el calafate boat tour – all glaciers

FROM USD 249

El Calafate Full Day Boat Tour to enjoy glaciers – All Glaciers Excursion

Cruise across Lake Argentino, navigate among icebergs from Upsala Glacier, and explore scenic trails and viewpoints at Spegazzini Base.

Why Choose This Activity?

  • Hotel transfers included
  • Upsala & Spegazzini glaciers
  • Landing at Spegazzini Base
BOOK NOW

Discover Patagonia's spectacular glaciers on a full-day boat excursion.

Easy Cancellation

If you need to cancel or postpone, just send us an email and we will take care of everything.

Direct Communication With the Operator

You will have the WhatsApp for the operator of your choose excursion. No more lost pick ups!

English-Speaking Guide and Small Groups

Almost all of our tours are done in small groups. All of them have English speaking guides.

OVERVIEW

Discover some of Patagonia’s most impressive glaciers on a full-day boat excursion across Lake Argentino, within Los Glaciares National Park. Departing from Puerto Punta Bandera, approximately 47 km from El Calafate, this navigation takes you through the northern arm of the lake, surrounded by towering mountains, floating icebergs, and spectacular glacial landscapes.

The journey includes views of the Upsala, Seco, Heim, Peineta, and Spegazzini glaciers, with the impressive Spegazzini Glacier standing out for its towering ice walls. One of the highlights is a landing at Spegazzini Base, where you can explore forest trails, accessible walkways, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the glacier and surrounding landscape.

During your visit, you can relax at the Spegazzini Refuge, enjoy the scenery, or purchase a regional lunch at an additional cost. This excursion combines a scenic navigation with time to explore one of the most remarkable areas of Los Glaciares National Park.

About Us

PeritoMorenoGlacier.com, a site by RipioTurismo, celebrates South America as the vibrant garden of our world, rich in colorful landscapes, cultural heritage, gastronomy, and warm hospitality. With +20 years of expertise, we craft custom trips across Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Paraguay. Our carefully selected hotels and local partners ensure the best service possible. We cater to FITs, groups, adventure seekers, and the 50+ age group with luxury tours.

ITINERARY

Departure from El Calafate and Boarding

The excursion begins with pickup from your hotel in El Calafate, followed by a transfer to Puerto Punta Bandera, located approximately 47 km from town. Upon arrival, you will board the vessel and begin your journey across the northern arm of Lake Argentino.

Navigation to Upsala Glacier

The boat sails through Boca del Diablo, a narrow passage connecting different sections of the lake, before continuing towards the Upsala Channel. Along the way, you will navigate among impressive floating icebergs originating from Upsala Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in Patagonia.

Spegazzini Channel and Glacier Views

The navigation continues towards the Spegazzini Channel, offering views of the Seco, Heim, and Peineta glaciers. The journey then approaches the magnificent Spegazzini Glacier, famous for its towering ice walls, which reach heights of up to 135 meters above the lake.

Landing at Spegazzini Base and Exploring the Trails

After the navigation, you will disembark at Spegazzini Base, where you will have time to explore the surrounding area.

An accessible forest trail with interpretive stations leads to the Spegazzini Refuge. You can also follow the lakeside walkways, including a 350-meter section leading to the De Agostini Viewpoint, with spectacular views of the glacier. Additional panoramic viewpoints offer different perspectives of the ice formations and surrounding mountains.

Lunch and Free Time at Spegazzini Refuge

During your visit, you will have free time to relax at the Spegazzini Refuge, admire the scenery, and enjoy the facilities. Regional lunch options are available for purchase at an additional cost. You may also explore the viewpoints or simply take in the panoramic views of the glaciers.

Return to El Calafate

After your time at Spegazzini Base, you will board the vessel again for the return navigation to Puerto Punta Bandera. Upon arrival, you will be transferred back to your hotel in El Calafate, concluding this full-day glacier excursion.

Duration: Full Day
Cancellation Policy: 72 hours before the date of your tour
Availability: Every day
Starting Time: 10:00 am
Finishing Time: 05:00 pm
Pick Up: From Your Hotel
Drop Off: At Your Hotel
Language: English and Spanish
Maximum Group Size: 45
Minimum Booking: 1

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Round-trip transfers from centrally located hotels in El Calafate
  • Bilingual guide (English and Spanish)
  • Full-day boat navigation on Lake Argentino
  • Landing at Spegazzini Base
  • Los Glaciares National Park entrance fee
  • Lunch at Spegazzini Refuge (available for purchase)
  • Tips

OPTIONALS

Entrance Fee to Los Glaciares National Park

Add an entrance fee to one of Patagonia's most beautiful National Parks and enjoy many different glaciers!

CANCELLATION POLICY

If for any reason, you decide to cancel the activity or excursion, the cancellation conditions specified in the product description or in the voucher will be valid.

In the event that the cancellation conditions in the product description do not differ, the provider of tourist services will charge you the following cancellation fees:

a. Up to 72 hours before the start of the activity: full refund (again we indicate that in certain specific cases the term may differ from this general policy)
b. After 72 hours before the start of the activity: no refund.

FAQs

Is this tour available on Dec 24, 25, 31, or Jan 1?

This tour is not operating on those days.

Does this tour have any age restrictions?

No. All people can participate in this activity.

Is this tour suitable for individuals with reduced mobility?

Please contact us prior to booking for more details.

What are your cancellation policies?

This tour is 100% refundable if you cancel 72hs before the date of your tour.

How does the booking process work?

After booking and finalizing payment, you will receive a confirmation for your purchase. Then, in less than 24 hours, you will receive the voucher that you can use to take the excursions.

If the reservation is for the next day, we will be attentive and we will send you the voucher before your excursion begins.

What is the difficulty level of this activity?

The difficulty level is easy.

What to bring?

To improve your experience we recommend that you wear comfortable shoes, a coat, sunscreen, sunglasses and do not forget to bring your camera or cell phone (on board and on land we have 220-volt power).

Is this experience better for first-time visitors or for travelers who have already seen the glacier?

It works well for both. First-time visitors gain a strong sense of scale and context, while returning travelers often appreciate seeing the ice from a different angle, distance, or time of day than on a standard visit.

How does the experience change when the glacier is very active?

Glacier activity is unpredictable. On active days you may hear cracking ice or witness calving events, but these natural events can never be guaranteed. The experience remains worthwhile because the landscape, colors, and scale are impressive even without a major calving.

Will cloudy weather ruin the views?

Not necessarily. Patagonia’s light changes quickly, and overcast conditions can actually enhance the blue tones and texture of the ice. Visibility may vary during the day, so travelers should avoid judging the entire experience by the forecast alone.

Is this a good option for photography enthusiasts?

Yes. The changing light, ice formations, mountains, water, and wide Patagonian landscapes provide excellent photographic opportunities. A zoom lens can be useful, but a smartphone is also sufficient for strong wide-angle images.

Can this tour be combined with another glacier activity on the same trip?

Usually yes, depending on your itinerary. Many travelers combine a scenic glacier visit with a navigation, trekking activity, estancia experience, or a second day focused on another sector of Los Glaciares National Park.

How close will I be to the glacier?

The exact distance depends on the activity and safety regulations. Scenic tours, boats, and active experiences all use designated safe zones, allowing close views without compromising visitor safety or the protected environment.

Is the experience very different in spring, summer and autumn?

Yes. Snow cover, daylight hours, vegetation, temperature, wind, and the color of the surrounding landscape change through the season. The glacier is spectacular throughout the operating period, but each month offers a slightly different atmosphere.

Is this a good choice if I only have a short stay in El Calafate?

Yes, especially if the glacier is your main reason for visiting. However, travelers with at least two or three days can combine the glacier with additional navigations, El Chaltén, estancias, or other regional experiences.

Does wind affect the experience significantly?

Wind is part of normal Patagonian conditions. It can influence perceived temperature and, for boat-based activities, operational decisions. Dressing in layers and keeping flexibility in your schedule makes the experience more comfortable.

What is the main reason to choose this option instead of simply visiting the walkways independently?

This excursion explores glacier scenery by boat in a different sector of Lake Argentino. It complements a separate visit to the Perito Moreno walkways; do not assume that walkways visit is included.

Book Now!

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Booking Details (1/2)

BOOKING FAQS

How Do I Book?

Just complete the booking form. When you finish, you will be redirected to Paypal, where you can pay for the tour.

What Happens After Booking?

Once you’ve completed your booking and payment, you’ll receive a confirmation of your purchase. Within 24 hours, you’ll receive the voucher you’ll need to participate in the activity.

If you’ve booked an activity for the following day, don’t worry. We’ll make sure to send you the voucher before your activity begins.

I Have Other Questions...

Just head to our Contact Page and send us your enquiries.

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