Puerto Natales : Profile

Docking

Lying on the eastern shore of Canal Senoret, the town is a useful stop for a visit to the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers. It is only a few miles from the Argentinian border.

The mooring options are not very good. Most being exposed to winds from both N/NW and SW. The best option is Terminal Presquero, to the south of the town. The other piers are either closed to yachts or unsuitable.

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 mile long dinghy ride accross to the town and in the 25 to 30 knot winds which can whip up during the afternoon, it can be dangerous.

Terminal Pesquero
The best option is either to raft up to a fishing boat at the pier end or to anchor in the basin formed by pier and the shore, but beware of the many lines connecting the boats to their safety anchors. There are some water taps and a new shower block by the office.

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