Glaciers Boat Tour with Transfer
Daily Departures
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About this tour
A boat trip across the North Arm of Lago Argentino toward the best-known glaciers in the El Calafate area.
On this glaciers boat tour we pick you up at your accommodation and transfer you to Puerto Bandera, the boarding point about 47 km from El Calafate.
We start by sailing through the North Arm of Lago Argentino, then pass Boca del Diablo toward the Upsala Channel, traveling among the huge icebergs that break off the front wall of the Upsala Glacier.
The next stop is the Spegazzini Channel, where you get your first view of the Seco Glacier.
The trip continues until the Spegazzini Glacier is right in front of the boat, with views of the Heim Sur and Peineta glaciers as well.
We get ready to disembark at Base Spegazzini and start our visit to this area by walking along a forest trail to Refugio Spegazzini.
This accessible 300-meter path stops at different stations and viewpoints overlooking the whole of Bahía de Los Glaciares.
Here you can have lunch (not included) at the lodge, visit the shop or simply enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Those who enjoy trekking can take the path up the mountain, a moderate route through woodland, full of natural lookouts and incredible views, that ends at the landing point.
At about 16:30 h we begin the road transfer back to El Calafate.
Highlights of the Los Glaciares boat tour
- Sailing the North Arm of Lago Argentino
- Iceberg barrier
- Spegazzini Glacier
- Seco, Heim and Peineta glaciers
- Landing at Base Spegazzini
- Walk along the Forest Trail to Refugio Spegazzini. At the lodge you can have lunch, visit the shop or take in the scenery. To return to the boarding point, you can take the Mountain Trail (moderate difficulty), with natural lookouts and incredible views.
Rate policy
- ADULT (17 and over)
- CHILD (6 to 16)
- CHILD (3 to 5): pays only the transfer to Puerto Bandera (takes a seat)
- Free for ages 0 to 2 (no seat)
Useful information
- Departure point: Passengers' accommodation
- Departure time: Pickup from 7:00 h
- Return time: Back at the hotel from 16:30 h
- Boarding at Puerto Bandera: 8:30 h
- Boat departure: 9:00 h
- Return to port: approx. 15:30 h
Included
- Transfers.
- Guide.
- Insurance.
Not included
- Meals and drinks.
- National park entrance ticket.
Meeting point
Before you go
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes and warm clothing are recommended (sweater, sweatshirt and a windbreaker and/or rain jacket).
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and gloves.
- Also a sun hat, or a warm hat if it is very cold.
Cancellation policy
Terms and conditions
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a shared group tour and a private tour? Can you do it just for my group?
On a shared group tour, you share the vehicle with other travelers, with a set schedule and route. A private tour is just for your group and is adapted in schedule, pace, and stops. Message us with what you're looking for and we'll advise you.
Should I bring cash? Are there ATMs along the way?
Yes, it's a good idea to bring some cash: in small towns, not all shops accept cards, and there are few ATMs.
Do you offer pickup from my accommodation? From what area? What if I'm outside downtown?
Yes, on most shared group tours we offer pickup from your accommodation if it's within about 15 blocks of Plaza 9 de Julio. If you're outside that area, we'll give you a nearby meeting point. Each tour page states whether pickup is included.
Where do I enter my accommodation? Can I change it later?
You enter it when you book. If you change accommodation, send us a message on WhatsApp.
What time will you pick me up? Why is it a time window and not an exact time?
We give you a window of about 45 minutes, because the vehicle stops at several accommodations before reaching yours. Be ready from the start of the window.
Where do I wait, and how do I know the vehicle is on its way? What if it's late?
Wait at the door of your accommodation from the start of the time window. The guide will contact you; if you don't hear anything, message our on-call WhatsApp.
Can you drop me off somewhere else at the end?
Yes, within the downtown area or at any point along the vehicle's route.
Can I end the tour at the destination and stay there?
Yes, let us know when you book. You'll need to arrange your own return.
Can I bring luggage or a suitcase? Do I need to let you know?
On shared group tours by minibus, one carry-on bag of up to 10 kg per traveler is allowed: the vehicles have no luggage compartment. Larger luggage is subject to confirmation and may have an additional cost if seats need to be left empty.
How many people travel, and in what vehicle?
The vehicle depends on the number of travelers; in high season, it may be a vehicle with 24 seats or more. If the vehicle can't enter downtown, we'll give you a central meeting point.
Is a guide included? Do they stay with you the whole way?
Yes. Depending on the tour, you travel with a guide and a driver, or with a driver-guide who stays with you the whole way.
Is lunch included? Where and when do we eat?
Unless the tour page says otherwise, lunch isn't included. There's a stop with free time to eat: you can bring your own food, buy something, or go to a restaurant. The guide can suggest places, with no obligation.
Are there extra costs during the tour (admission, meals)?
Unless the tour page says so, meals and admission to museums or archaeological sites, such as the Pucará de Tilcara, aren't included. Beyond that, the only cost is whatever you want to buy.
Can the route be changed?
No. Only the agency or the guide can change it if the weather or road conditions require it.
Are there restrooms and cell service along the way?
Yes, the stops have restrooms. There's service in the towns, but there may be none on some mountain stretches.
How far in advance do I need to book? Can I book for today or tomorrow?
We recommend booking in advance, especially during Argentine winter holidays, Easter and long weekends. On the website you can book until 6 pm the day before, unless the tour page shows a different cutoff. To pay by bank transfer you need at least 2 days before the departure. For the same day or outside those hours, message us on WhatsApp and we will check availability.
How do I know if there is availability, and when is my booking confirmed?
It depends on the service, and the tour page tells you before you pay. Services with "Instant confirmation" are confirmed as soon as the payment goes through, and you get the voucher right away. For the rest, your booking is registered when you pay and we confirm it with the provider within a few hours, during business hours. For trains, the ticket is issued by the operator. If there were no availability, we offer you another date, another activity or a full refund. Services on request are booked on WhatsApp: we confirm availability first.
Can I change the date or the travelers, or modify my booking after paying?
Yes, message us on WhatsApp and we will take care of it. For shared group tours and packages, if you let us know 48 hours or more in advance, we change the date free of charge, subject to availability. For private tours and trips we review each case, and for trains the operator's policy applies.
What happens if I need to cancel?
Within 10 days of your purchase and up to 24 hours before the first service, you can withdraw and we refund everything, except for trains and services run by other operators. Outside that period, each service's policy applies, which you see before paying: shared group tours can be canceled free of charge up to 48 hours before. It is calculated on what you paid, and you can cancel for all travelers or only for some.
What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather or force majeure?
First, we offer to reschedule it for another date. If you can't, we leave the date open so you can use it later, and if that doesn't work for you either, we refund what you paid.
What payment methods do you accept? Is there a discount depending on how I pay?
It depends on where you are paying from, and you choose it in your order. From Argentina: bank transfer or Mercado Pago, with a credit or debit card or account balance, and up to 3 interest-free installments. From abroad: PayPal, Wise or a card through Mercado Pago, and from Uruguay also Prex. Paying by bank transfer from an Argentine account gives you a discount: the tour page and the cart show the price with each method before you pay. We do not accept cash through the website.
Can I pay from another country or with a foreign card?
Yes. In your order, choose the country you are paying from and you will see the available methods: PayPal (in US dollars), Wise (in US dollars or euros) or a card through Mercado Pago. From Uruguay you can also pay with Prex. If your card is declined, try PayPal or Wise, or message us on WhatsApp.
What happens if I'm late?
There's little leeway, because the vehicle follows a route with other travelers. We'll try to contact you, but if you're not there on time, you may miss the service.
What language are the tours in? Can I request a guide in English or Portuguese?
Tours are in Spanish. English is available on request: let us know when you book. Portuguese is available only occasionally and must be requested in advance.
Can children come? Can I bring a baby? Do you have child seats?
Yes, children and babies can travel on shared group tours. If you need a baby seat, request it when you book and we'll install it. The minimum age for each activity is listed on its page.
Are tours suitable for seniors or people with reduced mobility?
Shared group tours are suitable for seniors; the effort level for each one is listed on the tour page. They're not suitable for people with reduced mobility, due to the type of vehicles.
Do I need to tell you about any health conditions?
Yes. When you book, let us know about any condition the guide should be aware of, such as heart or respiratory problems, pregnancy, or allergies. We use this only to organize the service.
Are tours canceled if it rains?
Generally not: tours run in the rain. During the rainy season, if a road is cut off by flooding and we can't get through, we'll let you know in advance. The forecast often shows rain in the mountains even when it doesn't actually rain, so don't let it scare you.
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