Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers Sightseeing Cruise From Puerto Natales

The Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers Sightseeing Cruise offers an unforgettable adventure through the stunning Ultima Esperanza Fjord. This full-day experience includes a scenic boat ride, guided hike, and delicious lunch, providing travelers with breathtaking views of the region’s natural wonders. With its high ratings and free cancellation policy, it’s an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to enjoy the captivating landscapes of Chilean Patagonia. What makes this cruise truly stand out is the chance to witness the grandeur of the glaciers up close.

Key Points

• The tour offers a full-day excursion from Puerto Natales to Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers, including a scenic three-hour boat cruise and a one-hour guided hike.
• The tour has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from over 45 reviews and costs $248 per person, accommodating up to 120 travelers.
• The tour includes several amenities, such as a complimentary three-course lunch, coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages, as well as hotel pick-up and drop-off.
• Travelers are advised to dress comfortably, wear trekking shoes, and prepare for weather changes by bringing waterproof clothing.
• Customer feedback highlights the beautiful scenery and well-organized tour, but some felt the tour was overpriced compared to booking directly with local operators.

Tour Overview

The tour offers a full-day excursion from Puerto Natales to explore the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers.

This highly-rated tour, with an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars from over 45 reviews, costs $248 per person. It accommodates up to 120 travelers, and features a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience.

The tour includes a scenic three-hour boat cruise through the Ultima Esperanza Fjord, a moderate one-hour guided hike to view the Serrano Glacier, and a return cruise with lunch included.

Itinerary and Activities

The tour departs from Puerto Natales, with meeting points at Eberhard 560 or Puerto Boires.

Travelers then embark on a scenic three-hour boat cruise through the Ultima Esperanza Fjord. Along the way, they’ll observe waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, cormorants, and sea elephants.

After the cruise, there’s a moderate one-hour guided hike in Bernardo O’Higgins National Park to view the Serrano Glacier.

The return cruise includes a three-course lunch at Estancia Perales. Throughout the tour, coffee, tea, juice, whiskey, or pisco sour are available on board the boat.

Inclusions and Amenities

The tour package includes a boat cruise with a professional guide.

Travelers will enjoy coffee, tea, juice, whiskey, or pisco sour during the journey.

Lunch is provided, featuring a three-course meal at Estancia Perales.

The tour also covers the entrance fee for Bernardo O’Higgins National Park.

Convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off service are included for hassle-free transportation.

With these comprehensive inclusions, visitors can relax and fully enjoy the stunning scenery of the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers without worrying about additional expenses.

Recommendations and Preparation

To make the most of the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers cruise, visitors should dress comfortably, wearing trekking shoes and packing a jacket, hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

The minimum age for alcohol consumption is 18 years, and passport details are required at booking for all participants. Infants must sit on laps during the tour.

Travelers should prepare for potential weather changes during the moderate one-hour hike to view the Serrano Glacier, as waterproof clothing may be necessary.

Customer Experiences and Feedback

Positive reviews of the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers cruise highlight the beautiful scenery, helpful crew, and well-organized tours.

Some travelers, however, felt the tour was overpriced for the experience, with mixed feedback on the lunch quality and boat capacity.

Recommendations include wearing waterproof clothing due to potential weather changes during the hike.

Opinions on the value compared to booking directly with local operators were mixed.

Scenic Boat Cruise

A scenic three-hour boat cruise through the Ultima Esperanza Fjord takes travelers on a captivating journey to observe the stunning Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers.

Along the way, passengers can admire the region’s natural beauty, including waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, cormorants, and sea elephants.

The cruise provides opportunities to enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, juice, whiskey, or pisco sour.

Upon arrival at the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, travelers embark on a moderate one-hour guided hike to view the Serrano Glacier up close.

The return cruise includes a three-course lunch at Estancia Perales, making this an unforgettable full-day adventure.

Hiking the Serrano Glacier

After the scenic boat cruise, travelers embark on a moderate one-hour guided hike to the Serrano Glacier within Bernardo O’Higgins National Park.

The guided trek provides an opportunity to witness the magnificent glacier up close. Visitors should dress appropriately, wearing trekking shoes and bringing layers, as the weather can be unpredictable.

The hike is considered moderate in difficulty, suitable for most fitness levels. Along the way, hikers may spot wildlife such as cormorants and sea elephants.

At the glacier, travelers can take in the stunning views and snap photos before returning to the boat for the journey back to Puerto Natales.

Dining and Refreshments

During the tour, travelers can enjoy a variety of refreshments and a three-course meal at Estancia Perales. The boat offers coffee, tea, juice, whiskey, and pisco sour to sip while taking in the stunning scenery.

For lunch, a hearty meal is provided, including multiple courses. Some guests felt the lunch quality could be improved, but overall the dining experience received positive feedback.

The inclusion of food and drinks in the tour price is a convenient perk, allowing travelers to focus on the glacier sights without worrying about finding a place to eat.

Sum Up

The Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers Sightseeing Cruise from Puerto Natales is an exceptional full-day adventure that offers breathtaking views, immersive outdoor experiences, and delicious dining. With a high average rating and flexible cancellation policy, it’s an excellent choice for nature enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable journey through the stunning Ultima Esperanza Fjord and Bernardo O’Higgins National Park.