La Lobería – Coastal town on the Gulf of San Matías
Accommodation in La Lobería
La Lobería, also known as Punta Bermeja, is a seaside resort and locality on the northern coast of the Gulf of San Matías, at the gulf’s entrance. The Punta Bermeja “La Lobería” Nature Reserve extends across the beaches of La Lobería and protects the northernmost breeding colony of South American sea lions in Patagonia.
Coastal town and protected area
The protected area was established in 1971 to protect this breeding colony. It covers 1,900 hectares, of which 870 hectares are land, and extends along 14 kilometers of coastline. The protected area described therefore includes both land and a long stretch of coastline.
Swimming and nature watching
At low tide, natural rock pools become visible at La Lobería. They offer a calm place for adults and children to swim, making the tide a specific factor to consider when planning a visit to this bathing spot. Nearby, Punta Bermeja offers guided walks and educational trails. The availability of guided walks may vary, so check in advance what options are available.
The official route for observing marine wildlife leads to La Lobería. There, the Punta Bermeja Fauna Reserve has an interpretation center and a lookout on the edge of the cliffs, with views of the beach and sea lion colony. Nearby, the Punta Bermeja Natural Protected Area (ANP) also has a Fauna Interpretation Center. Visitors can learn about the lives of mammals and observe representative animal and plant species of the region.
From a lookout on the cliffs of Punta Bermeja, visitors can observe sea lions and coastal birds. Wildlife sightings may vary. Swimming in the rock pools and observing wildlife offer different experiences: low tide is essential for the pools, while sightings depend on the wildlife.
Getting there and the coastal route
Access to La Lobería is via the fully paved Provincial Route No. 1. After strong winds or rain, sandbanks may block access. Check road conditions before setting out. There is a bus service from Viedma to La Lobería; schedules and availability may change. Check the current service before your trip.
West of La Lobería, Provincial Route No. 1 runs along a scenic coastal route beside extensive cliffs and unspoiled beaches. The 210-kilometer Camino de la Costa follows this route and includes Balneario La Lobería and the Punta Bermeja Natural Protected Area (ANP). This places the town in the context of a longer coastal route without extending the information into a specific itinerary.
Planning your visit
Balneario La Lobería has a campground with fire pits, shelters and barbecue facilities. As campground facilities may change, check the current status of the site and its amenities before your trip.
When planning your stay, it is worth keeping an eye on the tides and weather separately: the tide determines when the rock pools become visible; strong winds or rain may affect access. Visiting opportunities at the Fauna Interpretation Center may also vary, so check what is currently available before you go.
Discover more destinations: Balneario El Cóndor, Viedma.
For the broader travel overview: Adolfo Alsina Department.