Half Day Boat Tour to Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers
Description
Cruise through the breathtaking Última Esperanza Fjord on this half-day adventure, taking in views of majestic glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife like sea lions and imperial cormorants. Enjoy a guided walk to the Serrano Glacier viewpoint, where you’ll savor stunning glacier vistas. Relax on the boat with complimentary coffee or tea. Your return trip includes a unique treat of whisky served over glacier ice, ensuring a memorable experience as you head back to Puerto Natales just in time for lunch. - Half-day cruise through Última Esperanza Fjord to view Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers - Guided walk to Serrano Glacier viewpoint for close-up views - Enjoy coffee, tea, and a croissant on board; whisky over glacier ice on the return - Tour lasts about 6 hours, allowing for lunch and afternoon exploration in Puerto Natales *Cancelation rate due to bad weather has been improved!
Tour Options
Itinerary
Spend about two hours cruising along the Última Esperanza Fjord, passing by highlights like the historic Bories Cold-Storage Plant, traditional Patagonian ranches, scenic waterfalls, and glaciers. Along the way, you’ll also spot a colony of imperial cormorants and a rocky outcrop where sea lions gather. The captain makes stops at the best viewing points, giving you time to take in the scenery from your seat inside or out on one of the boat’s two decks, while your guide shares stories and insights about the region.
Upon arrival at Puerto Toro, you’ll step off the boat for a one-hour excursion inside the stunning Bernardo O’Higgins National Park. This protected area is home to pristine landscapes, native flora, and breathtaking glacier views.
Still within the national park, you’ll follow a gentle 20-minute trail with wooden walkways over uneven ground, making it accessible for all travelers. The path leads to the Serrano Glacier viewpoint, where you’ll have free time to admire the scenery and take photos before heading back along the same trail and boarding the boat again for the return journey.
On the return cruise, the boat sails close to the impressive Balmaceda Glacier. While enjoying the view, you’ll be treated to a glass of whisky served over glacier ice—a true Patagonian tradition. The journey ends back at Arturo Prat Pier around 1:00 PM, just in time to enjoy lunch at one of the many local restaurants in Puerto Natales.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(5)
Very friendly and helpful professional guides with the whole group.... I definitely recommend
Muito obrigado pela sua avaliação! 😊 Ficamos extremamente felizes em saber que o passeio aos Glaciares Balmaceda e Serrano foi maravilhoso para você e que nossas guias deixaram uma ótima impressão com sua simpatia, atenção e profissionalismo. Nossa equipe se dedica para que cada viajante se sinta bem cuidado durante toda a experiência. Agradecemos muito pela recomendação e por escolher a Howlanders. Esperamos recebê-lo novamente em breve para mais aventuras pela Patagônia!
While we were standing at the dock to for boarding at 6:30, an email arrived st 6:28. The trip was cancelled due to weather, although the weather was fine. Very unprofessional.
Thank you for the review! We are very sorry for the disappointment caused by the cancellation. Please understand that the decision to cancel trips is always made in the morning based on safety protocols and weather forecasts. While the weather may have seemed fine at the time, our priority is the safety of all passengers and crew. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.
We booked a half day cruise with plans to do an additional tour in the afternoon. On the return the boat went over a sandbar and we were stuck inside the boat for two hours while they attempted to call for help. They finally decided to get a tug boat to remove us which took an additional hour and a half. We had to load on two inflatable boats to take us to the tug boat The tug boat then took us to shore to bus us back. There was little food or water and we missed our other tour. They promised to give us a full refund of $310 but that has not happened. And Viator has not provided any update.
We’re very sorry for the experience you had on the Balmaceda & Serrano Glacier tour. The safety of our guests is always our top priority, and we regret the inconvenience caused by the sandbar situation. Please note that the refund has been processed on our side—kindly follow up directly with Viator regarding the status of the reimbursement.
Great staff, incredible scenery, beautiful tour… Sit in the bottom towards the front right for the best views..
Thanks for your kind words — we’re so glad you enjoyed the tour and the amazing scenery! Great tip about the best seat for the views. Hope to see you again on another adventure soon! — The Howlanders Team
The whole trip went really well although we were a little apprehensive about the meeting point as we only had the information on tripadvisor. I thought we may have had something from the trip organiser but we didn’t. Fortunately it all went well and we were on the ‘the list’! Loved seeing the glaciers and waterfall up close and the condors made it extra special. The staff on the boat were very helpful and friendly! Thank you for a wonderful experience!
The Howlanders.com team appreciates your feedback. We hope you enjoy the rest of your trip!
