Glaciers Navigation: The highest glacier in the world Spegazzini
Traveler rating
3.4/5
Based on 9 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Glaciers Navigation: The highest glacier in the world Spegazzini worth booking?
Glaciers Navigation: The highest glacier in the world Spegazzini is a 10-hour experience in El Calafate, Argentina, from $470 per person. It scores 37 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.4/5 rating across 9 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 37 / 100
- Rating
- 3.4/5 (9)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $470 per person
Once aboard our comfortable boats, we will navigate through the Boca del Diablo and head towards the Upsala Channel. Here, you will experience the unparalleled sensation of sailing among icebergs, some of very large size, that have broken off from the Upsala Glacier. It’s truly a wonderful and unique experience! Next, we will navigate towards the Spegazzini Channel, which offers unique views of incredible hanging glaciers such as the Seco Glacier, the Heim Sur Glacier, and the Peineta Glacier, all of which are the prelude to the main spectacle: the impressive Spegazzini Glacier. The largest of them all, it awaits you with a majestic view standing over 135 meters high. To crown this moment, we will disembark at Base Spegazzini right in front of the glacier to enjoy our modern Spegazzini Refuge, which is equipped with all the services you need during your day. This will allow you to live truly unique moments with its stunning panoramic views
What you get
About this experience
Once aboard our comfortable boats, we will navigate through the Boca del Diablo and head towards the Upsala Channel. Here, you will experience the unparalleled sensation of sailing among icebergs, some of very large size, that have broken off from the Upsala Glacier. It’s truly a wonderful and unique experience! Next, we will navigate towards the Spegazzini Channel, which offers unique views of incredible hanging glaciers such as the Seco Glacier, the Heim Sur Glacier, and the Peineta Glacier, all of which are the prelude to the main spectacle: the impressive Spegazzini Glacier. The largest of them all, it awaits you with a majestic view standing over 135 meters high. To crown this moment, we will disembark at Base Spegazzini right in front of the glacier to enjoy our modern Spegazzini Refuge, which is equipped with all the services you need during your day. This will allow you to live truly unique moments with its stunning panoramic views
What's included
Included
- Classic Option also have celiac or vegetarian menu
- Vip Otion: when you make the descent at the Spegazzini Base, you will have the 3-step menu
- Navigation through the Upsala Glaciar
- Pick up and drop off to all hotels located at downtown Calafate area
- Captain Club Option: 3-course menu with Patagonian lamb
- If you choose the classic option, you will have a lunch with starter, main course and dessert
- Captain Club Option: drinks with/without alcohol and gastronomy during the entire navigation
- Navigation on our comfortable boats, we begin by navigating the North Arm of Lake Argentino,
- we will descend at the Spegazzini Base right in front of the Glacier
- Captain VIP Option: Location in a preferential cabin on board with guide and host exclusive
- From November to March you can choose the option SUNSET with pick up 11.00 AM
- FROM AUGUST TO APRIL DEPARTURES EVERY DAY
- During the months of May, June, and July, this service is not available on odd days-numbered days.
- Navigation through the North Arm of Lake Argentino,
- Navigation through the imposing Spegazzini Glacier.
Not included
- Entry to Los Glaciares National Park - Price subject to change.
- MAY- JUNE - JULY : even DAYS DEPARTURES ONLY
What you'll see and do
El Calafate
El Calafate, llamado popularmente «Calafate», es una ciudad ubicada en la ribera meridional del lago Argentino, en la región de la Patagonia, en la provincia de Santa Cruz, Argentina, a unos 80 km del glaciar Perito Moreno. Es la cabecera del departamento Lago Argentino.
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Los Glaciares National Park
EL CALAFATE, popularly called "Calafate", is a city located on the southern shore of Lake Argentino, in the Patagonia region, in the province of Santa Cruz, Argentina, about 80 km from the Perito Moreno glacier. It is the head of the Lago Argentino department. By 2012, El Calafate is one of the three main cities in the province of Santa Cruz, ranking third for its population, behind the cities of Río Gallegos and Caleta Olivia. It is located about 320 km northwest of the provincial capital, Río Gallegos. It owes its notoriety for being the gateway to the Los Glaciares national park, which has tourist attractions such as the Perito Moreno glacier, the Upsala glacier, and the Fitz Roy hill, among others, all typical of the eastern region of the Patagonian ice field. South and bordering the Torres del Paine National Park of Chile.
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Lago Argentino
From the Hotel to Punta Bandera port, 50 km approx. from El Calafate, where we embark. Once on board we will sail through the North Arm of Lake Argentino until we reach the Upsala Channel, where we will find a spectacular Iceberg Barrier, and if the location of the icebergs allows us, we will be able to get near the glacier´s wall.
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Glaciar Spegazzini
Afterwards we will navigate the Spegazzini Channel, where we will observe the Seco Glacier to reach the front of the Spegazzini Glacier, the highest in the National Park, We continue sailling until the disembark point in front of Spegazzini Glacier, at the mountain shelter, to spend there one hour and a half.
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Rios de Hielo
NAVIGATING THE GLACIERS Land transfer from the Hotel to Puerto Bandera, boarding place. Once on board we will navigate through the North Arm of the Argentino Lake until we reach the Upsala Channel, there, if the location of the icebergs allows it, we will approach the Glacier wall. Then we will sail the Canal Spegazzini, where we can see the Seco Glacier, until we reach the Spegazzini Glacier, the highest in the National Park. Return to Puerto Bandera. Land transfer from Puerto Bandera to El Calafate.
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Upsala Expediciones
From the Hotel to Punta Bandera port, 50 km approx. from El Calafate, where we embark. Once on board we will sail through the North Arm of Lake Argentino until we reach the Upsala Channel, where we will find a spectacular Iceberg Barrier, and if the location of the icebergs allows us, we will be able to get near the glacier´s wall.
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Glaciar Spegazzini
We will navigate towards the Spegazzini Channel which will offer unique views of some beautiful hanging glaciers such as the Seco, the HeimSur and the Comb which is or before the biggest show: The Spegazzini Glacier. And to crown that moment, you will descend at our exclusive Spegazzini Base; right in front of the Glacier; to enjoy our great refuge that It has all the services you need during your stay and that will allow you to live truly unique moments with its dazzling panoramic views.
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Upsala Expediciones
434 / 5.000 Resultados de traducción Resultado de traducción Once aboard our comfortable boats where we are all ready to provide you with the best service, we will navigate the North Arm of Lake Argentino, crossing the Boca del Diablo, heading towards the Upsala Canal to experience the unparalleled sensation of navigating between icebergs that break off from the Upsala Glacier. A wonderful experience. Let's get to know the Upsala Glacier, the second largest Glacier in the world.
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Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Classic option
Pickup included
CAPITAN VIP
Cabina preferencial Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Azul Latina Travel
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- We set sail from Punta Bandera Port, 47km from the city of El Calafate. When you arrive, we will welcome you in our warm boarding terminal. Our experienced team will tell you how to carry out the pre-boarding process, to begin your best experience on glaciers. If at this time, you still do not have the entrance to Los Glaciares National Park, we will tell you where you can buy it. At all times we will be providing you with the best service so that you live an unforgettable moment and can dedicate yourself to enjoying every detail of the experience.
- Once on board our comfortable boats, the tour begins by navigating the North Arm of Lake Argentino, crossing the Boca del Diablo, heading towards the Upsala Canal to experience the unique sensation of navigating among icebergs, some of them very large, that They come off the Upsala Glacier. A truly wonderful and unique experience! Then, we will sail towards the Spegazzini Channel, which will offer you unique views of incredible hanging glaciers such as the Dry Glacier, the South Heim Glacier and the Peineta Glacier, which are the prelude to the biggest show: the imposing Spegazzini Glacier. The largest of all, which awaits you to offer you a majestic view with its height of more than 135 meters.
- And to crown that moment, we will descend at the Spegazzini Base right in front of the Glacier, to enjoy our modern Spegazzini Shelter, which has all the services you need during your day and that will allow you to experience truly unique moments, with its dazzling panoramic views. Optionally, you can taste exquisite regional menus with variants for all tastes.
- This service is non-refundable for cancellations made within 4 days in advance of the service date. However, if you need to change your booking, such as adjusting the number of participants, changing the date, or requesting a refundable cancellation, we can accommodate your request as long as it's made at least 4 days before the service date
- Shelter Menu •Classic Option ENTRANCE MAIN meat pie Guanaco goulash DESSERT Black and white chocolate mousse INCLUDES 1 non-alcoholic drink + 1 infusion
- Classic Option 2 Suitable for Celiac STARTERS Salad (lettuce, tomato, carrot and egg) MAIN CASSEROLE Lamb casserole DESSERT White and dark chocolate mousse INCLUDES 1 non-alcoholic drink + 1 infusion
- Vegetarian Option START Vegetable empanada MAIN Lentil and vegetable casserole DESSERT Black and white chocolate mousse INCLUDES 1 non-alcoholic drink + 1 infusion
- VIP Cabin Captain Option Menu: ENTRANCE Patagonian Picada 1) Guanaco goulash with mashed potato and leek 2) Chicken curry with rice 3) Patagonian lamb casserole 4) Lentil stew 5) Vegetable wok with oriental style rice (*choose one option) DESSERT Black and white chocolate mousse with cocoa ground DRINKS Infusions, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks included
- Option Captain Club VIP: The service will be provided both on board and at the Spegazzini Refuge in our exclusive lounge, with views of the Spegazzini Glacier and Glacier Bay. Location in a preferential cabin on board with a Carlains guide and host exclusive, drinks with/without alcohol and gastronomy.
- CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES To improve your experience, we recommend that you wear comfortable shoes, a coat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and don't forget to bring your camera or cell phone (on board and on land we have 220 volt power).
- CAPITAN VIP OPTION: Regarding the number of people in the VIP cabin: The number of people in the VIP Cabin will depend on the boat that is scheduled that day, and this will depend on the number of people that will do the tour that day. We have boats where the VIP cabin is for 16 people, another where the VIP cabin is for 28 people and another where the VIP cabin is for 40 people.
- Captain's Club offers you a personalized service, which includes seating in a preferential cabin for enhanced comfort and privacy. A guide and a host will assist you throughout the entire journey
- Vip Otion: You will also have an exclusive food and beverage service (with and without alcohol) throughout the experience. And when you make the descent at the Spegazzini Base, a spectacular 3-step menu will be waiting for you that will be the ideal complement to this adventure.
- From November to March you can choose the option SUNSET with pick up 11.00 AM
- AGO-APRIL: DAILY DEPARTURES / MAY- JUNE - JULY : EVEN DAYS DEPARTURES ONLY
- We have implemented a 100% accessible infrastructure that ensures no limitations. We offer access ramps, an elevator at the Punta Bandera pier, a floating dock for disembarkation at Base Spegazzini, and adapted restrooms on our boats and at the Spegazzini Refuge. Our trails and viewpoints are also fully accessible.
- This service offers departures only on EVEN Days-numbered days during the months of May, June, and July. For the rest of the year, departures are available daily.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 9 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
1 mentionTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Food and drink
1 mentionThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
9 verified traveler reviews for Glaciers Navigation: The highest glacier in the world Spegazzini. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing experience
Amazing views and a great experience worth enjoying, great attention and service both on board and ashore.
via Viator (translated)
TREATED LIKE VIPS
Our agency had booked the sailing with VIP lounge accommodation so the treatment was perfect. At the refuge we ate well with good service. Of course you can see the Upsala glacier as you pass by but you can enjoy the Spegazzini very well and skirting the Chilean Andes was very beautiful
via Tripadvisor (translated)
It's not worth it
I do not recommend it. The Upsala glacier can barely be seen from afar. The spegazzini is visible and impressive but it is too much and uncomfortable to travel to get there. The boat is full of people, they fill it to the brim, the seats are 4 so you are cramped, uncomfortable seats. If you go out to the bow, it is very difficult to take a photo because the photographers are selling their service, the food in the shelter is expensive and the service is terrible. The view of the glaciers is beautiful, but the experience is bad. I would not return nor do I recommend it, one of the most expensive tours and with terrible service. In addition, 1 engine broke, we were stranded for 1 hour in the middle of nowhere and we arrived at the shelter 1.30 hours later, without an apology, without a glass of water for attention. Although they continued selling the photography service insistently.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Do not waste your money
Tourist trap. Horrible. You go in a boat full of people, sitting in chairs like in a bus. Crouded. If you sit in the middle, you can barely see anything (besides, they force you to go on the same seat on the way back). It was the worst experience i had in patagonia. I would rather go twice to Perito moreno’s platform than do this boat ever again.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $470 to $660
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Azul Latina Travel, who run 59 experiences we rank across 7 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 44.5.
See everything Azul Latina Travel runsWhy this scores 37
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Glaciers Navigation: The highest glacier in the world Spegazzini: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for El Calafate.
How much does Glaciers Navigation: The highest glacier in the world Spegazzini cost?
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Prices start at $470 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in El Calafate usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Glaciers Navigation: The highest glacier in the world Spegazzini take?
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Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in El Calafate is not rushed.
Is Glaciers Navigation: The highest glacier in the world Spegazzini worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 37 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.4/5 across 9 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable outdoors in El Calafate, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Glaciers Navigation: The highest glacier in the world Spegazzini?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Glaciers Navigation: The highest glacier in the world Spegazzini suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Glaciers Navigation: The highest glacier in the world Spegazzini?
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Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in El Calafate can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in El Calafate and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Glaciers Navigation: The highest glacier in the world Spegazzini start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central El Calafate within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in El Calafate?
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On Outty we rank every El Calafate experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kayak Full-Day Activity in La Leona River from El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier with Navigation from El Calafate, Perito Moreno Glacier Full Day Tour with Optional Boat Safari. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit El Calafate?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in El Calafate?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Glaciers Navigation: The highest glacier in the world Spegazzini?
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Included: Classic Option also have celiac or vegetarian menu; Vip Otion: when you make the descent at the Spegazzini Base, you will have the 3-step menu; Navigation through the Upsala Glaciar; Pick up and drop off to all hotels located at downtown Calafate area; and Captain Club Option: 3-course menu with Patagonian lamb. Not included: Entry to Los Glaciares National Park - Price subject to change; and MAY- JUNE - JULY : even DAYS DEPARTURES ONLY. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Glaciers Navigation: The highest glacier in the world Spegazzini include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 66 listed pickup locations in and around El Calafate. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Glaciers Navigation: The highest glacier in the world Spegazzini offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Glaciers Navigation: The highest glacier in the world Spegazzini?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Glaciers Navigation: The highest glacier in the world Spegazzini wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and We have implemented a 100% accessible infrastructure that ensures no limitations. We offer. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Glaciers Navigation: The highest glacier in the world Spegazzini if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Glaciers Navigation: The highest glacier in the world Spegazzini?
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Across 9 reviews averaging 3.4 out of 5, recurring themes include photo opportunities, value for money, food and drink. The views and photo stops come up again and again.
What booking options are available for Glaciers Navigation: The highest glacier in the world Spegazzini?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Classic option, CAPITAN VIP. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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