- Area: 41 hectares
- Height above sea level: 26 m
The southernmost point of Uruguay is the island of Lobos (in Spanish Isla de Lobos), located in the Atlantic Ocean, near the outer boundary of the Estuary of La Plata.
Interesting information about attractions
The area of the island is 41 hectares, the maximum length is 1.2 km and the width is 816 m. It is 12 km from the south-eastern part of Punta del Este and administratively belongs to the Maldonado Department. Lobos is known since 1516, and its age varies between 6 and 8 thousand years! It was discovered by a Spanish traveler and explorer Juan Diaz de Solis.
The island is a rock formation with the highest point of 26 m. Almost the entire central part of Lobos occupies a large plateau, covered with a thin layer of soil. The coast here is rocky with pebbles and with fragments of rocks.
Of the vegetation on the island of Lobos in Uruguay there are only reeds and grass. Also, there are springs with fresh water, attracting various representatives of fauna.
Animal world
Initially, the island bore the name of St. Sebastian, and later was renamed Lobos, which translates as "wolf". This name was due to a large population of sea lions and seals living here. Their number is more than 180 thousand individuals. This is the largest colony in all of South America.
After the island was discovered, poachers began to travel here, which almost completely exterminated the animals. After all, pinnipeds are valued not only fat and fat, but also their skin.
But the state took the nature of the island in time to protect itself. Sea lions and seals were brought here from other regions, and unique conditions and isolation from the mainland made it possible to significantly increase their numbers. Today Lobos is a nature reserve and is included in the National Park of the country.
The island is also home to a variety of birds that build their nests on the tops of the rocks. Here you can meet both local and migratory birds.
What else is famous for the island of Lobos?
In 1906 a unique automatic lighthouse was built here, still working. Its main purpose is the coordination of vessels in the estuary of La Plata. In 2001, the structure was improved, and now the main source of power of the lighthouse is solar energy.
The lighthouse is made of concrete and has a height of 59 m, and is also considered to be the largest not only in the country, but also in the world. It can be seen at a distance of about 40 km, every 5 seconds it gives a bright white flash. In strong fog, rather powerful sirens are additionally included.
Excursion to the island
Tourists on Lobos are brought for one day, as there are no hotels and there is nowhere to stay. Animals on the island are strictly prohibited:
- frighten;
- feed;
- touch with your hands and close to them.
In this case, you can consider as many seals in their natural habitat. Photo and video are also allowed. Excursions are organized on boats with a transparent bottom, so that tourists can get to know more closely the underwater landscapes.
Fans of surfing and diving, as well as just wishing to swim in the ocean can go to the west coast of the island, where there are no animals. There, no one will interfere with enjoying your favorite sport or just relaxing.
How to get to Lobos?
From Punta del Este to the island can be reached with an organized excursion or by boat, which is offered for rent on the coast.
Having visited Lobos, many travelers are surprised by the peaceableness and tranquility of pinnipeds. Having visited the island, you are guaranteed to receive a lot of positive emotions.