Puerto Natales - Docking
The mooring options here 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, even though this is very crowded with fishing boats. 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 shower block by the office.
There are other options to tie up to a variety of piers in Natales, but they are all commercial ones. However, with proper preparation and equipment, it is possible if there is an emergency or some kind of repair situation. Contact the Port Captain as he controls the movement of all vessels.
It is best to assume you will have to anchor here. 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 1.6 km dinghy ride across to the town and in the 25 to 30 knot winds which can whip up during the afternoon, it can be dangerous.
A small marina is being constructed a little north of the anchorage at Puerto Consuelo. It should be open in 2018.
A new boatyard with a 50-ton travelift has opened here. However, it is very expensive (US$1400 for lifting, a couple of hours in slings, and relaunching).
See Related User Comments for info on hauling out here.
Last updated: May 2018.
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Related to following destinations: Chile, Puerto Natales
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20 December – Update: Travelift still not operating.
Posted on behalf of James Burwick:
The news in Natales is good
There is a new marine travel lift 50T operating with a water depth of 5m
Opening date is Nov 2016.
In the meantime vessels can be taken out of the water by a 50 T local crane that can lift boats onto the main pier and transfer them to a trailer or short-term work can be done on the pier itself. There is space in the hard stand area for storage and/or work.
Posted on behalf of James Burwick:
We have been now a week here. There are several places to pull out a centre border or a cat. Not yacht style, so if a skipper has experience then no problem. There is a fishing co-op that has a big gallon and larger hardstand area. Getting out here with a crane is easy.
The closest crane is in Punta Arenas 3 hours drive. Fee is as always paying for the transport time. Getting a few boats together to share the cost would work. Especially in late season when the wind drops.
This is a great place to be on the hard for the winter. The town is very nice. It is quite international now. The Costanera has been paved with concrete. Bike path, rollerblade, 2 skateparks – one of which is extreme. To figure out prices it is Chilean style, unpublished, “conversable”.