Cruises and Navigations

Lakes of intense beauty, crystal-clear rivers, channels at the end of the world, and the splendor of the Atlantic Ocean bring to life the varied possibilities of sailing in Argentine Patagonia. Departing from picturesque ports and docks, Patagonian waterways offer views of unparalleled beauty, high and mythical snow-capped peaks, stunning glaciers, and a wide variety of bird species. You can also get up close to unique and incredible coastal wildlife, explore the most diverse beaches, visit hidden islands and cattle ranches, explore enchanted forests, or even reach the inhospitable and remote Antarctica. Once on land, first-class services and hotels, delicious regional cuisine, and exquisite wines invite you to enjoy the best days in Patagonia.

Deep blues and magical forests

In the provinces of Río Negro and Neuquén, 25 km from San Carlos de Bariloche, excursions depart from Puerto Blest on Lake Nahuel Huapi and invite you to “Isla Victoria”, where spectacular views of the Anchorena Bay and the landscape surrounding the Llao Llao Hotel captivate visitors. Hikes to Puerto Gross to reach “Playa del Toro,” sailing the Blest arm of Lake Nahuel Huapi to see “Isla Centinela,” and reaching Lake Cántaros surrounded by the Valdivian rainforest offer incredible views of Patagonia. The intense green waters of Lake Mascardi, also in Río Negro, allow you to reach the “Ventisquero Negro” glacier viewpoint and hike through the forest to visit the “Saltillo de las Nalcas” waterfall. The international crossing of the Andean Lakes is another option that combines sailing with land sections to reach Puerto Montt in Chile. To explore the Río Negro, one of Argentina’s most abundant rivers, various excursions are offered on the “Catamaran Curru Leuvú II,” along with boats and other vessels, departing from the boat dock in the city of Viedma.

A collection of lakes for sailing

The Patagonian Lake district unfolds its magnificence in the province of Neuquén. Lake Lacar, at the foot of the picturesque town of San Martín de los Andes, surprises with its crystal-clear waters and offers various trips on modern boats that travel along its shores to discover islands, forests, waterfalls, and landscapes of unique beauty. A few kilometers away, near Junín de los Andes, Lake Huechulafquen offers boat trips where the imposing Lanín Volcano serves as a beacon throughout the tour. Further south, also in Neuquén, from Bahía Mansa in Villa la Angostura, sailing Lake Nahuel Huapi, bordering cliffs and the coast of Quetrihué, leads to the “Los Arrayanes” Forest, with smooth cinnamon-colored trunks that are over 25 meters tall and 300 years old. Surrounded by dreamy bays, Lakes Moquehue and Aluminé at the foot of the Andes Mountain Range offer tempting excursions that combine the wonder of the landscape with water sports.

Sailing among giants

In the province of Santa Cruz, 80 km from El Calafate and within “Los Glaciares” National Park, lies the Perito Moreno Glacier. Various boats that sail the waters of “Lago Argentino”—the largest body of water in our country—travel through the “Canal de los Témpanos” and meet the imposing glacier. This ice colossus offers one of the most extraordinary natural spectacles in the region. However, the experiences of ice and beauty do not end with the Perito Moreno Glacier. Cruising the northern arm of this lake offers majestic ice giants and beautiful foothills landscapes at the Cristina cattle ranch. From the “Bahía Túnel” Port in El Chaltén, boats depart for the Viedma Glacier. This cruise allows to observe “Cerro Fitz Roy” and “Cerro Huemul,” and once you pass Cape Horn, you will find a spectacular view of the incredible range of blues of the Viedma Glacier. The “Capri,” “Torre,” and “de los Tres” Lagoons, as well as “Lago del Desierto,” bring visitors closer to the wonder and fascination of the ice and granite landscape of the Fitz Roy and “Torre” hills. The Atlantic coast of the province of Santa Cruz offers very interesting opportunities for wildlife viewing and splendid rock formations on cruises departing from Puerto San Julián or Puerto Deseado, in waters once plied by explorers and privateers. Cruising the Deseado Estuary, approximately 50 km long, offers a wide variety of sea and shore birds and the chance to spot fur seal lions. From Puerto San Julián, cruises allow you to explore the San Julián Peninsula Provincial Reserve, a protected area home to rich biodiversity.

A sea full of life and lakes surrounded by ancient larches

In Puerto Madryn or Puerto Pirámides on the Valdés Peninsula—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—various boats set sail for diving or to experience the moving spectacle of dolphins, Commerson’s dolphins, sea lions, and the gigantic and dazzling southern right whale, which arrives on these shores between June and December, mesmerizing visitors of Patagonia. Puerto Madryn also has a deepwater port where cruise ships of various flags dock. From Camarones, you can take nautical expeditions around Camarones Bay to watch birdlife, or explore the Marine Park, sailing around “Caleta Sara” and “Cabo dos Bahías,” and visiting the “Isla Leones” lighthouse and “Caleta Hornos.”

Chubut also offers sailing on its mountain lakes and rafting on its mighty rivers. At “Los Alerces” National Park, you can sail on Lake Futalaufquen and the Arrayanes River, which boast a magical setting with myrtle trees lining its shores. At Lake Puelo National Park, sailing on its waters allows you to get close to the Chilean border, observe flora in all its splendor, and enjoy one of the favorite habitats of the huemul, found in these Patagonian forests.

By boat to the end of the world

Ushuaia is the arrival point for large cruise ships arriving from around the world. Once there, modern and comfortable vessels depart for the dream destinations at the end of the world. Various trips—ranging from hours to days—sail the Beagle Channel, offering magnificent views of the world’s southernmost city and a landscape teeming with seabirds and wildlife, such as sea lions and colonies of imperial, gray, and rock cormorants, and black oystercatchers. Various routes take you to “Isla de los Pájaros,” “Isla de los Lobos,” the Lighthouse “Les Eclaireurs”, and the Islets Bridges. Some longer trips reach the penguin colony on “Isla Martillo” and the traditional Harberton cattle ranch. Sea lovers can embark on expeditions to “Isla de los Estados” and the mythical Cape Horn at the eastern end of Tierra del Fuego. Another attraction in Ushuaia is the trip to Lapataia Bay, embarking in Puerto Arias within the Tierra del Fuego National Park, which runs through different bays and islands.

Heading to Antarctica

The port of Ushuaia is also the departure point for cruises heading toward the inhospitable landscapes of the Antarctic continent. Between November and March, after a few days of sailing, you arrive in Antarctica, a destination as extreme as it is unsettling.