Puerto Natales: Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers Navigation

Torres del Paine, Chile



Discover the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers on a boat tour from Puerto Natales. Amaze at the incredible landscapes of Bernardo O'Higgins National Park and enjoy a toast with whisky and ancient ice.

Patagonia Fjords and Glacier Tour from Puerto Natales

This full-day boat trip from Puerto Natales sails through Última Esperanza Fjord, suitable for nature lovers and outdoor explorers.

Highlights

  • Sail through Última Esperanza Fjord
  • Enjoy whisky served with thousand-year-old glacial ice
  • Guided walk to Serrano Glacier lookout
  • View Balmaceda Glacier from the boat’s outdoor decks
  • Spot Patagonian wildlife including cormorants and sea lions

Description

The trip begins early morning at Prat Pier (EPA) in Puerto Natales, sailing along Última Esperanza Fjord framed by snow-capped peaks and waterfalls. Pass historic Bories meat-packing plant buildings, traditional estancias, and observe wildlife such as imperial cormorants and South American sea lions on rocky outcrops.

Arrive at Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, Chile’s largest protected area with over 4.3 million hectares and home to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Disembark for a 90-minute walk to the Serrano Glacier lookout, approaching a towering ice wall but not trekking on the glacier itself.

Return to the catamaran to enjoy a whisky chilled with ancient glacial ice, then continue sailing to admire the Balmaceda Glacier from the vessel’s open decks. This approximately 6-hour expedition offers extensive views of Patagonia’s fjords, glaciers, and wildlife.

Includes

  • Bilingual tour guide on board
  • Convenient meeting point in Puerto Natales
  • Sea wildlife sightseeing
  • Guided hike to Serrano Glacier lookout
  • Comfortable catamaran sailing
  • Tea or coffee with croissant
  • Whisky served with ancient glacial ice
  • Entrance to Bernardo O'Higgins National Park
  • Port taxes

Excludes

  • Anything not listed above
  • Tips (customary only)

Important Information

  • Lunch is not included; please arrange your own food and drink as needed.
  • Participants must arrive independently at Prat Pier, Puerto Natales.
  • Start time may change due to weather or operational conditions; flexibility is required.
  • The hike is to Serrano Glacier lookout, not a glacier walk.

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

For best experience, bring warm clothing and sturdy footwear. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during high season from October to March.

Frequently Asked Questions

The full-day boat trip includes sailing through Última Esperanza Fjord, a guided walk to the Serrano Glacier lookout, whisky with glacial ice, and views of the Balmaceda Glacier from the boat.
The tour departs from Prat Pier (EPA) in Puerto Natales, Chile.
The tour is a full-day excursion, typically lasting around 8 to 9 hours.
Yes, you can spot wildlife such as imperial cormorants and South American sea lions during the navigation.
The guided walk is moderate and accessible to most people, but good walking shoes are recommended.
No prior experience or special equipment is needed; the tour operator provides necessary guidance and basic gear.
The tour operates mainly during the southern hemisphere spring and summer months, when weather conditions are more favorable.
You can book the tour online through authorized Chilean tour providers; check the website for current availability.
Bring warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes, sun protection, and a camera for the Patagonia landscape.
Some snacks and whisky with glacial ice are provided, but it is advisable to check with the operator for meal options.

Trusted local guides, read by millions every month

  • 2006 online since
  • 26.2M page views a month across the network
  • 14 languages

180+ destination guides, one network

Every guide covers a single destination on its own website, with events, restaurants, things to do and places to stay chosen from local recommendations.

My Guide Network Locations

Nearby Destinations

Add to your trip

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.

Added to your trip Added to day {[{trip.toast.day}]}, MorningAfternoonEvening Saved to your trip Already in your trip Transfer saved to your trip Save your trip to get fresh suggestions Staying in {[{trip.toast.label}]} Base cleared Trip deleted Link copied Could not save your trip Something went wrong, please try again