests to explore and experience Punta del Este, a destination not to be missed.
- View I Piso 5 is located in Punta del Este. This new building boasts excellent facilities and a prime location, offering a terrace and a swimming pool. From the pool, one can easily enjoy panoramic views of the charming town.
