Última Esperanza Fjord cruise Serrano Glacier from Puerto Natales

Six hours on the fjord, from boat deck to glacier viewpoint and back

A six-hour cruise through Última Esperanza Fjord departing from Puerto Natales, with a guided walk to Serrano Glacier's viewpoint and views of Balmaceda Glacier from the boat. The tour includes entry to Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, coffee with a pastry, and whisky served over ancient glacial ice. A live guide leads in English or Spanish.

Step-by-step itinerary

Cruise and glacier visit in Patagonia

• Depart Puerto Natales by boat
• Sail through Última Esperanza Fjord
• Spot wildlife along coastline
• Trek to Serrano Glacier viewpoint
• Admire and photograph Serrano Glacier
• Reboard boat and view Balmaceda Glacier
• Enjoy whisky with ancient glacial ice
• Return to Arturo Prat Pier

The experience

The boat leaves Arturo Prat Pier in Puerto Natales and sails into Última Esperanza Fjord toward Bernardo O'Higgins National Park. Along the way, the vessel passes the old Bories cold-storage plant, traditional Patagonian ranches, waterfalls, and mountains. You'll watch for imperial cormorants and sea lions from the deck: wildlife sightings are possible but not guaranteed. The journey itself is the main event: the fjord's scale and the layered landscape of forest, rock, and ice unfold as you move through it.

At Serrano Glacier, you disembark and follow a marked trail through the Patagonian landscape to the closest accessible viewpoint of the glacier. You have time to stand in front of the ice, photograph it, and take in the surrounding terrain before walking back to rejoin the boat around 10:30 AM. The return leg includes a view of Balmaceda Glacier from the vessel's outdoor decks. This glacier stays visible from the water, without a second landing. You'll return to the pier at approximately 1:00 PM.

Coffee or tea with a croissant or half-moon pastry is served during the cruise. The whisky comes later, poured over ice that has been locked in the glacier for centuries. Entry to the national park and government fees are included in the price. A live guide in English or Spanish leads the tour and narrates the route. All times are approximate and may shift due to weather or navigation conditions.

What’s included

• Entry to Bernardo O'Higgins National Park.
• coffee or tea with a croissant or half-moon pastry.
• whisky served over ancient glacial ice.
• government fees.
• live guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:30

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (13 to 90 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Infant (under 5)

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by ParaViajantes Tours

Is this one for you?This is a shared boat tour with a fixed schedule and a guided walk at one stop, suited to travelers who want the fjord and glacier without arranging transport or navigation themselves. The six-hour duration fits a half-day outing from Puerto Natales, leaving the rest of your day free.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years); Infant (under 5).

What is Última Esperanza Fjord and why is it part of this cruise?

Última Esperanza Fjord is the waterway that connects Puerto Natales to Bernardo O'Higgins National Park. The cruise sails through it to reach Serrano Glacier, passing Patagonian ranches, waterfalls, and mountains along the way. The fjord itself is the route and a major part of what you see during the six hours.

Do I get to walk on Serrano Glacier or just look at it from a distance?

You walk on a marked trail through the landscape to the closest accessible viewpoint of Serrano Glacier, where you can stand and photograph the ice formations. You do not walk on the glacier itself. Balmaceda Glacier is viewed from the boat's outdoor decks without disembarkation.

What wildlife might I see on this cruise?

Imperial cormorants and sea lions are native to the fjord and may be spotted from the boat along the coastline. Wildlife sightings are possible but cannot be guaranteed, and all viewing is from the vessel without leaving the boat to approach animals.

Is the whisky served with real glacial ice, and what else is included to eat and drink?

Yes, whisky is served over ice that has been locked in the glacier for centuries. Coffee or tea with a croissant or half-moon pastry is also included during the cruise. Entry to Bernardo O'Higgins National Park and government fees are part of the package.