Balmaceda Serrano Glaciers Tour
Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers navigation from Puerto Natales
Briefing
The Balmaceda Serrano Glaciers Tour is the most popular navigation of Puerto Natales, a full day discovering one of the most iconic places in Patagonia.
You will visit the two most impressive glaciers in Chile aboard a magnificent cruise: the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers. During the navigation, you will see sea lions, cormorants, waterfalls, and more! You will disembark in the Bernardo O'Higgins National Park for a walk to the Serrano Glacier viewpoint and you can walk the trails that run in the forest. When you return to the ship you will be offered a glass of whiskey with millenary ice from the glaciers, a cup of coffee, or a warm cup of tea. You will have lunch at a traditional Patagonian estancia and return to Puerto Natales.
Are you ready to embark? 😊 Here are all the details of the tour:
Tour details
Included
- Navigation
- Guide
- Coffee or tea on board the vessel
- Glass of whiskey with millenary glacier ice
- Hike to the base of Serrano Glacier
- Traditional Patagonian food
Not included
- Alcoholic beverages on the vessel
Important information
📍The tour has no pick up at accommodation, accommodation details are requested in order to be able to contact you in case of no show.
The tour requires a minimum of 25 passengers to take place, in the unlikely event that this is not reached, you will be offered an alternative date or activity.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation!
Reservations of 4 passengers or less: if you cancel at least 48 hours before the tour starts, you will receive 100% of the amount paid.
Reservations of 5 passengers or more: if you cancel at least 10 days before the tour starts, you will receive 100% of the amount paid. After this time, or in case of no-show, no refunds will be given.
Tour itinerary
Balmaceda Serrano Glaciers Tour
🕗 Duration: 10 hours
✅ Departure: All year
Puerto Natales
At the indicated time, you will have to go to the meeting point located in the center of Puerto Natales. After a brief explanation of the tour, you will take the transport to Puerto Bories, located about 3.1 mi. (5 km) away. Once here, you will embark and let the adventure begin!
If you want to go directly to Puerto Bories in your own vehicle, they will be waiting for you there at 7:45 or 8:45 (depending on the season).
Howlanders TIP:
We advise you to be punctual in order to be able to take one of the first transports to the port and thus be able to choose good seats on the boat.
Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers Navigation
You will set sail towards the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers, sailing through the Ultima Esperanza Fjord. In this first part of the navigation, you will observe the overflowing nature of Patagonia. You will approach the cormorant colonies, the sea lion ravine (where you will observe sea lions), the condor cliff, or the great waterfalls.
Bernardo O'Higgins National Park
You will continue towards Bernardo O'Higgins National Park. You will disembark in Puerto Toro, and for 40 minutes you will walk along a path through the lush forest of coihues and southern beeches. At the end of the route, you will arrive at the main viewpoint in front of the great Serrano Glacier, where you will enjoy the most spectacular views of this great glacier.
Here you will have some free time to enjoy the views of the glacier and walk some of the trails in the area on the way back to the boat.
Estancia Perales
When you return to the ship, the crew will be waiting for you with a glass of whiskey with millenary ice from the glaciers, a cup of coffee, or a hot cup of tea.
You will continue sailing until you reach a traditional Patagonian estancia to enjoy an authentic Patagonian lunch: salad, soup, grilled lamb, potatoes, and dessert. Plus Chilean wine or a drink. If you are vegetarian there are also options for you 😉.
Return to Puerto Natales
After lunch, you will embark again to Puerto Natales. You will arrive in Puerto Boires and the transfer will take you to the center of the city, where you will be back around 16:00 or 17:00 (depending on the season).
What to bring to Balmaceda Serrano Glaciers Tour
- Original passport (the same one you used to book the tour)
- Waterproof shoes with thick soles
- Sunglasses
- Gloves
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Raincoat or poncho
Where does the tour Balmaceda Serrano Glaciers Tour start
The tour starts in the city of Puerto Natales. If you are traveling from Santiago de Chile the best option is to take a flight to Punta Arenas, and from there you can take a bus that in only 3:15 hours will take you to the bus station in Puerto Natales or hire a private transportation service with us.
If you are traveling from El Calafate (Argentina), there are buses that connect directly to Puerto Natales in a 5 hour trip or you can book a private service with us.
Questions & Answers
What is the capacity of the boat?
Up to 150 people can travel on the boat.Can the tour be canceled due to bad weather?
Yes, in case the weather conditions are not safe, especially due to wind, the tour will be canceled and you will be offered another date or a full refund.Does the Balmaceda and Serrano glacier tour depart all year round?
Yes, the Balmaceda and Serrano glacier tour departs all year round. During the winter months and low season (May-August) the number of departures is reduced.
Balmaceda Serrano Glaciers Tour tour reviews with Howlanders
Other tours that might interest you from Chile
Torres del Paine W Trek tour (Patagonia)
Base Torres del Paine Hike
Full Day Torres del Paine & Milodon Cave
Private transfer from Puerto Natales to El Calafate
Other travelers also booked
W trek circuit in Torres del Paine (short version)
O Circuit Torres del Paine (Patagonia)
W trek in Torres del Paine 3 days tour
