Imagine gliding across Nahuel Huapi Lake, surrounded by towering mountains, lush forests, and shimmering waters, all with a friendly guide explaining the landscape in either Spanish or Portuguese. For $130 per person, you get a three-hour voyage that not only showcases some of the most scenic parts of Argentina’s Lake District but also offers moments of peaceful relaxation with herbal teas and snacks. Starting from Puerto Petunia, just a short drive from downtown Bariloche, this cruise is a tranquil escape into nature, far from the hustle and bustle, but with enough comfort and interesting stops to keep you engaged.

Two things we love about this experience are the intimate size of the group—limited to only 10 travelers—making it easy to chat with the guides and fellow explorers, and the variety of views you get to enjoy, from calm bays to open lake stretches, depending on the weather. The ride along the Campanario Arm and views of islands like Serena Bay and Huemul Island make for unforgettable photo opportunities. A second highlight is the stop at a beautiful bay with turquoise waters, where herbal teas and snacks are served, adding a cozy, almost meditative touch to the journey.

One potential consideration is that transport to Puerto Petunia isn’t included in the price, so you’ll need to plan how to get there. Also, the exact departure times vary, so checking availability ahead of time is essential to fit this tour into your schedule. This tour suits travelers who appreciate scenic cruising, small-group intimacy, and authentic nature experiences, especially those who want to relax while soaking in spectacular views.

Key Points

Scenic Lake Views: Cruise along Nahuel Huapi Lake, passing iconic spots like Serena Bay and Huemul Island.
Small Group Experience: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring a personal and engaging atmosphere.
Cultural Touch: Guides speak Spanish and Portuguese, making the experience accessible for many travelers.
Relaxation & Refreshments: Stop at a bay to enjoy herbal teas and snacks, adding a cozy element.
Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, with options to reserve now and pay later.
Authentic Experience: Focused on nature, tranquility, and genuine local scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Sailing Experience

Planning more time in San Carlos De Bariloche? We've covered other experiences worth considering.

Starting Point: Puerto Petunia

The adventure begins at Puerto Petunia, located at 13500 Bustillo Avenue, about 13.5 km from Bariloche’s downtown. This makes it an easy trip to access, especially if you’re staying nearby or have arranged transport. You’ll report to Camping Petunia and inform staff that you’re there to board the sailing boat El Orgulloso.

The Voyage: What You’ll See

Once onboard, the boat begins navigating along the Brazo Campanario, a peaceful arm of Nahuel Huapi Lake that forms the heart of this journey. From here, you’ll be treated to views of Puerto Bueno, a calm bay with crystal-clear waters that make for excellent photo opportunities and quiet reflection. The cruise then continues past Serena Bay, an area renowned for its beauty, and the Huemul Island—a small, forested island that adds to the scenic variety.

Coming towards the Isla de las Gallinas and Isla de las Gaviotas, you’ll notice the diversity of islands dotting the lake, each with their own character and wildlife potential. Depending on weather conditions, the boat may venture further along the majestic Nahuel Huapi Lake toward the coast of Neuquén, visiting Isla de los Víveres and Puerto Venado. These spots grant a sense of the vastness of this region, with water stretching as far as the eye can see.

The Highlight: The Bay Stop

Midway through the tour, you’ll stop at a beautiful turquoise bay, a peaceful spot where you can unwind, sip herbal teas, and nibble on snacks. This moment of pause lets you breathe deeply, take in the lake’s natural beauty, and enjoy some local flavors in an almost meditative setting. Many reviewers, including Ana Karolina Vega, have highlighted this part as “spectacular” and “very friendly guides,” emphasizing the relaxed, intimate atmosphere of this stop.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Guides and Group Size

With guides speaking Spanish and Portuguese, the experience feels inclusive and accessible. The small group size—capped at 10—means you won’t feel lost in a crowd. We loved the way guides could tailor explanations and answer questions more personally, enhancing the overall experience.

While you're exploring San Carlos De Bariloche, here are other experiences we've looked into

Practical Details & Considerations

While the tour includes infusions and snacks, it does not provide transportation to Puerto Petunia, so plan your journey accordingly. The duration is approximately three hours, with varying departure times—checking availability early is the best move. The cost of $130 per person reflects good value for such an intimate, scenic experience that offers both relaxation and memorable views.

What Past Travelers Say

Reviews consistently praise the spectacular views and knowledgeable guides. Ana Karolina Vega shared that it was “an amazing experience, spectacular views and very friendly guides” and expressed a willingness to do it again. This echoes the general sentiment that this tour balances scenic beauty with personal attention in a relaxed setting.

Why This Tour Stands Out

This sailing tour is an excellent choice for travelers who seek something more than just a sightseeing boat ride. It offers a genuine connection to the landscape, with stops that allow for quiet reflection and local snacks that make the experience feel cozy and authentic. It’s perfect for photographers, nature lovers, or anyone wanting a peaceful yet engaging way to explore Nahuel Huapi Lake.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you enjoy small, intimate tours with knowledgeable guides and breathtaking scenery, this experience is ideal. It’s especially suited for those who want a relaxed pace and the opportunity to enjoy herbal teas and snacks amid nature’s tranquility. It also works well if you prefer flexible booking options and appreciate genuine local experiences away from the crowds.

The Sum Up

This sailing tour on Nahuel Huapi Lake offers a beautifully balanced experience, mixing scenic vistas, cultural insights, and moments of peace—all in a setting that feels both authentic and welcoming. It’s a wonderful way to see some of the most stunning parts of Argentina’s Lake District without the rush of larger, more hurried tours. The focus on small groups and knowledgeable guides ensures you’ll get personal attention and insider tips to enrich your visit.

If you’re seeking a calm, picturesque adventure that lets you soak in the natural beauty without feeling rushed, this tour hits the mark. It suits travelers who value authenticity, comfort, and scenic tranquility, especially those with an eye for photography or a love of gentle boat rides.

This sailing experience is a smart pick for anyone wanting to enjoy the lakes and landscapes around Bariloche with a touch of comfort and local charm.

FAQs

How long is the sailing tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, giving you plenty of time to relax, enjoy the scenery, and take photos.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Puerto Petunia, located at 13500 Bustillo Avenue. Make sure to report to Camping Petunia and inform staff you’re boarding the boat El Orgulloso.

Is transportation to Puerto Petunia included?
No, transportation is not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way there.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak Spanish and Portuguese, making the tour accessible to a wide range of travelers.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes infusions and snacks, perfect for relaxing during the bay stop.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in planning.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
While it’s not explicitly stated, the small-group, relaxed nature suggests it could be suitable for families with older children who enjoy calm boat rides and scenic views.

Do weather conditions affect the tour?
Yes, the itinerary may vary depending on weather, especially when sailing along the lake’s open stretches.

Embark on this sailing adventure and see why so many travelers find Nahuel Huapi Lake in Bariloche to be a highlight of their trip. It’s a peaceful, scenic, and personal way to connect with nature—and maybe even find a little quiet inspiration along the way.