Punta del Este, Uruguay cruise port
South AmericaUruguay › Maldonado Department

Punta del Este, Uruguay

The 'Saint-Tropez of South America'

🏖️ Beach Luxury🛍️ High-End Shopping🎨 Art & Culture🇺🇾 Uruguayan Charm
Currency
Uruguayan Peso (UYU)
Language
Spanish
Best Time
December to March (Peak Summer)
Vibe
Upscale & Coastal

Getting Ashore

Most ships dock at the Port of Punta del Este (Puerto de Punta del Este), providing direct access to the city center and the beach promenade.

Port of Punta del Este

  • 1
    Walk to the PromenadeFrom the port, it is a short walk to the beachfront promenade where the main attractions are located.
  • 2
    TaxisTaxis are readily available at the port for those heading to the luxury hotels or the Casapueblo museum.
  • 3
    Local ShuttlesMany cruise lines offer shuttle services to the more distant attractions like the East Coast.

💡 Pro move: The port is centrally located, making the city highly walkable for those with limited time.

Piers & Tendering by Cruise Line

Punta del Este is a tender port. Ships anchor off the glamorous peninsula and tender guests into the yacht harbour right in the city centre, steps from the boutiques, restaurants, and the famous beaches.

Cruise LineTypical Berth / ArrivalDock or Tender
Punta del Este anchorageOff the peninsula, Atlantic/Rio de la Plata sideTender to port
Puerto de Punta del EsteYacht harbour tender landing, city centreTender landing
Town & beachesWalkable from the harbourWalk

Top Excursions

Punta del Este offers a mix of high-end luxury and artistic flair. The most iconic stop is Casapueblo, the 'House of the Wind', and the 'Los Fingers' sculpture. For nature lovers, the nearby nature reserves are a must.

Culture

Casapueblo Art Museum

Visit the unique, white-washed architectural masterpiece and art gallery created by Carlos Páez Vilaró. It is famous for terms of its sunset views over the Atlantic.

Walk through the gallery and watch the sunset ceremony.l<tool_call|>edुलेंसt_id@{
Casapueblo, Punta Ballena →
Nature

Los Fingers Sculpture

See the world-famous 'La Mano' (The Fingers) sculpture, which depicts a giant hand emerging from the sand, a symbol of the city's beach culture.

Take a photo with the giant hand.l<tool_call|>edुलेंसt_id@{
Playa Brava →
Adventure

Punta Ballena Nature Reserve

Explore the rugged coastline and cliffs of the Punta Ballena peninsula, offering panoramic views of the ocean and the city.

Hike the coastal trails and spot local wildlife.l<tool_call|>edुलेंसt_id@{
Punta Ballena Peninsula →
Culture

City Center Shopping & Dining

Explore the high-end boutiques and gourmet restaurants in the center of Punta del Este, known for its luxury and glamour.

Enjoy a traditional Uruguayan steak at a local parrilla.l<tool_call|>edुलेंसt_id@{
Punta del Este City Center →

Self-Guided Walks & Hikes

The city is very walkable, especially along the beachfront. The most recommended walk is the promenade from the port to the 'Los Fingers' sculpture.

Beachfront Promenade Walk

Walk from the port along the coast of Playa Brava, enjoying the ocean breeze and the high-end architecture.

A relaxing stroll that takes you from the port to the iconic 'Los Fingers' sculpture.

🗺️ Open in Maps

City Center Exploration

Walk through the main shopping streets and visit the local markets.

A guided walk through the heart of the city's luxury shopping district.

🗺️ Open in Maps

Casapueblo Walk

Explore the white-washed walls of the museum and the surrounding cliffs.

A walk through the art gallery and the surrounding nature reserve.

🗺️ Open in Maps

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Climate normals for Punta del Este, Uruguay (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainy Days
Jan79°F / 26°C67°F / 19°C8
Feb78°F / 26°C67°F / 19°C10
Mar75°F / 24°C64°F / 18°C10
Apr70°F / 21°C60°F / 16°C10
May64°F / 18°C55°F / 13°C9
Jun59°F / 15°C50°F / 10°C8
Jul58°F / 14°C48°F / 9°C12
Aug60°F / 16°C49°F / 9°C8
Sep61°F / 16°C51°F / 11°C8
Oct65°F / 18°C54°F / 12°C10
Nov71°F / 22°C59°F / 15°C8
Dec75°F / 24°C63°F / 17°C9

Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)

Insider Tips

  • Currency
    While credit cards are widely accepted in luxury shops, carry some Uruguayan Pesos for small vendors on the beach.
  • Sun Protection
    The Atlantic sun can be sangat strong; bring a high-SPF sunscreen and a hat.
  • VAT Refund
    Many restaurants and hotels offer a VAT refund for foreign tourists paying with a foreign credit card.
  • Dress Code
    Punta del Este is a glamorous city; a 'smart casual' dress code is recommended for dinner and high-end boutiques.
  • Dress Code
    Punta del Este is a glamorous city; a 'smart casual' dress code is recommended for dinner and high-end boutiques.

Cruises Calling Here

Upcoming cruises that call at Punta del Este, Uruguay. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.

MSC Splendida
MSC Cruises
Round-trip from Buenos Aires
⚓ Calls 10 Dec 08:00 - 16:008 nights6 portsDeparts 2026 Dec 03
View itinerary · 6 ports
8 days, round-trip South America
  1. 03 Dec 18:00Departing from Buenos Aires, Argentina
  2. 06 Dec 10:00 - 20:00Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
  3. 07 Dec 08:00 - 18:00Ilhabela, Brazil
  4. 08 Dec 09:00 - 18:00Balneario Camboriu, Brazil
  5. 10 Dec 08:00 - 16:00Punta del Este, Uruguay
  6. 11 Dec 08:00Arriving in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Find this cruise to book →
$1055from / pp
Celebrity Equinox
Celebrity Cruises
Round-trip from Buenos Aires
⚓ Calls 18 Dec 08:00 - 16:0014 nights9 portsDeparts 2026 Dec 05
View itinerary · 9 ports
14 days, round-trip Patagonia Argentina
  1. 05 Dec 17:00Departing from Buenos Aires, Argentina
  2. 06 Dec 08:00 - 17:00Montevideo, Uruguay
  3. 09 Dec 08:00 - 18:00Port Stanley, East Falkland Island UK
  4. 11 DecCape Horn, Chile Antarctica
  5. 12 Dec 08:00 - 18:00Ushuaia, Argentina
  6. 14 Dec 07:00 - 15:00Punta Arenas, Chile Antarctica
  7. 16 Dec 09:00 - 17:30Puerto Madryn, Argentina
  8. 18 Dec 08:00 - 16:00Punta del Este, Uruguay
  9. 19 Dec 05:00Arriving in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Find this cruise to book →
$3022from / pp
Amadea
Phoenix Reisen Cruises
Hamburg → Papeete
⚓ Calls 09 Jan 07:00 - 20:0094 nights40 portsDeparts 2026 Dec 05
View itinerary · 40 ports
94 days, one-way from Hamburg to Papeete
  1. 05 Dec 18:00Departing from Hamburg, Germany
  2. 10 Dec 08:00 - 17:00Lisbon, Portugal
  3. 12 Dec 08:00 - 20:00Agadir, Morocco
  4. 13 Dec 13:00 - 20:00Arrecife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands
  5. 14 Dec 08:00 - 18:00Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands
  6. 17 Dec 08:00 - 18:00Mindelo, Sao Vicente Island Cape Verde
  7. 18 Dec 08:00 - 22:00Praia, Santiago Island Cape Verde
  8. 19 Dec 08:00 - 18:00Fogo Island, Sao Filipe, Cape Verde
  9. 24 Dec 08:00 - 18:00Recife, Brazil
  10. 25 Dec 08:00 - 16:00Joao Pessoa, Brazil
  11. 26 Dec 08:00 - 15:00Maceio, Brazil
  12. 27 Dec 13:00 - 28 Dec 18:00Salvador de Bahia, Brazil
  13. 29 Dec 08:00 - 18:00Ilheus, Brazil
  14. 31 Dec 18:00 - 03 Jan 22:00Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
  15. 04 Jan 07:00 - 13:00Ilha Grande, Abraao, Brazil
  16. 05 Jan 13:00 - 23:00Porto Belo, Brazil
  17. 06 Jan 07:00 - 18:00Itajai, Brazil
  18. 09 Jan 07:00 - 20:00Punta del Este, Uruguay
  19. 12 Jan 07:00 - 20:00Puerto Madryn, Argentina
  20. 15 Jan 08:00 - 18:00Punta Arenas, Chile Antarctica
  21. 18 JanPuerto Williams, Navarino Island Chile Antarctica
  22. 18 Jan 08:00 - 19:00Ushuaia, Argentina
  23. 20 Jan 08:00 - 18:00Port Stanley, East Falkland Island UK
  24. 25 Jan 08:00 - 27 Jan 18:00Buenos Aires, Argentina
  25. 28 Jan 08:00 - 18:00Montevideo, Uruguay
  26. 31 Jan 07:00 - 18:00Puerto Madryn, Argentina
  27. 03 Feb 12:00 - 04 Feb 18:00Ushuaia, Argentina
  28. 04 FebPuerto Williams, Navarino Island Chile Antarctica
  29. 06 Feb 13:00 - 20:00Punta Arenas, Chile Antarctica
  30. 10 Feb 08:00 - 18:00Chiloe Island Chile, Castro
  31. 11 Feb 08:00 - 12 Feb 14:00Puerto Montt, Chile
  32. 14 Feb 12:00 - 16 Feb 20:00Valparaiso-Santiago, Chile
  33. 18 Feb 07:00 - 15:00Robinson Crusoe Island Chile, Juan Fernandez Islands
  34. 23 Feb 09:00 - 24 Feb 19:00Easter Island Chile, Hanga Roa
  35. 28 Feb 08:00 - 18:00Pitcairn Island, Adamstown, UK
  36. 04 Mar 08:00 - 18:00Fakarava Atoll Tuamotus, French Polynesia
  37. 06 Mar 08:00 - 18:00Bora Bora Island, Vaitape, Society Islands French Polynesia
  38. 07 Mar 08:00 - 08 Mar 05:00Moorea Island, Society Islands French Polynesia
  39. 08 Mar 08:00Papeete, Tahiti Island French Polynesia
  40. 09 MarArriving in Papeete, Tahiti Island French Polynesia
Find this cruise to book →
Price on request
Amadea
Phoenix Reisen Cruises
Hamburg → Bremerhaven
⚓ Calls 09 Jan 07:00 - 20:00168 nights77 portsDeparts 2026 Dec 05
View itinerary · 77 ports
168 days, one-way from Hamburg to Bremerhaven
  1. 05 Dec 18:00Departing from Hamburg, Germany
  2. 10 Dec 08:00 - 17:00Lisbon, Portugal
  3. 12 Dec 08:00 - 20:00Agadir, Morocco
  4. 13 Dec 13:00 - 20:00Arrecife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands
  5. 14 Dec 08:00 - 18:00Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands
  6. 17 Dec 08:00 - 18:00Mindelo, Sao Vicente Island Cape Verde
  7. 18 Dec 08:00 - 22:00Praia, Santiago Island Cape Verde
  8. 19 Dec 08:00 - 18:00Fogo Island, Sao Filipe, Cape Verde
  9. 24 Dec 08:00 - 18:00Recife, Brazil
  10. 25 Dec 08:00 - 16:00Joao Pessoa, Brazil
  11. 26 Dec 08:00 - 15:00Maceio, Brazil
  12. 27 Dec 13:00 - 28 Dec 18:00Salvador de Bahia, Brazil
  13. 29 Dec 08:00 - 18:00Ilheus, Brazil
  14. 31 Dec 18:00 - 03 Jan 22:00Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
  15. 04 Jan 07:00 - 13:00Ilha Grande, Abraao, Brazil
  16. 05 Jan 13:00 - 23:00Porto Belo, Brazil
  17. 06 Jan 07:00 - 18:00Itajai, Brazil
  18. 09 Jan 07:00 - 20:00Punta del Este, Uruguay
  19. 12 Jan 07:00 - 20:00Puerto Madryn, Argentina
  20. 15 Jan 08:00 - 18:00Punta Arenas, Chile Antarctica
  21. 18 JanPuerto Williams, Navarino Island Chile Antarctica
  22. 18 Jan 08:00 - 19:00Ushuaia, Argentina
  23. 20 Jan 08:00 - 18:00Port Stanley, East Falkland Island UK
  24. 25 Jan 08:00 - 27 Jan 18:00Buenos Aires, Argentina
  25. 28 Jan 08:00 - 18:00Montevideo, Uruguay
  26. 31 Jan 07:00 - 18:00Puerto Madryn, Argentina
  27. 03 Feb 12:00 - 04 Feb 18:00Ushuaia, Argentina
  28. 04 FebPuerto Williams, Navarino Island Chile Antarctica
  29. 06 Feb 13:00 - 20:00Punta Arenas, Chile Antarctica
  30. 10 Feb 08:00 - 18:00Chiloe Island Chile, Castro
  31. 11 Feb 08:00 - 12 Feb 14:00Puerto Montt, Chile
  32. 14 Feb 12:00 - 16 Feb 20:00Valparaiso-Santiago, Chile
  33. 18 Feb 07:00 - 15:00Robinson Crusoe Island Chile, Juan Fernandez Islands
  34. 23 Feb 09:00 - 24 Feb 19:00Easter Island Chile, Hanga Roa
  35. 28 Feb 08:00 - 18:00Pitcairn Island, Adamstown, UK
  36. 04 Mar 08:00 - 18:00Fakarava Atoll Tuamotus, French Polynesia
  37. 06 Mar 08:00 - 18:00Bora Bora Island, Vaitape, Society Islands French Polynesia
  38. 07 Mar 08:00 - 08 Mar 05:00Moorea Island, Society Islands French Polynesia
  39. 08 Mar 08:00 - 10 Mar 18:00Papeete, Tahiti Island French Polynesia
  40. 11 Mar 08:00 - 18:00Huahine Island, Society Islands French Polynesia
  41. 12 Mar 08:00 - 18:00Raiatea Island, Uturoa, French Polynesia
  42. 13 Mar 08:00 - 18:00Bora Bora Island, Vaitape, Society Islands French Polynesia
  43. 14 Mar 08:00 - 17:00Moorea Island, Society Islands French Polynesia
  44. 15 Mar 10:00 - 16:00Rangiroa Atoll Tuamotus, French Polynesia
  45. 17 Mar 08:00 - 14:00Nuku Hiva Island, Taiohae, Marquesas French Polynesia
  46. 23 Mar 08:00 - 24 Mar 20:00Hilo, Hawaii Island
  47. 25 Mar 08:00 - 20:00Kahului, Maui Island Hawaii
  48. 26 Mar 08:00 - 20:00Honolulu, Oahu Island Hawaii
  49. 27 Mar 07:00 - 14:00Nawiliwili, Lihue, Kauai Island Hawaii
  50. 03 Apr 08:00 - 15:00Santa Catalina Island CA, Avalon, California
  51. 03 Apr 18:00 - 04 Apr 23:00Los Angeles, Long Beach-San Pedro, California
  52. 05 Apr 08:00 - 22:00San Diego, California
  53. 08 Apr 07:00 - 17:00Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Mexico
  54. 09 Apr 09:00 - 18:00Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico Riviera
  55. 10 Apr 09:00 - 19:00Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico Riviera
  56. 12 Apr 08:00 - 17:00Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico Riviera
  57. 13 Apr 13:00 - 23:00Huatulco, La Crucecita, Mexico Riviera
  58. 15 Apr 07:00 - 23:00Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
  59. 16 Apr 07:00 - 20:00Acajutla, El Salvador
  60. 18 Apr 07:00 - 19:00Puntarenas, Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica
  61. 20 Apr 08:00 - 20:00Panama City, Fuerte Amador, Balboa
  62. 22 Apr 07:00 - 14:00San Blas Islands Panama
  63. 23 Apr 08:00 - 17:00Cartagena Colombia
  64. 25 Apr 08:00 - 27 Apr 20:00Montego Bay, Jamaica
  65. 28 Apr 08:00 - 18:00Port Antonio, Jamaica
  66. 30 Apr 08:00 - 18:00La Romana, Dominicana
  67. 01 May 09:00 - 22:00San Juan, Puerto Rico
  68. 02 May 08:00 - 18:00St Croix Island USVI, Frederiksted-Christiansted, US Virgin Islands
  69. 03 May 08:00 - 18:00Basseterre St Kitts, Port Zante
  70. 04 May 08:00 - 20:00Gustavia St Barths, Saint-Barthelemy Island France
  71. 05 May 07:00 - 17:00Philipsburg St Maarten, Netherlands Antilles
  72. 08 May 08:00 - 18:00Hamilton, Bermuda
  73. 14 May 08:00 - 18:00Horta, Faial Island Azores Portugal
  74. 15 May 08:00 - 17:00Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel Island Azores Portugal
  75. 19 May 09:00 - 19:00Plymouth UK, England
  76. 20 May 08:00 - 20:00Portsmouth UK, England
  77. 22 May 09:00Arriving in Bremerhaven, Bremen, Germany
Find this cruise to book →
Price on request
MSC Splendida
MSC Cruises
Round-trip from Rio de Janeiro
⚓ Calls 10 Dec 08:00 - 16:008 nights6 portsDeparts 2026 Dec 06
View itinerary · 6 ports
8 days, round-trip South America
  1. 06 Dec 20:00Departing from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
  2. 07 Dec 08:00 - 18:00Ilhabela, Brazil
  3. 08 Dec 09:00 - 18:00Balneario Camboriu, Brazil
  4. 10 Dec 08:00 - 16:00Punta del Este, Uruguay
  5. 11 Dec 08:00 - 18:00Buenos Aires, Argentina
  6. 14 Dec 10:00Arriving in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Find this cruise to book →
$1439from / pp
MSC Splendida
MSC Cruises
Round-trip from Buenos Aires
⚓ Calls 18 Dec 08:00 - 16:008 nights6 portsDeparts 2026 Dec 11
View itinerary · 6 ports
8 days, round-trip South America
  1. 11 Dec 18:00Departing from Buenos Aires, Argentina
  2. 14 Dec 10:00 - 20:00Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
  3. 15 Dec 08:00 - 18:00Ilhabela, Brazil
  4. 16 Dec 09:00 - 18:00Balneario Camboriu, Brazil
  5. 18 Dec 08:00 - 16:00Punta del Este, Uruguay
  6. 19 Dec 08:00Arriving in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Find this cruise to book →
$1055from / pp
See all 105 cruises calling at Punta del Este →

Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.