Discover Patagonia with this amazing Glaciers kayak expedition: Rivers, Icebergs and remote, beautiful Glaciers!
Torres del Paine and Bernardo O’higgins National Parks
- Duration: 3 days
- Kayaking Level: 2 to 3
- Physical Level: Challenging
- Start Point: Pick up at Puerto Natales 7:00 hrs
- Finish Point: Drop off at Puerto Natales 18:00 hrs
Grey and Serrano: Glaciers Kayak Expedition Itinerary:
Day 1
Day 1
Distance: 18 Miles Paddling Time: 4 – 5 Hours
This amazing Glacier kayak expedition will blow your mind!
Firstly, private transportation will be provided from your hotel/hostel to the shores of Grey Lake, located in Torres del Paine National Park. The journey will take you 67 Miles north from Puerto Natales to the southern access to the park. While enjoying the view of Paine Grande and Grey Glacier, our guide will give a brief explanation of safety and tips for paddling efficiently. We will navigate the lake for approximately 1 hour, paddling among big pieces of ice that have broken from Grey Glacier, consequently, these icebergs are scattered throughout the lake and are sculpted into incredible shapes by the wind and sun.
During the entire navigation, we will have an amazing view of the magnificent Paine Massif; including Paine Grande, the Olguin Range, and Los Cuernos (The Horns of Paine). These mountains, together with the grey water, make for a perfect contrast with the enormous walls of granite and sedimentary rock.
After paddling in Grey Lake, we will begin the descent of Grey River. The river serpents through deep canyons with steep rock faces, creating sections of rapids that are exciting and entertaining. there will certainly be the opportunity to appreciate many different species of aquatic birds that inhabit the river. Continue to paddle next to the Paine Massif for 15 Miles, the length of Grey River until it joins with the turquoise water of Serrano River. Lastly, the adventure comes to an end at Serrano Village.
Night at Rio Serrano Campsite (Facilities: Toilets and Showers & Electricity) / Lunch, Snacks, Dinner and drinks included
* Wind is a very normal factor in Patagonia, therefore, if you choose to do this trip, you have to consider that paddling with wind may be a possibility. If the wind is too strong, it will not be possible to enter the Iceberg Zone. If this is the case, we will only paddle the River (which is more sheltered from wind)
Torres del Paine entrance ticket NOT INCLUDED
Day 2
Day 2
Distance: 26 Miles / Paddling Time: 6 – 7 Hours
After a hearty breakfast with freshly brewed coffee, you’ll help load the kayaks and make the last preparations for the day. Our guide will give you a briefing about safety and instructions for paddling efficiently. Also, details about the route, weather and river conditions.
We’ll run down the Serrano River with amazing views of Paine massif till we get to the Serrano waterfall (1.5 hrs). Here, there’s a portage and we will haul the Kayaks for about 100 m. We’ll keep paddling down River, in our journey to Serrano Glacier. There’s amazing views of Tyndall Glacier and Geike Range along the way.
This is a remote area, as a result, this will be a unique experience! Serrano River is surrounded by beautiful Coigue and Cypress Native forests. After a couple of hours, Balmaceda Mountain will appear on the shores of Ultima Esperanza Fjord. Finally, the amazing Serrano Glacier will welcome us with an spectacular view, in which the Spanish Sailor Juan Ladrilleros sought an outlet to the Atlantic in 1558.
Pull out at Balmaceda campsite and soak up the wild atmosphere of the magical spot as you and your guide prepare a great dinner together. Most importantly, we use the finest local ingredients to prepare a first-class camp dinner with a few Pisco Sours (with glacial ice-cubes) and plenty of Chilean wine.
Night at Balmaceda Camp (Facilities: Toilets) / Snacks, Lunch, Dinner & Drinks included
Day 3
Day 3
Distance: 2 Miles / Paddling time: 1 – 2 Hours
The day starts with a delicious breakfast including freshly ground coffee. After gearing up, we’ll get ready to portage the kayaks for 50 meters from camp to Serrano Lagoon. Paddling among Icebergs in front of the Magnificent Serrano Glacier is an unforgettable experience! The first sun rays will give us above all, unique views of this beautiful place.
This icy scenery is specially sheltered! A small stop on a secret lookout will give us a different perspective for awesome views of the Glacier.
Back to camp, after packing all the gear our group will get on “21 de Mayo” catamaran, to go back to Puerto Natales. We will stop at Perales Ranch, consequently, you will be delighted with a traditional Magellan Lamb BBQ. Finally, the catamaran gets to Puerto Bories, where our private transportation will be waiting, around 18:00 hrs
Breakfast, Snacks and Lamb BBQ Lunch included
* Wind is a very normal factor in Patagonia, as a result, if you choose to do this trip, you have to consider that paddling with wind may be a possibility. * Sometimes the Lagoon can be blocked with too many pieces of ice, as a result, it won’t be possible to paddle in the Lagoon.
Included:
- Private transportation from and back to Puerto Natales
- Professional Certified Guides: British Canoeing (BCU), American Canoe Association (ACA) & Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
- Double Kayaks (HTP Laminated Kayaks)
- Dry Suits, One piece Polartec suit, Life Jackets, Neoprene Gloves, 5mm Booties, 2mm Wet socks, Spray deck, Dry bags, Compact Waterproof camera or smartphone case, Helmet & Neoprene hats.
- Safety equipment: Bilge pump, tow line, VHF radio, Satellite message communications, First aid kit, Hypothermia kit
Comfort is so important!
We include the best quality camping gear. We want you to rest well so you can enjoy this amazing Glaciers kayak expedition the next day!
Camping Gear Included:
- The North Face Mountain 25 tents
- Thermarest Saros Synthetic Sleeping bag
- Thermarest Liner
- Thermarest inflating pillow
- Thermarest inflating Mattress
Recommended Equipment
That you have to bring on this trip
While Paddling:
– Sunglasses (with real UVA protection)
– Water bottle (we bring water to refill)
– Hat
– Sun block 45spf minimum
– Photo camera
While at Camp:
– Head lamp
– Synthetic quick drying long sleeve
shirt & pants
– Smart wool or synthetic socks
– Fleece or synthetic warm jacket
– Waterproof jacket and pants
– Trail shoes (please avoid bringing big Trekking boots)
– Gloves
– Insect repellent
Participant’s Requirements
- Know how to swim
- Previous kayak or canoe experience
- Good health and physical condition
- Open minded and with a good attitude 🙂