Lake Argentino’s glacier-filled waters offer three standout boat experiences from El Calafate. The Perito Moreno Glacier tour combines good value with spectacular views – you’ll get close enough to hear the glacier crack and watch massive chunks of ice crash into the water. For active travelers, the Estancia Cristina tour delivers a perfect mix of hiking and sailing past towering ice walls. Luxury seekers will appreciate the Maria Turquesa cruise, with its gourmet lunch and premium service while gliding through iceberg-dotted channels. All tours provide expert guides and maintain small groups for a better experience. Let’s look at our favorite boat tours in detail.
Key Points
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The Perito Moreno Glacier Tours offer a range of experiences, including day trips, ice calving viewpoints, and optional boat rides for close-up glacier views.
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Comprehensive boat tours like the Glacier Cruise & Trekking Experience and the Lake Argentino Cruise provide scenic journeys, glacier exploration, and cultural experiences.
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Gourmet and luxury boat experiences, such as the Maria Turquesa Cruise and the VIP Glaciares Gourmet tour, offer high-end cuisine, premium amenities, and knowledgeable guides.
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Unique activities like the Gourmet Glacier Cruise, Safari Azul, and Estancia Horseback Riding combine boat tours with other immersive experiences in the region.
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The El Calafate Tour Options offer personalized attention, cultural experiences, flexibility, safety measures, and stunning views of the glaciers, catering to diverse traveler needs.
Perito Moreno Glacier Day Trip With Optional Boat Ride
The Perito Moreno Glacier Day Trip with Optional Boat Ride offers visitors a chance to witness the grandeur of one of Patagonia’s most impressive natural wonders.
The tour includes hotel pick-up, transportation, and entrance to the UNESCO-listed Los Glaciares National Park. Travelers can walk along wooden walkways, explore hiking trails, and view the glacier’s dramatic ice calving from various angles.
An optional boat ride allows for a closer look at the glacier’s 196-foot vertical face. With a maximum of 35 travelers, the tour provides a personalized experience.
While entrance fees aren’t included, the trip’s 4.5-star rating from 208 reviews attests to its quality.
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El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier Tour With Boat Ride
Travelers venturing to El Calafate can enjoy the grandeur of Patagonia’s renowned Perito Moreno Glacier through a comprehensive tour that includes a captivating boat ride.
The 7-hour tour offers an intimate exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, with guided walks along the glacier’s walkways and a boat excursion to witness the impressive 40-80 meter tall ice formations.
Priced from $260 per person, the tour accommodates small groups of up to 15 participants and provides hotel pickup and drop-off.
Wheelchair accessibility ensures the experience is inclusive.
Travelers are advised to bring essential items like cameras, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing to make the most of this awe-inspiring adventure.
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Perito Moreno Glacier Full Day Tour With Optional Boat Safari
Frequently, travelers to El Calafate opt for the comprehensive Perito Moreno Glacier Full Day Tour with an optional boat safari. This full-day guided trip offers pickup from most hotels, transportation to Los Glaciares National Park, and exploration of the glacier’s walkways.
The tour’s highlight is the optional boat ride on Lago Argentino, which provides unique perspectives of the massive Perito Moreno. With a 92% traveler recommendation, this tour is recognized for its quality service and knowledgeable guides.
However, participants should note the moderate amount of stairs and plan their attire accordingly. This tour offers an immersive experience at one of Argentina’s most stunning natural wonders.
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El Calafate: Glacier Cruise & Trekking at Estancia Cristina
Amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Los Glaciares National Park, the Glacier Cruise & Trekking at Estancia Cristina offers visitors a captivating day-long adventure.
Priced from Kč 10,983 per person, this 12-hour tour departs Calafate hotels at 7:00 AM and includes a scenic boat ride, guided hike, and visits to historic sites.
Highlights include sailing among icebergs at Upsala Glacier, navigating Cristina Canal, and exploring the Museo Costumbrista.
Lunch, park entrance, and professional guides in English, Spanish, and Portuguese are all included.
With positive reviews highlighting value, safety, and organization, this tour promises an unforgettable experience amidst Argentina’s stunning glacial scenery.
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Maria Turquesa Full Day Sightseeing Glaciers Cruise
The Maria Turquesa Full Day Sightseeing Glaciers Cruise invites travelers on a gourmet navigation through the stunning glacial landscapes of El Calafate.
This 4.5-star rated tour boasts 90% recommendations and a Badge of Excellence. Offering both classic and premium lunch options, the cruise includes a bilingual guide, transportation, and park fees.
While the classic deck is wheelchair-accessible, the premium deck is not. Recommended attire and items include hiking boots, warm layers, and camera gear.
Reviewers praise the spectacular glacier views, friendly staff, and good food, though some encountered pricing issues and wished for more time at Perito Moreno.
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El Calafate: Upsala & Spegazzini Glaciers Cruise With Lunch
Embarking on a full-day cruise from El Calafate, travelers can witness the stunning vistas of the Upsala and Spegazzini Glaciers.
The tour, priced from $326 per person, lasts 11 hours and offers a free cancellation policy. Highlights include observing the third-largest glacier in Southern Patagonia, exploring the Spegazzini Canal’s hanging glaciers, and a brief walk through the Patagonian Andean forest.
Lunch is provided on board, and an optional boxed lunch is available. The tour also includes hotel transfers, entrance fees, and the opportunity to visit the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier.
With an overall rating of 4.2/5 based on verified bookings, this cruise promises an unforgettable glacial experience.
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The Calafate Boat Tour to the Glaciers + Lunch (Gourmet Glaciers)
For travelers seeking a comprehensive glacial experience in El Calafate, the Glaciares Gourmet: Boat Tour + Lunch offers an exceptional opportunity. Priced from $265 per person, this 5-glacier boat tour includes hotel transfers, a delicious lunch, and professional guides.
With a maximum capacity of 50 travelers, the tour provides an intimate and comfortable journey past stunning icebergs and calving glaciers. While the lunch has received mixed reviews, the overall experience is highly praised for its organization and unforgettable views.
Travelers should note potential drawbacks like additional costs and crowding, but the Glaciares Gourmet tour remains a top-rated option for exploring the region’s incredible glacial landscape.
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El Calafate: 2-Day Perito Moreno With Boat Ride & 4WD Trip
El Calafate’s 2-day exploration of the Perito Moreno Glacier offers travelers an immersive experience, combining a boat ride and a 4WD adventure. Priced from $344 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, a bilingual guide, and key inclusions like a boat ride, archaeological site visit, and traditional meals.
With a small group size limited to 15, the trip provides flexibility and personalized attention. Travelers can expect stunning glacier views, a scenic drive along Lake Argentino, and unique cultural experiences, such as dining in a cavern.
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Travelers exploring El Calafate can enjoy the grandeur of the Perito Moreno Glacier through a captivating boat navigation experience.
This highly-rated 97% recommended tour provides the chance to witness the glacier’s impressive size and beauty up close. The tour includes roundtrip transportation, entrance fees, and all necessary equipment.
While the experience is wheelchair and stroller accessible, it’s not recommended for travelers with back problems or serious medical conditions.
With a maximum of 40 travelers, this tour offers a personalized and unforgettable encounter with one of Patagonia’s natural wonders. Guests can expect an air-conditioned vehicle, insurance, food, and drinks, making it a comprehensive and convenient outing.
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Glaciers Gourmet Experience: Full-Day Cruise With Lunch
Aboard an exclusive catamaran cruiser, travelers can embark on a full-day glaciers gourmet experience in Southern Patagonia. This 8-12 hour boat cruise takes visitors to explore Escuadra Bay, Condor Nesting Wall, and the stunning Seco, Heim, and Spegazzini Glaciers.
Travelers will also enjoy panoramic views of Upsala and Bertracchi Glaciers. The tour includes a gourmet lunch or lunchbox, an English/Spanish-speaking guide, and optional hotel pickup and drop-off.
With a rating of 4.7/5 based on 117 reviews, this tour is praised for its organization, service, and guides. Wheelchair accessibility and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance make this glaciers gourmet experience an excellent choice for those seeking a memorable Patagonian adventure.
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Perito Moreno Glacier Private Tour With Boat Ride
For those seeking a more intimate glacial experience, the Perito Moreno Glacier Private Tour with Boat Ride offers a chance to get up close with one of Patagonia’s most impressive natural wonders.
This full-day excursion from El Calafate includes private guide and transport, scenic Route 11 views, and a shared boat tour for a close encounter with the glacier’s ice walls.
Highlights include the professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and the opportunity to explore Los Glaciares National Park.
While meals and drinks aren’t included, the tour provides an immersive experience of the Perito Moreno Glacier.
With a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 4, this private tour is perfect for small groups.
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El Chaltén: Full-Day Sailing and Hike Tour
The El Chaltén: Full-Day Sailing and Hike Tour whisks adventurers on an immersive exploration of Patagonia’s stunning natural landscapes.
Priced at $108 per person, this 6-hour excursion offers free cancellation and a reserve now, pay later option.
Travelers venture by bus and catamaran to Lago del Desierto, where they can hike to the Vespignani Glacier, choose from three trail difficulty levels, and soak in panoramic views of Mount Fitz Roy.
The tour includes transfers, a bilingual guide, snacks, and self-guided exploration.
Reviewers praise the beautiful scenery and knowledgeable guides, though some suggest more information on natural features.
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Boat Tour at Premium Lounge – VIP Glaciares Gourmet + Pick up
Embarking on the Boat Tour at Premium Lounge – VIP Glaciares Gourmet + Pick up, travelers indulge in a lavish 4-course meal while admiring the stunning glaciers of Los Glaciares National Park.
Costing $455 per person, this VIP experience includes alcoholic beverages, transportation, and national park entry.
With a maximum capacity of 150 travelers, the tour provides a private indoor and outdoor patio.
Guests can expect detailed information from knowledgeable guides about the glaciers’ iconic blue hues.
Reviews highlight the tour’s exceptional service, food quality, and overall experience.
Given the high demand, this boat tour is likely to sell out quickly.
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El Calafate: Lake Argentino Upsala Channel Glaciers Cruise
Travelers seeking a comprehensive glacial experience can embark on the El Calafate: Lake Argentino Upsala Channel Glaciers Cruise. This full-day boat tour provides an opportunity to explore the stunning glaciers outside El Calafate, including the renowned Perito Moreno Glacier.
At $259 per person, the 9.5-hour excursion offers free cancellation and a reserve now, pay later option. The tour departs from the Port of Punta Bandera, 47 km from El Calafate, and highlights include the Upsala, Seco, South Heim, Peineta, and Spegazzini Glaciers.
Guests can disembark at Spegazzini Base for panoramic views. The tour includes hotel pickup, a guide, lunch, and entrance fees, though travelers must pay cash for the Los Glaciares National Park fee.
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El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier, Boat Cruise & Glaciarium
For those seeking a more comprehensive glacial experience in El Calafate, the El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier, Boat Cruise & Glaciarium tour provides an immersive two-day adventure.
Priced at $208 per person, the tour includes hotel transfers, access to walkways, a boat cruise, and admission to the Glaciarium Museum.
Highlights include a 4km walk along the glacier’s viewpoints and a 1-hour boat cruise to the north wall.
The tour receives an overall rating of 4.6/5, though some critiques mention uncomfortable transportation and additional costs.
Visitors can consider a self-guided Glaciarium visit for cost-effectiveness.
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Unique Gourmet Experience – Perito Moreno Glacier Boat Ride
This full-day tour offers a unique gourmet experience as visitors cruise through the stunning Argentino Lake in Los Glaciares National Park.
Travelers depart from El Calafate for a luxury cruise, passing through the Upsala Channel towards the iceberg barrier and Spegazzini Glacier.
They’ll disembark for a guided walk across the ice fields, enjoying scenic views of forests, glaciers, and steppes.
The tour includes a gourmet lunch, hotel transfers, and national park fees.
Operated April to October, the cruise can accommodate up to 180 passengers.
While most reviews are positive, some report issues with capacity and meal options, though customer service aims to improve.
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Perito Moreno Glacier and Boat Safari
What better way to experience the grandeur of Perito Moreno Glacier than on a captivating boat safari?
This 10-hour tour from Calafate takes visitors on an 8-hour adventure to witness the stunning natural wonder. For $224 per person, guests can enjoy round-trip transportation, a knowledgeable English/Spanish-speaking guide, and a 1-hour boat ride to view the glacier’s ice walls and detachments.
While park fees aren’t included, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
With an overall rating of 4.6/5 from 214 reviews, this tour promises an unforgettable experience amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Los Glaciares National Park.
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Embarking on an unforgettable journey, the Excursion to Perito Moreno Glacier With Boat Navigation allows visitors to witness the grandeur of one of Argentina’s most captivating natural wonders.
Priced from $185 per person, this tour offers a professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and entrance fees to the National Park.
With a maximum group size of 45 travelers, the experience is accessible to most and may be led by a multilingual guide.
Confirmation is provided at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
Reviewers have unanimously praised this tour, which includes a boat navigation for an up-close view of the magnificent Perito Moreno Glacier.
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Gourmet Glacier Cruise & Footbridges of Perito Moreno
Priced from $306.00 per person, the Gourmet Glacier Cruise & Footbridges of Perito Moreno offers an immersive 12-hour experience that allows visitors to witness the grandeur of Patagonia’s natural wonders.
Departing from the hotel, the tour takes guests to Los Glaciares National Park, where they board the María Turquesa Cruise and navigate through the Boca del Diablo and Upsala Canal.
Highlights include observing the Upsala Glacier, visiting the Spegazzini Channel, and a 30-minute forest walk.
The tour culminates at the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier, where visitors can explore the walkways.
Inclusive of a guide, glacier cruise, and park entrance, this excursion earns a stellar 4.7/5 rating from 84 reviews, praised for its organization, stunning views, and knowledgeable guides.
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Safari Azul: Perito Moreno Boat + Walking Tour. Touch the Ice!
For those seeking an up-close encounter with the renowned Perito Moreno Glacier, the Safari Azul tour offers an immersive experience.
The tour includes a boat ride along the coast, allowing you to hike alongside the glacier, and an optional visit to the footbridges. Priced from $240 per person, the tour includes transfers from El Calafate and the national park entrance fee.
Keep in mind it’s not wheelchair accessible, and not recommended for those with certain medical conditions. Confirmation is received within 48 hours, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.
This tour is a fantastic way to get up close and personal with one of Patagonia’s most impressive natural wonders.
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From El Calafate: Estancia Horseback Riding and Boat Tour
This tour offers an immersive experience, combining a scenic boat ride on Lake Argentino with an exhilarating horseback ride through the Cristina Valley.
You’ll embark on an 11-hour journey from El Calafate, starting with a transfer to Puerto Punta Bandera port. The boat tour provides panoramic views of the Upsala Channel, icebergs, and glacial valleys.
During the horseback ride, you’ll have opportunities to spot diverse birdlife. Lunch is served near Lago Pearson, and a visit to the Costumbrista Museum offers insight into the local history.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and an overall 5/5 rating, this tour is a true highlight for visitors to El Calafate.
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El Calafate: Perito Moreno Glacier Guided Day Tour & Sailing
Exploring the grandeur of Perito Moreno Glacier is a must-do activity for visitors to El Calafate.
This 8-hour guided tour offers an immersive experience, starting with a pickup from your hotel and a visit to the stunning Los Glaciares National Park.
You’ll spend an hour walking the trails and viewpoints around the glacier, then board a boat for a 1-hour cruise on Argentino Lake, just 150 meters from the ice formation.
The tour includes a bilingual guide, transportation, park entrance fees, and hotel pickup and drop-off.
With a rating of 4.7/5 from over 100 reviews, this tour is an excellent choice for those seeking to witness the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier up close.
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Todo Glaciares Boat Tour From El Calafate.
The Todo Glaciares boat tour from El Calafate, Argentina, offers visitors a chance to witness the grandeur of multiple glaciers in the region.
The tour lasts a maximum of 150 travelers and departs from Puerto Bandera in Santa Cruz Province. It includes an English and Spanish-speaking guide, a boat tour with a stop at Spegazzini lodge, and round-trip transfers from El Calafate.
Lunch is only provided with the VIP option. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and infant seats are available.
While the overall review count is low, with just one review, the rating is concerning at 1.0 stars.
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El Calafate: All Glaciers Boat Trip
For travelers exploring the magnificent glaciers of El Calafate, Argentina, the El Calafate: All Glaciers Boat Trip offers an unforgettable journey.
This 9-12 hour tour, priced from €257.59 per person, takes visitors on a boat trip across the stunning Argentino Lake, where they can marvel at the Upsala and Spegazzini Glaciers.
The tour includes hotel pickup, a bilingual guide, and a hike through the forest. Customers can also opt for the Captain’s Club experience for a more exclusive and comfortable journey.
With an overall rating of 4.5/5 and positive reviews, this tour is a must-do for anyone visiting the region.
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Boat Tour Todo Glaciares From El Calafate (Fullday Tour)
Travelers can embark on an unforgettable journey with the Boat Tour Todo Glaciares, a full-day excursion that showcases the stunning glaciers of El Calafate, Argentina.
Priced at $189.05 per person, the tour includes a bilingual guide, boat ride, landing at Spegazzini lodge, and entrance to Los Glaciares National Park.
Pickup is available from hotels in El Calafate or the Puerto Punta Bandera meeting point. The tour can accommodate up to 150 travelers and isn’t wheelchair accessible, but stroller and infant seats are available.
Confirmation is provided within 48 hours, and free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance.
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Recap
El Calafate offers a variety of cruise and boat tour options to explore the region’s stunning glaciers. From day trips to Perito Moreno Glacier to comprehensive sightseeing cruises, visitors can choose the experience that best suits their interests and budget. These tours provide an up-close look at the area’s natural wonders and are a must-do activity for anyone visiting El Calafate.