What is the boat like on the Grey Glacier tour?

The navigation takes place aboard a catamaran featuring a main cabin with a capacity for 98 passengers. It also has an outdoor deck where all travelers go out to take in the views.

Can I bring all my luggage on the tour?

No, on this tour you are not allowed to bring bulky luggage. From Howlanders we recommend you to take only what you need for the tour and leave the rest of the luggage at your accommodation in Puerto Natales.

Do I have to bring any documents?

Yes, it is very important that you carry your passport and the immigration card that you will be given when you enter Chile

How difficult is the Glacier Grey Boat Tour from Puerto Natales?

The difficulty of this trek is low. We go along the glacier by an easy route until we reach the catamaran or the minibus.

How can I buy the entrance ticket to Torres del Paine National Park?

You must purchase your entrance ticket to Torres del Paine National Park online through the official CONAF website before your visit.

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Grey Glacier Boat Tour

Live a unique boat experience to Grey Glacier, in the very heart of Torres del Paine Park.

Location

Puerto Natales

Duration

1 day

Language

English and Spanish

Tour highlights

Grey Glacier Boat Tour

The Grey Glacier Boat Tour takes you to discover the most iconic glacier in Chilean Patagonia from a truly special perspective. With hotel pick-up included from your accommodation in Puerto Natales, this tour allows you to cruise through the chilly waters of Lake Grey until you come face-to-face with the glacier's massive ice walls.

Upon arriving at Torres del Paine National Park, you will walk about 45 minutes along the lake's beach to the boarding point. Once on board, you will navigate among floating icebergs carved from the ice sheet itself as you approach Grey Glacier to admire its striking blue tones up close.

To top off the adventure, you will toast with a pisco sour right in front of this Patagonian gem.

🛥️ If you're looking for a boat tour from Puerto Natales to see glaciers, we also recommend the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers boat Tour.

Tour details

Grey Glacier Boat Tour

Starts

From your accommodation in Puerto Natales at the selected time.

Ends

To your accommodation in Puerto Natales 8 hours later

Included

Transportation from Puerto Natales (round trip)
English-Spanish guide
Catamaran sailing in front of the Grey Glacier
A pisco sour or a non-alcoholic beverage on board

Not included

Food and other drinks
Entrance to Torres del Paine National Park

Important information

RESTRICTIONS: This tour is not suitable for people with reduced mobility, as it includes a 45-minute walk.

WEATHER CONDITIONS: The boat trip may be canceled up to a few minutes before departure due to weather conditions.

LUGGAGE ON BOARD: Bulky luggage is not allowed on this tour.

LOW SEASON SCHEDULE: From May to August, the tour only operates on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Pickup starts at 7:00 AM, and the boat trip departs at 11:00 AM.

ONE-WAY TRIP: if you’d like to disembark near Refugio Grey and not return to Puerto Natales, please contact us.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation!

If you cancel at least 7 days before the start of the tour, you will receive a 100% refund of the amount paid. After this period, or in case of no-show, no refund will be issued.

If the boat tour cannot operate due to bad weather, but the transfer service to the port has already been provided, 65% of the amount paid will be refunded.

Tour itinerary

Grey Glacier Boat Tour

🚐 Puerto Natales > Grey Sector (Torres del Paine) [1.5 hours]

🚶‍♀️Walk along Grey Beach [45 minutes]

🚢 Grey Glacier Boat Tour [3 hours]

🚶‍♀️Return Walk [45 minutes]

🚐 Grey Sector > Puerto Natales [1.5 hours]

Pick-up in Puerto Natales

Your guide will pick you up from your accommodation in Puerto Natales at the selected time. Together with the rest of the group, you will set off for Torres del Paine National Park. You will enter through the Serrano Gate and cross characteristic Patagonian landscapes until reaching the Lake Grey sector. Once there, you will check in for the boat tour. You will have about 20 minutes of free time to enjoy the park.

Walk along Lake Grey Beach

Accompanied by your guide, you will take a 30 to 45-minute walk along Lake Grey beach to reach the boarding area.

💡 This walk takes place over stones and sand, making it unsuited for people with reduced mobility.

Note: Departure times are subject to availability. During peak season (October–April), you can skip the walk and transfer to the catamaran aboard a small shuttle boat provided by Hotel Lago Grey. Shuttle boat availability depends on weather conditions and is only confirmed at check-in. During low season (May–September), the shuttle boat is not available.

🛥️ Boat tour in front of the Grey Glacier wall in Torres del Paine

Time to set sail! For about 3 hours, you will cruise across Lake Grey accompanied by a professional guide who will explain the origin and features of the natural surroundings.

As you head deeper into the lake, you will begin passing large drifting icebergs boasting striking blue hues. The cruise will skirt the imposing walls of Grey Glacier (part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field), treating you to unique front-row views of the western face of the Paine Massif.

In addition, the crew will offer you a pisco sour (a traditional South American cocktail with citrus notes) or another complimentary drink on board to toast next to the glacier.

Once the navigation finishes, you will return to the dock and take another short walk across Grey Beach back to Hotel Lago Grey. When the whole group has gathered, the return trip to Puerto Natales will begin.

What to bring

Grey Glacier Boat Tour

When packing your backpack for this tour, keep in mind that Patagonia’s weather is highly unpredictable, and strong winds are very common from October to April. Also, when walking on the boat deck, wind and water splashes are frequent. That’s why we recommend bringing:

Passport / ID.
Warm jacket.
Hat and gloves.
Waterproof jacket.
Comfortable footwear (ideally waterproof hiking boots).
Snacks and food.
Sunglasses.
Sunscreen.
Cash.
Torres del Paine National Park entrance ticket.

Where does the tour start

Grey Glacier Boat Tour

The Grey Glacier Boat 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

Grey Glacier Boat Tour

What is the boat like on the Grey Glacier tour?
The navigation takes place aboard a catamaran featuring a main cabin with a capacity for 98 passengers. It also has an outdoor deck where all travelers go out to take in the views.
Can I bring all my luggage on the tour?
No, on this tour you are not allowed to bring bulky luggage. From Howlanders we recommend you to take only what you need for the tour and leave the rest of the luggage at your accommodation in Puerto Natales.
Do I have to bring any documents?
Yes, it is very important that you carry your passport and the immigration card that you will be given when you enter Chile
How difficult is the Glacier Grey Boat Tour from Puerto Natales?
The difficulty of this trek is low. We go along the glacier by an easy route until we reach the catamaran or the minibus.
How can I buy the entrance ticket to Torres del Paine National Park?
You must purchase your entrance ticket to Torres del Paine National Park online through the official CONAF website before your visit.