




Kayak in Grey Glacier
Grey Lake Kayaking Tour in Torres del Paine
Briefing
Kayaking on Grey Glacier is a must if you want to get to know the glacier in the most exciting way. Together with the Grey Glacier Ice Hike, these are the two adventure activities offered on the Grey Glacier.
You must go to the meeting point located next to the Grey campsite and "refugio", inside Torres del Paine. Once the whole group has gathered, the guide will hand out the safety equipment and give you a training talk so that you can learn how to handle the kayak. Now the adventure begins! For two and a half hours you will paddle in a group, always led by the guide and with the support of another guide to keep the group together. You will approach icebergs detached from the glacier wall and the glacier wall (keep the safety distance) while the guide explains the curiosities of Torres del Paine National Park and Grey Glacier.
Remember that it is essential to stay in the Grey or Paine Grande Sector the night before or after the start of the activity, so this activity is highly recommended for travelers who make the O Circuit or the W Trek including night in Grey.
Want to know more? 😀 Below we tell you how your experience will be:
Tour details
Included
- Double kayak
- Neoprene wetsuit and boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Helmet
- Protective skirt for kayak
- Life jacket
- Paddles with built-in gloves
- Snack and hot drink
- Bilingual guide
Not included
- Entrance ticket to Torres del Paine National Park
- Transfer to Grey Base Camp
Important information
📍 MEETING POINT
The tour starts and ends at Grey Base Camp located 10 minutes walk from Grey Camping and "refugio", inside Torres del Paine National Park. Please note:
- To be able to take the tour on the first shift it is essential to be staying at the Grey Camping or "refugio" the night before.
- To be able to do the tour in the last shift it is essential to stay at the Camping or Refugio Grey at the end of the activity.
- To be able to do the tour in the intermediate shift (11:00 AM) it is not essential to stay at the Camping or Refugio Grey but it is highly recommended.
On the reservation form you must indicate the night you are staying at Camping or Refugio Grey so that your reservation can be confirmed.
🚫 RESTRICTIONS
- Children under 14 years old
- Over 65 years old
- People weighing more than 100kg
❌🌧️ CANCELLATION DUE TO BAD WEATHER
We recommend booking the tour for the earliest available time slot (even the day before, depending on your schedule), as this gives you the chance to reschedule in case of a weather-related cancellation (subject to availability). If rescheduling is not possible, you will receive a full refund.
⚠️ From April 1 to April 24, the 8:00 AM shift will have its departure time at 9:00 AM due to the variation in daylight hours in Patagonia.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation!
If you cancel at least 4 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
Kayaking in Grey Glacier
Difficulty: medium
Distance: 3,5 miles (6 km)
Duration: 3 hours
Arrival at Grey Base Camp
The Grey Glacier Kayak starts at the Grey Base Camp, located in the Playa Grey sector, inside the Torres del Paine National Park. Below, in the section Where the tour starts, we give you all the details you need to know how to get there.

Grey kayak training talk
Once we have arrived at the Grey base camp, the guide will be waiting for us to give us an introductory safety briefing. He will explain the best way to paddle, how to act depending on each situation that may arise, the route to follow and the weather conditions of that day.
In addition, he will give us all the equipment and we will be ready to paddle. Get your arms ready to start!

Kayaking on Grey Lake
We will begin the navigation led by the guide, who will mark the route that the group follows. We will pass through a bay where icebergs tend to accumulate, which are pieces of ice that detach from the wall of the glacier. We will head towards the east face of the Grey Glacier, always keeping a safe distance. Being accompanied by a support guide the group stays together and adapts to the pace of all participants and even helps you take some good pictures 🤩.

Return to Base Grey and snacks
On the way back we will approach a melting waterfall that comes from another glacier and continue our way back to the beach located in front of the camp. Upon arrival we will deliver the equipment and serve snacks and hot drinks to recover energy before continuing your adventure in Torres del Paine.

What to bring to Kayak in Grey Glacier tour
During the Grey Glacier Kayak you will paddle in the glacier lagoon using the technical clothing provided by the team and it is important to be well equipped considering the changing weather conditions in the region. From Howlanders we recommend you dress in layers, as this will allow you to adjust your clothing as the weather conditions change.
Here are some recommendations:
Layer Clothing
- Base Layer: long sleeve or thermal T-shirt.
- Middle Layer: a sweater or fleece to retain warmth.
- Outer Layer: waterproof and windproof jacket to protect you from the cold and rain.
Pants: preferably trekking pants or waterproof pants.
Footwear: waterproof trekking boots with good grip. Make sure they are comfortable and well-fitting, as you will be strapping your crampons to your boots.
Accessories
- Gloves: waterproof if possible
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Socks: preferably high and comfortable to avoid chafing inside the boots.
- Small backpack: to store water, snacks and anything else you may need during the tour.
- Sunscreen
- Water and snacks
Where does the tour Kayak in Grey Glacier start
The Grey Glacier Kayak tour starts and ends at the Grey Base Camp (inside Torres del Paine National Park), located in the Grey Beach area and a 10 minute walk from the Grey "refugio" and Campground. The tour is designed for those travelers who are already inside the national park doing one of the Macizo Paine circuits.
If you plan to travel from Puerto Natales to Grey Base Camp just to do the tour, keep in mind that you must spend at least one night at Refugio or Camping Grey to properly enjoy this experience. There are 2 options to get to Grey Base Camp from Puerto Natales:
- Grey III boat: The Grey III boat connects Hotel Grey with Refugio Grey across Lake Grey in a journey of approximately 45 minutes. It will be necessary to check-in at the Grey Hotel one hour before the departure of the navigation. You can see the schedule and buy the ticket here. To get from Puerto Natales to the Grey Hotel you will have to take a regular bus or book a private transportation on your own.
- Hielos Patagónicos Catamaran (Pudeto - Paine Grande): The Patagonian Ice Catamaran connects Pudeto with Paine Grandre across Lake Pehohe in a journey of approximately 30 minutes. It will be necessary to show up in advance at the Pudeto pier to buy the catamaran ticket and check-in. You can see the schedules and check the fares here. To get from Puerto Natales to Pudeto you will have to take a regular bus or book a private transport on your own. Once in Paine Grande, you will have to walk for 4 - 5 hours and 11 km until you reach Sector Grey.
Questions & Answers
Can I book the Grey Lake Kayak tour privately?
Yes, it is possible to do the Grey Glacier kayaking activity in private, just contact us to request your quote.
Are there any restrictions for the kayak tour in Grey?
Yes, this activity is only available for travelers between 16 and 65 years old. Moreover, it has a weight limit of 100 kilos to ensure the safety of the traveler in the kayak.What is the size of the group?
In order to better enjoy this route, groups are reduced to a maximum of 12 people.What is the capacity of the kayaks?
All kayaks are double kayaks.Can the kayak tour in Greyde be cancelled due to the weather?
Yes, if the weather conditions do not allow it, the activity will not take place and you will be offered a change of date or a refund of the amount paid, whichever you choose, so we advise you to book it to do it in the first shift, this way in case of cancellation you can choose to do it in the next schedule (subject to availability).
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