Top El Calafate Cruises: Reviews & Sailing Tour Options

If you’re hoping to see some absolutely majestic ice formations, then a trip to El Calafate is calling your name! This town, so very close to the incredible Los Glaciares National Park in Patagonia, Argentina, is a jumping-off point for some awesome lake adventures. I’m talking cruises and sailing tours that get you up close and personal with enormous glaciers. So, to see just what the options are, I’ve compiled reviews of some of the coolest tours, to give you some ideas for experiencing these natural wonders!

1. Upscale Expedition Cruise on Argentino Lake

Fancy some refined sightseeing on Argentino Lake? I think you might like a spot on one of the overnight cruises that feel very fancy and explore spots like the Spegazzini and Upsala Glaciers. That is, these cruises tend to feature small boats that have seriously well-equipped cabins, amazing gourmet food, as well as knowledgeable guides who seem genuinely thrilled to talk to you about the park’s geology, glaciology, and history. These tours typically run for 2-3 nights and show you some truly off-the-beaten-path parts of the lake.

This sort of Argentino Lake Cruise is perfect if you are seeking something quite intimate as it mixes adventure and relaxation. It is a pretty spectacular way to absorb the gorgeous scenery of Patagonia and the unique views of the glaciers calving into the icy waters are also great. Plus, how cool is it to say you spent the night right on a glacial lake?

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2. The Classic Perito Moreno Boat Adventure

Okay, so this is maybe the most famed tour in El Calafate. Pretty much everybody, just about, will take a boat trip to get a closer look at the Perito Moreno Glacier’s towering ice wall, if you get what I mean? It is very often, that tours leave from Bajo de las Sombras port, then, they navigate really close to the southern face of the glacier. Very close encounters and photo opportunities exist, as ice cracks and crashes right into the lake.

It turns out that some tours combine the boat ride with time on the land-based boardwalks which also let you get varied perspectives on the glacier. Yet the boat ride really provides that extra special feeling because you get so close to this unbelievable force of nature. If you like witnessing raw power right up close, I believe it is just the ticket. Plus, these tours can be done in just a few hours so you also can fit them easily into even tight travel schedules.

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3. Sailing on Argentino Lake to Estancia Cristina

Think about taking a sailing adventure that mixes up beautiful landscapes and ranch life as, I suggest, a visit to Estancia Cristina? Usually, the tours begin with sailing on Argentino Lake, that might pass by the Upsala Glacier before arriving at the Estancia. Originally a sheep farm, Estancia Cristina provides some brilliant glimpses into the Patagonian history.

On land, you may, tour the historical buildings, take hikes to scenic viewpoints, maybe even explore waterfalls, that sort of thing? It’s almost that this kind of trip really gives a very full experience because, I find, it merges natural wonders with some cultural history. I guess this is really something that outdoor lovers or even history buffs could very easily adore. If you find beauty in some quiet, storied places then, by all means, mark this one as a must-see.

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4. The Ice Rivers Cruise: Spegazzini & Upsala Glaciers

Are you prepared to observe a heap of different glaciers in one day? Many boat tours in El Calafate center around the northern arm of Argentino Lake where things like the Spegazzini, Upsala, and Onelli Glaciers sit. That being said, these trips normally depart from Punta Bandera Port, as they cut through a sea full of icebergs that can, for example, be stunning.

It just seems like you will find a lot of photographic opportunities on such a trip since the Spegazzini Glacier, for instance, is known very well because, at least that’s what I know, it is the tallest in the national park. In addition, you get the pleasure of walking a bit on the shore of Lake Onelli (granted that the conditions happen to permit). I suspect these tours serve individuals seeking just a wider view of what the park’s glaciers provide because it will really add some breadth to a vacation.

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Read our full review: Spegazzini & Upsala Glaciers Full Review and Details

5. Mini Trekking on Perito Moreno with Boat Ride

Would you happen to like a tad bit of adventure mixed into your glacier viewing? Some tours combine things like a boat ride with a guided walk directly on top of the Perito Moreno Glacier. As a rule, these tours start with that quick boat trip, so that you can access the glacier, from which professional guides kit you out with crampons, so that you aren’t at risk of sliding everywhere!

Walking on the ice and looking at the cracks, streams, and also the ice formations really gives one a really tangible sense of the glacier. Too it’s almost a hike, these treks tend to be appropriate for people of most fitness levels; I guess that might make them pretty reachable for adventurous families. If being on a glacier and seeing how active it looks up close sounds really attractive to you then definitely research this option. Also, they often include the time at those viewing platforms too, that can permit even more appreciation.

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Read our full review: Mini Trekking on Perito Moreno Full Review and Details

So there you have it—the top ways to see glaciers close to El Calafate. Each of these tour options is meant to bring you unforgettable moments. So what makes each trip stand out? That is a great thing to mull over before you book that once-in-a-lifetime trip!