Following a string of high-profile yacht seizures during the 2024–2025 sailing season, Chilean maritime authorities are signaling a significant escalation in enforcement against illegal chartering. Foreign-flagged vessels operating in Chilean waters – especially in the sensitive southern fjords and routes to Antarctica – are urged to proceed with caution and full compliance ahead of the upcoming 2025–2026 season.

Published 1 day ago

Foreign Yachts Seized in Coordinated Crackdown

Last season Chilean Customs, Immigration, Federal Police, and the Coast Guard jointly seized a number of yachts accused of violating their temporary import declarations, which strictly prohibit commercial activity.

All the detained vessels were reportedly:

• Foreign-flagged (including Russian, Czech, Panamanian, and French registries)
• Operating paid charters or sharing costs with guests
• Advertising itineraries and prices online
• Repeatedly entering and exiting Chilean ports with new passengers

In one of the most serious cases, a French vessel—long present in Chilean and Antarctic waters—was impounded after complaints of violence on board, and the captain was reportedly arrested for possession of a firearm and narcotics. He later escaped custody and fled the country.

The largest fine was given to a Spanish sailboat, which now has additional problems stranded on the beach [read news here].

The Law Is Clear: No Chartering Without Chilean License

Chilean regulations are unambiguous: only Chilean-flagged and licensed vessels may legally operate for hire. Foreign vessels entering under temporary import must sign a declaration stating that the vessel will not be used commercially. Breaching this declaration can result in:

• Fines up to 100% of the vessel’s value
• Seizure and detention of the yacht
• Criminal charges against the captain for working on a tourist visa
• Delays lasting months while legal proceedings unfold

Even cost-sharing arrangements—such as accepting “contributions” from friends for fuel or provisions—can be interpreted as chartering, particularly when repeat guest turnover or promotional posts are involved.

Noonsite’s contact in Chile reports: “Half of the large sailboats that arrive in Ushuaia offer charters to the Beagle Channel, Cape Horn, or the jewel of the Antarctic charter. They charge a fortune and do so completely illegally. Upon arrival, they declare themselves to be recreational sailboats, with recreational crew members, and they promise not to engage in commercial activities. However, their websites state the opposite, and with extremely high prices. That’s why every few years there are police operations and several sailboats have serious problems. Last season, some had to pay heavy fines; one paid the fine and continued working, so it was seized and is now stranded on a Chilean beach. Perhaps lost forever. In a previous season, that sailboat suffered mechanical problems on its journey to Antarctica, and the rescue cost the Chilean Navy a fortune.”

Expect Even Stricter Enforcement Ahead

While enforcement has long existed on paper, last season marked a shift to aggressive action, triggered in part by:

• Domestic pressure from Chilean operators losing business to unauthorized foreign yachts
• Ongoing visibility of online advertising for cruises to Antarctica
• Increased inter-agency coordination and surveillance, especially around Puerto Williams and Puerto Natales

Local observers report that port captains are already tracking vessels with suspected patterns of rotating guests and may tighten scrutiny further next season.

Although there is no evidence that regular cruisers are being targeted, the grey area of cost-sharing with guests remains legally precarious. Even well-meaning skippers who accept contributions for fuel or provisions could be interpreted as operating commercially—particularly when combined with promotional posts or repeat guest turnover.

Chile’s fjords and Antarctic gateway remain world-class cruising grounds—but last season’s enforcement signals a new era of vigilance. With multiple yachts seized, fines issued, and even jail time handed out, the message is clear: the coming season will likely see stricter controls, more inspections, and less tolerance for grey-zone operations.

Foreign skippers should prepare accordingly, sail transparently, and stay firmly on the right side of the law.

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Related News:

• Unprecedented: four foreign yachts were seized after being caught making illegal sailings with tourists [La Prensa Austral]
• Interagency operations: Maritime Authority, Customs and PDI seize four sailboats in Magallanes [Chile Naval News]
• This is how the illegal luxury navigation service worked in Chile with trips to Antarctica [Memo]

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Noonsite has not independently verified this information.

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