Buenos Aires to Tigre Delta Boat Tour: River Cruise & San Isidro

Summary

River Cruise from Puerto Madero to Tigre & San Isidro Sights

See Buenos Aires from the river, cruise through the lush Tigre Delta, and discover San Isidro’s cathedral—all in one relaxed day. This tour mixes city views with peaceful waterways and local stories you won’t find in any guidebook.

What’s the experience like?

It’s a funny thing—Buenos Aires looks completely different when you’re gliding away from it on the Río de la Plata. We left the city behind just after 9am, hopping onto a sleek ferry at Puerto Madero. The air felt cooler out on the water, with a salty breeze that made me zip up my jacket. Our guide, Martín, pointed out the old port cranes and the glass towers as we drifted past. I caught a whiff of fresh coffee from someone’s thermos nearby—locals always come prepared. The skyline faded fast, replaced by leafy banks and the tangled web of the Delta’s channels. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a heron or two standing perfectly still in the reeds.

The boat wound its way through narrow streams—Rio San Antonio, Tres Bocas, Rio Capitán Sarmiento—each one quieter than the last. Sometimes you’d hear nothing but the slap of water against the hull and the distant hum of a lawnmower from one of the islands. The houses on stilts looked lived-in, with laundry flapping and dogs barking at passing boats. Our guide explained how families here rely on little grocery boats that float by every morning. It’s a whole different pace of life compared to downtown Buenos Aires.

Once we docked at Tigre’s river terminal, Martín was waiting with a small bus. The ride to San Isidro was quick—maybe 20 minutes—and we stopped right outside the cathedral. The Gothic spires looked dramatic against the cloudy sky. He shared stories about old Argentine families who built those mansions nearby; you can almost picture them hosting garden parties ages ago. On the way back into town along Avenida del Libertador, we glimpsed the Presidential Residence (La Quinta de Olivos) through iron gates and caught sight of horses warming up at the Palermo racecourse. The whole trip wrapped up near Recoleta or Galerías Pacífico—easy spots to grab a late lunch or just wander off on your own.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sailing and Exploring Tigre Delta

• Boat ride from Puerto Madero to Tigre Delta
• Explore Paraná River Delta landscapes
• Bus tour to San Isidro and city sights

Top questions

Is this Tigre Delta boat tour suitable for kids?

Absolutely! The boat is comfortable and safe for all ages. There are infant seats available if you need them.

How long does the boat ride from Puerto Madero to Tigre take?

The ferry ride itself lasts about an hour and a half, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery along the Río de la Plata and into the Delta.

Do we get off at San Isidro Cathedral?

Yes, there’s a stop at San Isidro where you can walk around the cathedral area and see some historic mansions before heading back to Buenos Aires.

Where does the tour end?

You’ll be dropped off in central Buenos Aires—Recoleta, Galerías Pacífico, or near the Obelisco—just let your guide know what works best for you.

What’s included

Your spot includes hotel pickup in Buenos Aires, all ferry and bus transfers, a bilingual local guide throughout, plus air-conditioned comfort on board. Everything’s sorted so you can just relax and enjoy the ride.