La Paloma - Profile

This port is located just a few cables north of Cape “Santa María”, and about 35nm North East of Punta del Este. La Paloma is well protected by two breakwaters. It comprises a commercial pier, the yachting marina, a local fishing marina, and a naval base.

The town is well connected with easy access to Punta del Este and Montevideo by bus.

The harbour is exposed to the north/north east and can be uncomfortable in strong winds from that direction. Works are under way to build a protective breakwater on the windward side.

It is a holiday town (with prices to match) and is a friendly place.

Position 34° 38.84'S, 54° 08.76'W (harbour entrance)

Call on VHF ch 11. The operator may speak English.

Check in with the Hydrografia (Port Authority) and Aduana (Customs) who are in the same building. The Port Authority will enter your details on the database (accessible by all ports).

Prefectura naval is in the Armada building, check with military guards at the check point.

All officials are nice and helpful. Prefectura will still ask you for the Safety Certificate (but won't insist if you don't have one). They will also ask for crew certification (habilitacion) but, again, do not insist.

On departure the Port Authority will issue a document valid for three hours after the specified time of departure.

Last updated March 2018.

Take care to follow the channel across the harbour to the moorings as, although the harbour entrance is wide, the channel is narrow and the sandy bottom rises quickly.

The marina has a "T" dock: 70m long and 40m wide at its end. Yachts moor "Med style" on both sides of this dock and may also be moored to buoys off the pier. This is a high concrete pier and necessitates the use of protective pipes or chains on your lines as they run directly over a concrete edge.

The depth alongside varies from 1.50 meters to 4.50 meters (at “0” datum) depending on the mooring position.

The marina has good connections for fresh water and electricity and also hot showers. All services are charged by the day. You need to ask if you do not wish the water and electric to be switched on, otherwise you will be charged.

See photo with marina in foreground and naval base beyond the marina with the fishing harbour behind. Our thanks to Stephan Nedelchev for taking this photo.

The main part of the town is about 2km from the port.

Last updated March 2018.