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With thousands of miles of coastline, incredible beaches, and world-class natural scenery, many destinations in South America are emerging as top tourist destinations for boating enthusiasts and on-water adventure travelers. From island-hopping experiences in Cartagena to seeing iconic sights like Sugarloaf in Rio de Janeiro, there are many incredible reasons to book a boat rental or yacht charter when traveling around South America.


About the Report

This report analyzes booking and demand data from Getmyboat, the world’s largest boat rental marketplace, examining the top boating from across South America. We ranked the cities based on frequency by examining the demand and number of completed rentals. We included data regarding pricing, the most popular style of vessel, and information about the local boating culture.

It contains proprietary booking data for each city, including the most desired vessel style for renters and average pricing. It discusses the distinct features that make each of these destinations boating hotspots and the overall boating experience they offer.


Our Methodology

To develop this report, Getmyboat analyzed all boat rentals, charters, and demand data for South American cities in 2024. The data was cleaned to exclude outlier hourly rates and locations with insignificant sample sizes, while rentals were categorized into the significant categories to be evaluated in this report. Data on the average hourly rate, trip price, most popular style of boat, and number of vessels available in each location is included for the top locations to paint a more detailed picture of the boating culture for each city.


The Busiest Boating Cities in South America in 2024

South America Data Map

1. Cartagena, Colombia

Most Popular Vessel Type: Catamarans

At the top of the list, Cartagena offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a top boating destination in South America. Its location on the Caribbean coast provides easy access to gorgeous beaches, crystal-clear waters, and the stunning Rosario Islands, a national park with vibrant coral reefs and marine life. The city's vibrant nightlife and world-class seafood restaurants add to its appeal, attracting luxury travelers and adventure seekers alike. Cartagena accounts for a significant portion of Colombia's boating rental market, and tens of thousands of yacht charters are booked annually. Boating itineraries focus on island-hopping and sunset cruises. Top reasons for visitors to rent a boat in Cartagena include:

  • Day trips to the Rosario Islands for snorkeling and diving.
  • Private yacht charters for weddings and luxury events.
  • Historical sightseeing from the water, including views of the city's colonial-era forts.

2. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Most Popular Vessel Type: Yachts

With its iconic coastline and breathtaking natural scenery, Rio de Janeiro is synonymous with luxury and leisure. The Guanabara Bay offers calm waters for boating, surrounded by landmarks like Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer. Rio’s vibrant culture, including Carnival and beach life at Copacabana and Ipanema, complements its boating opportunities. Guanabara Bay hosts over thousands of annual boat rentals and charters, and Rio accounts for nearly a third of Brazil's overall boating market. Some notable experiences you can have while exploring Rio de Janeiro by boat include:

  • Boat parties in Guanabara Bay, especially during Carnival.
  • Scenic tours of Ilha Grande, known for its tropical forests and secluded beaches.
  • Nighttime cruises to experience Rio’s illuminated skyline.

3. San Andres, Colombia

Most Popular Vessel Type: Pontoons

San Andres, part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is famed for its turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. The island offers unparalleled opportunities for eco-tourism, diving, and fishing, all while maintaining a relaxed Caribbean vibe. The marine ecosystem here is among the richest in the region. Many charters cater to eco-tourism and marine conservation enthusiasts in San Andres. Some top-experiences sought out by tourists include:

  • Glass-bottom boat tours to explore the diverse marine life.
  • Island-hopping trips to Johnny Cay and Haynes Cay.
  • Fishing charters that target local species such as mahi-mahi and tuna.

4. Guatapé, Colombia

Most Popular Vessel Type: Powerboats

Guatapé’s charm lies in its picturesque artificial reservoir surrounded by lush green hills and colorful, artistic architecture. El Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir is a hub for water sports, leisure boating, and tranquil sightseeing. The vibrant town of Guatapé, with its painted facades and cozy cafes, adds to the appeal. Some of the top boating experiences here include:

  • Pontoon boat rentals for group outings and celebrations.
  • Kayaking and paddleboarding for serene exploration.
  • A climb up El Peñón de Guatapé (a giant rock formation) for panoramic views of the reservoir.

5. Santa Marta, Colombia

Most Popular Vessel Type: Powerboats

Santa Marta is a hidden gem along Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Its proximity to Tayrona National Park and the Sierra Nevada mountains makes it ideal for combining boating with eco-tourism and cultural exploration. Santa Marta’s secluded beaches and coral reefs are best accessed by boat. Some favorite reasons to rent include:

  • Excursions to Tayrona National Park’s isolated coves and beaches.
  • Snorkeling and diving in the coral reefs around Playa Cristal.
  • Sunset cruises with views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

6. San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina

Most Popular Vessel Type: Fishing Charters

Set amidst the dramatic landscapes of Patagonia, Bariloche is famous for its crystal-clear lakes, including Nahuel Huapi, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It’s a haven for boating enthusiasts seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Bariloche also offers opportunities for fishing, wildlife spotting, and luxury cruises. Tourists look to enjoy boating here often book:

  • Catamaran tours to Victoria Island and Arrayanes Forest.
  • Fishing charters targeting trout and salmon.
  • Private sailing experiences for honeymooners and nature lovers.

7. São Paulo, Brazil

Most Popular Vessel Type: Yachts

São Paulo, though primarily urban, offers easy access to coastal destinations and picturesque reservoirs like Represa do Guarapiranga and Represa Billings. These locations are popular for weekend getaways, blending boating with family-friendly activities and corporate events. São Paulo’s boating has seen steady growth driven by urban professionals and families. Some favorite excursions for both visitors and locals include:

  • Sailing and fishing on Guarapiranga Reservoir.
  • Coastal charters to Ilha Bela for diving and beach activities.
  • Party boats and corporate events on the reservoir.


In Summary

South America’s boating destinations offer luxury, adventure, and ecological exploration. Cartagena and Rio de Janeiro are at the top of demand in the region due to their iconic waterfronts and vibrant tourism industries. Meanwhile, destinations like Guatapé and Bariloche provide unique freshwater experiences, highlighting the diversity of the continent’s offerings. The growing demand for eco-tourism and personalized boating experiences signals significant potential for future market growth, and South America stands out as a top tourist destination thanks to the incredible outdoor opportunities and affordable pricing for many travelers venturing here from other countries.


About Getmyboat

Getmyboat is the world's biggest and best marketplace for fun, safe, and easy boating experiences of all kinds. Launched in 2013, over 2 million customers have gone boating through the platform, with 180,000+ listings across 184 countries and thousands of 5-star reviews for boat owners and captains. 30% of trips are boat rentals, while 70% of trips are captained by boating professionals, so customers feel safe while they enjoy being together with family and friends on the water.


Citing this Report

Media professionals are welcome to utilize this data for journalistic reporting purposes, with a citation and link to Getmyboat. For any questions, or for any other data not found in the below report, reach out to pr@getmyboat.com. Our data and press team can provide further analysis, press quotes, and any other information needed for press stories.