Galapagos and a Beginner's Guide to Latin American Yachting Destinations

Long known as an exotic and different destination for land-based holidays and vacations, Latin America has some very interesting and different locations for the yachtsman. Whether it be Angra dos Reis, in Brazil, The Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, the Southern Archipielago of Chonos in Chile, The rio Tigre in Buenos Aires, Argentina, we have the place for you..!!

Tired of the Caribbean, the Med, New England? Hey, we've got good news. If you are looking for a completely different experience give our Latin American destinations a long hard look.

Below, please find a list of current destinations and some basic information about each location so we can start you off on the right foot to plan for this experience.

The Galapagos Islands.
Located 400 miles West of the Republic of Ecuador, are famous for their unique wildlife and plant population. Species are found here that do not exist anywhere else on earth. All have adapted to the local eco-system and special guided tours are available. Fully crewed motor and sailing yachts can be chartered or you and your family and friends can book cabins on some of the larger ships that are authorized to navigate these waters, trips ashore are allowed with authorized government guides. Please view the m/v "Integrity" for 16 guests - one of our more elegant and sophisticated yachts by clicking on this link. Call us at 305.600.2555 or email us for details

The South of Chile
Fully crewed sail and motoryachts are available to cruise the fjords of the South of Chile. Starting in Chiloe or Puerto Montt, these cruises are the ultimate get-away. Call us at 305.600.2555 or email us for details

Angra dos Reis, Brazil
Amazing group of islands South of Rio de Janeiro, both bareboats and crewed yachts are available. Call us at 305.600.2555 or email us for details.

Useful Links

If You Go : HOW TO GET THERE

If you've lent your private jet to less fortunate friends for the weekend and can't get it back, the most direct passage from New York is on a nonstop flight to either Quito, Santiago or Rio de Janeiro.

American Airlines has an extensive service throughout Latin America. OR you can choose to take one of the local airlines, LAN Chile to Chile, Aerolineas to Buenos Aires, etc. both to save time and to experience the thrill of one of the dramatic approaches to what appears to be the only flat strip on the island. On Continental, a round-trip fare from Newark late this month all the way through to St. Barts, with a change on St. Maarten, was as low as $598, and American had flights from $685 from Kennedy Airport.Once on the ground, you want to rent a car at the airport from one of the usual international suspects or from the friendly locals at Soleil Caraïbe, (590-590) 27.67.18. But unless you're comfortable with hill starts, be sure to ask for an automatic transmission, and remember that smaller is better on the steep and winding roads.

WHERE TO STAY

Rates are for winter, early January into April; around the holidays, they are higher. For less-expensive options than these, take a look at http://www.st-barths.com/, a reliable and up-to-the-minute site run by a pair of longtime locals that covers virtually everything Bartian.

Hôtel St.-Barth Isle de France, Baie des Flamands, (590-590) 27.61.81, http://www.isle-de-france.com/. Rates start at 680 euros ($823 at $1.21 to the euro) a night.

Le Sereno, Grand Cul de Sac, (590-590) 29.83.00, http://www.lesereno.com/. Rooms start at 600 euros a night.

Hotel Guanahani & Spa, Grand Cul de Sac, (590-590) 27.66.60, http://www.leguanahani.com/. Rooms start at 526 euros a night.

WHERE TO EAT

Le Bête à Z'ailes, Gustavia Harbor, (590-590) 29.74.09. Plan to spend 40 to 60 euros for two.

La Petite Colombe, Lorient, (590-590) 29.74.30.

Nikki Beach, St.-Jean Beach, (590-590) 27.64.64. Entrees run 25 to 30 euros.

Maya's, Public Beach, (590-590) 27.75.73. Expect to pay 60 to 80 euros a person.

Maya's to Go, across from the airport, (590-590) 29.83.70.

WHERE TO DRINK

Le Sereno, see above.

Eden Rock, St.-Jean, (590-590) 29.79.99.

Zanibarth, St.-Jean, (590-590) 27.53.00.

Do Brasil, Shell Beach, (590-590) 29.06.66.

Le Yacht Club, Rue Jeanne d'Arc, Gustavia, (590-590) 49.25.33.

WHERE TO SHOP

The House, Rue Général de Gaulle, Gustavia, (590-590) 27.88.04.

Maryvonne & Gérard, Rue de la République, (590-590) 52.37.68.

Sabina Zest, Villa Créole, St.-Jean, (590-590) 27.82.82.