Kayaking Nahuel Huapi Lake: Private full day with guide

A morning of paddling across a glacial lake, with lunch on a deserted beach between stretches

A seven-hour private kayak on Nahuel Huapi Lake in Bariloche, with a guide leading two paddling sessions (morning and afternoon) separated by lunch on the shore. The route crosses from Bahía López toward Brazo Tristeza, passing Isla Centinela and mountain peaks of the Andean foothills. Hotel pickup, all gear, and meals are included.

The experience

You start at your lodging with pickup, then drive 20 km to the Circuito Chico area, passing Punto Panorámico, Hotel Llao Llao and through Llao Llao Municipal Park. Once at the water, your guide runs through safety and paddling technique before you push off. The morning paddle takes you from Bahía López toward the entrance of Brazo Tristeza, where the lake opens up and you can see its full length. Isla Centinela sits in the distance (the island where Perito Moreno was laid to rest), and the Andes rise on either side: Cerro Capilla, Cerro López and the foothills beyond.

You paddle for two hours, then land on a deserted beach for lunch and a break. The operator brings snacks and beverages, and you eat surrounded by the strict natural reserves of Nahuel Huapi National Park. The afternoon session is another two hours of paddling, and you have the choice to approach and land at Isla Centinela or push deeper into Brazo Tristeza. The route follows rugged coastlines, passes waterfalls and more empty beaches. Your guide speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese or Italian and stays with the group throughout.

All gear is provided: double kayaks with rudders, paddles, spray skirts, life jackets, waterproof cags with adjustable cuffs and collar, neoprene socks and mittens, and dry bags for your things. The full day runs seven hours from pickup to return.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your hotel to the starting point and back.
• lunch, snacks and beverages.
• double kayak with rudder, paddles and spray skirt.
• life jacket.
• waterproof cag.
• neoprene socks and mittens.
• dry bags for your belongings.
• safety briefing and paddling instruction from a guide.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to20h before

AgesAdult (6 to 80 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Feeling Patagonia

Is this one for you?You operate the kayak yourself throughout the day, paddling in a two-person boat with a guide who stays with the group and handles navigation and safety. This suits anyone wanting to be active on the water rather than watching from a boat, and the private format means the pace and route choices fit your group's interests and energy level.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese.

What's the paddling like if I've never kayaked before?

The guide covers safety and paddling technique before you start, and the route is designed for all fitness levels. You paddle in a double kayak with a rudder, which gives you stability and control, and the guide stays with you the whole time. Two hours in the morning and two in the afternoon, with a lunch break between, means you're not paddling continuously.

Can we land on Isla Centinela, or is it just something you see from the water?

You have the choice: the guide can take you to land on Isla Centinela, or you can paddle deeper into Brazo Tristeza instead. Either way, you're deciding on the day based on conditions and what appeals to you.

What do you see along the way besides the main lake?

The paddle passes rugged coastlines, waterfalls, and deserted beaches. You'll see Cerro Capilla, Cerro López and other Andean peaks, and the route gives you views across most of Nahuel Huapi's length. The drive to the starting point also passes Hotel Llao Llao and Punto Panorámico.

Is lunch included, and what if I have dietary needs?

Lunch, snacks and beverages are all included and eaten on the beach during the break. Contact the operator about any dietary requirements when you book.

Do I need to arrange my own way to the starting point?

Hotel pickup is included. The operator collects you from your lodging and drives you to Circuito Chico, about 20 km from central Bariloche, then returns you after the paddle.