Cabo Polonio site cluster

Best time to dive

December to February; November; March

What you might see

• DolphinPossible
• Sea turtleLikely

Sightings are seasonal probabilities, not promises - even in peak season nature does its own thing.

Certification & difficulty

Advanced Open Water - advanced conditions (currents/depth); dive within your training.

Snorkelling

Snorkel-friendly - Yes - snorkeling trips with the South American sea lion/fur seal colony on the offshore Islas de Torres are offered by La Paloma-based operators (e.g., Buceo Aventura Uruguay, also known as 'Locobuceo')

Safety notes

No dive shop, medical facility or rescue services on-site (nearest town La Paloma ~30-40km); strong Atlantic swell and surge; cold water requiring adequate exposure protection; National Park rules ban private vehicles, tents and pets, and access outside the shuttle schedule (roughly 07:30-18:30) requires 4x4/horse/foot

Permits & fees

No diving-specific permit found; general national-park entry rules apply (SNAP protected area, 25,820 ha covering land and ocean/16 islands); entry to the hamlet is via paid 4x4 shuttle only, cash-only in UYU/BRL/USD; boat-based dive/snorkel trips to Islas de Torres would need to respect wildlife-reserve protections around the sea lion colony

Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.

Location

Nearest hub: Cabo Polonio