How to plan your glacier boat tour

Many travelers wonder which glacier boat tour is the best for their needs. The answer depends on your time and interests. Some tours last only one hour. Others take a full day and include meals. Most cruises depart from Port Punta Bandera or Port Bajo de las Sombras.

You should consider the season before booking your trip. High season runs from November to March. During these months, boats fill up very fast. We recommend booking at least two weeks in advance. This ensures you get the exact date you want. Weather can also affect schedules so stay flexible.

Many tours provide shuttle services from downtown El Calafate. This makes the logistics much easier for tourists. You can also drive yourself if you have a rental car. Always check if the national park fee is included in your ticket price. Most of the time, you must pay this separately at the entrance.

Top 10 boat tours and booking tips

Choosing the right vessel is key to a great experience. Some boats are large catamarans with many passengers. Others are smaller yachts that offer a more private feel. Below are the most popular named experiences and cruises available on Lago Argentino.

1. Name: Todo Glaciares Cruise
   Type: Boat cruise
   Why go: This is the most comprehensive tour to see the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers.
   Best for: First-time visitors and photographers.
   Where: Departs from Puerto Bandera.
   Time: 8 to 9 hours.
   Cost: High range.
   Getting there: Tour bus pick-up from city hotels.
   Tip: Buy the "Captain's Club" upgrade for better views and fewer crowds.
2. Name: Safari Náutico
   Type: Short boat tour
   Why go: It offers a close-up view of the southern wall of the Perito Moreno Glacier.
   Best for: People with limited time or families with small children.
   Where: Puerto Bajo de las Sombras.
   Time: 1 hour.
   Cost: Low range.
   Getting there: Drive or take a bus to the glacier walkways.
   Tip: Book this tour upon arrival at the glacier park.
3. Name: Glaciares Gourmet
   Type: Luxury cruise
   Why go: This high-end experience includes a multi-course lunch while cruising past icebergs.
   Best for: Foodies and luxury travelers.
   Where: Puerto La Soledad.
   Time: Full day.
   Cost: Luxury range.
   Getting there: Private transport included in most bookings.
   Tip: Look for discounts during the shoulder season in October.
4. Name: Estancia Cristina Discovery
   Type: Experience
   Why go: Combine a cruise past the Upsala glacier with a visit to a remote Patagonian ranch.
   Best for: History buffs and nature lovers.
   Where: Canal Upsala.
   Time: 9 to 10 hours.
   Cost: High range.
   Getting there: Boat transfer from Puerto Bandera.
   Tip: Wear sturdy shoes for the 4x4 ride at the estancia.
5. Name: Mini-Trekking Experience
   Type: Sight/Activity
   Why go: It involves a boat crossing followed by a walk on the actual glacier ice.
   Best for: Active travelers aged 18 to 65.
   Where: Perito Moreno Glacier.
   Time: 6 hours.
   Cost: High range.
   Getting there: Organized transport from city hotels.
   Tip: Read a Perito Moreno Glacier guide before you go to know what gear to pack.
6. Name: Mayo Spirit Trek
   Type: Sight/Activity
   Why go: Visit the hanging glaciers of Cerro Mayo and Negro that few other tours see.
   Best for: Hikers and those seeking solitude.
   Where: Bahia Toro and Seno Mayo.
   Time: 6 to 7 hours.
   Cost: Mid range.
   Getting there: Departs from Puerto Punta Bandera.
   Tip: This tour is less crowded than the main Upsala cruises.
7. Name: Marpatag Maria Turquesa
   Type: Boat cruise
   Why go: This modern ship offers a very comfortable way to see the Spegazzini glacier.
   Best for: Seniors and groups.
   Where: Northern arm of Lago Argentino.
   Time: 8 hours.
   Cost: Mid-high range.
   Getting there: Shuttle from El Calafate downtown.
   Tip: Check the deck frequently for bird watching opportunities.
8. Name: Spegazzini Base Camp Experience
   Type: Experience
   Why go: Enjoy a meal at a landing site with incredible views of the highest glacier walls.
   Best for: Relaxation and views.
   Where: Puesto de las Vacas.
   Time: 8 hours.
   Cost: Mid range.
   Getting there: Included in Todo Glaciares routes.
   Tip: The walk at the base camp is easy and flat.
9. Name: South Wall Kayak
   Type: Experience
   Why go: Paddle through the iceberg-filled waters for a unique perspective.
   Best for: Adventure seekers.
   Where: Canal de los Tempanos.
   Time: 3 hours.
   Cost: High range.
   Getting there: Included in specialized tour packages.
   Tip: No prior kayaking experience is usually required but fitness helps.
10. Name: Glaciar Sur Pioneer Route
    Type: Day trip
    Why go: This avoids the main crowds by using a smaller boat and a hidden land route.
    Best for: Off-the-beaten-path travelers.
    Where: Brazo Sur and Lago Frías.
    Time: 9 hours.
    Cost: Mid-high range.
    Getting there: Private van from El Calafate.
    Tip: Bring your own snacks as the lunch box is often basic.

Essential Lago Argentino glacier cruise booking tips

When booking your tour, always check the cancellation policy. Patagonian weather is very unpredictable. High winds can lead to tour cancellations for safety reasons. Most reputable companies offer a full refund or a date change in these cases.

Dress in layers even during the summer months. The temperature near the glaciers is significantly lower than in the city. You will want a waterproof jacket and gloves. The wind on the open deck of a catamaran can be very cold. This is one of the most forgotten Lago Argentino glacier cruise booking tips.

Los Glaciares National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is important to follow all park rules during your cruise. Do not throw anything into the water. Stay on the designated paths when the boat makes landings. This helps preserve the pristine nature of the glaciers for everyone.

You can also learn more at the Glaciarium Museo del Hielo before your boat tour. This museum explains how glaciers form and move. It provides great context for what you will see on the lake. Visiting the museum first makes the boat tour much more meaningful.