Patagonia is one of the most striking sailing destinations on Earth. Its fjords, glaciers, and untamed coastlines create an unforgettable setting for adventure.
If you’re joining a sailing course, preparation is key. You’ll want to know where to stay, what to pack, and how to make the most of your time before and after the course.
This guide will help you plan every detail so you’re ready for the journey and the breathtaking moments that come with it.
Patagonia feels like the edge of the world. Snowcapped peaks rise over deep blue fjords, and the wind hums through quiet anchorages. It’s a place that reminds you what raw adventure feels like.
For sailors, it’s the ultimate classroom. The winds are steady, the water is alive, and every island tells a story.
You’ll spend your week learning the craft surrounded by glaciers, dolphins, and mountain light that shifts by the hour.
It’s not about luxury here. It’s about experience, teamwork, and the thrill of earning your sea legs in one of the planet’s last wild places.
Your trip begins in Puerto Montt, the gateway to Chilean Patagonia. The city sits between the mountains and the sea, where the air smells of salt and wood smoke.
This is where your Sailing Virgins adventure starts. Arrive a day early to rest and enjoy your first taste of Patagonia before you board at Club Náutico Reloncaví.
If you arrive from abroad, first land at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago. Then take a short domestic flight south to El Tepual Airport (PMC) in Puerto Montt.
The flight lasts about one hour and forty-five minutes. Local carriers such as LATAM, Sky Airline, and JetSMART operate several daily flights with reliable service.
You’ll go through immigration and customs in Santiago, then recheck your luggage for the domestic flight. Allow at least three hours between flights so you don’t rush.
Once you land in Puerto Montt, the marina sits about thirty minutes away. Here are the best ways to reach it:
Most hotels sit 10-15 minutes from the marina. You’ll make that short trip the next morning when you join your crew at Club Náutico Reloncaví.
Check the route from the airport to Club Náutico Reloncaví on Google Maps.
Arrive in Puerto Montt at least one day before your course. It gives you time to rest, adjust, and explore before joining your crew.
Most hotels will store your large luggage while you’re at sea, so bring only a soft duffel for the course.
A comfortable, modern option near Puerto Montt Cathedral. Rooms have sea views, and breakfast is included.
Courtyard by Marriott Puerto Montt offers free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool, and late checkout upon request. It’s about 15 minutes from the marina by taxi.
Hotel Gran Pacífico was recently renovated. Expect friendly staff, clean rooms, and great sea views. The restaurant serves hearty Chilean dishes, and the location near downtown makes it easy to reach restaurants and markets.
Ibis Puerto Mont offers clean, modern rooms and a good breakfast. Wi-Fi works well, and the bar is a nice place to unwind. The marina is only a short taxi ride away.
An artsy, social spot loved by younger travelers. Blah Blah Hostel Cultural doubles as a small cultural venue, often hosting live music and art shows.
The common spaces encourage conversation, and staff are known for sharing local insider tips.
Spend your first day or two in Puerto Montt easing into Patagonia’s rhythm. The city may look like a working port, but it has charm, history, and incredible seafood.
These short experiences help you stretch your legs and soak in the local culture before you set sail.
Mercado Angelmó sits right by the water. Walk past piles of fresh mussels, crab, and seaweed, and listen to the chatter of local fishermen.
Climb to the second floor, where small kitchens serve steaming bowls of curanto a la olla or creamy chupe de jaiba. Expect to spend about 2 hours here and less than $15 for a full meal.
From the pier beside the market, small boats called lanchas cross to Isla Tenglo for about 1,000 Chilean pesos (a little over $1).
Once ashore, hike 20 minutes to the Cruz del Tenglo, a hilltop cross that overlooks Puerto Montt and the distant volcanoes.
Go in the late afternoon when the light turns golden over the bay.
This ancient forest protects 3,000-year-old alerce trees, Chile’s version of redwoods. Alerce Andino National Park feels quiet and otherworldly, with moss, waterfalls, and birdsong echoing through the canopy.
Join a guided tour from Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas. It’s an 8-hour round trip and costs around $50, including transport and entrance fees.
If you prefer to relax near the marina, head to a local cocinería (small eatery). Order a paila marina, a rich seafood soup filled with clams, shrimp, and mussels.
Pair it with a cold Kunstmann beer, brewed in southern Chile. Expect to pay around $10–12.
You’ll finish your week on the water with new skills, new friends, and a sense of calm that only Patagonia can give. Before you rush home, take a few days to unwind and explore more of this region.
The best place to start is Puerto Varas, a lakeside town just 30 minutes from Puerto Montt. It’s charming, safe, and full of adventure.
Puerto Varas feels like a postcard comes to life. Wooden houses line quiet streets, and cafés serve slices of German-style kuchen (cake).
Sit by Lake Llanquihue with a coffee and stare at the snowcapped Osorno Volcano reflecting in the water.
Most travelers stay here to recharge after their course and plan day trips into the Lake District.
If you want a gentler day, head to Frutillar. It’s a lakeside town known for its perfect German architecture and the striking Teatro del Lago, a concert hall built over the water.
Enjoy a lakeside lunch or visit one of the town’s museums. Guided half-day tours cost about $30 per person.
On your sailing course, you’ll get a glimpse of Chiloé’s outer islands. Afterward, dive deeper into this magical world of myths, legends, and stilted houses painted in bright colors.
Take a two-hour bus from Puerto Montt to Castro, the island’s main town. Visit its famous palafitos, taste the island’s seafood stews, and tour the UNESCO-listed wooden churches.
If you prefer nature and quiet, visit one of the region’s natural hot springs, such as Termas de Puyehue or Termas del Sol.
Surrounded by rainforest, they offer warm pools and mountain views. Hikers can spend a day exploring trails in Alerce Andino National Park or Vicente Pérez Rosales.
Patagonia rewards travelers who prepare well. A few smart steps before you arrive will make your trip smoother from start to finish.
Chile uses the Chilean Peso (CLP). Visa and Mastercard work in most restaurants and hotels in Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas.
Here are some tips to follow:
Sailing Virgins courses take place during Patagonia’s warmest and most stable months. Your current course dates fall in January and March, both great times to sail.
Pack for:
Buying a SIM card in Chile is easy and cheap. You can get one at the airport, in supermarkets, or at small convenience stores, and it works right away.
You’ll have cell service for most of the course. A few fjords may block the signal for a day, but coverage returns once you move into open channels.
Download offline maps if you want a backup, but you won’t be off the grid for long.
An eSIM works too, but a local SIM is usually the best option.
Most restaurants add a 10% suggested tip to the bill. When the server asks “¿Acepta la propina?” say “Sí” if the service was good.
Chileans speak fast, casual Spanish, and the rhythm can surprise visitors at first. Simple phrases go a long way.
Use “hola” for hello, “gracias” for thank you, and “por favor” for please.
Locals appreciate any effort to connect, even if your Spanish is basic. People tend to be warm, polite, and patient with travelers who try to speak their language.
Patagonia’s weather shifts throughout the day, even in summer. You may feel warm sun in the morning and cool wind in the afternoon.
Pack light layers that you can add or remove easily. Bring a warm base layer, a fleece or insulated mid-layer, and a waterproof outer layer.
Soft, non-marking shoes work best on the boat. A beanie, gloves, and sunglasses keep you comfortable when the wind picks up.
Your Patagonia adventure isn’t just a sailing trip. It’s part of your path toward becoming a confident, certified sailor.
This 7-day liveaboard course combines real expedition sailing with hands-on instruction in one of the most breathtaking places on Earth.
Certifications available include:
If you already have experience, you can test out of ASA 101. Completing ASA 104 also qualifies you for the International Proficiency Certificate (IPC), which allows you to charter boats in Europe.
A trip to Patagonia is a special expedition. You’ll arrive in Puerto Montt curious and perhaps a bit unsure. You’ll leave with new skills and stories that stay long after the sails come down.
Take time before and after your course to explore. Walk through local markets, taste curanto by the water, and climb a nearby hill to watch the clouds drift across the Andes.
These simple moments complete your sailing experience and reveal Patagonia’s true spirit.
Join our week-long Patagonia sailing course to earn ASA certifications while you explore this remarkable corner of the world!