Glaciers Navigation: the Highest Glacier in the World Spegazzini

Exploring the Spegazzini Glacier, the highest glacier in the world, is a breathtaking experience that shouldn’t be missed. Glaciers Navigation offers an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of Lake Argentino and the Spegazzini Channel, where visitors can witness the incredible shades of blue and white that paint the colossal icebergs calved from the nearby Upsala Glacier. With knowledgeable crew guiding the way, this icy wonderland unveils nature’s awe-inspiring beauty, leaving you in awe and eager to discover more.

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About Your Stay

The Spegazzini Glacier, standing over 135 meters tall, is the highlight of the navigation tour through the South Arm of Lake Argentino.
The tour navigates through the Spegazzini Channel, providing views of the Dry Glacier, South Heim Glacier, and Peineta Glacier.
Experienced crew safely guides the boat through the icy labyrinth of large icebergs calved from the Upsala Glacier.
The tour offers a culinary adventure with regional dishes like guanaco goulash and lamb casserole.
Flexible booking and cancellation policies allow for modifications to plans, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

Tour Overview and Navigation Details

The tour begins at Punta Bandera Port, located 47km from the town of El Calafate.

The tour commences at Punta Bandera Port, situated 47 kilometers from the town of El Calafate.

It navigates the North Arm of Lake Argentino, crossing the Boca del Diablo and heading towards the Upsala Canal.

Travelers will experience navigating among large icebergs from the Upsala Glacier.

The journey continues towards the Spegazzini Channel, offering views of the Dry Glacier, South Heim Glacier, and Peineta Glacier.

The highlight is the visit to the Spegazzini Glacier, standing over 135 meters tall.

The tour concludes with a descent at the Spegazzini Base, where travelers can enjoy the views and services at the Spegazzini Shelter.

Looking for more options in El Calafate? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Departure Schedule and Accessibility

Daily departures are available from August to April, with odd-numbered days only in May, June, and July. There’s also a sunset option from November to March with an 11:00 AM pickup. The tour’s infrastructure is 100% accessible, featuring ramps, elevators, a floating dock, and adapted restrooms. Groups are limited to 10 travelers maximum.

| Departure Schedule | |

|———————|–|

| August to April | Daily |

| May, June, July | Odd-numbered days only |

| Sunset Option | November to March, 11:00 AM pickup |

The tour’s accessibility ensures an inclusive experience for all travelers.

Dining Options and Menus

Beyond the accessibility features, the tour also offers a range of dining options to suit different preferences.

The Classic Option includes a 3-course meal with vegetarian and celiac choices.

The Classic Option includes a 3-course meal with vegetarian and celiac choices, catering to diverse dietary preferences.

The VIP Cabin Captain Option features a choice of main dishes and dessert with drinks included.

For a more premium experience, the Captain Club Option offers a 3-course menu with Patagonian lamb and beverages throughout the journey.

The menu showcases regional flavors like guanaco goulash, lamb casserole, and assorted desserts, catering to diverse tastes.

Whichever option guests choose, they’re in for a culinary adventure alongside the breathtaking glaciers.

Booking and Cancellation Policies

Travelers can cancel their bookings free of charge up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

However, there are no refunds for cancellations within 4 days of the service date.

The company is happy to accommodate changes to the booking, such as adjusting the number of participants or the date, as long as these requests are made at least 4 days in advance.

Confirmation of the booking is provided at the time of reservation.

With these flexible policies, guests can book with confidence, knowing they can easily modify their plans if needed.

Experience Navigating Among Large Icebergs

As the tour navigates north towards the Upsala Glacier, guests are treated to the awe-inspiring sight of large icebergs floating on the pristine waters of Lake Argentino.

These majestic ice formations, calved from the Upsala Glacier, drift gracefully through the channel, offering a captivating display of nature’s power.

Guests can marvel at the varying shades of blue and white that emanate from the icebergs, a testament to the glacial ice’s age and density.

The experienced crew expertly navigates the boat through the icy labyrinth, ensuring guests can savor every moment of this truly unique experience.

There's plenty more to explore in El Calafate

Discovering the Hanging Glaciers

After navigating through the icy expanse of Lake Argentino, the tour heads towards the Spegazzini Channel, where passengers are treated to a magnificent display of hanging glaciers.

The tour offers:

Panoramic views of the towering Dry Glacier, South Heim Glacier, and Peineta Glacier.
The opportunity to witness the sheer grandeur of the Spegazzini Glacier, standing over 135 meters tall.
A chance to disembark at the Spegazzini Base for closer inspection and to explore the Spegazzini Shelter.
An unforgettable experience of discovering these natural wonders, their breathtaking beauty, and the unique ecosystem they inhabit.

Exploring the Spegazzini Glacier

Leaving the magnificent hanging glaciers behind, the tour now focuses on the impressive Spegazzini Glacier. At over 135 meters in height, it’s the highest glacier in the region.

The boat navigates toward the glacier, allowing travelers to witness its massive size and grandeur up close. Floating icebergs dot the channel, creating a serene and otherworldly atmosphere.

Once at the Spegazzini base, visitors can disembark and explore the glacier’s base, taking in the breathtaking views from the Spegazzini Shelter. This is a true highlight of the tour, showcasing the raw power and beauty of Patagonia’s natural wonders.

Recommendations and Personalized Service

Though the tour offers a wealth of sights and experiences, Glaciers Navigation also provides personalized service options to cater to travelers’ preferences.

For the most exclusive experience, the Captain Club features:

A 3-course menu with Patagonian lamb and beverages throughout the journey.
An exclusive onboard guide and host to elevate the experience.
220-volt power available to charge devices.
Comfortable accommodations and attentive service.

Recommendations include bringing a camera, wearing proper attire, and reviewing the 3.3-star rating based on 8 prior reviews.

With prices starting at $365 per person, Glaciers Navigation delivers a truly tailored Patagonia adventure.

Questions About Your Stay

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Glaciers?

The best time to visit the glaciers is between August and April, when daily departures are available. The sunset option from November to March is especially scenic, with tours departing at 11:00 AM.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, you can’t bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour offers several dining options, including a 3-course meal and drinks in the VIP and Captain Club packages. All meals and beverages are provided as part of the tour experience.

Do I Need a Permit or License to Participate in the Tour?

No permit or license is required to participate in the Spegazzini Glacier navigation tour. The tour operates with fully accessible infrastructure, and guests can simply book their preferred package and show up on the day of the tour.

Are Life Jackets Provided on the Boat During the Tour?

Yes, life jackets are provided for all passengers on the boat during the tour. The tour operator ensures everyone’s safety by making life jackets readily available throughout the journey.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Size or Weight of Luggage?

There are no specific restrictions on the size or weight of luggage. Passengers can bring what they need, as the tour provides 100% accessible infrastructure with ramps, elevators, and adapted restrooms to accommodate different needs.

Final Verdict On This Stay

Glaciers Navigation offers an unforgettable experience as you explore the majestic Spegazzini Glacier, the highest glacier in the world. Navigating through stunning landscapes, you’ll witness the incredible shades of blue and white and witness nature’s awe-inspiring beauty. With knowledgeable crew and personalized service, this breathtaking journey is a must-do for anyone seeking an adventure in Patagonia’s icy wonderland.