Officials from Uruguay’s transport, tourism and ports agencies presented ongoing marina improvements, planned port upgrades and navigation services in San Fernando, Argentina, on 4 November, aiming to encourage Argentine sailors crossing the River Plate to moor their vessels and explore the country’s coastal destinations.

National Ports Administration

Representatives of the National Hydrography Directorate under the Ministry of Transport and Public Works (MTOP), the Ministry of Tourism and the National Ports Administration (ANP) introduced the proposal, titled “Uruguay: nautical tourism that surprises”. It also presented opportunities for visiting sailors to experience the country’s natural attractions, gastronomy and culture during their stay.

As around 97 percent of marina users in Uruguay come from Buenos Aires, Argentina is a priority market for the country’s efforts to strengthen nautical tourism and encourage longer visits by boat.

During the presentation, sailing options and marina services were discussed across four regions: the River Uruguay ports in the north; Carmelo and Colonia on the southern coast; Montevideo and Punta Carretas in the metropolitan area; and Punta del Este, Piriápolis and La Paloma in the east. Meanwhile, ongoing projects include dredging at El Sabalero port in Juan Lacaze and the new marina at Punta Carretas, which also has a planned breakwater extension.

Uruguay’s reactivation of the national Nautical Forum, known as Mesa Náutica, was also discussed at the event. The forum coordinates efforts between the MTOP, the Ministry of Tourism, the National Naval Prefecture and the ANP to support nautical tourism development.