“SAILING TOUR: Tango and Choripan (typical Argentine food)

Rio de la Plata sailing turns dinner into an event. This private Tango and Choripan outing pairs a small sailboat ride near Buenos Aires with classic Argentine flavors: mate with peanuts, choripán with chimichurri, Argentine Malbec wine, and dulce de leche for dessert. I especially like how the food is cooked onboard on a charcoal nautical grill, not dropped in as an afterthought.

The other big win is the vibe: tango-style music on the water with views back toward Buenos Aires and a quiet stretch toward Delta El Tigre. One thing to consider: this isn’t a “sit still and look at your phone” tour—if you’re sensitive to motion or get uneasy around water, you may want to skip it.

Tango and Choripan on a Small Sailboat: Key Highlights

  • Max 4 people, truly private on a 26-foot sailboat—this feels personal, not crowded.
  • Rio de la Plata + Buenos Aires from the water—you get a different angle on the city.
  • Mate ritual with shelled peanuts before sailing really gets going.
  • Charcoal grill choripán with chimichurri, plus Malbec wine at the table.
  • Dulce de leche for dessert, the classic Argentine finish.
  • Vegetarian alternative available (including a pizza option), if you tell them in advance.

What This Sail Tour Really Feels Like (And Why It’s Worth It)

This is an Argentine food tour, but it doesn’t feel like one of those scripted “taste three things and go” experiences. The whole point is that the meals and music happen during a real sail. You’re moving on the Rio de la Plata, switching scenery as you go, and building appetite the old-fashioned way—wind, sun, and salt air do half the work.

The private size matters. Four people max means you’re not competing with a loud crowd for attention or trying to hear tango talk over group chatter. The crew is led by Miriam Escandarani, with Pepe frequently mentioned as part of the sailing team, and Juan showing up in some departures—either way, the vibe is warm and hands-on.

The menu also looks simple until you break down the logic. Mate first (a quick cultural ritual), peanuts to snack while you settle in, then the grill happens after sailing. That pacing keeps the experience from feeling rushed. And yes, choripán is the headline, but chimichurri plus fresh bread is the reason it actually tastes like Argentina—not just “bbq sausage.”

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in San Fernando.

Your Route: From Rio de la Plata to Delta El Tigre

The timing is short—about 2 hours—so the route stays focused. You leave from Marina Punta Chica in San Fernando and head out toward the Rio de la Plata and the Buenos Aires area.

Here’s how the stops shape the experience:

  • Stop 1: Rio de la Plata

This is where you settle into the sailing part. The river is wide, and that open water makes the boat feel more peaceful than you might expect from a city near a major metro area.

  • Stop 2: Buenos Aires

This is the money moment for views. Instead of seeing Buenos Aires from a crowded viewpoint, you see it from the water—more distant, more geometric, and oddly calming. If you book a later departure, you may catch the city glow, since the ride can line up with sunset and evening light.

  • Stop 3: Delta El Tigre

The Delta adds a change of pace from open river. It’s a chance to slow down visually and feel the river’s personality before you head back.

A practical note: the itinerary is built around good weather. If conditions are poor, the operator may offer another date or a full refund, because they’re not going to risk comfort and safety on a short sail.

The Food Plan: Mate, Choripán, Chimichurri, and Dulce de Leche

If you care about Argentine food, this trip hits the core set—without trying to turn it into a food show.

Mate + peanuts in shell

You’ll taste mate, the classic Argentine herbal infusion, and it comes with shelled peanuts for snacking. This is a nice opener because it feels local right away. It also helps you build appetite before the grill is lit.

Choripán cooked on a charcoal nautical grill

Once sailing is underway, the team fires up a charcoal grill onboard and cooks choripán—grilled sausage served with bread and dressed with chimichurri. Choripán is basically Argentina’s grab-and-go flavor turned into a proper meal. Here, it’s not just “included”; it’s the centerpiece.

Also, you don’t just get one taste. The format is dinner-style: you eat together after the sailing segment, while the boat stays part of the whole moment.

Malbec wine with your meal

You’ll have a glass of Argentine Malbec included. It’s a practical pairing: Malbec has enough body to handle grilled flavors and chimichurri’s tang.

Dulce de leche for dessert

Then you finish with dulce de leche, the famous caramel-like milk treat Argentina is known for. It’s the kind of dessert that feels right after something savory, not heavy in a weird way—like it balances the meal.

Vegetarian option (including a pizza alternative)

If you’re vegetarian, you won’t be stuck with a sad substitution. There’s a vegetarian menu option, and the operator offers the option of cooking pizzas as the alternative. The key is to tell them about food restrictions in advance so they can plan the right items.

Tango Comes Along for the Ride

This isn’t a tango lesson. It’s more like tangos as a soundtrack—music that fits the mood of the river and the Argentine food theme.

You’ll listen to Tangos connecting with local music while you sail. The effect is more than background noise. Tango has that dramatic, slow-build feel, and on open water it makes the whole outing feel like a small, curated afternoon with a theme.

And the crew doesn’t just play music and disappear. Miriam and her team are set up to talk about what you’re seeing and what the experience means—boat questions, local culture, and good practical advice about what to do next in the city.

The Crew and the Private-Vibe Advantage

A private tour can still feel rigid if the operator runs it like a checklist. This one tends to feel human.

Because it’s private (max 4 people), you get a more flexible flow. You can ask questions. You can linger at the rail for photos when the view is best. And you’re not juggling lines of strangers waiting to take the same picture.

This is one of those experiences where the hosts matter. Miriam Escandarani is named as the provider, and Pepe is often mentioned alongside her in the sailing experience. On some departures, Juan appears as part of the crew. Either way, the pattern is consistent: attentive service, easy conversation, and a calm way of guiding the group.

If you like tours where you can talk and not just be “entertained,” this format fits.

Price and Value: $300 per Person for a Private Boat Meal

At $300 per person for about 2 hours, the price won’t feel cheap. But it can feel fair once you count what’s actually included.

You’re paying for:

  • A private sailboat ride (not a shared sightseeing boat)
  • Mate + peanuts
  • Dinner choripán cooked on board
  • Chimichurri with bread
  • Malbec wine
  • Dulce de leche dessert

When a tour includes food, drinks, and a boat with a small-group cap, the math changes from “activity cost” into “experience package.” For couples, it’s also a good value compared to doing all the pieces separately—boat time, a good meal, wine, and a cultural element.

My practical take: this is a strong buy when you want something different on your first days in Buenos Aires rather than stacking another museum or neighborhood walking tour. It’s also a solid “treat yourself” moment if you’re celebrating something small.

What to Bring (So Wind Doesn’t Ruin the Day)

Sailing on a river near Buenos Aires can mean wind and quick weather changes. The tour doesn’t include basics, so you’ll want to plan ahead.

Bring:

  • Sunscreen
  • Comfortable clothes
  • A coat and hat (especially if you’re booking later or it’s cooler)

You might also want to dress in layers. Even if the day starts warm, the breeze on the water can cool you down fast.

One more consideration: the tour isn’t recommended for travelers who are easily dizzy or have a water phobia. That’s not about “toughening up.” It’s about comfort. A moving sailboat makes balance a factor.

Timing Tips: Book for Sunset or City Lights

The ride is short, so timing affects your payoff. Some departures line up with calmer sailing and sunset and city lights from the boat. If you’re picking between different days and times, I’d lean toward later-afternoon or early-evening options when conditions allow.

Why? Because you get two types of Buenos Aires impressions:

  • day views that feel crisp and airy
  • night views that feel more cinematic from the water

This is where the tango-music theme also makes sense. Tango and evening light just pair well.

Where You Start: Marina Punta Chica (And How to Plan the Arrival)

You meet at Restaurante MARINA PUNTA CHICA, at the Marina Punta Chica area in Victoria, Buenos Aires Province (the address provided is B1644 EAF, Cmte. Luis Piedra Buena 3482-3498, San Fernando area). The activity ends back at the meeting point, so you’re not dealing with a complicated transfer.

It’s also noted as being near public transportation, which helps if you don’t want to fight traffic or parking on your own.

Practical tip: arrive a bit early so you can check in without rushing, especially if the boat is preparing to depart on a tight schedule.

Who Should Book This Tango and Choripan Sail?

This trip fits best if you:

  • want a short, high-value Argentine experience (food + views + culture)
  • like boats but don’t need hours of sailing to enjoy it
  • travel as a couple or small group and want private attention
  • care about simple, classic flavors: choripán, chimichurri, dulce de leche, mate
  • want tango energy without sitting through a formal show

It may not be the best match if you:

  • get motion sick easily
  • strongly dislike being on or near water
  • want a long itinerary with lots of land stops

Should You Book It? My Decision Guide

Book it if you’re aiming for an Argentine afternoon that feels real—boat time, charcoal-grilled food, and tango music in the same package. The private size and the onboard cooking are the kind of details that make a difference.

Skip it if comfort on the water is a concern for you, since this is a moving sail and the crew is also clearly focused on going out only when weather is good enough to make the experience enjoyable.

If you want a first-night or second-day “welcome to Buenos Aires” moment that’s not another big-city checklist item, this is a great way to do it.

FAQ

How long is the sailing tour?

The tour lasts about 2 hours.

How many people are on the boat?

It’s a private tour for up to 4 people.

Where does the tour start?

You start at Restaurante MARINA PUNTA CHICA, Marina Punta Chica in Victoria, Buenos Aires Province (San Fernando area). The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What food and drinks are included?

You’ll get mate with shelled peanuts, dinner choripán with bread and chimichurri, Argentine Malbec wine, and dulce de leche for dessert.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes. There’s a vegetarian menu option, including an option to cook pizzas instead.

Is the tour suitable for kids?

The tour is suitable for travelers over 5 years old.

What should I bring since it’s not included?

You should bring sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and a coat and hat. The tour also notes it isn’t recommended for people who are easily dizzy or have a water phobia.

More Tours in San Fernando

More Tour Reviews in San Fernando

Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in San Fernando we have reviewed

Explore Colombia