Todo Glaciares Boat Tour
Explore Lake Argentino by boat, with a stop at Spegazzini Base and transfers from El Calafate.
Briefing
Todo Glaciares Boat Tour is one of the most popular boat tours in El Calafate. You'll sail across Lake Argentino, located within Los Glaciares National Park. From the boat, you’ll see the main glaciers: Upsala, Seco, Heim Sur, Peineta, and Spegazzini. To complete the experience, you’ll disembark at Base Spegazzini, a specially designed area for this tour with privileged views of the Spegazzini Glacier. During the stop, you can enjoy a short walk along a trail through the Patagonian forest and savor a traditional meal (available as an extra).
When booking, you can choose the option with pick-up in El Calafate or drive your own vehicle to Puerto Punta Bandera (located 29 miles / 47 km from El Calafate). You can also turn the tour into a luxury experience by adding the "Captain's Club" extra, which grants access to a private lounge on board and includes a gourmet meal at Base Spegazzini.
During the high season (from October to March), you can also enjoy the “SUNSET” departure, which starts later in the day—perfect if you're arriving in El Calafate that morning or want to enjoy a unique sunset.
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Tour details
Included
- Bilingual guide Spanish - English
- Boat tour
- Disembarkation at Spegazzini Base
- Walk
- Round trip transfer from El Calafate [according to option selected].
Not included
- "Captain's Club" VIP lounge with lunch + free bar [Available as EXTRA].
- Lunch at Base Spegazzini [Available as EXTRA].
- Entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park.
Important information
This boat tour offers a second departure called SUNSET, available only during the high season (from October to March).
During May, June, and July, the schedule is adjusted to make the most of the daylight hours. Pick-up in El Calafate is delayed to 8:00 AM, and the meeting point at Puerto Bandera is at 9:30 AM.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellations!
If you cancel at least 48 hours before the tour starts, you will receive 100% of the amount paid. After this time, or in case of a no-show, no refunds will be provided.
Tour itinerary
Todo Glaciares Boat Trip
Pick up in El Calafate or meeting at Punta Bandera Port
The Todo Glaciares boat trip offers two options: just the boat tour or the boat tour including transfers to and from El Calafate. If you choose the transfer option, you'll be picked up from your accommodation in El Calafate around 7:00 AM and travel to Puerto Punta Banderas, located 29.2 miles (47 km) away. If you book the boat tour option (ideal for those with a vehicle), head directly to the port and meet the group at 8:30 AM.
From October to March, a second departure called "SUNSET" is available. The option with pick-up in El Calafate starts at 11:00 AM, while the option without pick-up begins directly at the port at 12:30 PM.
Upsala Channel sailing
At 8:30 AM, guests will begin boarding, and your guide will introduce the tour and its highlights. By 9:00 AM, the boat will depart, cruising along the northern arm of Lake Argentino toward the Upsala Channel, known for its floating icebergs that break off from the massive Upsala Glacier.
Along the way, there will be three photo stops at the park's largest and most iconic glaciers: Hein, Upsala, and Spegazzini. The boat will pause for about 15 minutes at each stop, allowing you to take in the breathtaking views and snap some great pictures.
Boarding for the SUNSET option takes place at 12:30 PM and the boat departs at 1:00 PM.
Seco and Spegazzini Glacier (Los Glaciares National Park)
The Todo Glaciares tour also includes the stunning Spegazzini Channel, where you'll pass the Seco Glacier, a unique hanging glacier that doesn't touch the water. Afterward, you'll get a close-up view of the Spegazzini Glacier, the tallest glacier in the national park. Did you know it holds the title for the tallest glacier in the entire park?
Disembarkation at Base Spegazzini
A stop is made at the Spegazzini Base, a building designed specifically for this tour, featuring stunning viewpoints, a terrace, and a spacious dining room. Here, you'll enjoy a short, accessible walk through the Andean-Patagonian forest, perfect for all travelers. Throughout the tour, you'll find rest areas and informative panels to relax and learn more about the National Park. You'll also have free time to enjoy lunch with breathtaking views of the glacier wall.
🚢👩✈️🍽️ CAPTAIN'S CLUB
If you’ve selected this upgrade, you'll enjoy the VIP lounge aboard the ship, located next to the captain, with complimentary bar service. At Spegazzini Base, you'll be treated to an exclusive four-course meal.
Return to Punta Bandera Port / El Calafate
The Todo Glaciares boat trip (All Glaciers tour) concludes with a scenic sail back to Punta Bandera Port, where the ship will dock around 4:00 PM, wrapping up this unforgettable adventure. If you selected the transfer option, a vehicle will be waiting for you at the port to take you back to your accommodation in El Calafate, with an expected arrival time of around 5:15 PM.
The SUNSET option finishes the boat tour at 8:00 PM at Puerto Punta Bandera, and arrives back in El Calafate around 9:00 PM.
What to bring to Todo Glaciares Boat tour
- Original passport / ID (the same one used to book the tour)
- Trekking boots or sneakers
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Gloves
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Raincoat or waterproof poncho
- Comfortable warm clothes
- Long pants
- Medium backpack
- Food and snacks
- Water bottle
Where does the tour Todo Glaciares Boat start
🚌 Pick up and return:
- TOUR WITH PICK UP: you will be picked up at your accommodation in El Calafate. In case your accommodation is not included in the pick-up points (for example an Airbnb), you will be indicated a meeting point a few minutes away from your accommodation.
- TOUR WITHOUT PICK UP: in this case you will have to go by your own means to Puerto Punta Banderas, located inside Los Glaciares National Park. The distance between El Calafate and the port is 29.2 mi (47 km).
✈️ Plan your entire trip:
Be sure to arrange your transfer to or from El Calafate Airport before or after the tour:
📍 How to get to El Calafate?
Check our complete guide and discover all the routes and transportation options to get to this amazing destination.
Questions & Answers
Is the entrance fee to Los Glaciares National Park included in the Todo Glaciares Boat Tour?
No, the entrance fee to the National Park is not included. There are several types of entrance tickets available and you can buy the tickets that best suit your plans. Remember to bring Argentine pesos because the entrance fee to the national park should be paid with local currency or select credit cards. Only some credit cards are accepted and foreign currency is not accepted. But don't worry, your guide will help and direct you to which park ticket to purchase on the day of the tour.
Will I be picked up at my accommodation in El Calafate?
If pick-up from accommodations is desired, when booking the tour, be sure to select the option of pick-up in El Calafate. Another option without pick-up is available to purchase: the boat tour without transfers. Pick-up directly from accommodations is not available if they do not have reception (e.g., Airbnbs); however, a convenient meeting point will be indicated.
What is the "Captain's Club" extra of the Todo Glaciares Boat Tour?
By including the Captain's Club extra, you will travel in the ship's VIP lounge, an unbeatable location, and very close to the captain. The Captain's Club extra also includes complimentary bar service and a special four-course meal.
Is lunch at Spegazzini Base included in the Todo Glaciares Boat Tour?
No, it is an option offered as an extra that can be selected when making your reservation, or paid directly at the lodge. Guests can also bring their own lunch.
Is the Todo Glaciares Boat Tour accessible for individuals with reduced mobility?
Yes, the All Glacier Boat Tour is accessible for people with reduced mobility. An infrastructure has been implemented with 100% accessibility, meaning no limitations. The tour features access ramps, an elevator at Punta Bandera dock, a floating dock for disembarkation at Spegazzini Base, and adapted toilets on the boats and at the Spegazzini Base. The trails and viewpoints are also 100% accessible.
Todo Glaciares Boat tour reviews with Howlanders
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