Gorriti Island
Island Small island off Punta del Este, natural reserve
Island off Punta del Este reached by short boat ride, known for sandy beaches, coastal walks and nearby ruins. Day‑trippers visit for swimming and seaside views.
Gorriti Island is a small island off the coast of Punta del Este in the Maldonado Department of Uruguay. It is a local recreational destination known for its beaches, coastal scenery and historic shoreline fortifications.
The island’s principal attractions are its beaches and sheltered coves suitable for swimming and snorkeling, and a network of paths linking viewpoints and ruins. Day-trippers typically visit on short boat services from Punta del Este.
Historically the island was fortified and used for coastal defence in various periods; remnants of those installations remain visible along the shore. The island later became a recreational destination for visitors from the resort town on the nearby mainland.
Gorriti Island lies a short distance offshore from Punta del Este in Maldonado Department, positioned at the mouth of the Río de la Plata along Uruguay’s southern Atlantic coast.
- Access: Reached by short boat trips from Punta del Este; visitor services on the nearby mainland operate frequent summer excursions.
What to See #
- Beaches: Sandy and rocky beaches around the island used for swimming and sunbathing, popular during the southern summer season.
- Fortifications: Remains of historic coastal fortifications and military installations dating to colonial and 19th-century periods, visible around the shoreline.
How to Get to Gorriti Island #
Ferries and water taxis run from the harbor at Punta del Este; the crossing is short (usually under 15 minutes). Boats operate frequently in summer (December-February) and less often in the shoulder seasons.
Tips for Visiting Gorriti Island #
- Catch the short boat from Punta del Este harbor - schedules are frequent in summer.
- Bring sunscreen and water; there are limited services on the island outside the main season.
- Explore the old military ruins and the small lighthouse at the island's tip for quiet panoramas.
Best Time to Visit Gorriti Island #
Southern hemisphere summer is peak season; spring and autumn are quieter with comfortable temperatures.
Weather & Climate near Gorriti Island #
Temperate climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 8°C to 26°C. Abundant rainfall (1012 mm/year), wettest in September, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm).
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February
February is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm).
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March
March is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with 92 mm of rain.
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October
October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm).
