Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers Boat Tour and traditional lunch.
Description
At Howlanders, we consider the "Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers Tour" a must for every traveler visiting Puerto Natales. From the boat, the tour will introduce two of the most impressive glaciers in Chile: Balmaceda and Serrano. In addition to the glaciers, this tour includes a 40-minute walk through a lush forest to reach the foot of the glaciers. On the way back to the ship, you can enjoy a glass of whiskey made with millenary ice from the glaciers, coffee, or a hot cup of tea. Are you ready for a real adventure? Here are all the details of the tour:
Tour Options
Itinerary
At the proposed time, we’ll see you at the meeting point located in the center of Puerto Natales for a tour briefing. Next, the shuttle bus will take you to Puerto Bories, located about 3.1 mi. (5 km) away. You can show up directly at Puerto Bories if it suits you better. Once there, you’ll board the ship to start your big adventure!
All aboard! Set sail for the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers by way of the Ultima Esperanza Fjord. During the first part of the voyage, get an eyeful of Patagonia’s overflowing nature when the captain approaches the cormorant colonies, the sea lion ravine (watch sea lions lounge), the condor cliff, and the great waterfalls. Continue to Bernardo O'Higgins National Park and disembark at Puerto Toro. Next, stretch your legs on a 40-minute walk along a path through a lush forest of coihues and southern beeches. At the end of the route, discover the main viewpoint facing the great Serrano Glacier and enjoy the most spectacular views of this captivating glacier.
You’ll have some free time to enjoy the glacier views and stroll along some of the trails in the surrounding areas while on your way back to the boat. Once you’re back on board, the crew will greet you with a glass of whiskey cooled by ancient glacier ice, a freshly brewed coffee, or a warm cup of tea.
Next, the ship will continue its journey to a traditional Patagonian estancia (ranch). There, you’ll disembark again to savor a delicious lunch featuring salad, soup, grilled lamb with potatoes, and dessert, paired with Chilean wine or a drink of your choice. Vegetarian alternatives are also available!
After lunch, begin the voyage back to Puerto Natales with the first stop in Puerto Boires. From there the shuttle bus will drop you off at the city center with an arrival time between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. (depending on the season).
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(108)
The tours presented the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers were spectacular. Having never seen a glacier, the small boat allow us to get close to enjoy the personal view of Serrano Glacier. However Balmaceda Glacier require hiking to the site. This was not clear in description of the 2 day tour. Finally, it was a very pricey experience.
Hola! Thank you for your detailed feedback. We’re glad you enjoyed Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers Boat Tour and traditional lunch! We’re thrilled to hear you had a great experience. We will double-check the details you gave us about the hike., and we hope to see you again for more unforgettable adventures in Patagonia! Safe travels, The Howlanders Team
The walk is a gift for the senses, the navigation has everything you need for one to fully enjoy the walk, the view is spectacular and the national park you visit is beautiful, the color of the water, the visit to the glaciers, a must-see home port.
¡Muchas gracias por compartir tu experiencia! Nos alegra muchísimo saber que disfrutaste del paseo y que la navegación, las vistas y el entorno del Parque Nacional te parecieron tan espectaculares. La zona de los glaciares de Puerto Natales realmente es un lugar único, y nos encanta saber que pudiste vivirlo como un “regalo para los sentidos”. Transmitiremos tus palabras al equipo del tour y a los guías, que estarán muy contentos de saber que su trabajo contribuyó a una experiencia tan especial. ¡Esperamos verte pronto en otra aventura por la Patagonia! Un saludo, Howlanders Team
The company who runs this trip are extremely good with fantastic attention to detail cannot praise them enough. A very special mention to our crew, led by Esteban Rincon, a brilliant manager who led from the front with everyone else knowing exactly what needed to be done to make the trip extra special, brilliant teamwork. The photo shows the names of this brilliant team. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Hola! Thank you for your review! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers Boat Tour and traditional lunch, the amazing views, and the guide’s knowledge 😊 Best regards, Howlanders Team
Very easy. Covered a lot of ground, err ah water. Recommend for older people and those who love to eat
Thank you for your review! We’re glad you enjoyed the tour and the traditional lunch. It’s great to hear it was a comfortable experience and enjoyable for all ages. We hope to welcome you again on another adventure! Howlanders Team
Great views and service. Snacks and coffee or tea in the morning and then a short hike followed by whiskey and an amazing lunch with local wine included.
Thank you for your feedback! We’re happy to hear you enjoyed the beautiful views, the morning hike, and the tasty lunch with drinks. It’s great that the whole experience made your day special. Best regards, Howlanders Team
We had a wonderful day frim.the friendly welcome to coffee and xookie. We got so close to the sights on the boat. Loved the hike. That was the first tie I've gone on a boat tour that included a hike. A very nice break in the day! Lunch was fabulous! The entire day was delightful.
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers tour, from the friendly welcome to the hike and delicious lunch 😊 It’s great that the boat and hike combination made the day so special. Best regards, Howlanders Team
The staff of the boat are friendly. The services are great. This is a great tour. I will strongly recommend to friends and family.
Thank you for your review! We’re glad you enjoyed the Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers tour and that the staff made it a great experience. We appreciate your recommendation! Best regards, Howlanders Team
We had an amazing experience riding horses. Sergio took us on a loop around the area. The horses were great and Sergio told us a lot about the area , history and nature. I loved my horse Canario. My friend rode blancita. Thank you estancia pingo savage
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re thrilled to hear you had such an amazing horseback riding experience. It’s great to know that Sergio made the tour both enjoyable and informative, sharing insights about the area, its history, and nature. We also love that you connected with the horses! We hope to welcome you again for another unforgettable adventure. Best regards, Howlanders Team
The scenery all the way through the fjords to the glaciers is spectacular. The boat is comfortable and staff were friendly and attentive. You can sit and watch the wonders through the windows or go out on deck to take photos or see closer views. Be prepared with warm clothing, hat, gloves etc if going on deck. Tea, coffee, snacks and a whisky is served on board and you get to meet people from many different nations and talk about different experiences. The walk to the bottom of the glacier is on some uneven terrain with steps etc but well worth it if you can do it. Saw my first iceberg on this short trek! Lunch at the hacienda was great. Large indoor restaurant with generous lunch- salad, soup, lamb, chicken or vegetarian main, dessert and drink (wine etc)) For the large number of people service was very efficient. If you don’t like lots of meat and potatoes maybe try the vegetarian. Only downside is if you don’t like big groups (150 odd) and lining up for toilets etc this tour may not be for you .
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the glaciers, the boat experience, and the traditional lunch. Your tips on warm clothing and the walk are very helpful for future travelers. Safe travels, The Howlanders Team
The lunch was fantastic! Good mixture of sight seeing and relaxing on the boat!
Hola, Thank you so much for your lovely review of our Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers Boat Tour with Traditional Lunch! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the lunch — it’s always special to combine Patagonia’s incredible landscapes with a delicious local meal. We’re also glad you found the perfect balance between sightseeing and relaxing on the boat. Cruising past the stunning Balmaceda Glacier and Serrano Glacier is truly a unique experience. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We hope to welcome you back to Patagonia for another adventure in the future! Warm regards, Howlanders Team
