El Calafate: Spegazzini and Upsala Glaciers Boat Tour

The El Calafate: Spegazzini and Upsala Glaciers Boat Tour is an unforgettable adventure that takes visitors on a journey through the stunning landscapes of Lake Argentino. Departing early in the morning, this comprehensive tour offers unparalleled views of the majestic Upsala Glacier from a safe distance, as well as an up-close encounter with the towering Spegazzini Glacier. With a mid-tour break for exploration and a forest trail, this tour caters to nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike, promising an immersive experience in the heart of Argentina’s breathtaking glacial region. What lies ahead on this captivating expedition?

Key Points

• The 8-hour tour includes a 7-hour boat cruise to view the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers in El Calafate, Argentina.
• The tour offers complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off, with a 1-hour bus ride to the port.
• Visitors can take a 2-hour break at the Spegazzini Base to explore a 300-meter forest trail.
• The tour is available in English and Spanish, with a cancellation policy allowing for a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance.
• Passengers are advised to bring warm clothing, sunscreen, and hats, as no large luggage, pets, drones, or bikes are permitted.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The El Calafate Boat Tour is an activity that allows visitors to explore the stunning glaciers and icebergs of Lake Argentino. Priced from $254 per person, the tour lasts 8 hours and includes free cancellation with a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Pickup is provided for hotels in El Calafate, with 132 pickup and drop-off locations available. The tour departs at 7 AM, with an approximate return time of 5 PM (6 PM in May and June).

The boat cruise lasts 7 hours, offering views of the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers, as well as a 2-hour break at the Spegazzini Base to access a forest trail with viewpoints.

Transportation Details

Pickup is included for hotels in El Calafate only, with no service available for private homes or apartments.

There are 132 pickup and drop-off locations to choose from. The transportation to the port involves a 1-hour bus/coach ride.

Guests can expect to return to their hotels around 5:00 PM, though in May and June the return time is approximately 6:00 PM.

This ensures ample time to fully immerse in the 7-hour boat cruise, which navigates through the stunning Lake Argentino, Upsala Channel, and Spegazzini Channel, providing breathtaking views of the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers.

Itinerary Highlights

Guests depart from their hotels at 7:00 AM, arriving at the boarding port by 8:20 AM to embark on the 7-hour boat cruise.

The tour navigates through Lake Argentino, Upsala Channel, and Spegazzini Channel, offering breathtaking views of towering glaciers and icebergs. Travelers get to see the Upsala Glacier from just 5 km away and the 140-meter-high Spegazzini Glacier up close.

Midway, the group disembarks at the Spegazzini Base for a 2-hour break, with access to a 300-meter forest trail and scenic viewpoints.

The return to the hotel is approximately 5:00 PM, or 6:00 PM in May and June.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes roundtrip transportation from the hotels in El Calafate and the boat cruise itself.

The tour excludes a few items:

1. Park entrance fee
2. Lunch, though it can be purchased on board
3. Large luggage, pets, drones, and bikes aren’t allowed
4. Visitors must provide their date of birth, passport number, and nationality, and minors need a passport image showing their date of birth and name.

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Important Information

The tour is available in both English and Spanish. Guests are advised to dress warmly and bring sunscreen and a hat, as the weather in the region can be variable. No pets, large luggage, drones, or bikes are allowed on the tour. Booking confirmation requires participants to provide their date of birth, passport number, and nationality; minors must provide a passport image showing their date of birth and name.

Recommendation	Restriction
Warm clothing	No pets
Sunscreen	No large luggage
Hat	No drones
	No bikes

Booking and Cancellation

To book the El Calafate Boat Tour, visitors can reserve their spot online and pay later.

The tour offers a convenient free cancellation policy, allowing full refunds if cancelled 24 hours in advance.

Booking requires providing personal details like date of birth, passport number, and nationality, especially for minors.

Here’s what you should know about booking and cancellation:

1. Reserve now and pay later option available.
2. Full refund if cancelled 24 hours prior.
3. Provide personal details like date of birth, passport, and nationality.
4. Minors need passport image showing date of birth and name.

Departure and Return Times

Departures for the El Calafate Boat Tour begin at 7:00 AM with hotel pickups across the city.

Guests arrive at the boarding port by 8:20 AM, where they’ll embark on the 7-hour boat cruise.

The tour navigates through Lake Argentino, the Upsala Channel, and the Spegazzini Channel, offering breathtaking views of the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers.

Disembarking at the Spegazzini Base, guests enjoy a 2-hour break to explore a 300-meter forest trail with scenic viewpoints.

The return to hotels is around 5:00 PM, though in May and June, the estimated return time is 6:00 PM.

Glacier Viewing Experience

Passengers aboard the El Calafate Boat Tour can expect a breathtaking experience as they navigate through the pristine waters of Lake Argentino, the Upsala Channel, and the Spegazzini Channel.

The tour offers an up-close view of two magnificent glaciers:

1. Upsala Glacier, located just 5 km away, with its stunning blue-hued ice walls.
2. Spegazzini Glacier, an impressive 140 meters in height, showcasing the sheer scale of these natural wonders.

Participants will also have the opportunity to spot icebergs and witness the calving process, where large chunks of ice break off from the glaciers.

During a 2-hour break at the Spegazzini Base, guests can explore a 300-meter forest trail with scenic viewpoints.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?

The tour does not have a minimum group size requirement. Travelers can book the tour individually, and it will depart as scheduled regardless of the number of participants.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks?

While snacks and drinks are not included in the tour, passengers can purchase food and beverages on board during the 2-hour break at the Spegazzini Base. It’s recommended to bring any preferred snacks or water.

Can I Take Photos and Videos During the Tour?

Guests are generally permitted to take photos and videos during the tour, though the use of drones is prohibited. Visitors should exercise caution and respect any restrictions to avoid disrupting the experience for others.

What Should I Do if I Have Dietary Restrictions?

If you have dietary restrictions, you should notify the tour operator in advance. They’ll make reasonable efforts to accommodate your needs, though lunch options may be limited on the boat tour.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration, but you can book additional activities or explore El Calafate further on your own after the tour ends around 5-6 PM.

Recap

The El Calafate: Spegazzini and Upsala Glaciers Boat Tour offers an immersive journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Lake Argentino. Witnessing the grandeur of the Upsala and Spegazzini Glaciers up close, along with the opportunity to explore the surrounding forests, makes this tour a must-do for nature enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable Patagonian adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: