What to expect on Perito Moreno Glacier boat tours
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Departure from El Calafate
Your day begins in the heart of El Calafate. If transfers are included, relax as the bus winds through the golden Patagonian steppe to the port. Otherwise, make your own scenic drive to Puerto Bajo de las Sombras or Puerto Moreno, where your cruise awaits beneath a backdrop of endless blue and distant ice.
Expert guides onboard
Throughout the Perito Moreno boat tour, seasoned bilingual guides bring the journey to life. Hear stories of ancient explorers, shifting ice fronts, and the ever-changing moods of the glacier. Their passion turns every sighting, from drifting icebergs to soaring condors, into a moment to remember.
Short cruise to Perito Moreno Glacier
Step aboard and set sail across Lago Argentino’s glassy waters. As the glacier draws near, its vast white walls rise like a frozen cathedral. You’ll hear deep rumbles, watch ice calve into the lake, and feel the crisp air dance on your face, a breathtaking hour of nature’s raw spectacle.
Full-day cruise to three glaciers
Embark on a full-day odyssey through Los Glaciares National Park. Drift past floating icebergs and glide through narrow channels toward the Upsala and Spegazzini Glaciers. Choose standard seating or a premium cabin with panoramic views. Either way, Patagonia unfolds in cinematic grandeur.
Guided nature walk at Bahía Las Vacas
On the full-day cruise, step ashore for a guided walk at Bahía Las Vacas. Wander among native lenga trees, wildflowers, and glacial streams as your guide shares stories of Patagonia’s fragile ecosystem. It’s a peaceful pause amid the immensity of ice and water.
Lunch onboard (only on full-day cruise)
As you sail between glaciers, enjoy a Patagonian-style box lunch or upgrade to a gourmet four-course meal served with Argentine blends in the premium lounge. Between bites, gaze out at blue ice cliffs glowing under the southern sun, it’s dining with the best view in the world.
Upgraded access to boardwalks
Add the boardwalk experience to your cruise for the ultimate perspective. Walk the elevated pathways that wind along the glacier’s edge, where every turn reveals new shades of blue. Watch the ice shift, listen to the wind, and take in the vast stillness of this natural masterpiece.
Return journey
Your day ends with a smooth return, either cruising back across the lake or by comfortable coach to your El Calafate hotel, depending on your ticket. As the sun dips behind the Andes, Patagonia’s silence lingers, the perfect farewell to a landscape that defies imagination.
Things to know before booking Perito Moreno Glacier boat tours
The 1-hour Perito Moreno boat tour stays near the glacier’s southern face, perfect for travelers short on time. The full-day and premium cruises explore deeper channels to Upsala and Spegazzini Glaciers.
Boats are heated and spacious, with large viewing windows. The premium option includes private lounge seating, table service, and panoramic upper-deck access.
All cruises depart from Puerto Bajo de las Sombras or La Soledad, reached via optional hotel transfers from El Calafate. If transfers aren’t selected, you’ll need to reach the port on your own.
While most passengers board easily, wheelchair access is limited on the premium cruises as the decks are located on the first floor.
Live commentary is offered in English and Spanish by bilingual guides; no audio headsets are used.
In rare cases of weather-related cancellations, operators provide full refunds or reschedule options, so your booking is always protected.
The Los Glaciares National Park entry fee isn’t part of the cruise price. Booking confirmation emails include full instructions on how and where to purchase your park ticket before arrival.
Find your best Perito Moreno Glacier boat tour here
Same route as full-day cruise with exclusive upper deck and lounge access
8 to 13 hours
Puerto La Soledad
Access to the premium lounge, Guided walk to the Las Vacas Post, 4-course meal, Exclusive balcony for a group of 16, Personalised chef and waiters, Expert guide, Free Wi-Fi & parking
Access to Perito Moreno Footbridges, Round-trip hotel transfers from El Calafate
Frequently asked questions about Perito Moreno Glacier boat tours
The Perito Moreno Glacier boat tours range from a 1-hour cruise that sails along the glacier’s southern face to full-day cruises that explore further into Lago Argentino, visiting the Upsala and Spegazzini Glaciers.
You’ll cruise through the turquoise waters of Lago Argentino, surrounded by floating icebergs and towering glacier walls. Unlike standard lake tours, these cruises bring you incredibly close to the Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the few in the world still advancing.
Yes, most Perito Moreno boat tours are accessible for travelers with limited mobility, with wide gangways and main-deck seating. The premium cruise, however, is not wheelchair-accessible as the dining lounge is located on the upper deck.
No, seating is open on the 1-hour and standard full-day cruises, so you can move freely between indoor cabins and outdoor viewing decks. Premium passengers have reserved upper-deck seating with table service and panoramic windows.
Both routes include Upsala and Spegazzini Glaciers, but the premium cruise offers a smaller group size, upper-deck lounge, and a 4-course gourmet meal.
No, El Calafate boat tours typically run from September to May when Lago Argentino is navigable. Winter months (June–August) often bring ice and strong winds, limiting operations for safety reasons.
No, pets aren’t allowed on the El Calafate boat tours.
No, the Los Glaciares National Park entry ticket is not included in your cruise booking. After you book, you’ll receive details on where and how to purchase your park pass before your visit.
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Argentina’s largest freshwater lake, Lago Argentino, is the shimmering stage for every Perito Moreno Glacier boat tour. Fed by meltwater from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, its turquoise hue comes from finely ground glacial rock known as “rock flour.”
Sailing these calm, icy waters means tracing the same routes once used by early explorers and gauchos. Every ripple reflects Patagonia’s wild beauty and the ancient glaciers that still carve its shores today.
The 1-hour cruises operate several times daily between 10:30am and 2:30pm from November to April.
The full-day and premium cruises depart early in the morning, around 8:30am, and return by early evening (the duration changes if you opted for the boardwalks option).
Sailings run daily from September to April, and every other day from May to August, when the lake is ice-free and conditions are most stable.
Both ports feature restrooms and small waiting lounges.
Onboard, all vessels have clean restrooms and heated cabins.
Larger catamarans (used for full-day and premium cruises) offer climate control, reclining seats, and large panoramic windows, perfect for those chilly Patagonian mornings.
The 1-hour and standard full-day cruises are generally suitable for travelers with limited mobility, thanks to wide gangways and ground-level seating.
However, the premium cruise is not wheelchair-accessible, as its lounge and dining area are located on an upper deck accessed by stairs.
Outside food and drinks aren’t permitted on board. Snacks, coffee, and light meals are available for purchase at the visitor café near the pier before departure.
Onboard, full-day passengers receive a box lunch, while premium guests enjoy a 4-course meal in the lounge areas.
Located just inside the southern arm of Lago Argentino, this pier serves the 1-hour short cruise. Guests can opt for hotel transfers from El Calafate or drive themselves via Route 11 (1.5 hours). Nearby, you’ll find the park entrance and the southern face of the glacier.
Used for full-day and premium cruises (including routes to Upsala Glacier & Spegazzini Glacier). Located at Bahía Tranquila near Punta Bandera, accessible via coach from El Calafate’s bus station (45 km). Modern large catamarans depart from this private port.
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Sightseeing Cruises
Perito Moreno Cruise
What to bring
Bring along your comfortable shoes, warm clothing, sunscreen, gloves, and closed-toe shoes for the experience.
What’s not allowed
Smoking, large bags, and luggage are not allowed on this experience.
Your pets are not permitted on this experience.
Accessibility
This boat experience is accessible to wheelchair and pram/stroller users.
Additional information
Picked the guided tour option? Hotel transfers are available only for accommodations that have a reception. If your stay is at a holiday rental or a property without a reception, a nearby meeting point will be provided for your departure.
The only full-day route covering Perito Moreno, Upsala, and Spegazzini in one journey.
Starting point: Puerto La Soledad, 45 km from El Calafate or El Calafate city centre (based on your ticket).
Everything you get: All-day glacier cruise navigating Spegazzini, with the tallest ice walls in the park, Upsala, the largest glacier, and Perito Moreno, famous for its dramatic ice breaks, plus a guided nature walk at Bahía Las Vacas between glacier encounters.
Sights covered: Spegazzini, Upsala, and Perito Moreno glaciers, Boca del Diablo (Devil's Mouth), Bahía Escuadra (Squadron Bay), and La Condorera.
Why choose this: Cover three of Patagonia’s most breathtaking glaciers in one day in comfort with expert guides and immersive nature walks.
Upgrades: Take your experience further with exciting add-ons! Go on a 2-hour guided hike to the Perito Moreno Footbridge or have a delicious box lunch.
Cruise among Patagonia's most iconic glaciers with gourmet lunch and expert guide commentary.
Starting point: Puerto La Soledad, 45 km from El Calafate, or El Calafate hotels (based on your ticket).
Everything you get: 8-hour glacier cruise on a premium lounge with exclusive balcony seating for 16 guests, sailing past Spegazzini, Upsala, and Perito Moreno glaciers, plus a guided nature walk at Bahía Las Vacas.
Spegazzini Glacier: Marvel at the tallest glacier in the park, with ice walls soaring over 130 meters high, an unforgettable sight!
Upsala Glacier: Witness one of South America’s largest glaciers, surrounded by floating icebergs and dramatic Patagonian scenery.
Perks: Breakfast treats, regional tastings, and a 4-course gourmet lunch paired with local specialties, capped with a signature toast.
Upgrades: Enhance your experience with round-trip transportation from El Calafate, access to the footbridge at Perito Moreno, or both for added convenience.
Get full refund if you cancel 24 hours before the experience start time.
Free cancellation
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
Book now, pay later
8 hrs 30 mins - 13 hrs
Guided tour
Transfers available
Meals included
What to bring
Bring along your comfortable shoes, warm clothing, sunscreen, gloves, and closed-toe shoes for the experience.
What’s not allowed
Smoking, large bags, and luggage are not allowed on this experience.
Your pets are not permitted on this experience.
Accessibility
This boat experience is accessible to wheelchair and pram/stroller users.
Additional information
Picked the guided tour option? Hotel transfers are available only for accommodations that have a reception. If your stay is at a holiday rental or a property without a reception, a nearby meeting point will be provided for your departure.
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Inclusions
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1-hour cruise to Perito Moreno Glacier Southern OR Northern Face (as per option selected)
English and Spanish-speaking guide
Guided tour of the glacier (as per option selected)
Access to scenic glacier boardwalks (as per option selected)
Round-trip hotel transfers from El Calafate (as per option selected)
Exclusions
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Tickets to Los Glaciares National Park
Snacks and drinks onboard (at your own expense)
Professional photographer (at your own expense)
Get full refund if you cancel 24 hours before the experience start time.
The only full-day route covering Perito Moreno, Upsala, and Spegazzini in one journey.
Starting point: Puerto La Soledad, 45 km from El Calafate or El Calafate city centre (based on your ticket).
Everything you get: All-day glacier cruise navigating Spegazzini, with the tallest ice walls in the park, Upsala, the largest glacier, and Perito Moreno, famous for its dramatic ice breaks, plus a guided nature walk at Bahía Las Vacas between glacier encounters.
Sights covered: Spegazzini, Upsala, and Perito Moreno glaciers, Boca del Diablo (Devil's Mouth), Bahía Escuadra (Squadron Bay), and La Condorera.
Why choose this: Cover three of Patagonia’s most breathtaking glaciers in one day in comfort with expert guides and immersive nature walks.
Upgrades: Take your experience further with exciting add-ons! Go on a 2-hour guided hike to the Perito Moreno Footbridge or have a delicious box lunch.
Inclusions
#
8-hour cruise to Perito Moreno, Upsala, and Spegazzini glaciers
English and Spanish-speaking guide
Guided walk to the Las Vacas Post in the forest area
Access to Perito Moreno Footbridges with a 2-hour guided hike (as per option selected)
Round-trip transfers from El Calafate city centre (as per option selected)
Return bus transfer to El Calafate from Perito Moreno (as per option selected)
Get full refund if you cancel 24 hours before the experience start time.
Cruise among Patagonia's most iconic glaciers with gourmet lunch and expert guide commentary.
Starting point: Puerto La Soledad, 45 km from El Calafate, or El Calafate hotels (based on your ticket).
Everything you get: 8-hour glacier cruise on a premium lounge with exclusive balcony seating for 16 guests, sailing past Spegazzini, Upsala, and Perito Moreno glaciers, plus a guided nature walk at Bahía Las Vacas.
Spegazzini Glacier: Marvel at the tallest glacier in the park, with ice walls soaring over 130 meters high, an unforgettable sight!
Upsala Glacier: Witness one of South America’s largest glaciers, surrounded by floating icebergs and dramatic Patagonian scenery.
Perks: Breakfast treats, regional tastings, and a 4-course gourmet lunch paired with local specialties, capped with a signature toast.
Upgrades: Enhance your experience with round-trip transportation from El Calafate, access to the footbridge at Perito Moreno, or both for added convenience.
Inclusions
#
8-hour cruise to Perito Moreno, Upsala, and Spegazzini glaciers
English and Spanish-speaking guide
Guided walk to the Las Vacas Post in the forest area