Cabo Polonio

Cabo Polonio is a remote coastal village and protected dune area on the Atlantic coast of Rocha Department, Uruguay, known for wide sand dunes, rocky headlands and a nearby sea lion colony.

Historically a small fishing and coastal settlement, Cabo Polonio has remained lightly developed and increasingly valued for conservation and nature-based tourism. Its isolation and protected status have helped preserve the local landscape and wildlife.

Situated on Uruguay’s Atlantic coast in Rocha Department, the cape lies within a protected coastal zone and is reached from the regional road network; it is in the sparsely populated eastern coastal region of the country.

• Access: Access to the settlement across the sand dunes is by park-authorized 4x4 vehicles or by walking from the park entrance; private cars are not permitted beyond the access point.
• Practical note: A small, remote village with limited services and deliberately low-impact tourism infrastructure, so bring essentials and respect protected-area rules.

What to See #

• Lighthouse: A lighthouse sits on the cape and is a prominent visual landmark for boats and from the village; it is a fixed point on visitor trails and viewpoints.
• Sea lion colony: Rocks and islets off the cape host a substantial colony of South American sea lions and seals that can be observed from shore and short boat trips.