South America · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS

The 15 Best Boat Trips in South America

126 tours  ·  from $12

A good part of the continent only opens up from a deck. The 15 below run from a two-hour sunset sail to a full day out among islands, each priced and clear about how much swimming time you really get.

El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier & Optional Boat Cruise - The 1.5-hour ride from El Calafate
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El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier & Optional Boat Cruise

1.Perito Moreno Glacier & Optional Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,586 reviews · 8 hours · from $80Our pick

Spend eight hours traveling from El Calafate to Perito Moreno Glacier with a bilingual guide, comfortable transport, and about three hours to explore the park. Walk the 4-kilometer boardwalk network, watch for ice calvings, and add a one-hour boat cruise for a close view of the glacier wall. Guides include Tobias, Noela, Matias, and others.

“Everything about this tri was fantastic. We were so lucky with the weather - but you can’t plan for that. I had expected to be blown away and this exceeded my expectations. A must do. Communication was great and our guide was really engaging and well informed. Thank you for this memory of a Lifetime.”

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Cartagena: Rosario Islands Catamaran with Lunch and Snorkel - The ride toward the Rosario Islands
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Cartagena: Rosario Islands Catamaran with Lunch and Snorkel

2.Rosario Islands Catamaran with Lunch and Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,479 reviews · 7h 30m · from $107

Sail from Bodeguita Dock toward the Rosario Islands on a large, wheelchair-accessible catamaran with shaded and sunny seating. You get a welcome fruit drink, snacks, unlimited soft drinks, snorkeling gear, two swim stops, and a hearty seafood or vegetable lunch. This is a boat-and-water day, not an island sightseeing tour or guaranteed beach landing.

“I loved this activity! The catamaran sailing was amazing and so much fun. We were able to swim at two different spots, and the lunch was delicious. Sailing back to Cartagena was such a highlight! 100% recommend.”

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Cartagena de Indias: 2-Hour Sunset Cruise - Getting to Bodeguita Dock by 4:30 PM
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Cartagena de Indias: 2-Hour Sunset Cruise

3.2-Hour Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,105 reviews · 2 hours · from $31

Set sail at 5:00 PM from Door 1 of Bodeguita Dock for a two-hour catamaran cruise around Cartagena Bay. You’ll pass Manga, Bocagrande, Castillo Grande, and Tierrabomba while the sun drops. Your ticket includes one beer, wine, or soft drink, a small appetizer, and port fees. Spanish is the onboard language.

“Enjoyed the sunset cruise. It was nice being on the catamaran sail boat with the nets you could sit on over the water. Much better than cramped party boat. Forgot that we could get one drink so I enjoyed the beer although it would have been better if it was cold. It was slightly more than room temp. The white wine is meh. My partner did not enjoy it and so didn’t finish it. I was happy to find little snacks being served at the start which was needed as we didn’t have time to eat! Dinner came later once we finished the tour. The sunset and having a sail…”

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Rio de Janeiro: Sunset Sailing Tour - Marina da Glória is an easy place to begin
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Rio de Janeiro: Sunset Sailing Tour

4.Sunset Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 994 reviews · 3 hours · from $75

Sail from Marina da Glória across Guanabara Bay for three hours, passing Rio’s forts, Boa Viagem Island, and Niemeyer’s Niterói museum. Expect Sugarloaf and Christ the Redeemer at sunset, plus caipirinhas, beer, sparkling wine, snacks, and friendly hosts such as Clarisse and Karina. You can book a small group or private boat.

“We were able to book pretty last minute the day of for my friends birthday celebration. Communication was wonderful and Clarisse was so good at making us feel welcomed, relaxed and taken care of for the whole tour. Our champagne glasses were never left empty and the whole experience really was so worth it. From beginning to end we felt cared for and the whole vibe of the experience was fun and happy. We would definitely book with DDRio again and recommend you consider them for your first or next tour. Clarisse and Captain Gabriel are top notch. Thank you for a memorable experience.”

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2-hour tour in Cartagena Sunset View in party boat - Meeting at Muelle de los Pegasos
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2-hour tour in Cartagena Sunset View in party boat

5.2-hour tour in Cartagena Sunset View in party boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 899 reviews · 2 hours · from $22Best value

Spend two hours on a 28-person sports boat in Cartagena Bay, watching the sunset over Manga, Bocagrande, and Castillogrande. Hosts such as Alexis, Alejandro, and Ricardo lead the music, dancing, photos, and unlimited rum-based drinks. The tour ends with entry to a downtown nightclub and suits social visitors who want a lively night out.

“Had a great night, really friendly guide, great music and complimentary drinks. The party at the end was also really fun”

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El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier Trekking Tour and Cruise - From El Calafate to Bajo de las Sombras
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El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier Trekking Tour and Cruise

6.Perito Moreno Glacier Trekking Tour and Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 805 reviews · 5 - 11 hours · from $396

From El Calafate, cross Argentino Lake by boat, strap on crampons, and spend about an hour walking across Perito Moreno Glacier. A bilingual guide leads the ice trek, followed by forest trails, glacier viewpoints, and a close sail along the ice wall. Hotel pickup depends on the option you book.

“The activity itself was absolutely incredible but the tour bus that picked everyone up in the morning crashed into the side of the mountain after it slid on ice. Everyone was ok but I’d recommend renting a car and driving in yourself.”

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Rio de Janeiro: Sunset Sailboat Tour with Open Bar - What the three-hour route gives you
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Rio de Janeiro: Sunset Sailboat Tour with Open Bar

7.Sunset Sailboat Tour with Open Bar

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 785 reviews · 3 hours · from $57Top rated

Spend three hours on a shared sailboat in Guanabara Bay, leaving from Urca for sunset views of Christ the Redeemer, Flamengo, and Rio’s waterfront. Your host, often Paola, Lohanny, Mariana, or Bia, serves caipirinhas, beer, fruit, snacks, and music. You can also swim from the boat before returning to Mureta da Urca.

“fun, even sailed a bit. we got plenty of music, snacks and drinks”

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From Rio de Janeiro: Angra dos Reis Boat Trip with Lunch - Cataguases and the short island stops
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From Rio de Janeiro: Angra dos Reis Boat Trip with Lunch

8.Angra dos Reis Boat Trip with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 737 reviews · 14 hours · from $63

Spend a full day traveling from Rio to Angra dos Reis, then cruise among Ilha Grande’s forested islands by schooner. You’ll stop at Blue Lagoon, Cataguases, and beaches such as Japariz or Araçá, with time to swim and snorkel. Guides may include Leo, Alex, Leonardo, Luisa, or Monica, and lunch is served near a fishing village.

“The overall day trip was very enjoyable and fun. The pickup was prompt and right on time. We are then whisked away and dropped off in a small port with other group parties and loaded in a boat which could have limited the people in there because it was somewhat crowded & not everyone was wearing a mask for obvious reasons. The boat then stopped for a couple of times for swim time. The island stop was cool & the lunch buffet by the beach was not that bad. Alex the guide was super helpful & helped translate with the Portuguese language.”

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Cartagena: Sunset Cruise with Open Bar - The first 45 minutes: Bocagrande and the lighthouse
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Cartagena: Sunset Cruise with Open Bar

9.Sunset Cruise with Open Bar

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 514 reviews · 1h 30m · from $29

Board the Sibarita Master at La Bodeguita Pier for a 90-minute sunset cruise around Cartagena Bay. You’ll see Bocagrande, Castillogrande, Manga, Getsemani, and the old city at night while enjoying rum and coke, rum punch, soft drinks, and music. Snacks and upgraded drinks cost extra.

“Very romantic. Captain and crew were warm, friendly and enhanced the experience.”

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Buenos Aires: Puerto Madero Sunset Cruise with Open Bar - Departure times change with the season
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Buenos Aires: Puerto Madero Sunset Cruise with Open Bar

10.Puerto Madero Sunset Cruise with Open Bar

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 439 reviews · 1 - 2 hours · from $39

Meet at Cecilia Grierson 400 for a relaxed Puerto Madero boat ride with beer, cocktails, aperitifs, music, and city views. Choose a two-hour option with an extra hour at the dock, or board later for one hour on the water. Expect an informal outing, not a guided history tour. Bring a jacket and arrive early for seating.

“It was a great experience. Enjoyed the ride and the free drinks. Waiter very attentive.”

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Ushuaia: Penguin Watching Tour by Catamaran - Crossing Ushuaia Bay toward the Beagle Channel
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Ushuaia: Penguin Watching Tour by Catamaran

11.Penguin Watching Tour by Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 439 reviews · 5 hours · from $180

Spend five hours aboard a comfortable catamaran from Ushuaia, visiting Bird Island, Sea Lion Island, Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, and Martillo Island. An English and Spanish guide explains the wildlife and the SS Monte Cervantes story. You watch Magellanic and Papua penguins from the boat, not on foot.

“Fantastic all around. Lots of opportunity to see the penguins and sea lions. The boats stayed longer than other boats that came and went. Would highly recommend!”

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Ushuaia: Catamaran Sailing to Penguin Island - Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse and the Shipwreck Stories
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Ushuaia: Catamaran Sailing to Penguin Island

12.Catamaran Sailing to Penguin Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 436 reviews · 5h 30m · from $92

From Ushuaia’s tourist pier, you’ll spend about five and a half hours on a catamaran through the Beagle Channel. Expect sea lions, cormorants, Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, Chilean and Argentine scenery, and close views of Magellanic and Gentoo penguins at Martillo Island. The guide speaks English and Spanish, and a café is available onboard.

“Great trip to see the penguins and sea lions. Comfortable boat, cafe on board. Enough time at each stop to take pictures. Lots of explanations and history. Overall a great day. Recommend”

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Ushuaia: Beagle Channel & Sea Wolves Island Catamaran Cruise - Sea Lion Island and Close Wildlife Views
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Ushuaia: Beagle Channel & Sea Wolves Island Catamaran Cruise

13.Beagle Channel & Sea Wolves Island Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 433 reviews · 2h 30m · from $115

Board a heated, wheelchair-accessible catamaran at Avenida Prefectura Naval Argentina 470 for a 150-minute cruise from Ushuaia. You’ll see seabirds, two sea lion species, Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, and Yamana shell deposits, with Spanish and English commentary, audio guides, and a short island walk.

“It was a lovely way to visit small islands in the Beagle Channel. The views were amazing and, as birders, we appreciated being able to see Geese, Skuas, Terns, and Cormorants on the islands and in flight in the channel. The highlight for us were the two Andean Condors on the island near the lighthouse.”

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From Rio: Arraial do Cabo Day Trip with Boat Tour - The morning road trip from Rio
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From Rio: Arraial do Cabo Day Trip with Boat Tour

14.Arraial do Cabo Day Trip with Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 · 400 reviews · 14 hours · from $65

Set aside 14 hours for this Rio day trip to Arraial do Cabo. Ride an air-conditioned vehicle to the Costa do Sol, then board a traditional schooner for Ilha do Farol, Prainhas do Pontal, Gruta Azul, and Praia do Forno. Guides such as Vicente, Publio, and Andrea Vento have been praised for clear communication and calm handling of changes.

“We got on time to the meeting point but the bus that was supposed to pick us up had an issue. Luckily the guide contacted us straight away and kept us in touch and in the end we re-arranged the pick up a few hours later. Despite the delay the whole activity still went ahead and we managed to visit all the beaches. Just know that there might be a lot of people on the beaches you visit (that is out of your control though) but overall it's quite well organised and we got enough time to swim and enjoy the natural beaches we visited. Make sure to bring some…”

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Iguazu Falls: Gran Aventura Boat and Argentinian Falls Tour - Gran Aventura boat ride: prepare to get soaked
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Iguazu Falls: Gran Aventura Boat and Argentinian Falls Tour

15.Iguazu Falls: Gran Aventura Boat and Argentinian Falls Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 393 reviews · 12 hours · from $170

Spend 12 hours exploring Iguazu National Park from Puerto Iguazu, combining the Superior, Inferior, and Devil’s Throat trails with a 4x4 jungle ride and the Gran Aventura speedboat. Guides such as Claudia, Chelo, Lucho, and Lucio lead groups in English and Spanish. Expect spectacular views, long walks, and a soaking from the falls.

“Excellent - Arrived on time and had a good plan for the day. Very fun boat trip and impressive views”

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New in Cruises & Boat Tours

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