With a vast coastline that stretches for more than 6,000 kilometers, Chile is a sailor’s paradise and a great place for sailing enthusiasts to travel. Chile offers some of the best sailing experiences in South America thanks to its abundance of scenic areas, beautiful landscapes, and variety of activities. The top five Sailing Destinations in Chile are listed below.
Chiloé Island
The island of Chiloé, which is in Chile’s southern region, is a fantastic place to sail. Any sailor should visit Chiloé Island because of its distinctive terrain, rich cultural past, and plethora of species. The island’s wooden churches, vibrant homes, and traditional crafts are open for exploration by tourists. A breathtaking view of the island’s snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and crystal-clear Pacific Ocean waters may be had while sailing around it.
Lake Llanquihue
The picturesque volcanoes Osorno, Calbuco, and Tronador surround Chile’s Lake District, where Lake Llanquihue is situated. Sailing, windsurfing, and fishing are popular activities on the lake. The charming communities of Puerto Varas and Frutillar, which provide breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding mountains, are also open to visitors.
Recommended sailboat: The Beneteau Oceanis 41 is a good sailing choice for Lake Llanquihue.
To learn more about Sailboat info check out the various sailboat brands and choose one according to your functionality and budget!
Valparaíso
Known for its rich culture, steep hills, and colorful architecture, Valparaso is a UNESCO World Heritage site. With its beautiful coastline and pleasant atmosphere, the port city is a well-liked vacation spot for sailors. Historic sites in the city, such as the La Sebastiana Museum and the Paseo 21 de Mayo, are open to visitors to explore. The city and the hills in the area may be seen in stunning detail when sailing along the shore.
Recommended sailboat: The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 409 is a great yacht to choose if you want to sail in Valparaiso.
Tierra del Fuego
Tierra del Fuego is a desolate area in Chile’s southernmost corner. It is renowned for its rocky terrain, glaciers, and a variety of fauna. The Alberto de Agostini National Park and the Karukinka Natural Park are only two of the national parks in the area that tourists can explore. Tierra del Fuego’s pristine waterways and breathtaking scenery make for a one-of-a-kind sailing experience.
Recommended sailboat: Lagoon 450 is a great sailboat for touring Tierra del Fuego, so that’s what we recommend.
Easter Island
A secluded island in the southeast Pacific Ocean, Easter Island is well-known for its enigmatic Moai statues. Exploring one of the world’s most distant places is made possible by sailing to Easter Island. The Rano Kau crater and the Ahu Tongariki site are two archeological sites that visitors can investigate. The Pacific Ocean and the island’s coastline are spectacular to see while sailing around the island.
Recommended sailboat: For visiting Easter Island, the Hanse 548 is the best sailboat to use.
San Pedro de Atacama
The Chilean desert town of San Pedro de Atacama is situated in the country’s north. Visitors can take a unique sailing experience in the adjacent salt flats even though it is not a typical sailing location. Salt plains, lagoons, and volcanoes make up the beautiful environment of the Salar de Atacama. Visitors can take a boat tour in the saltwater lagoon Laguna Cejar and take in the stunning views of the mountains around.
Recommended sailboat: Although not a classic sailboat, trips at Laguna Cejar are conducted in inflatable boats or rafts.
Robinson Crusoe Island
Off the coast of Chile, there lies a little island known as Robinson Crusoe Island. It is renowned for its breathtakingly beautiful natural features, such as its crystal-clear waters, craggy shoreline, and lush flora. Hiking routes, snorkeling in the pristine waters, and learning about the island’s past are all available to visitors. A rare chance to find the island’s undiscovered beaches and coves is to sail around it.
Recommended sailboat: A popular vessel for sailing about Robinson Crusoe Island is the Lagoon 400.
Puerto Montt
A port city in Chile’s Lake District is called Puerto Montt. It is renowned for both its top-notch seafood and its breathtaking surroundings, which include the volcanoes of Osorno and Calbuco. Visitors can take a boat trip of the local fjords or visit the city’s markets, parks, and museums. With their high cliffs, waterfalls, and animals, the fjords offer a singular experience for those who choose to sail around them.
Recommended sailboat: The Bavaria Cruiser 46 is a fantastic option for sailing in the fjords close to Puerto Montt.
Isla Damas
Small island Isla Damas is situated close to La Serena, off the coast of Chile. A diversity of marine species, including sea lions, dolphins, and penguins, can be found in this nature reserve. Visitors can go on a boat excursion around the island and take in the breathtaking Pacific Ocean vistas.
Recommended sailboat: The Beneteau Oceanis 45 is a highly recommended sailboat for exploring Isla Damas.
Pumalín Park
A wildlife preserve with the name of Pumaln Park may be found in Chile’s northern Patagonian region. It is renowned for having pristine rivers, fjords, and woods. Take a boat tour of the fjords or explore the park’s hiking trails, waterfalls, and hot springs. Pumaln Park’s magnificent landscapes and plethora of wildlife make for a one-of-a-kind experience when sailing through it.
Recommended sailboat: A fantastic sailboat for exploring the fjords around Pumaln Park is the Sun Odyssey 479.
Best Time to Sail in Chile
Over 2,600 kilometers from north to south, Chile is a long, narrow country. Depending on the area and the kind of sailing experience you want, there are several optimum times to sail in Chile. The following are some general principles:
Central Chile
A Mediterranean climate with moderate winters and scorching summers characterizes central Chile, including Santiago and Valparaiso. The warmer months, from December to March, are the greatest for sailing in this area. This time of year is great for sailing because of the mild temperatures and often moderate winds.
Northern Chile
San Pedro de Atacama and other desert regions in northern Chile experience scorching, dry summers and mild winters. The winter months, from June to September, are the greatest for sailing in this area. This time of year is ideal for sailing because the weather is cooler and the breezes are usually stronger.
Southern Chile
The weather is chilly and rainy in southern Chile, which includes Puerto Montt and Pumalin Park, with year-round highs of 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. The warmer months, from December to March, are the greatest for sailing in this area. This time of year is more comfortable for sailing because of the nicer weather and calmer winds.
Best Activities in Chile
- Hiking: Torres del Paine National Park and the Lake District are two of Chile’s most breathtaking hiking destinations. Many of these paths are reachable by sailboat, providing a rare chance to experience the nation’s breathtaking landscapes from the water.
- Snorkeling and diving: A diverse range of marine species, including sea lions, dolphins, and penguins, call Chile’s crystal-clear waters home. Popular activities include diving and snorkeling, especially at Robinson Crusoe Island and Isla Damas.
- Fishing: Given Chile’s reputation for high-quality seafood, both locals and visitors find fishing to be a popular pastime. In the nation’s rivers and lakes, sailors can try their luck at capturing salmon, trout, and other fish.
Best Food for Sailing in Chile
- Chilean Seafood: meals like ceviche, chupe de mariscos, and congrio a lo pobre are just a few examples of seafood-influenced meals in Chilean cuisine. In shops and restaurants along the seaside, you can find a lot of these foods.
- Asado: Asado is a typical Chilean barbeque dish that is enjoyed by both residents and visitors. It often consists of grilled meats, sausages, and vegetables, and local wines are frequently served as a companion.
- Empanadas: Popular in Chile as a snack, empanadas come with a variety of fillings, including meat, cheese, and veggies. They are excellent onboard snacks and are frequently offered by street sellers.
In conclusion, thanks to its extensive coastline, distinctive landscapes, and warm climate, Chile offers some of the best sailing opportunities in South America. There is something for everyone, from the untamed Tierra del Fuego nature to the vibrant structures of Valparaiso. Chile’s sailing spots will not fail to please you, regardless of whether you are an expert or a beginning sailor. So grab your belongings, board a sailboat, and explore Chile’s splendor from the water.
Visit our sailing destinations page for some incredible ideas and places to explore if you’re feeling motivated to organize your sailing holiday. Start preparing for your upcoming sailing excursion right away with Ocean Wave Sail!
