Todo Glaciares boat tour
the navigation guide with microphone giving explanations in front of the glacier
Tempanos Channel
Visitors posing in front of a glacier
an information booth with signs at Spegazzini viewpoint overlooking the lake and the mountain
Spegazzini Base
people in the dining room of the Spegazzini base having lunch overlooking the glacier
two trays of food at Base Spegazzini overlooking the glacier
Group taking a picture with the sign I love spegazzini
people at Base Spegazzini terrace and viewpoint
Captains club room at todo glaciares boat tour
Todo glaciares inside the boat with people in the seats and informative screens
people aboard todo glaciares looking at the views
todo glaciares boat navigating the Upsala Channel
Boat Excursion todo glaciares
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Todo Glaciares Boat Tour

Explore Lake Argentino by boat, with a stop at Spegazzini Base and transfers from El Calafate.

(47 reviews)
El Calafate
1 day
Spanish and English
Starts: pick-up in El Calafate at 7:00 AM or at Puerto Punta Bandera at 8:30 AM (depending on the selected option)
Ends: Return to Puerto Punta Bandera at 4:00 PM or to El Calafate at 5:15 PM (depending on the selected option)
Free cancellation!

Briefing

The Todo Glaciares Boat Tour is one of the most popular glacier boat tours from El Calafate. You'll cruise among icebergs on Lake Argentino, in Los Glaciares National Park, and see the Upsala, Seco, Heim Sur, Peineta, and Spegazzini glaciers.

During the tour, you'll disembark at Spegazzini Base, where you'll enjoy impressive views of Spegazzini Glacier. You can take a short walk along a trail through the Patagonian forest and, if you wish, enjoy a traditional meal available as an optional extra.

When booking, you can choose the option with pick-up in El Calafate or make your own way to Puerto Punta Bandera, located 47 km (29 miles) from El Calafate. You can also upgrade your experience with the Captain's Club, which gives you access to a private lounge on the boat and includes a gourmet menu at Spegazzini Base.

Want to know more? You'll find all the details below 😉

Discover all the boat tours available in El Calafate here and choose the boat tour that suits you best!

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

WINTER SCHEDULE: during May, June, and July, tour times are delayed by one hour to make better use of daylight hours. Pick-up in El Calafate starts at 8:00 AM, meeting time at Puerto Bandera is 9:30 AM, and the tour will also finish one hour later than usual.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellations!

If you cancel at least 48 hours before the tour begins, you will receive a full refund of the amount paid. After this time, or in the event of a no-show, no refunds will be issued.

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.

Woman walking along the dock at Punta Bandera port to board one of the two boats

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.

Group of people taking photos of the glacier up close from the boat

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?

Boat sailing very close to the Spegazzini Glacier

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.

People walking along the trails of the Spegazzini refugio on a sunny day

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.

Panoramic view of the glacier from the boat on a sunny day

What to bring to Todo Glaciares Boat tour

Weather in Patagonia changes quickly—it's not unusual for a day to start cold and rainy and end sunny. On the boat deck, you'll also notice strong winds. Here's what we recommend bringing on the tour:

  • Original passport (the same one used to book the tour)
  • Trekking boots or sneakers (preferably waterproof)
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Comfortable and warm clothing
  • Hat
  • Gloves
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip balm
  • Medium-sized backpack
  • Snacks
  • Water bottle

Food (if you haven’t booked it as an extra)

Where does the tour Todo Glaciares Boat start

  • 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 Los Glaciares National Park entrance fee included in the Todo Glaciares Boat Tour?

    No. The Los Glaciares National Park entrance fee is not included, as different types of tickets are available and you can choose the one that best fits your trip.

    Remember to bring Argentine pesos, as the entrance fee is paid at the national park in local currency. Only some credit cards are accepted and foreign currency is not accepted. Your guide will help you purchase your ticket on the day of the tour.

  • Will I be picked up at my accommodation in El Calafate?

    Pick-up in El Calafate is only included if you book the option with pick-up. You can also book the boat tour only and make your own way to Puerto Punta Bandera.

    For some accommodations, such as apartments or properties without a reception desk, pick-up may take place at a nearby meeting point.

  • What is the "Captain's Club" extra of the Todo Glaciares Boat Tour?

    The Captain's Club is the VIP option on the boat. You'll travel in an exclusive lounge located near the captain, with an open bar and a special four-course menu included.

  • Is lunch at Spegazzini Base included in the Todo Glaciares Boat Tour?

    No. Lunch at Spegazzini Refuge is not included as standard. You can add it as an extra when booking, buy food directly at the refuge, or bring your own lunch.

  • Is the Todo Glaciares Boat Tour accessible for individuals with reduced mobility?

    Yes. The Todo Glaciares Boat Tour has accessible facilities for travelers with reduced mobility, including access ramps, a lift at Punta Bandera pier, a floating dock at Spegazzini Base, and accessible restrooms both on the boats and at the refuge.

    The trails and viewpoints at Spegazzini Base are also accessible.

  • What is the boat capacity on the Todo Glaciares navigation?

    Capacity depends on the catamaran assigned to your departure. The boats normally used have a total capacity of between 162 and 300 passengers.

    The Captain's Club is also available, with an exclusive 18-seat lounge and additional services. The layout and shared spaces may vary depending on the boat assigned that day.

    If you'd like to travel in the Captain's Club, booking in advance is recommended due to its limited capacity.

  • What's the difference between Todo Glaciares and Glaciares Gourmet?

    Todo Glaciares focuses more on cruising past the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers and includes a landing at Spegazzini Base, where you can follow a trail through the Patagonian forest with views of the glacier.

    Glaciares Gourmet follows a different route past the Upsala, Spegazzini, Perito Moreno, Heim, and Seco glaciers, and includes a guided walk at Puesto de las Vacas and lunch on board. It also offers an option that includes a visit to the Perito Moreno walkways.

    If you particularly want to explore Upsala and Spegazzini and disembark at Spegazzini Base, Todo Glaciares is the better fit. If you'd prefer a route covering more glaciers with the option to add the Perito Moreno walkways, Glaciares Gourmet is usually the better choice.

Todo Glaciares Boat tour reviews with Howlanders

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