There are parts of Latin America that can only be reached – and properly experienced – from the water. Rarely visited, they are naturally all the better for it.
A boat charter opens up these remote regions, giving access to landscapes and wildlife experiences that 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 vessel makes all the difference. We have a carefully-selected fleet across Latin America chosen not just for comfort and character, but also for their exceptional crew and appetite for adventure.
Here, we share four of the very best, from an expedition yacht in the Galapagos to a traditional wooden riverboat in the Amazon – each offering a different perspective on some of the most extraordinary landscapes on Earth.
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 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 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 the 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. Along the way, you’ll 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 breaks into a maze of forested islands and channels stretching deep into Patagonia.
A yacht charter is one of the only ways into this part of South America. You’ll navigate narrow waterways, hike through rainforest beneath the shadow of the Melimoyu volcano, and pass through small fishing villages which still hold fast to Chilote traditions. Further south, the scenery turns to hanging glaciers, snow-capped peaks and vast ice fields feeding directly into the sea. Wildlife is everywhere – black-browed albatrosses, cormorants, dolphins, seals, whales.
One of our favourite boats in the region, Cachalote is a solid 26m, 11-passenger motor yacht built for the technical waters around Chile. Designed and built on Chiloé Island, she was inspired by the traditional ways of the Chonos – nomadic southern seafarers who once inhabited Western Patagonia – with ocean conservation in mind. There’s a private chef on board, along with a guide to lead days out on the water.
For those looking to take the experience a step further, Nomads of the Seas’ Atmosphere sits in a different category altogether. With 14 cabins and a 32-strong crew, she carries onboard helicopters, jet skis and zodiacs for reaching more remote terrain. The scale of the operation allows for highly tailored guiding, whether that’s fishing, land exploration, or heli-skiing.
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Should you be considering a journey through Latin America by river or sea, we would 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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Conde Nast Traveler Specialists every year since 2017
