Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers Boat Tour

Q: In what period of the year the navigation is made?

The navigation is made during the whole year.

Q: What type of boat is used for the navigation?

The navigation is made in catamarans of different sizes and capacities, from 54 to 160 passengers, depending on the number of passengers for the day of the tour. All have bathroom and a covered panoramic deck to enjoy the navigation, besides the deck where you can be outside to take pictures and see the landscape.

Q: What's included in the lunch?

Lunch is a typical roasted lamb with potatoes, salads, bread, 1 drink (glass of wine, beer, soda, or water) and dessert. There is also a vegetarian alternative, informed in the next booking step. From the 2nd drink on it will be an extra charge during the same lunch (payment only in cash, with Chilean pesos).

Q: What’s the difference between the Classic and Express Balmaceda & Serrano Glacier Boat Tour?

Both sailings visit the same glaciers, Balmaceda and Serrano, with the same stop times. The difference is that the Express option does not include lunch at the estancia (ranch), so the activity is shorter (half-day tour) compared to the Classic version (full-day tour).

Q: What is the difference between the Grey Glacier navigation and the Balmaceda & Serrano glaciers navigation?

The Grey Glacier navigation takes place within Torres del Paine National Park and allows you to sail close to the glacier’s massive front wall. It focuses on observing the ice up close and the floating ice formations on the lake. On the other hand, the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers navigation departs from Puerto Natales and travels through the Última Esperanza Fjord, where you can see waterfalls and wildlife such as sea lions and cormorants. The journey continues to Bernardo O’Higgins National Park to admire the Balmaceda Glacier (from the boat) and Serrano Glacier (with a short walk), which are smaller but very scenic. Both navigations are different and complementary experiences, and most travelers choose to do both. If you prefer to do only one, choose Grey if you want to see a massive glacier up close, or Balmaceda & Serrano if you’re looking for a journey with more varied landscapes and local wildlife.

Q: How to book Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers Boat Tour with Lunch?

You can book Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers Boat Tour with Lunch online through Nomades.com, the largest tour booking platform in Chile. Just go to the activity page, choose the date, number of passengers, and pay online by credit card, bank transfer, or using a 10% deposit to pay the rest at destination.

Q: How far in advance should I book Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers Boat Tour with Lunch?

The tour Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers Boat Tour with Lunch can be booked up to 1 days before the departure date. However, we recommend booking in advance to ensure availability.

Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers boat tour from Puerto Natales. Fjords, Señoret Channel and lunch included at a traditional Patagonian ranch.

All year round

Price per person

CLP$ 179.000

Duration

10 hours and a half

Schedules

7:10 am to 5:30 pm

Meeting point

Turismo 21 de Mayo Agency (Hermann Eberhard 560, Puerto Natales)

Includes

Navigation
Coffee
Whisky
Shared transportation
Entrance fee to the Bernardo O'Higgins National Park
Lunch

Does not include

Pickup at your accommodation (urban area)
Guide

Weather

Subject to weather conditions

What to bring

Warm clothing
Waterproof clothing
Comfortable shoes
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Snack
Water
Winter hat and gloves for the cold

Description

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure on the Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers Navigation, a full-day experience blending nature, history, and Patagonian flavors.

The journey begins in Puerto Natales, where you’ll check in before boarding the catamaran. Cruise along the Señoret Channel, passing the Bories Cold-Storage Plant National Monument (1913), a striking example of post-Victorian industrial architecture.

Our first highlight is the stunning Balmaceda Glacier, located at the foot of Mount Balmaceda. Next, you’ll disembark at the Bernardo O'Higgins National Park for a scenic 1 km hike. You’ll walk along Témpanos Lagoon, through a native forest of coigües, ñirres, and firebush trees, until reaching the breathtaking Serrano Glacier.

Those who prefer not to take the hike will have access to a nearby viewpoint located just a few meters from the landing area, where they can also enjoy panoramic views of the Serrano Glacier and Iceberg Lagoon.

Back onboard, you’ll enjoy a whisky served with thousand-year-old glacial ice, while admiring panoramic glacier views. The day concludes with a visit to a local Patagonian estancia, where you’ll be welcomed with a traditional Magellanic BBQ, before returning to Puerto Natales.

Important notes

Return time may vary due to weather conditions. Plan your departure from Puerto Natales at least 3 hours after the estimated return, or preferably the following day.
From April to September, departures require a minimum of 25 passengers. If not reached at the time of booking, your reservation will remain pending confirmation.

Video

Frequently asked questions

In what period of the year the navigation is made?

What type of boat is used for the navigation?

What's included in the lunch?

What’s the difference between the Classic and Express Balmaceda & Serrano Glacier Boat Tour?

What is the difference between the Grey Glacier navigation and the Balmaceda & Serrano glaciers navigation?

How to book Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers Boat Tour with Lunch?

How far in advance should I book Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers Boat Tour with Lunch?