Quick Decision Guide: Which Boat Tour is Right?

If you have limited time, pick the Safari Nautico. It lasts only one hour and focuses on the Perito Moreno Glacier. This is the most affordable choice for most travelers. It is perfect if you already plan to visit the boardwalks. You can see the ice wall from a very close distance.

For those wanting a full day on the water, choose the Todo Glaciares tour. It visits the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers. You will sail through channels filled with massive blue icebergs. This tour offers the most variety for landscape photographers. It usually departs early in the morning from Punta Bandera.

• Pick Safari Nautico if you only want to see Perito Moreno quickly.
• Pick Todo Glaciares if you want to see giant icebergs and multiple glaciers.
• Pick Maria Turquesa if you want a luxury lunch and premium seating.
• Pick Estancia Cristina if you want to combine sailing with history and 4x4 tours.

Simple Comparison of Boat tours El Calafate

Comparing the various boat tours El Calafate provides requires looking at several factors. You must consider the duration, the route, and the glaciers included. Some tours start inside the park, while others require a bus transfer. Here is a breakdown of what to expect from each major provider. This comparison of glacier boat tours can help you narrow your search.

Keep in mind that prices can vary based on the season. Expect higher demand during the summer months of December and January. Most tours offer pickup from hotels in the town center. Always carry your passport when booking locally. Use these details to find the best fit for your 2026 itinerary.

The Perito Moreno Safari Nautico Explained

The Safari Nautico is the most popular of all boat tours El Calafate has to offer. It departs from the Bajo de las Sombras pier. This pier is located inside the Los Glaciares National Park. The boat takes you to the south face of the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. This wall of ice is incredibly high and imposing.

The trip lasts approximately sixty minutes. It provides a unique perspective that you cannot get from the land. You will often hear the glacier cracking as it moves slowly. If you are lucky, you might see a large piece of ice fall. For more details on visiting this area, read our Perito Moreno glacier guide. It covers everything from transport to photography tips.

This tour is very easy to add to a standard day trip. You do not need to book it months in advance during the low season. However, summer slots fill up quite fast. The boat has an outdoor deck and a heated indoor cabin. You can move between them to stay warm during the sailing.

Full-Day Adventure: The Todo Glaciares Cruise

The Todo Glaciares cruise is the classic full-day lake experience. It departs from Punta Bandera, which is 47 kilometers from the town. You will sail across the North Arm of Lago Argentino. The route reaches the Upsala Glacier, which is one of the largest in Argentina. You will see icebergs that are often larger than the boat itself.

The highlight for many is the Spegazzini Glacier. Its walls are the highest in the entire national park. The boat gets very close to these towering ice cliffs. You can find more about this specific spot in our Spegazzini glacier cruise guide. The scenery here is dramatic and rugged.

Most boats for this tour are large catamarans. They have modern facilities and large windows for viewing. Some versions of this tour allow you to land for a short walk. You should pack a warm jacket even in the summer. The wind on the lake is always very cold.

Luxury and History: Premium Cruise Options

If you want a more refined experience, look at the Maria Turquesa cruise. This tour offers a gourmet lunch served on board. It follows a comprehensive route through the lake. You will see both the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers in comfort. It is ideal for celebrating special occasions or for those who hate crowds.

Another unique option is combining a cruise with a visit to a remote farm. An estancia tour in El Calafate often includes a long boat ride. The tour to Estancia Cristina is a prime example. You sail past icebergs to reach a historic ranch house. It offers a mix of sailing, history, and light trekking.

These premium tours usually have smaller group sizes. This means you have more space on the deck for photos. They also provide more historical context through expert guides. While more expensive, they offer a much deeper connection to the region. Many visitors find the extra cost worth the added peace and quiet.

How to Book Your Boat tours El Calafate

Booking your tickets online is the safest way to ensure a spot. Most operators allow digital tickets on your phone. However, you must also pay the national park entrance fee separately. This fee is not included in the boat ticket price. Check the Administración de Parques Nacionales for current 2026 rates. They often require payment in local currency or by card at the gate.

To save money, look for bundle deals with bus transfers. Many companies pick you up directly from your hotel. This saves you the trouble of renting a car. The drive to the piers can take up to an hour. For more logistics, see our guide on Los Glaciares park entrance rules. Early morning departures are generally better for calm waters.

Always check the cancellation policy when you book. Mountain weather can be unpredictable and lead to delays. Most boats will still sail in the rain. However, very high winds can cause safety cancellations. Bring plenty of layers to manage the changing Patagonia climate.