REVIEW · SAN FERNANDO
Private Boat Tour to Rio de la Plata and Delta El Tigre with Wine on Board
Book on Viator →Operated by Sailing Experience BA · Bookable on Viator
Most people think Tigre is just land trips. This one is boat time. You’ll glide through the Delta de Tigre and then out on the Rio de la Plata with sailing powered by wind, while empanadas and national red wine keep the mood relaxed.
What I like most is the simple mix: you get a real sailing experience, not just a sightseeing ride. And I also love that the stop in El Tigre pairs the scenery with an empanada-and-wine moment. One thing to consider: this is weather-dependent, and it’s not a kid option for children under 5.
In This Review
- Quick things to know before you go
- A private Delta and Rio sail is a calmer way to do Buenos Aires water
- Price and value: what you’re really paying for at $85 per person
- Meeting point in San Fernando: keep it simple and show up ready
- Stop 1: Delta El Tigre for empanadas, red wine, and a slower pace
- Stop 2: Rio de la Plata for wind-powered sailing on the wide-open water
- Food and wine on board: simple, local, and timed right
- Your guide on the boat: what it means when Sebastian is at the helm
- Timing and slots: plan around the half-day rhythm
- Who this private Rio de la Plata and Delta El Tigre sail fits best
- The one thing to watch: weather can change everything
- Should you book this private boat tour?
- FAQ
- Where does the tour start?
- How long is the private boat tour?
- Is this a private tour?
- What happens at Delta El Tigre?
- What happens on the Rio de la Plata segment?
- What’s included with the tour?
- What are the available time slots?
- Is good weather required?
- Is it suitable for children?
- What are the cancellation and refund terms?
Quick things to know before you go

- Private means your group only, so the skipper can pace the ride for you
- Two different waters: calmer Delta vibes first, then open-wide Rio de la Plata sailing
- Wind-powered navigation is the core activity, not a side note
- Empanadas + national red wine are part of the experience at the Delta stop
- A guide named Sebastian (with host Yvonne) is known for clear communication and competent handling
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours if plans change
A private Delta and Rio sail is a calmer way to do Buenos Aires water

San Fernando is not where you think of “big Buenos Aires” at first. But that’s exactly why this tour feels good: you’re on the water quickly, and you’re not stuck in the chaos of large cruise schedules. It’s a private sailing outing, so it’s built for conversation, timing that makes sense, and questions that don’t get lost in a crowd.
The other win is that this tour doesn’t sell itself as a food-only experience or a photo-only boat ride. The center of the day is the sailing. You’ll practice wind-force navigation and sail through the world’s widest river (that’s how the experience is framed), which makes the Rio de la Plata feel less like a backdrop and more like the star.
The best part for value is how the experience stays “active” for both halves of the trip. You’re not just watching water. You’re learning how wind, sails, and steering work together—while you eat something that actually tastes local.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in San Fernando
Price and value: what you’re really paying for at $85 per person

At $85 per person for about 2 hours 30 minutes, the headline price is easy to compare. The smarter question is: what are you buying?
You’re buying three things that are hard to get on a busy day around Buenos Aires:
- Private time on a boat (only your group participates)
- Two distinct sailing environments: Delta El Tigre first, Rio de la Plata second
- Included food and wine at the Delta stop (empanada + national red wine)
In other words, you’re not paying city-level restaurant prices for the food. You’re paying for boat time and a guide-led sailing experience—then you get a snack that fits the setting instead of a “token bite.”
Also, this tour gets booked ahead. The average booking lead time is about 37 days, so if you want a specific date or time slot, it’s worth planning early.
Meeting point in San Fernando: keep it simple and show up ready
The tour meets at Rosario 990, B1646DHD San Fernando, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. It also ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not worrying about last-mile logistics after you’re wet and happy.
The good news: it’s near public transportation, so you don’t have to rely entirely on a car. The less glamorous news: you still need to be on time. On-water tours run on water time, not “I’ll be there in five” time.
What I’d bring for comfort (nothing fancy, just practical):
- Light jacket or layer (water air can cool things off)
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- A phone with enough battery for photos
- If you’re sensitive to gluten, bring that info up in advance
One small but meaningful detail from the experience: Sebastian is reported to handle the group like a pro, including food accommodations. One guest mentioned he even provided gluten-free empanadas, so it’s reasonable to ask if you have dietary needs.
Stop 1: Delta El Tigre for empanadas, red wine, and a slower pace

The first stop is Delta El Tigre, and it’s designed to shift you from “city mode” into “water-quiet mode.” You get about 1 hour here, with a focus on the Delta’s characteristic vegetation and fauna.
The Delta is a visual experience: lots of greenery, waterways that feel more like passages than roads, and a general sense that the water has its own schedule. That hour matters because it’s when the tour sets the tone. You’re not just waiting to get to the main sailing action—you’re actually enjoying a different Buenos Aires world.
And then there’s the food and drink, which is exactly the right kind of pairing for a boat stop:
- Argentinian empanada
- National red wine
If you’re thinking, Great, food… but will it feel like a tourist trap? This is the sort of included meal that fits the moment. You’ll eat while the boat is working, not after the day is already over. That makes it feel integrated rather than tacked on.
Possible drawback at this stop: if you’re the type who hates time on a boat without a strong focus on activity, the Delta hour can feel more scenic than hands-on. The trade-off is that it’s the calmer half—use it to relax and take in the setting.
Stop 2: Rio de la Plata for wind-powered sailing on the wide-open water

Then comes the bigger stretch: Rio de la Plata for about 1 hour 30 minutes. This is where the tour earns its name as a sailing experience.
The key idea is that you navigate solely by the force of the wind. That means the sails and your skipper’s handling are the whole story. You’re not relying on a motor for movement, and you can feel how wind direction and sail trim affect speed and direction.
It also helps that the Rio de la Plata is framed as the world’s widest river. That scale changes how you perceive the ride. The water feels wider than you expect, and the open space makes sailing feel less like “a trip across a pond” and more like actual cruising.
This second half is the part you’ll probably remember most if you care about how things work. It’s also the part that can feel more sensitive to weather. If it’s windy, that’s part of the charm. If conditions aren’t right, the operator can adjust or cancel—because safety comes first.
Food and wine on board: simple, local, and timed right

A lot of boat tours offer food that’s either heavy or awkward. Here, the food is small and easy to enjoy on a sail.
At El Tigre, you get your empanada and red wine included, which is a nice balance:
- Empanadas are portable and comforting
- Wine adds to the Argentinian feel without turning the trip into a party
One more thing I appreciate: the tour has a reputation for adapting. If you’re gluten-free, it’s worth reaching out before you go. The guide Sebastian is specifically mentioned as providing gluten-free empanadas for a guest. Even if not everyone’s needs can be met the same way, this is a good sign that the crew takes dietary requests seriously.
Your guide on the boat: what it means when Sebastian is at the helm

The experience isn’t just “a boat with a schedule.” It’s a guided sailing day.
Sebastian is named in feedback as:
- a competent skipper
- a courteous host
- someone who communicates well before you meet
- the person who ensures you get back safely
That matters more than you might think. When you’re sailing with wind power, comfort comes from competence. Good communication before the trip also saves you stress—especially when you’re meeting at a specific address in San Fernando.
There’s also mention of Yvonne as part of the hosting team, which suggests you’ll likely get a friendly, organized feel on board. Private tours work best when you’re not left guessing what’s happening next, and this setup seems to do that well.
How to get more out of the day once you’re on board:
- Ask early about what you’ll be doing during the wind-powered sailing
- Pay attention when the sails shift—those are the moments that turn “pretty water” into “oh, that’s how it works”
- If you have dietary needs, bring them up right away rather than at the moment of eating
Timing and slots: plan around the half-day rhythm

The tour runs during a window of hours that’s listed as:
- 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
- 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
(Monday through Sunday)
Those time slots line up nicely with a relaxed day. The morning slot keeps you flexible for lunch plans afterward. The afternoon slot gives you a gentler rhythm after you’ve already seen some Buenos Aires sights.
If you’re choosing between them, pick based on your body clock and what else you plan to do that day. If you hate being rushed, aim for whichever slot gives you a buffer before and after.
Who this private Rio de la Plata and Delta El Tigre sail fits best
This tour is best for:
- couples who want a more personal Buenos Aires water experience
- small friend groups who like sailing and don’t want a big crowd vibe
- travelers who enjoy food that feels part of the trip, not just a stopover
- people who like learning how travel works (wind, sails, navigation)
It’s not a fit for:
- children under 5
- anyone who gets stressed by weather uncertainty (the experience requires good weather)
- people who want a strictly land-based itinerary
And it’s ideal if you’re the kind of traveler who likes authentic details: the Delta’s vegetation-and-fauna feel, the wind-only sailing focus, and the straightforward Argentinian meal.
The one thing to watch: weather can change everything
Because this is a sailing tour that requires good conditions, your plan depends on the day’s weather. The experience is set up to handle weather cancellations, with either a different date or a full refund offered if the tour is canceled due to poor weather.
That’s normal for sailing. The practical move is to stay flexible if you book during shoulder season or if forecasts look shaky. It’s also worth keeping your plans light enough that a reschedule won’t wreck your day.
Should you book this private boat tour?
If you want a Buenos Aires experience that’s genuinely on the water—and you care about sailing beyond just sitting and snapping photos—this is an easy yes. The pairing of private sailing, a Delta El Tigre scenic hour, and Rio de la Plata wind-powered cruising is a strong mix for the price.
Book it if:
- you’re excited about wind-powered sailing
- you like small, guided experiences with time to ask questions
- you value a food-and-wine stop that feels connected to the route
Skip it if:
- you’re traveling with very young kids
- you need a schedule that never changes, no matter what the sky does
Overall, this feels like a well-thought-out afternoon or evening on the water—quiet, guided, and local in the right ways.
FAQ
Where does the tour start?
The tour starts at Rosario 990, B1646DHD San Fernando, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
How long is the private boat tour?
The duration is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. It’s a private activity, so only your group participates.
What happens at Delta El Tigre?
At Delta El Tigre, you spend about 1 hour appreciating the Delta of Buenos Aires and you’re served an Argentinian empanada with red wine.
What happens on the Rio de la Plata segment?
On the Rio de la Plata portion, you navigate while sailing using the force of the wind through the world’s widest river, for about 1 hour 30 minutes.
What’s included with the tour?
Admission tickets for the stops are included, and at the Delta El Tigre stop you get empanadas and national red wine.
What are the available time slots?
The listed operating times are Monday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM, and from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM.
Is good weather required?
Yes. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Is it suitable for children?
It is not recommended for children under 5 years old.
What are the cancellation and refund terms?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid won’t be refunded.





