Golden Dorado River Cruiser - Argentina

Parana River Liveaboard Fishing

Fly or Lures

We've hosted many trips aboard the Golden Dorado River Cruiser. Within a few hours of Buenos Aires, you'll find fantastic golden dorado fishing opportunities in the vast lower delta of the Parana River system. 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, full of fantastic flora and fauna, and yes, the aggressive golden dorado.



2025 Hosted Weeks
with Host Brad Staples

7-nights and 6.5 days guided fishing
$5,400.00 per person
• March 21-29, 2025:
• March 28 - April 5, 2025
2025 will be Brad's 8th year hosting trips here.


2026 Hosted Weeks
with Host Brad Staples

7-nights and 6.5 days guided fishing
$5,400.00 per person
• March 20-28, 2026:
• March 27 - April 4, 2026


You are not restricted to our hosted weeks. Book anytime.

Parana River Golden Dorado

Golden dorado Fishing

The Golden Dorado River Cruiser accesses some of the best dorado fishing on the Parana River system. Each day, you'll fish new waters. Anglers often do not see another boat on the water all day. The Golden Dorado River Cruiser allows anglers the mobility to move with the fish according to seasons, weather, and the arrival of baitfish. Depending on the water levels and fishing conditions, the Cruiser might not move during your trip. They will make sure that you spend the least amount of time riding in the boats to the best fishing locations.
This liveaboard golden dorado fishing program is the only one of its kind in Argentina. Within minutes of the main river, you can cast to aggressive dorado and enjoy this expansive wilderness area while remaining close to civilization.

The Fishing Program:

golden dorado river cruiser argentina fishing

Season:  The Golden Dorado River Cruiser runs year-round, with peak fishing from September through April. January and February, their summer months, tend to be hot yet 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 anglers can comfortably cast at the same time. The guides all have radios in their boats for communication with the Liveaboard and other guides. You'll fish two anglers per boat and guide.
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). Our confirmation packet includes a detailed list of what to bring.
A Fishing License is included in the package.

A Typical Guided 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 lower Parana River Delta and enjoy great fishing and food.

Carl Quartermus with a Hosted Week Trophy

Carl Quartermus with Large Golden Dorado

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, pira pita, catfish, and other freshwater species.

Brad and Charlie Swett with Golden Dorado

Brad and Charlie Swett with Golden Dorado from the vast lower delta of the Parana River in Argentina.

The Parana Gypsy Liveaboard

golden dorado river cruiser argentina

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


Getting to the Liveaboard:

1.) You’ll fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE).
2.) A Lodge representative will pick you up from the airport or your hotel in Buenos Aires. He'll drive the group for the week in a shuttle van to the marina, about a 2.5 to 3.5-hour drive.
3.) The group will take a 60- to 90-minute water transfer from the marina on a 26-foot boat to the liveaboard.

Sample Itinerary for a 7-night and 6-day Package:

Day 0:   You’ll fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE). We suggest you arrive in Buenos Aires the day before the start of your week on the Golden Dorado River Cruiser and stay overnight in a hotel. The package does not include the ground transfer to the hotel, the overnight stay, and meals in Buenos Aires.
Day 1:   A Golden Dorado River Cruiser representative will greet you at the Ezeiza International Airport or your hotel in Buenos Aires. He will drive you in a shuttle van to the marina, a 2.5 to 3.5-hour drive. Depending on where the Liveaboard is moored, you’ll ride in the 26 ft. shuttle boat for approximately 60 to 90 minutes. There will be a reception and a fishing and tackle orientation on the Cruiser. If time allows, you’ll fish in the afternoon. You’ll enjoy appetizers and cocktails, followed by dinner at 9:00 p.m.
Days 2-7:   Six days of guided fishing.
Day 8:   You’ll enjoy breakfast at 7:00 a.m., then depart at 8:30 a.m. to Buenos Aires. Most flights back to the States leave in the evening.

Rates Valid through August 1, 2025:

7-nights and 6.5-days guided fishing  $5,400.00 per person
6-nights and 5.5-days guided fishing  $4,800.00 per person
5-nights and 4.5-days guided fishing  $4,200.00 per person
4-nights and 3.5-days guided fishing  $3,500.00 per person
3-nights and 2.5-days guided fishing  $2,800.00 per person
Non-angler sharing a room:
7-nights and 6-days $2,600.00 per person
6-nights and 5-days $2,325.00 per person
5-nights and 4-days $2,000.00 per person
4-nights and 3-days $1,700.00 per person

2025 Cast-and-Blast

During duck hunting season, from mid-May through the third week in August, the outfitter offers a Cast-and-Blast program. There is a limit of 25 ducks per day. You’ll hunt early in the morning, then return to the Cruiser for lunch and a siesta. You’ll fish in the afternoon after the water warms up.
7-nights and 6.5-days guided fishing and duck hunting
$6,650.00 per person
4-nights and 3.5-days guided fishing and duck hunting
$3,800.00 per person
Based on double occupancy and shared blinds.
Does not include a gun rental ($80.00), shells ($16.00 per box), or a hunting license ($120.00). Rates are subject to change.
YouTube 2:50 Video - Duck Hunting Argentina Cruiser

The Packages Include:

• Airport reception in Buenos Aires
• Ground transfers between Buenos Aires and the liveaboard
• Lodging on Liveaboard
• Meals on Liveaboard
• Open bar with wine/beer/soft drinks/cocktails
• Use of fly rods and reels (in case of breakage)
• One free load of laundry ($15 after that)
• Starlink Wi-Fi
• Guided fishing
• A fishing license

The Packages Do Not Include:

• Airfare to Buenos Aires, Argentina, and return
• Hotels, tours, and meals in Buenos Aires
• Fishing gear, tackle, and flies
• Use of satellite telephone
• Gratuities to guides and staff
• Global Rescue
• Travel insurance
• Anything not mentioned under inclusions
• Two dozen flies are $275 to $300.
• As of December 10, 2020, Fishing with Larry adds a 2.5% convenience fee to all credit card transactions.


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.

Golden Dorado Cruiser


The Parana Gypsy

The Mothership

The Parana Gypsy is 66 feet long by 24 feet wide and has three levels. The two-engine Mothership provides the comfort and services of a first-class fishing lodge. The living room and dining room area have a 42-inch LCD TV. An open bar is included in the package. The upper deck is a great place to enjoy a beverage while overlooking the view. 220-volt electricity is available 24/7.

Comfortable Cabins

Air-conditioned Cabins

The air-conditioned liveaboard accommodates up to eight anglers in four cabins, two per room. Each cabin has a TV, two twin beds, and a bathroom with a decent-sized shower.
Communications:  The Liveaboard now has complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi. Cellular phones sometimes work, depending on your provider and the boat's location.

Carolina Skiffs

Carolina Skiffs

The Liveaboard has four Carolina Boats. Each boat has two casting platforms, so anglers can comfortably cast at the same time. While the guides slowly back the boats downriver using electric trolling motors, you’ll have multiple shots at prime holding areas. Two anglers per boat and guide.
A total fishing day is about eight hours. Programs can be customized to your preferences and arranged daily with your guide and manager.

Excellent Meals

Excellent meals

Their dedicated chefs create excellent meals. Appetizers include specialty cheeses, cold cuts from La Pampa, including ham, dried fillet steak, bondiola, pork, deer, and wild boar chorizos secos (highly-seasoned sausages) and salami, as well as olives and pickles. Dinners include an outstanding selection of wines. The full open bar is included in the package with a nice selection of wines, beer, clear brandies, Patagonian liquors, whiskey, brandy, and cognac.

Gerald and his Son Demitri - Hosted Week

Dorado fishing

Ira Drogran (85 years young) and Host Brad Staples

Farquhar

Numerous Creeks, Channels, and Rivers to Explore.

Parana River

Bob and Ted with a Hosted Week Double.

Hosted Week Double

More Cruiser Trip Reports

Fishing Travel Experts


Guy Schoenborn

1-800-205-3474 ext. 1

MT Office:  406-322-5709

Email:  guy@fishingwithlarry.com

Brad Staples

1-800-205-3474 ext. 3

Cell (503) 250-0558

Email:  brad@fishingwithlarry.com