Puerto Natales - Docking
Mooring and Anchoring around Puerto Natales:
Terminal Presquero, to the south of the town, is very crowded with fishing boats and does not welcome sailboats or sport boats. The only option available (according to cruiser reports – March 2024) is the Skorpios Terminal which offers a dock but has little protection from waves and strong winds. There is a charge of US$30/hour which must be paid in advance.
There are other options to tie up to a variety of piers in Natales, but they are all commercial ones. However, with proper preparation and equipment, it is possible if there is an emergency or some kind of repair situation. Contact the Port Captain as he controls the movement of all vessels.
There is a possible anchorage opposite the town, in the bay of Puerto Laforest. This is partly occupied by a salmon farm and it shoals rapidly, but the holding is good. It is a 1.6 km dinghy ride across to the town and in the 25 to 30 knot winds which can whip up during the afternoon, it can be dangerous and a real adrenaline ride.
Not recommended as being a friendly stop for cruisers.
Last updated: April 2024
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Related to following destinations: Chile, Puerto Natales
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20 December – Update: Travelift still not operating.
Posted on behalf of James Burwick:
The news in Natales is good
There is a new marine travel lift 50T operating with a water depth of 5m
Opening date is Nov 2016.
In the meantime vessels can be taken out of the water by a 50 T local crane that can lift boats onto the main pier and transfer them to a trailer or short-term work can be done on the pier itself. There is space in the hard stand area for storage and/or work.
Posted on behalf of James Burwick:
We have been now a week here. There are several places to pull out a centre border or a cat. Not yacht style, so if a skipper has experience then no problem. There is a fishing co-op that has a big gallon and larger hardstand area. Getting out here with a crane is easy.
The closest crane is in Punta Arenas 3 hours drive. Fee is as always paying for the transport time. Getting a few boats together to share the cost would work. Especially in late season when the wind drops.
This is a great place to be on the hard for the winter. The town is very nice. It is quite international now. The Costanera has been paved with concrete. Bike path, rollerblade, 2 skateparks – one of which is extreme. To figure out prices it is Chilean style, unpublished, “conversable”.