Punta del Este With Children

Families do well here when the day is planned around one calm beach and one short boat ride. This outline fits a single day and can be stretched over several.

Morning: Playa Mansa

Take the children to Playa Mansa, on the bay side of the peninsula. The shallow, sheltered water suits young swimmers, and the beach looks across to Isla Gorriti. Playa Brava, on the ocean side, is a poor fit for small children because of its surf and rip currents (corrientes de resaca). Swim there only within a lifeguard zone and never at a stretch without lifeguard service.

Lifeguards are not present all year. The Maldonado brigade of 2025-26 began on 14 November and worked weekends until December, then daily until 5 April. Ask the Intendencia de Maldonado for the dates of the coming season. Flags tell you the state of the sea: green, yellow and red are in use, and a black flag has been flown in storms.

Midday: the boat to Isla Gorriti

The boat leaves from the port for Isla Gorriti, about 2.5 km from Playa Mansa, and the ride takes around 15 minutes. Once there, children can walk the island and look at its old cannons. Departure times vary by season, so confirm them at the port.

Afternoon: a museum

  • Museo Ralli (Los Arrayanes, Beverly Hills) charges nothing. In January and February it is open Tuesday to Sunday from 17:00 to 21:00. In March, December and around Easter the hours are Tuesday to Sunday 14:00 to 18:00. In April, May, October and November it opens only on weekends from 14:00 to 18:00. It closes for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Check the Museo Ralli page before you go.
  • Casapueblo at Punta Ballena, built by the artist Carlos Páez Vilaró, is open daily from 10:00 until sunset. Under-12s are free, and adults pay UYU 600. See the Casapueblo site .

Wildlife viewing

Sea lions are often seen near the fish-cleaning area at the port, depending on the season. Keep children back and do not feed the animals. Boat trips to Isla de Lobos, about 8 km southeast, show the colony from the water; the island is a protected area and no one can go ashore.

Timing tips

Summer crowds arrive from about December to February and are heaviest in the first fortnight of January. Many beach clubs, restaurants and some museums run reduced hours or close in the cooler months.

Read more: Activities and Multi-day trips . Compare family tours on Viator .