For boats
Puerto Deseado is the last safe harbour on Argentinean coast for southbound vessels. This is a fishing and commercial harbour, with no marina or facilities for yachts.
The approach to the river (and harbour) is not too difficult. Keep a safe distance from rocks marked on charts and time with the tide and tidal stream (up to 5 kn springs and 3kn neaps in river mouth). Slack water: HW to HW+2 and LW to LW+2. Watch out of winds, which usually double their force in the entrance.
Call Prefectura Naval Puerto Deseado (call sign L4N) 1 hour before entering or just before leaving the harbour. Ask for permission for entrance / exit.
The harbour consist a long wharf used by ships and fising boats, to which it is possible to raft. We stay longside to a pilot / tug boat named YAMANA (has AIS). They are very friendly, helpful, but be prepare to release them for duty every day for few hours. We used their electricity, water is available on request on the quay.
Second good place to moor is a floating dock belonging to small shipyard, located at the end of the harbour (you have to pass wharf and all fishing boats). Unfortunately, there is minimum space for yachts, not always available. No water or electricity there.
Forget about wooden wharf on the right just after the entrance. Is very danger, berthing there is prohibited.
Keep a sharp look on winds, blowing with high force in the harbour. Short, unfriendly waves makes berthing uncomfortable.
Ria Deseado can be navigated farther upstream, making a good use of the flood. A permit of the Prefectura is required. Isla del Ray lies 5 NM from the harbour and has a good anchorage on the NE side.
Fuel: use your jerrycans, fuel station is located about 10 minutes walking from the gate (turn right then after 200 meters turn left an go straight ahead about 500 meters).
There is a supermarket (La Anonima meracdo) located quite far from the harbour. Take a taxi – cost about 40 pessos.
Formalities:
After arriving captain should visit Prefectura Naval office located in the building opposite to main gate to the harbour. Take a boat papers and the passports.
Short visit to gate guards are also possible. They note names of the crew for permission to enter the harbours gate.
For crews
No WC, no showers.
WiFi – in many bars in the town, but not fast.
The
reserve Natural de la Ria Deseado is a natural park, worth to visit.
Watches dolphins, sea lions, birds and magellan penguins. There is few
tourist offices organizing boat trips. I suggest one located close to
the wooden wharf and small beach, just after the entrance to the
harbour.
Fees
Friendly mooring to Yamana or fishing boats – free
Ship yard – 280 pesses / day
Boat trip to natural park – 450 pessos