Golden Dorado River Cruiser - Argentina

Paraná River Liveaboard Fishing

Flies or Lures

We've hosted many golden dorado fishing trips aboard the Golden Dorado River Cruiser. The Parana River system is the second-largest in South America, after the Amazon, and has a total length of over 1,500 miles. It has hundreds of tributaries, deltas, marshlands, lagoons, and side channels, teeming with fantastic flora and fauna, and the aggressive golden dorado. Cast-and-Blast options, too.
2026 Rate: $5,400 per person for 7 nights / 6.5 days guided fishing. Many package options.

2026 Hosted Weeks
with Brad Staples
Brad has hosted trips on the River Cruiser since 2018.
7 nights and 6.5 days guided fishing
$5,400 per person
Group Size: 8 anglers + host
March 20-28, 2026: Sold Out
March 27 - April 4, 2026: 6 spots
Book anytime. You are not limited to our hosted weeks.

Far From Home - The Rio Paraná Episode 3

Angler with a beautiful golden dorado while fly fishing the Paraná River in Argentina.

Paraná River Golden Dorado

The Golden Dorado River Cruiser provides access to some of the best dorado fishing available in the Paraná River system. Each day, you'll have the opportunity to fish in new waters, with anglers often not encountering another boat throughout the day. This unique river cruiser offers the flexibility to move in accordance with the fish, adapting to seasonal changes, weather conditions, and the presence of baitfish. However, the cruiser may remain stationary during your trip, depending on water levels and fishing conditions. The team will ensure that you spend minimal time traveling in boats to reach the best fishing spots.
This liveaboard dorado fishing program is the only one of its kind in Argentina. Within minutes of the main river, you can cast your line for aggressive dorado while enjoying the expansive wilderness, all while remaining close to civilization.

The Golden Dorado River Cruiser fishing program is year-round, 1.7 ft. Carolina skiffs with 90 HP Yamaha motors are used.

The Fishing Program:

Season: The Golden Dorado River Cruiser runs year-round, with peak fishing from October to May. January and February, their summer months, tend to be hot yet still suitable for fishing.
Boats: Four 17.5-ft. Carolina Skiffs with 90-HP Yamaha four-stroke engines. The boats are designed for fly fishing and have remote-controlled electric trolling motors and two casting platforms, so both anglers can comfortably cast at the same time. (Two anglers per boat and guide.) The guides all have radios in their boats for communication with the Liveaboard and other guides.
Guides: Local guides were born and raised on these waters. They speak both English and Spanish. You'll fish with a new guide each day.
Fishing Equipment is not included. Fly rods and reels are available (in case of breakage). Flies are for sale on the Cruiser for $100 per dozen. Our confirmation packet includes a detailed list of what to bring.
A Fishing License is included in the package.

A Typical Fishing Day

7:30 to 8:00 a.m. - Breakfast is served.
8:30 a.m. - You’ll meet your guide and depart for fishing.
Noon to 1:00 p.m. - You can have lunch on the boat or head back to the Cruiser; you get to choose. After lunch, you can enjoy a siesta.
3:00 to 3:30 p.m. - You’ll return to fishing and fish until just before dark - 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Enjoy appetizers and cocktails on the upper deck.
9:00 p.m. - Dinner is served.

Stay aboard the Parana River Gypsy Liveaboard on the Parana River Delta and enjoy great fishing and food.

Carl Quartermus with a Hosted Week Trophy

Carl Quartermus holding a large Golden Dorado while fishing Argentina's Parana River.

Golden Dorado are extraordinary hunters and are regarded as one of the best-fighting freshwater fish on the planet. They’re aggressive with a ferocious strike, long, hard runs, high jumps, and fighting stamina. The locals call them River Tigers.
Dorado like moving water and most often stalk close to river structure. Be prepared for them to viciously strip set your hook, pulling hard on your line, or you’ll end up with nothing. Catches range from 2 to 15 pounds, with chances at larger fish every trip.
Parana River Species: Golden dorado, pacu, pira pita, wolffish, vampire fish (payara), pira pita, catfish, and other freshwater species.

Brad and Charlie Swett with Golden Dorado

Brad and Charlie Swett with a Golden Dorado double from the vast Parana River in Argentina.

The Parana Gypsy Liveaboard

The Parana Gypsy is a 66 ft. long liveaboard used for the Golden Dorado River Cruiser package on the Parana River. A fly or lure fishing package.

The fishing, great meals, and exceptional birding make this a great trip for couples.

Far From Home - The Rio Parana Episode 3

Cast-and-Blast

Season: The Cast-and-Blast season runs from mid-May through the third week in August. Guided hunting and fishing.
There is a daily limit of 25 ducks. You’ll duck hunt early in the morning, then return to the Cruiser for lunch and a siesta. You’ll fish for golden dorado in the afternoon after the water warms up.
Double occupancy and shared blinds.
7 nights / 6.5 days $6,965 per person
6 nights / 5.5 days $5,970 per person
5 nights / 4.5 days $4,975 per person
4 nights / 3.5 days $3,980 per person
3 nights / 2.5 days $2,985 per person
Packages do not include a gun rental ($80), shells ($25 per box), or a hunting license ($120).
Rates are subject to change.

Getting to the Liveaboard:

1.) Arrival in Argentina.
You’ll fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE) and spend the night.
2.) The next morning - options for travel to the Liveaboard:
• Complimentary ground transfer (approx. 8 hours) from Buenos Aires to the Liveaboard area/marina.
• Charter flight from Buenos Aires to Santa Fe (SFN) or Paraná (PRA) — the two airports are 30 miles (49 km) apart. Charter flights are not included in the package.
3.) A Lodge representative will meet arrivals at Santa Fe or Paraná for a 3.5-hour drive to the marina.
4.) Boat Transfer to the Liveaboard
From the marina, you'll take a 60 to 90-minute ride on a 26-ft. shuttle boat to reach the Cruiser.
The package does not include hotel nights, meals, or transfers in Buenos Aires.
5.) Boarding + Fishing
Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome reception and fishing/tackle orientation. If time allows, you may fish that afternoon. Appetizers and cocktails follow, then dinner at 9:00 p.m.

Season: Year-round operation.
Two anglers per room and boat:
7 nights / 6.5 days guided fishing $5,400 per person
6 nights / 5.5 days guided fishing $4,800 per person
5 nights / 4.5 days guided fishing $4,200 per person
4 nights / 3.5 days guided fishing $3,500 per person
3 nights / 2.5 days guided fishing $2,800 per person
Two anglers per room and one per boat:
7 nights / 6.5 days guided fishing $7,100 per person
6 nights / 5.5 days guided fishing $6,250 per person
5 nights / 4.5 days guided fishing $5,450 per person
4 nights / 3.5 days guided fishing $4,550 per person
3 nights / 2.5 days guided fishing $3,650 per person
One angler per room and one per boat:
7 nights / 6.5 days guided fishing $8,100 per person
6 nights / 5.5 days guided fishing $7,200 per person
5 nights / 4.5 days guided fishing $6,300 per person
4 nights / 3.5 days guided fishing $5,250 per person
3 nights / 2.5 days guided fishing $4,200 per person
Non-Angler Companion, sharing a room:
7 nights / 6 days $2,700 per person
6 nights / 5 days $2,400 per person
5 nights / 4 days $2,100 per person
4 nights / 3 days $1,750 per person
3 nights / 2 days $1,400 per person

The Packages Include:

• Roundtrip ground transfers from Buenos Aires to the liveaboard (approx. 8 hours)
OR
• Roundtrip ground transfers from Buenos Aires (8 hrs) or Santa Fe/Paraná airports (3.5 hrs)
• Transfer on 26 ft. boat to the liveaboard
• Liveaboard lodging
• Meals on Liveaboard
• Open bar with wine/beer/soft drinks/cocktails
• Use of fly outfits (in case of breakage)
• One free load of laundry ($15 after that)
• Starlink Wi-Fi on the Liveaboard
• Guided fishing
• A fishing license

The Packages Do Not Include:

• International or domestic airfare
• Hotels, meals, and ground transfers in Buenos Aires
• Fishing gear, tackle, and flies
• Use of satellite telephone
• Gratuities to guides and staff
• Global Rescue coverage
• Travel insurance
• Anything not listed under inclusions.

Fishing with Larry Payment Options:
1.) Credit card (a 2.5% convenience fee applies)
2.) Check. Please include your invoice number in the memo. Mail checks to Fishing with Larry P.O. Box 419 Columbus, MT 59019.
3.) Wire Transfer (Send money electronically – typically a $15 to $30 fee for domestic transfers and $45 - $50 for international transfers.)
Please email Toni at toni@fishingwithlarry.com for wire instructions.

Golden Dorado River Cruiser Policies:
Deposit Policy: To confirm a booking, a non-refundable deposit of 50% per person is due within 10 days. The payment of the balance of the trip is due 90 days before the beginning of the booked date.
Cancellation Policy: For cancellations, all deposits and payments are non-refundable. Because of the lodge's no refund policy, we highly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance. If there are valid reasons why an angler is not able to make the booked dates, and at the total and exclusive discretion of the lodge, a new date could be offered according to availability. In the same way, and at the total and exclusive discretion of the lodge, if a replacement is found, the trip could be transferred to the replacement.
Fishing with Larry recommends Global Rescue and Signature Travel Insurance. Click here for our Travel Insurance page.