balmaceda and serrano glacier tour

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Puerto Natales & Torres del Paine
Punta Arenas
Puerto Williams
El Calafate
Private Transfers

Navigation Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers tour

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Marvel at the spectacular navigation of the Last Esperanza canals to the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers, where you can appreciate the abundant flora and fauna and delight in this wonderful place.

For reservations with less than 24 hours, please contact by Whatsapp or email

Prices Season 2024 – 2025

Until August 31, 2024

Adult: CLP$ 139,000 per person.
Child (2 to 12 years): CLP$ 70,000 per person.
Infant (0 and 1 year): free of charge.

From September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025

Adult: CLP$ 164,000 per person.
Child (2 to 12 years): CLP$82,500 per person.

Place and time of presentation

Meeting point in Eberhard Street 560 at 07:00am (Summer time from september to april)

Meeting point in Eberhard Street 560 at 08:00am (Winter time from may to august)

Navigation includes

Boarding Fee to port
Coffe or tea
Navigation insurance
Tickets to Bernardo O'Higgins National Park
Drinks with ice from glacier
Lunch Estancia Perales Carbonada (meat and vegetable soup) - Grilled Magellanic lamb, with natural potatoes, lettuce and tomato salad, dessert and wine or drink * Vegan or Vegatarian alternative

Tour excludes

Transfer from Hostal/Hotel in Puerto Natales to Tour Operator office

Tour itinerary on the map

We Recommend

Sunglasses and Sunscreen
Warm Clothing
Confortable Shoes

Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers Navigation tour

07:00 The presentation time at the tour operator’s office.

08:00 We start the navigation from the pier Bories towards the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park through the Canal Señoret, while enjoying a snack. During the journey we will be able to observe Mount Balmaceda, where the glaciers that we will visit are located.

08:30 hrs, Our first point of interest that we will observe from the boat will be the Bories Cold Storage National Historical Monument, founded in 1913 by the Tierra del Fuego Exploitation Society, which for more than 60 years was the most important slaughterhouse in the area. Its constructions stand out in masonry, industrial architecture post-Victorian English style.

On our way, while we are sailing towards our destination, we will visit the Waterfall and Cliffs of Cóndores. The trip continues to Mount Balmaceda, 2,035 meters high, where we can appreciate the glacier of the same name.

11:30 hrs. Then we will disembark in Puerto Toro to begin a walk led by our guide along the banks of the Témpanos lagoon, through a native forest of coigües, ñirres and ciruelillos, towards the Serrano glacier.Here we will enjoy the vegetation and the contrast between the sky and the sea ice, accompanied by the imposing Serrano glacier.

12:00 hrs. Upon returning from the walk we will board again and enjoy a well-deserved aperitif with ice from the glacier.

14:00 hrs. After having witnessed a unique, wild and virgin landscape, we return to Estancia Perales, to enjoy a Patagonian lunch or if you prefer a vegetarian alternative.

17:00 hrs We will return to Puerto Natales

When is this tour taking place?

It takes place throughout the year; in winter (May to August) it is held every Sunday, and in spring-summer from September to April, every day

What type of boat does this tour take place on?

Navigation is carried out on catamarans of various sizes and capacities, ranging from boats with a capacity for 54 passengers to those that can accommodate 160 passengers. The choice of boat depends on the number of passengers participating in the day’s tour.

All these catamarans are equipped with bathrooms and have closed panoramic decks so that passengers enjoy the trip in all weather conditions. There is also an outdoor deck that can be accessed to take pictures and admire the scenery.

What does lunch include?

The included lunch consists of a delicious roast lamb cooked on the grill, accompanied by potatoes, salads and bread. In addition, a drink of your choice is offered, which can be a glass of wine, beer, soda or water. Lunch culminates with a dessert to satisfy the palate.

For those who prefer vegetarian options, a specific alternative is provided and detailed in the booking process. It is reported that an additional charge will be applied for any additional drink requested after the second, and said charge must be paid in cash and in local currency (Chilean pesos) during lunch.

Can I cancel or reschedule my reservation once I have made the payment?

Cancellation: If you cancel your reservation up to 48 hours before the start of the tour, we will refund 100% of the cost you paid when making the reservation.
Rescheduling: You can reschedule your reservation at no additional cost up to 48 hours before the start of the tour.

navegacion glaciares Balmaceda y Serrano

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If you are looking for an unforgettable experience in Chilean Patagonia, do not miss the navigation through Balmaceda and Serrano. It is a wonderful way to connect with nature and enjoy spectacular views.

Alan Trevisan

Navigating through Balmaceda and Serrano is a unique adventure that allows you to enjoy nature in all its splendor. The landscapes are impressive, and the glaciers are simply spectacular.

Giuliana Galia

Touring the Balmaceda and Serrano fjord by boat is something you cannot miss when visiting Chilean Patagonia. The natural beauty of the area is astonishing.

Carla Vincent

Navigating through Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers is an impressive experience. The views are breathtaking, and the sensation of being surrounded by ice is incomparable.

Grear tour, thanks to todopatagonia for such a beatifull places

BALMACEDA & SERRANO GLACIERS NAVIGATION

Usd 156 per person (now), usd 183 per person (from september).

Ask us the children rates under 12

Important Information

Location : Bernardo O’Higgins National Park.

Availability : Year round.

Duration : Around 9 hours.

Difficulty : Suitable for all levels.

Capacity : 150 people.

Presentation time : 7am at meeting point office.

Departure time : 8am from Puerto Bories harbor.

The itinerary and times may vary according to weather conditions.

Included / Not Included

Included : Transport from the meeting point to the harbor, Boat with capacity for 150 people, coffee or tea and biscuits on board, walking around Laguna Serrano, guides, Whisky with ice from the glacier, traditional lunch at Estancia Perales, Bernardo O’Higgins national park entrance fee, and port taxes.

Not included : Pick up from your hotel to the meeting point.

Recommendations

Waterproof trekking footwear, warm and waterproof clothing (different layers), gloves, hat, sunglasses and sunblock.

An amazing boat trip to discover the incredible world of the fjords , observing native wildlife, visiting the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers .

From the pier of Puerto Bories, you start the catamaran sailing through the Ultima Esperanza Fjord to the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers. On the way you can see beautiful views of mountains, waterfalls, cattle ranches and Patagonian birds. After approximately 3 hours of navigation, you first visit the Balmaceda glacier which you can admire from the ship. Then the boat arrives at Puerto Toro where a stop is made to disembark and go for a short walk through a leafy forest of “Coihues” and “Ñirres” to get to the feet of the majestic Serrano glacier . The boat returns from the Serrano glacier to Puerto Natales.

Navigation Balmaceda Serrano Glaciers Patagonia

Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers boat trip

If you visit Puerto Natales , one of the essential activities to do is the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers boat trip or navigation , where the Patagonian landscapes and the high mountains will leave you speechless.

🔎 Check here Puerto Natales Guide .

Why do the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers boat trip

Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers are located in the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park , next to the impressive Southern Ice Field.

The navigation is done through the fjord of Última Esperanza where you can see cormorants, condors, diverse marine fauna , the big Patagonian estancias, the mountains that surround the fjord, waterfalls and, of course, glaciers.

One of the most expected landmarks of the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers boat trip, is precisely the first glacier that can be seen during the navigation , the Balmaceda.

You can clearly see how the glacier hangs for about 2000 meters from the slope of Mount Balmaceda , being able to view its course from different points thanks to navigation.

You can see at first glance that the glacier doesn’t reach the lake since there are rocks without vegetation. However, not many years ago, the glacier did reach it. This means that unfortunately this is a retreating glacier and that we all have to be aware of the negative effects of global warming on our natural heritage.

In spite of this, many tourists expect the glacier to fall into the lake , with its corresponding big noise. And while it is a spectacle to observe, in reality, hides behind the fact that it’s a piece of glacier which will not be recovered .

Another highlight of the tour is the trek from Puerto Toro to the base of the Serrano glacier , where there is a viewpoint. The hike is short and is done through a coihue forest . After carrying out this circuit, you return to the boat to start the return trip.

🔎 Check here the top 5 things to do in Puerto Natales .

Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers boat trip

Best time to do the Balmaceda y Serrano glacier boat trip

The excursion can be done all year round , even in winter, since it is mostly done on top of a boat (only a small trekking is done to reach the Serrano glacier). It is only suspended by adverse weather conditions.

What does the tour includes

The excursion is made in a catamaran and lasts about 8-10 hours . Consider it a full-day excursion.

Depending on the agency you book with, it includes the transfer and return to the hotel in Puerto Natales where you are staying, if it is in the central area of the city.

Otherwise, you have to go to the agency’s office or directly to Puerto Bories , where the catamarans depart. Please note that the catamarans depart around 8 am, so it’s early morning that day.

These are often included:

Guide in Spanish or English
Coffee and tea on board the boat
Entrance to Bernardo O’Higgins National Park , where the glaciers are located
Walk through Laguna Serrano to viewpoint
An aperitif with ice from the glacier, which will be given to you on the return from the trekking

To go on the excursion, we recommend that you bring a windbreaker, warm clothes and sunscreen . It is a windy area and you must take care not to get cold, especially if you want to go outside the boat to take pictures.

📷 Take a look at this tou r to see Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers with a local agency. Book your place!

Comparte esta entrada:

Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciars Boat Excursion

Self-Guided
Boat Transfer
Physical Demand medium low

Discover the Navigation to Balmaceda & Serrano Glacier

This is a navigation through Ultima esperanza fjord at Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, to visit the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers. We will see these ice giants also local flora and fauna along the way.

This Navigation leaves in the morning from the pier at Puerto Natales and takes us to two glaciers, called Balmaceda and Serrano. These are part of the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park where you can visit only by boat. This park has an area of 4,300,00 hectares (16,600 square miles), which makes it the largest in Chile and one of the four largest parks in the world. It includes the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the largest mass of ice on the American Continent.

Our trip to and from the end of Last Hope Sounds lasts arround six hours and includes an excellent view of the old freezer plant at Puerto Bories, several small ranches, ice-fields and waterfalls, a colony of cormorants whose common name is Imperial Shag as well as a sea lion rockery.

From the boat we will also be able to see the local flora, which includes forests of trees with local names such as coigue, canelo, ñirre, and lenga. After three hours of travel we expect to reach the Balmaceda glacier, which is located on the east side of the mountain bearing the same name. At the end of the fjord the boat will dock to allow passengers to take a half-hour walk along a lake to the viewing point for the Serrano glacier. Later in the afternoon we will return to Puerto Natales by the same route.

Transfers from/to Accommodation in Puerto Natales Available for the urban area of Puerto Natales.
Bilingual Guide spanish/english During excursions and departures mentioned in the itinerary

General Conditions

From May to August Confirmed departures only on Sundays. Daily departures September to April (Subject to Availability) Does not operate on Good Friday, December 25 or January 1. Subject to weather conditions.

Commercial Conditions

Prices per person

Season May to August 31

Adults (From 13 years) $175,000 pesos

Children (2 to 12 years) $103,000 pesos

Infant (0 to 1 year) Released

Season September to April

Adults (From 13 years) $195,000 pesos

Children (2 to 12 years) $109,000 clp

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Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers

Duration: 9 hrs.
Excursion: Shared
Minimun: 1 passenger
Starting point: Puerto Natales Pier(Pto Bories)
Language: Spanish
Departure: Daily ( October - April)

Description

Spectacular full-day excursion to visit the galciers Balmaceda and Serrano, trip full of adventure and the finest scenery southern Chile has to offer.

Service: Shared service
Difficulty: Low. Soft walk visiting the Serrano Glacier with ups and downs on a rocky and sandy path bordering the lake.
Departure: During low season departures are on Sunday. During high season departures are every day. Subject to availability and weather conditions, confirmed when booking.
Starting Place: Hotel in Puerto Natales.
Length: 10 Hours.

Map de Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers

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Best price without complications, best quality guaranteed, passenger service available 24/7, tours and experiences selected by experts, industry leader, 18 years of experience, places you will meet, balmaceda glacier, puerto natales, seno ultima esperanza, serrano glacier, other tours of torres del paine and puerto natales....

W Trekking Torres del Paine National Park

Balmaceda & Serrano Glacier Navigation

Tour Description

Enjoy the best navigation through the channels of Last Hope, where you can observe flora and fauna of this wonderful place and enjoy contemplating the beautiful Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers.

The navigation starts in Puerto Bories located 10 minutes from Puerto Natales. The cruise begins on the Señoret Channell, heading NW towards Mount Balmaceda.

Our first point of interest will be the Bories National Historic Refrigeration Monument, which was founded in 1913 by the Tierra del Fuego Exploitation Society and for more than 60 years it was the most important slaughterhouse in the area. The place is worth visiting because of Its masonry construction, European style and outstanding industrial architecture. Then we will go to Guanaco Island where sometimes it is possible to observe the small Magellan Dolphins or Toninas. Next we will get to the Wall of Cormorants through the Margot Farm where we will be able to admire many of these beautful birds just gliding in the air. We will continue the trip to Punta de Lobos where it is possible to see sea lions. Then we will be able to see a waterfall and some cliffs where it is common to see condors. At each point of interest our boats will stop so that the passengers will be able to enjoy the incredible scenery and feel the unique spirit of Patagonian nature. The cruise continues to Mount Balmaceda (2035 meters high) where we can appreciate the Balmaceda glacier, then we will disembark in Puerto Toro to begin a one-hour round hike along the shore of the Témpanos lagoon. We will always be accompanied by our bilingual guide. We will go through a native forest towards the Serrano glacier, where we will enjoy the imposing vegetation and the contrast between the perfectly clear sky and the ice of the sea, next to the Serrano glacier. We will begin the return and we will arrive at Perales Farm, where we will disembark and offer lunch, which can be grilled meats (lamb) or an alternative menu. The arrival to the city is supposed to be at 5:00 p.m. approximately.

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