Looking for paddling adventures in El Calafate? The surrounding waterways offer some of the best glacial views in Patagonia. The most worthwhile options include the La Leona River for its petrified forests and the Argentino Lake for up-close glacier encounters. My favorite is the full-day La Leona tour – it’s a perfect mix of gentle paddling and incredible scenery, including spots where dinosaur fossils peek through the riverbank.
For glacier enthusiasts, the guided kayak trips near Perito Moreno Glacier can’t be beat. The Rio Santa Cruz route delivers more challenging waters for experienced paddlers. All tours provide quality gear and knowledgeable local guides who know these waters inside and out.
Let’s explore the top kayak and canoe tours in El Calafate.
Key Points
- La Leona River Kayaking Adventure offers a full-day tour with kayaking, hiking, and dinosaur bone sightings, with a maximum group size of 8 and a 100% recommendation rate.
- Perito Moreno Glacier Kayak Trip provides a 5-hour guided tour with 1.5 hours of kayaking on Argentino Lake for close glacier views, with a minimum age of 14.
- Darwin Experience – Kayaks & Adventure is a full-day kayaking experience along the Rio Santa Cruz, with certified guides, top-quality gear, and a maximum group size of 8.
- Perito Moreno Glacier Footbridges Kayak Excursion includes a 1.5-hour kayak tour and 2 hours to explore walking trails, with a maximum group size of 10 and suitable for beginners.
- Kayak Experience in Los Glaciares National Park offers a 2.5-hour guided kayak tour with 1.5 hours of kayaking, suitable for beginners and with a maximum group size of 40.
Kayak Full-Day Activity in La Leona River From El Calafate
A full-day kayaking and hiking tour along the La Leona River from El Calafate, Argentina, offers adventurous travelers a chance to enjoy the region’s pristine natural beauty.
The tour includes paddling on the river, hiking in a petrified forest, and seeing dinosaur bones, all while learning about the local flora, fauna, and geology from a knowledgeable nature guide.
With 247 reviews and a 100% recommendation rate, the tour provides a personalized experience for a maximum of 8 travelers.
Guests will be picked up from their accommodations and dropped off at the airport, with all necessary equipment, snacks, and lunch included in the starting price of $195 per person.
Read our full review: Kayak Full-Day Activity in La Leona River From El Calafate Review
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El Calafate: Perito Moreno Kayak Trip With Gear and Lunch
Exploring the breathtaking Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park takes on an thrilling new dimension with the Perito Moreno Kayak Trip.
This 5-hour guided tour includes 1.5 hours of kayaking on Argentino Lake, allowing you to witness the glacier up close. The price starts at $665 per person, with no upfront payment required.
The tour includes all necessary equipment, snacks, and park fees. However, hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included.
Participants must be at least 14 years old, and those with certain medical conditions or low fitness levels may not be suitable.
Bring comfortable clothes, water, and a change of clothes for this unforgettable adventure.
Read our full review: El Calafate: Perito Moreno Kayak Trip With Gear and Lunch Review
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Darwin Experience – Kayaks & Adventure
Thrilling kayak adventures await visitors to El Calafate, Argentina, with the Darwin Experience – Kayaks & Adventure.
This highly-rated, full-day experience (4.9 stars from 132 reviews) takes participants on an unforgettable journey along the Rio Santa Cruz.
With a maximum group size of 8 and a minimum age of 12, the tour caters to travelers with a moderate fitness level. Certified guides provide technical talks and top-quality gear like Gore-Tex drysuits.
The tasty lunch menu features local specialties. Pickup from El Calafate hotels is included, and the experience is available from August 2023 through December 2024 with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Darwin Experience – Kayaks & Adventure Review
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Kayak Perito Moreno Footbridges Lunch Transfer From Calafate
Adventurers can embark on a captivating kayak excursion to the Perito Moreno Glacier‘s footbridges in El Calafate, Argentina.
This full-day program includes hotel pickup, a 1.5-hour kayak tour, and 2 hours of free time to explore the glacier’s walking trails. The tour provides all necessary equipment, a lunch box, and hot drinks.
With a maximum group size of 10, the experience is suitable for beginners and requires moderate fitness. Reviews praise the guides’ expertise and safety measures, as well as the unique opportunity to paddle near the iconic glacier.
Cancellations within 4 days are non-refundable, but modifications are allowed with advance notice.
Read our full review: Kayak Perito Moreno Footbridges Lunch Transfer From Calafate Review
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Perito Moreno Adventure: Kayak Experience and Walkway Tour
For those seeking an unparalleled kayaking experience in the heart of Argentina’s Patagonia region, the Perito Moreno Adventure: Kayak Experience and Walkway Tour offers a captivating opportunity.
Lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes, this tour allows participants to explore the stunning Perito Moreno glacier from the water. With a minimum age of 14 and a price starting at $665.29 per person, the tour provides all necessary equipment, snacks, and a professional guide.
While not wheelchair-accessible, the tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness. With an impressive 5-star rating from a recent customer, this adventure promises an unforgettable encounter with one of Patagonia’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: Perito Moreno Adventure: Kayak Experience and Walkway Tour Review
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Kayak Experience to the Perito Moreno Glacier From El Calafate
From the heart of El Calafate, travelers can embark on a captivating kayak experience that takes them up close to the majestic Perito Moreno glacier.
This 5-hour tour offers a unique vantage point of the colossal ice formation, with a maximum of 16 participants. Outfitted in waterproof gear, adventurers will paddle through the pristine waters, accompanied by knowledgeable guides.
Lunch, hot drinks, and photos are included, while entrance fees to the national park must be paid in cash.
While the experience isn’t recommended for those with health concerns, it promises stunning views and an unforgettable encounter with one of Patagonia’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: Kayak Experience to the Perito Moreno Glacier From El Calafate Review
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El Calafate, Kayaking in La Leona River – Full Day
Embarking on a full-day kayaking adventure along the La Leona River in El Calafate, travelers can enjoy the picturesque landscapes of Patagonia.
The tour includes all necessary equipment, from double kayaks and paddles to neoprene wetsuits and safety gear. Snacks, a box lunch, and insurance coverage are also provided.
With a maximum of 20 participants, the activity isn’t recommended for those with certain medical conditions or limited mobility.
The tour’s 5-star rating based on a single review suggests a high-quality experience for adventurous travelers seeking to explore the serene waterways of this stunning region.
Read our full review: El Calafate, Kayaking in La Leona River – Full Day Review
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Perito Moreno Glacier Kayak Tour Including Transportation
Travelers can explore the majestic Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park through a guided kayak tour.
The 2.5-hour experience includes free time to enjoy the park’s views of glaciers by land. The guided kayaking lasts up to 1.5 hours, suitable for beginners with all equipment and instruction provided.
Double kayaks ensure stability, and the tour includes hot drinks, a box lunch, snacks, and bottled water.
Transportation from El Calafate hotels is included, but the national park entrance fee is not. Moderate fitness is required, and the tour has a maximum of 40 travelers.
Priced from $605 per person, the tour offers magnificent views from both land and water.
Read our full review: Perito Moreno Glacier Kayak Tour Including Transportation Review
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Kayak Experience in Los Glaciares National Park
Visitors can explore the stunning natural landscapes of Los Glaciares National Park through a captivating kayak experience.
Operated by Que Hacer en Buenos Aires, this double kayak activity is priced at AR $14,000 for adults, AR $2,500 for national residents, and AR $750 for minors.
The experience includes round-trip transportation, specialized equipment, and a ticket to the national park. Tours depart at 10:00 am and accommodate a maximum of 16 travelers.
Confirmation is subject to availability, and the activity requires a moderate level of physical fitness. Guests should note that the experience is non-refundable, and no refunds are provided for cancellations.
Read our full review: Kayak Experience in Los Glaciares National Park Review
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Kayak and Trekking Rio La Leona
The Kayak and Trekking Rio La Leona experience offers adventurers a chance to explore the pristine waters and stunning landscapes of El Calafate.
This 5-star rated tour takes guests on a kayak and trekking adventure along the Rio La Leona, with a maximum of 8 travelers. The tour includes round-trip hotel transfers, technical equipment, a bilingual kayak guide, and lunch.
Participants should have a moderate fitness level, as the activity isn’t recommended for those with certain medical conditions. The tour has a clear cancellation policy, and travelers can reserve now and pay later.
This is an excellent opportunity to take in the natural beauty of the region.
Read our full review: Kayak and Trekking Rio La Leona Review
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Recap
El Calafate offers a variety of exceptional canoe and kayak experiences. Visitors can explore the stunning glacial landscapes of Los Glaciares National Park, paddle along the serene La Leona River, and witness the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier up close. These activities provide an unparalleled opportunity to take in the region’s natural beauty and create lasting memories.