Puerto Natales

Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers Boat Tour and traditional lunch.

Puerto Natales, Chile
Balmaceda Serrano Glaciers Boat Tour
  • 10 to 11 hours
  • Offered in: English

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Overview

Get up-close views of two of Patagonia's most impressive glaciers by booking this boat tour. Departing Puerto Natales, you'll cruise toward the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers then disembark for a stroll through the forest to reach the feet of the glaciers. Afterward, you can enjoy a nip of whiskey served with glacier ice.
  • Boat tour to the Serrano and Balmaceda glaciers
  • Sail up-close to the glaciers for unbeatable views
  • Stroll through the forest for a different angle on the glaciers
  • Enjoy a glass of whiskey with ancient glacier ice

What's Included

  • Coffee or tea on board
  • A glass of Whisky with millennial ice from the glacier
  • Guide
  • Transfer to the port
  • Hike to Serrano Glacier viewpoint
  • Lunch
  • Navigation

    Meeting and Pickup

    Meeting point

    • Hermann Eberhard 560, Puerto Natales, Natales, Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena, Chile

      Please, be at "Turismo 21 de Mayo" office at 7am (SEP-MAR) or 8:00am(APR-AUG)

    Start time

    07:00 AM

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    What To Expect

    Puerto Natales (Pass By)

    Bernardo O'Higgins National Park

    4 hours • Admission Ticket Included

    Puerto Natales

    4 hours • Admission Ticket Free

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Near public transportation
    • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
    • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
    • Most travelers can participate
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 150 travelers

    Cancellation Policy

    This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
    • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

    Traveler Photos

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    Featured review
    Paulina_P
    Excellent trip 🙂 welcoming and friendly staff, beautiful views and good food, great atmosphere Highly recommended

    Reviews

    4.0
    43 reviews
    Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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    Reviews by Viator travelers.
    Showing 1-10 of 43 reviews
    A special day in Patagonia
    Kirsty_F, Apr 2024
    I won’t lie I was a little nervous about this trip based on the reviews on here, and with comms really bad on the lead up (3 ignored messages from me asking to confirm the start time) my hopes were not high. However, this trip in itself was fantastic. The staff on the boat were very friendly and you got everything in both Spanish and English. They took special care to show you penguins, sea lions and the waterfalls on the way to the glaciers. There are two options for the walk to the second glacier, a 20min hike (each way) or a 5 min flat walk to a viewing platform. In the time available we actually managed both, and there is no rush on the longer walk so I think it is suitable for most walkers. Lunch is great, it’s at a beautiful location and again is nice and relaxed. The quality of the food is very high 👍 I would highly recommend this … just be aware the communication is not great in advance so ask any questions in plenty of time before your trip.
    Response from Host, Apr 2024
    The Howlanders.com team would like to thank you for your kind review. We hope to see again!
    Crowded in a beautiful place
    Kristie_M, Feb 2024
    It was quite crowded and the seats were cramped but we still enjoyed the views and experience. Sometimes it was hard to take photos because there were so many people. We were a little bit disappointed that we did not get to have glacier ice with our whisky as advertised. The food was okay but 2.5 hours for lunch seemed like a bit of a waste of time. We met some lovely people on the way. Overall overpriced for what we got however we still had fun.
    Response from Host, Feb 2024
    The Howlanders.com team would like to thank you for your kind review. We hope you enjoy the rest of your journey!
    A cruise to remember
    Jane_J, Feb 2024
    We appreciated the crew alerting us to waterfalls and wildlife as we cruised through the Sound. They pulled in close and lingered so everyone could see / photograph. The hike to the glacier was very well organized. The trek itself passes interesting flora and fauna. The lunch was filling and served in a very picturesque setting.
    Waste of money: Overpriced, Bad communication, no hotel pickup
    Kevin_Z, Dec 2023
    1. Bad communication without hotel pickup. The agent sent a message said to pick people from hotels but suggested (not confirmed) a few hotel guests to go to the port directly. I called in the morning and confirmed that they want me to go to port. At the port, there are multiple tours using the same boat. Without any specific instruction from the agent, it is confusing what to do. I got on the boat by myself but I don't know who were my guides, what's the travel angent's sign and no one looked for me. 2. Overpriced a lot! This tour cost me $$$. I met some people from other tours. They only paid $70% or $50% from other tours. You only need a boat ticket to be honest. This tour costs $$$. No clear instructions, not responsible to pick up guests, no follow up on the boat. It is a waste of money.
    Response from Host, Jan 2024
    Dear Kevin, Thank you for sharing your comments. We are sorry to hear that the experience did not live up to your expectations. Please feel free to contact comments@howlanders.com with more details or with any other comments, concerns or suggestions you would like to share. We would love to improve your experience and satisfaction by booking with Howlanders.
    God is watching.
    Futuristic_A, Dec 2023
    I would add photos but they do NOT do this trip justice. I'm 43, and this was the best day of my life. Transcendent revelations upon revelations. Every minute was exciting and I felt like I was ripping them off for this price. Just do it. It will change your life.
    An absolutely great experience!
    Brad_R, Nov 2023
    This was a wonderful trip all the way around. Met some great people, saw some fantastic sights, had a great lunch. It was a wonderful way to end our stay in Puerto Natales.
    Hope it goes
    Steve_M, Sep 2023
    The trip didn't run as tio few passengers. Instead of having daily sails for purchase limit to a few days a week. I wasted a flight down to ride this boat but it didn't run 28 until 30 Sept so I missed out. The rules on travellers booking this are very strict with no refunds but you just cancel cause no profit for you.
    Response from Host, Oct 2023
    Dear Steve, Thank you for sharing your comments. We are sorry to hear that the tour has been modified at the last minute. Please feel free to contact comments@howlanders.com with more details or with any other comments, concerns or suggestions you would like to share. We would love to improve your experience and satisfaction by booking with Howlanders.
    Amazing Glaciers View
    Juan_T, Sep 2023
    Amazing tour. Guides were very friendly and the food and the views of the glacier were amazing. Very recommended.
    Incredible
    David_V, Jul 2023
    Everything is very well planned, nice boat, the lunch was great, the route is amazing and the park is incredibly beautiful, will do it again for sure
    Long wait for the lunch...
    Edwin_O, Mar 2023
    Long wait for the lunch to come out ( 1:45pm ) considering we just completed a trekking session in the morning
    A fun day in Puerto Natales
    David_Y, Feb 2023
    This was a great way to spend time in the Puerto Natales area. I had originally wanted to see the Perito Moreno glacier, but since that was inaccessible at the time, this was a great consolation prize. The glaciers were beautiful, the ride there was great too, and I appreciated the coffee, whiskey and multi-course lunch included. Recommended!
    Response from Host, Mar 2023
    Thank you very much for your review😍 We are glad that even though you were not able to complete what you had chosen the alternative has fulfilled your goal. We look forward to your next adventure!
    Perfect day for the glacier cruise
    jktsou, Jan 2023
    This a must do when you are in Puerto Natales. It’s a full day 9 hours that cruise to glacier and stop for all the wildlife sightings, beautiful waterfalls and more. We also did a short hike in the park to see the glacier closer. The weather was perfect, water very clam almost no wind. It was a perfect day for this activity! And a shot of whiskey with glacier ice after the short hike was the bonus! The lunch was great in a ranch like venue with a full set of Chilean BBQ with super tender lamb, chicken and sausage. The crew members were super nice and friendly. It was the highlight of my trip for sure!
    Response from Host, Jan 2023
    What a joy to read your comment. Without a doubt this is one of the most complete full days you can enjoy from Puerto Natales, we look forward to seeing you on your next adventure!
    Too expensive, too many...
    Jonny_B, Jan 2023
    Too expensive, too many people talking around you and taking photos. Difficult to get the full nature experience. Missed silence. Poor lunch, got to wait for too long. Horrible vegetarian alternative. Didnt hear the guide talking in microphone. Crew asking for tips even though we already paid a lot. Don't they get decent salaries? Where is the money going?
    Response from Host, Jan 2023
    Thanks for sharing your experience. We are sorry to hear that the booked tour did not meet your expectations. The tour is practically entirely aboard a sailing as the tour itinerary indicates, although it does include a short walk. In case you would like to do a tour that offers more contact with nature, we recommend booking one of the treks we have available.
    Really Great Value for Money!
    Megan_S, Jan 2023
    This tour was surprisingly very good! I am quite nervous on boats with a fair amount of people (ours had 150 people but it was also New Years Eve so likely more crowded than usual), but there was plenty of space outside to wander and stand up and move about. The tour guided us through the fjords, to glaciers and waterfalls, and to a national park where we could get off and walk around a bit! Was so nice to do that! Then the lunch was really tasty and felt luxurious to any other tour I have ever been on. Definitely a tour worth your money!
    Response from Host, Jan 2023
    How nice to hear that you enjoyed the tour, especially on such an important date 😍 Thank you for your review, we look forward to your next adventure!
    The trip was canceled...
    babak_m, Nov 2022
    The trip was canceled twice. Ruined the whole vacation. I never even saw the Glacier. I had 2 days in Patagonia and this was the main event. When you reserve it in ad ance they should deliver
    Response from Host, Dec 2022
    Dear Babak Mehrrostami, The Balmaceda Serrano Glaciers Boat Tour is subject to weather conditions for safety reasons, due to the fact that it is a navigation. We are sorry that you were not able to enjoy your experience and that the bad weather accompanied you on your trip to Puerto Natales. The tour was canceled due to weather conditions for the safety of the passengers and the refund was immediately issued to your account. As travelers ourselves we empathize with you, we know that these situations can be frustrating. We just hope you understand that these measures are not convenient for us or for the enjoyment of our travelers, but your safety is a priority, and that's why these difficult decisions are made. Regards,
    Excellent
    Paulina_P, Nov 2022
    Excellent trip 🙂 welcoming and friendly staff, beautiful views and good food, great atmosphere Highly recommended
    Response from Host, Nov 2022
    Thank you so much for sharing your experience and the recommendation ✅🤩 We are delighted to know that you enjoyed the tour. We look forward to your next adventure!
    Glaciers
    b_h, Nov 2022
    It was a good tour but because of the strike we did not get close to a glacier or walk on one. The staff weee very good. I had the vegetarian meal but it was cold. Very long day
    Response from Host, Nov 2022
    Thank you very much for sharing your experience and for your understanding! It has been a few days of strike, as you mention, but fortunately, it is now over and the original itinerary has been resumed. 🤗 We will share your feedback with the team to improve the restaurant's service. We look forward to your next adventure!
    The scenery was very...
    Aubrey_P, Nov 2022
    The scenery was very beautiful but I feel that the tour was not a good value for example the lunch didn’t reflect how much we paid. The staff was accommodating but it didn’t makeup for the overall price of the package.
    Response from Host, Nov 2022
    Thank you for sharing your experience 😍 Without a doubt, the landscapes that you can appreciate in this navigation are unique and worth it. We regret that the food included in the tour did not meet your expectations. We will share your feedback with the staff, so they can keep improving the service.
    An easy, relaxing, and beautiful day trip
    Bryan_L, Oct 2022
    The cruise was an easy launch from the bus in Puerto Natales to Puerto Bories. You are taken to some beautiful sites only accessible by boat. The boat ride itself is full of great views and photo opportunities. It is easy for people of all ages to go on as the boat is spacious and comfortable and the trails are short and simple. The included lunch is delicious as well, and quite filling. It is a great way to spend a day after a tiring hike at Torres del Paine the day before so that you can relax and still enjoy new sights in the area.
    Response from Host, Oct 2022
    What a nice and complete review 😍 The entire Howlanders team is thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the tour so much. We look forward to your next adventure!
    Bonita naturaleza pero muy apresurado en los lugares a conocer
    ROBERTO_P, Mar 2024
    Nos tocó mal día , muy nublado , llovizna pertinaz , pero lo que no me gustó es , al final , para el glaciar de Serrano , caminar tanto para ir 5 min a tomar fotos entre tanta gente , es de esperar tener más tiempo para que todos puedan sacarse las fotos , de ahí otros 20 de caminata con los guías presionando que no nos quedemos
    Response from Host, Apr 2024
    Estimado Robert, Gracias por compartir sus comentarios. Lamentamos saber que la experiencia no estuvo a la altura de sus expectativas. Por favor, no dude en ponerse en contacto con comments@howlanders.com con más detalles o con cualquier otro comentario, preocupación o sugerencia que le gustaría compartir. Nos encantaría mejorar su experiencia y satisfacción al reservar con Howlanders.

    From $199.00

    -You will not receive a refund if you cancel.

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