There are parts of Central and South America that can only be reached – and truly understood – from the water. Rarely visited, they are naturally all the better for it.
A private yacht charter can open up these near-inaccessible regions, giving access to landscapes and wildlife experiences that simply wouldn’t be possible any other way. You have the freedom to choose exactly where you want to drop anchor and when, with itineraries designed entirely around the interests of your family or group of friends.
While the focus is always on the journey itself, the right boat makes all the difference. We have a network of exceptional vessels across Latin America chosen not just for their comfort and style, but also for their exceptional crew, on-board service and appetite for adventure.
Here, we share four of Latin America’s most extraordinary private boat journeys, from an expedition yacht charter in the Galapagos to a traditional wooden riverboat in the Amazon – all different, but all offering access to some of the most extraordinary landscapes and wildlife encounters on the planet.
Alter do Chão, the ‘Caribbean of the Amazon’
Picture the Amazon and you may picture darkness and density; emerald-green jungle leading to currents the colour of a milky coffee swirling in the water. But the Amazon has a way of challenging preconceptions. Alter do Chão, a small riverside village in the state of Pará, is one such example. It’s nicknamed the Caribbean of the Amazon, because it’s where the Tapajós River, one of the Amazon’s tributaries, runs a startlingly zingy green, edged by long stretches of squeaky sandbars; here, a vessel such as the Tupaiú, a traditional four-cabin wooden riverboat, is the only real way to explore.
Expect long days beneath the equatorial sun, spotting pink dolphins from the boat’s deck and dropping anchor for picnics of Brazilian snacks, from fried tapioca to croquettes of shredded fish. By day, you’ll spot sloths and monkeys from deck, stop at freshwater swimming spots like the Ilha do Amor (Island of Love), and visit small riverside communities who’ll guide you through the forest. Evenings bring starlit beach barbecues and midnight safaris by kayak, revealing a whole world of nocturnal species.
The Galapagos Islands: in the footsteps of Darwin
Cast adrift in the Pacific Ocean, this archipelago of islands is one of the most fascinating wildlife destinations on Earth. The question isn’t if you should go, but how to experience them.
The Galapagos National Park is one of the world’s most carefully protected ecosystems, with all vessels following tightly regulated routes and carrying licensed naturalist guides. The islands themselves are astonishingly varied, from volcanic landscapes and penguin colonies to exceptional snorkelling and diving sites.
A private yacht charter transforms the experience. While routes remain fixed by the national park, you will have a boat, a crew, a captain, a chef and guide that will work to your family’s wishlist – whether that’s a secret swim spot or a chance to stand on the sand with sea lions. For families or groups of friends in particular, it offers a far more personal way to experience the islands.
We especially love the Aqua Mare, the first true superyacht to sail in the archipelago, with space for 16 guests and interiors by François Zuretti: Italian Carrara marble, teak decking, and prints from the Darwin era of exploration. Hermes is another excellent option: a larger catamaran with room for 20 guests and a full-service spa. But ultimately, the real luxury here lies beyond the boats themselves: waking each morning to another extraordinary corner of one of the most fascinating ecosystems on the planet.
The Pacific coastline of Panama: islands, jungle and Indigenous heritage
Stretching south from the Azuero Peninsula to the extraordinary natural reserves of the Gulf of Chiriquí, this rarely visited stretch of ocean is edged by remote islands, coral reefs and dense jungle. It’s a place for long, lazy days, diving off the deck of your yacht for snorkelling and swimming. But it’s also about learning: Indigenous communities in this region have maintained traditions and relationships with the natural world that have spanned generations. Visits are arranged thoughtfully and responsibly, with expert guides helping bridge conversations.
Our favourite way to explore the coastline is aboard a small vessel such as Kontiki Wayra: a nine-cabin, 40m expedition yacht that sails between Panama and Costa Rica. Over the course of the journey, you might explore the Paridas Islands, with its thriving reef systems and pristine snorkelling; the biodiverse Coiba Island, once the site of one of Latin America’s most infamous penal colonies and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and protected national marine park with excellent diving; plus the enchanting Canales and Islas Secas. Spot howler monkeys and exotic birds on jungle hikes, and crocodiles in the San Juan River mangroves. Two naturalist guides join you – not just experts in the islands’ flora and fauna, but on the initiatives in the region, from youth development programmes at the villages you’ll pass through, to reforestation work.
The Chilean fjords: glaciers and wildlife
Few people live in the Chilean fjords. Even fewer get to visit. It’s one of the richest marine biodiversity hotspots on Earth, where the coastline fractures into a maze of forested islands and channels that stretch deep into Patagonia.
Exploring by private yacht offers access to one of the remotest corners of South America. You’ll navigate narrow waterways, hike through temperate rainforest beneath the shadow of the Melimoyu volcano, and experience Chilote traditions in remote fishing villages. Further south, the scenery turns to hanging glaciers, snow-capped peaks and vast ice fields feeding directly into the sea. Wildlife is everywhere, from black-browed albatrosses and cormorants to dolphins, seals, and whales.
One of our favourite boats in the region, Cachalote is a robust 26m, 11-passenger motor yacht ideally suited to navigate the technical waters around Chile. Built on Chiloé Island, her design was inspired by the traditional ways of the Chonos – nomadic southern seafarers who once inhabited Western Patagonia – with ocean conservation in mind. Inside, bare wood interiors, textiles and warm lighting create a calming, Scandi-esque feel, and she comes with a private chef and guide.
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Should you be considering a journey through Latin America by river or sea, our specialists will be glad to help. With two decades designing journeys across the region, we can advise on the routes, seasons and experiences best suited to you, and plot your wider journey before and after your time on the water.
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Speak to our specialists about planning your journey on the water.
Conde Nast Traveler Specialists every year since 2017
