PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Punta del Este
Pilot
updated Sep 2018- Punta del Este pilot boarding place Pilot boards34°58.2′S 054°59.9′W
Pilotage is compulsory for entering/sailing and anchoring at Bay. Pilots board 1.5nm WSW of Isla Gorriti in position 34°58'S 055°00'W.
Key data
updated Sep 2018Size limits
Offshore - Draught 13.0m.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Summer.
Tides
1.82m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Punta del Este Cruise Terminal | 13.00 m | — | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Sep 2018Approach
The port is approached through Bahia de Moldonado.
Local knowledge is essential to use the channel between Isla Gorriti and Punta del Este which is much restricted by Bajo del Este, marked by 2 lightbuoys (S cardinal and starboard hand); Bajo Mostyn and Bancos los Banquitos, marked by a lightbuoy (N cardinal). This passage is dangerous due to strong tidal streams running through it. Between the NE end of Isla Gorriti and the mainland depths are very uneven, but the channel NE of Bancos los Banquitos is about 0.275nm wide and can be used in fine weather by small craft during fresh S winds seas break across the channel. Small craft sometimes use the passage between Punta del Este and Bajo del Este, but tidal streams run very strongly and the passage should be avoided by strangers even in good weather.
Anchorages
Anchorage, used by lightering vessels unable to berth alongside, exists near the entrance to Puerto de Punta del Este, 0.75nm from the breakwater head, in depths of 6.0m, hard sand. It is sheltered from all winds except those between SW and W. Winds from NW may raise a moderate sea.
Charts and publications
BA 3703, 3064. Admiralty Pilot NP5.
Reporting before arrival
updated Aug 2010ETA and pre-arrival notices
Refer to country information.
Communications
Cerrito Radio, Montevideo can be used for long range communications. The station works throughout 24 hours.
Inmarsat communication is possible.
VHF: Ch 16, 11 and 09.
Standard messages
Approaching from the S: According to regulations it is essential to contact and maintain a listening watch on VHF Ch 16 with Prefectura Punta del Este on passing meridian 055°30'W. After this position contact Control port of Montevideo. If communications cannot be established cable the vessel's agent and Montevideo Control Centre urgently, informing them of the date/hour of passing their area to avoid fines. Pilot will board with berthing instructions at 35°00'S 056°14'W. Advise ETA and arrival draught.
Also see the "Important" notes in the previous message,
Notice of readiness
NOR should be tendered in accordance with Charter Party terms.
This is alongside if berth is free on arrival or on anchoring in the port roads if berth is occupied or if charterer, for any reason, does not accept vessel alongside.
If loading at more than one port, NOR should be presented at first loading port only, unless otherwise stated in the relevant Charter Party or contract; notwithstanding that the Master is obliged to keep agents/charterers well informed of progress and position whilst shifting between ports.
Documents
Refer to country information.
Health
Free pratique can be requested by radio. A message should be sent to the authorities, via the ship's agent, 48 hours prior to arrival. The message must include the number of crew and the full names of the Master.
Customs and immigration
Customs: There are no restrictions regarding personal effects provided they are previously declared on the Crew Personal Effects List. Goods not declared are confiscated.
Immigration: All passengers' passports must be shown.
Flags
See "Standard messages" above.
Inspections
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Prefectura Nacional Naval.
Address: Rambla 25 de Agosto de 1825 s/n, Edif del Comando General de la Armada, Montevideo 11000, Uruguay.
Tel: +598 2 915 5500
Fax: +598 2 910 5500
Mob: +598 9 4433184
E-mail: [email protected]
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated Sep 2018Repairs
None.
Bunkers, water and stores
Stores: Available by barge.
Medical
Hospitals available.
Transport
Airfield with flights to Buenos Aires.
Working hours
Throughout 24 hours.
About Punta del Este
updated Sep 2018Where it is
Punta del Este is situated in Maldonado Bay.
The port
The port is protected by a breakwater 460m long on its W side. Cruise vessels anchor in Maldonado Bay and passengers land by shore tender.
Traffic
Approx. 101,000 passengers and 50 cruise vessels handled annually.
Questions about Punta del Este
Where does the pilot board at Punta del Este?
The pilot boards at Punta del Este pilot boarding place, 34°58.2′S 054°59.9′W.
What time zone is Punta del Este in?
Local time at Punta del Este is UTC−3. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at Punta del Este?
The deepest berth listed is at Punta del Este Cruise Terminal: 13.00 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Punta del Este?
1025.
Which load line zone is Punta del Este in?
Summer.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Punta del Este?
The UN/LOCODE of Punta del Este is UYPDP.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Punta del Este say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.
Plan a route to Punta del Este →
A planning aid, not for navigation. These facts come from public sources and each section shows how old it is. Check with the port, your agent, your ENCs and official publications. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.