Boat Tours — Perito Moreno Glacier
Experience the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier from a unique perspective on a boat tour. Witness massive ice walls, feel the thundering calvings, and capture unforgettable photos of this Patagonian wonder from water level. This easy activity is perfect for all ages, offering unparalleled views of one of the world's most dynamic glaciers.
Embarking on a boat tour at Perito Moreno Glacier offers an unparalleled way to appreciate the sheer magnitude and breathtaking beauty of this natural marvel. While the walkways provide fantastic panoramic views, getting onto Lake Argentino allows you to approach the glacier's towering, azure-tinted ice walls, providing a sense of scale that is truly humbling. The sound of cracking ice and the potential sight of a massive calving event, where huge chunks of ice break off and crash into the water, are experiences etched forever in memory.These boat excursions are designed to bring you safely and comfortably very close to the glacier's face, offering spectacular photographic opportunities. It's an easy and accessible adventure, perfect for visitors of all ages and physical abilities. For those self-driving from El Calafate, opting for a boat tour directly at the glacier can be a cost-effective alternative to pricier full-day organized tours, allowing you to combine your independent exploration of the walkways with this immersive water-level perspective.
Experiences
Safari Náutico (Classic Boat Tour)
easyA 1-hour navigation on Lake Rico, offering close-up views of the south face of Perito Moreno Glacier. It provides an excellent perspective of the glacier's height and allows for incredible photo opportunities. The boat gets within a safe distance, making the glacier's sounds and scale truly impressive.
Big Ice & Boat Navigation (Combined Tour)
challengingThis popular full-day experience includes a boat transfer across Lake Rico to the glacier, followed by a challenging glacier trek on the ice itself. The boat section provides initial close-up views before the trek.
Mini Ice & Boat Navigation (Combined Tour)
moderateA shorter, more accessible version of the Big Ice, involving a boat ride to the glacier and then a moderate walk on the ice with crampons. The boat journey is a significant part of this comprehensive experience.
Upsala & Spegazzini Glaciers Boat Tour (Full Day)
easyWhile not solely focused on Perito Moreno, many full-day boat tours from El Calafate include navigation past Perito Moreno's northern wall as part of a larger itinerary exploring other massive glaciers like Upsala and Spegazzini in Lake Argentino.
Gear Checklist
- ✓Warm, waterproof jacket (even in summer, it can be cold and wet on the water)
- ✓Layers of clothing (fleece, thermal base layer)
- ✓Hat and gloves (especially for windy conditions)
- ✓Sunglasses (glare from ice can be intense)
- ✓Sunscreen
- ✓Camera with extra battery and memory card
- ✓Binoculars (for wildlife on the shore or distant details)
- ✓Small backpack
Cost Breakdown
| Tier | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Budget | $50-70 USD (for a standalone 1-hour Safari Náutico boat tour, excluding park entrance fee) |
| Mid-Range | $100-200 USD (for tours combining boat with some basic land exploration or basic transfers) |
| Premium | $250-400+ USD (for full-day combined "Big Ice" treks including boat transfers, or luxury transfers from El Calafate) |
Notes: Prices typically do not include the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares entrance fee (around 20-30 USD per person). Transportation from El Calafate is often an extra cost unless specified in a packaged tour. Meals are rarely included in basic boat tours.
Best Season
The best season for boat tours to Perito Moreno Glacier is during the Patagonian summer, from October to April. During these months, the weather is generally milder, days are longer, and the glacier is most active, increasing the chances of witnessing spectacular calving events. While tours operate in shoulder seasons, winds can be stronger and temperatures colder.
Safety Notes
- !Always follow the instructions of the boat captain and crew, especially regarding proximity to the glacier.
- !Stay seated when instructed, especially when the boat is maneuvering close to the ice or in choppy waters.
- !Be aware of slippery decks, especially if there's mist or spray from the water.
- !Never attempt to touch or retrieve ice from the water; falling ice can be extremely dangerous.
- !Dress warmly to prevent hypothermia, even on seemingly mild days, as exposure to cold winds on the water can be intense.
Getting There
To reach the boat tour departure points for Perito Moreno Glacier, you first need to get to Parque Nacional Los Glaciares. From El Calafate (the main hub, about 80 km away), the most flexible and cost-effective way is to rent a car. Drive west on Provincial Route 11 directly to the national park entrance. After paying the park fee, continue driving towards the glacier. For the "Safari Náutico" (the most common boat tour), follow signs for "Puerto Bajo de las Sombras" which is located about 7 km before the main glacier viewpoints and walkways. There's ample parking available at the port. This allows you to combine your boat experience with exploring the famous boardwalks at your own pace. Many organized bus tours from El Calafate also include the boat tour option, but driving yourself offers more freedom and can significantly reduce overall costs.
Tips
- 1Book your boat tour in advance, especially during high season (Nov-Mar).
- 2Arrive early at the dock to secure a good viewing spot on the boat.
- 3Dress in layers; weather on the lake can change rapidly and be significantly colder than on land.
- 4Keep your camera ready for calving events – they can happen suddenly!
- 5Combine the boat tour with walking the glacier's boardwalks for the most comprehensive experience.
- 6Consider self-driving from El Calafate to save money on transfers and have more flexibility.
- 7Bring a small snack and water, as refreshments on board might be limited or pricey.
- 8Listen to the guide's instructions for safety and to learn about the glacier.
Rent a Car to Get There
To reach the boat tour departure points for Perito Moreno Glacier, you first need to get to Parque Nacional Los Glaciare...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the boat tour?
The standard "Safari Náutico" boat tour lasts approximately 1 hour. Some combined tours might include longer boat segments.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, especially during peak season (November to March), it's highly recommended to book your boat tour tickets several days, or even weeks, in advance to secure your spot.
Is the park entrance fee included in the boat tour price?
No, the entrance fee to Parque Nacional Los Glaciares is separate and must be paid upon arrival at the park entrance.
Can I see the glacier calving from the boat?
Yes, witnessing calving events is one of the main highlights of the boat tour. However, it's a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed.
Is the boat tour suitable for children?
Yes, boat tours are generally very safe and suitable for all ages, including young children, making it a great family activity.
What's the difference between the boat tour and the boardwalks?
The boardwalks offer panoramic, elevated views of the glacier's entire face. The boat tour brings you up close to the base of the ice wall, offering a different, more immersive perspective of its height and scale from water level.
Can I combine the boat tour with a glacier trek?
Yes, tours like "Mini Ice" and "Big Ice" combine boat navigation with actual trekking on the glacier, offering the most comprehensive experience.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Boat tours may be subject to cancellation or delays in cases of extreme weather conditions (e.g., strong winds). Operators typically offer rescheduling or refunds in such instances.