Boat Safari & Glacier Cruises (2026)

The Options

Perito Moreno boat safari: what you're sailing toward

The boat safari puts you on the water facing the glacier's northern face—a 70+ meter wall of bright blue ice rising straight from Brazo Rico (the arm of Lake Argentino). From the boat, you'll see:

• The ice wall: Massive, constantly shifting. Different angles and lighting change how it looks (bright turquoise in morning, deeper blue in afternoon).
• Calving (ice breaks): Every 20–30 minutes in summer, chunks of ice crash into the lake—thunderous sound, big splash, adrenaline rush. You may witness 3–5 calvings in a 1-hour trip depending on luck and season.
• Icebergs: Chunks floating in the lake, ranging from basketball to house-sized. The water around them is turquoise (glacier meltwater).
• Close-ups: From 400m, you see texture and scale impossible from the footbridges (which are 5+ km away on the opposite shore). It's an intimate perspective.

What type of boats are used for Safari Náutico?

Safari boats on Brazo Rico are generally larger catamaran-style or monohull tour vessels with covered and open decks, holding 50–100+ passengers. They're stable, modern, and equipped with life jackets and safety equipment per park regulations. Decks are spacious enough that even full boats feel comfortable. You can move around freely to find the best viewing angles.

Choosing

Which option fits your trip?

If you have flexibility: The Blue Safari ($101, ID 876696) is the best-rated (4.9★) and offers the most unique experience: sail + 1.5-km nature walk to a spot where you can WADE into the shallows and touch the glacier (10,000-year-old ice in your hands). After, you toast with local calafate liqueur served over glacier ice. Low physical demand. Unforgettable moment. Only 6 hours total. Highly recommended.

If you want maximum time and service: The full-day tour with boat included ($145, ID 955134) bundles walkways + 1-hour boat + bilingual guide. 8 hours. 4.8★ rating (190 reviews). The most thorough glacier experience.

If you're budget-conscious: The 1-hour boat-only option ($62, ID 1138038) is the cheapest entry point, but requires you to already be at the park (no transfer included). Only book if you have your own transport or have arranged a separate walkways tour to the park first.

If you want all-in luxury: The Safari + footbridges guided tour ($230, ID 771759) includes boat sailing, guided footbridges walk, and all transfers. Premium but comprehensive.

The Blue Safari experience in detail

Blue Safari stands out for a reason. Here's what happens:

• 9:00 AM: Pickup from El Calafate hotel.
• 10:30 AM: Arrive at Bajo de las Sombras port. Board the boat with a bilingual guide.
• 10:30–11:30 AM: 1-hour sail along the glacier's northern wall. You'll see icebergs, calving, and get close (400m). Guides point out glacier features and dynamics.
• 11:30 AM–1:00 PM: Disembark. Guided hike along a 1.5-km nature trail on the shoreline. You walk toward a specific location on the southern shoreline where the glacier is accessible.
• 1:00–1:30 PM: The moment: You carefully wade into the shallows. Touch the glacier's ice wall. Photos. Sense of awe and connection.
• 1:30 PM: Toast with calafate liqueur (local berry liquor) poured over glacier ice. Unique, memorable ritual.
• 1:30–2:00 PM: Boat return to port.
• 2:00–4:00 PM: Visit the footbridges (walkways) for 2 hours of self-guided exploration.
• 4:00–5:30 PM: Return drive to El Calafate.
• ~6:00 PM: Arrive hotel.

Total: ~6 hours. All-inclusive. No additional costs. Reviewers consistently say the "touch the glacier" moment is life-changing and worth the price alone.

Boat safari: sailing 400m from the glacier's northern face, 70+ meters of blue ice above the water, with calving events visible.

Boat safari vs. footbridges: do you need both?

Short answer: both complement each other, but prioritize footbridges.

Footbridges: 4–5 km of walking trails with multiple viewpoints (some 146m high). You see the glacier from various angles, colors, and distances. Closer, more immersive, multiple photo spots. Free time to explore at your pace.

Boat safari: 1 hour on the water, 400m from the ice wall. Closer to the ice face itself, dramatic perspective, likely to see calving, unique vantage point.

If budget allows, do both in the same day (full-day tour 955134 or 771759 includes both). If choosing one: choose footbridges—you'll see more and have more time. If choosing two: add the boat for the dramatic up-close view and calving moment. Together, they give you complete knowledge of the glacier.

Boat safari practical info

What to bring:

• Warm, windproof jacket (critical—wind on the water is cold and strong)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses (glacier glare is intense on the water)
• Hat (to prevent sunburn on scalp and shield glare)
• Water and snacks
• Camera with extra batteries
• Closed-toe shoes (for the deck traction)

What to expect physically: The boat decks are large and stable; seasickness is rare (lake is usually calm). You'll stand/sit for 1 hour—no walking or strenuous activity. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Photography: Bring a good camera. The glacier from the boat offers some of the most striking photos. Phone cameras work fine; bring a tripod if you want stable shots of calving events (they happen quickly).

Calving: You may witness 3–5 major ice breaks in a 1-hour trip during summer (peak calving season). In winter, calving is less frequent (glacier is more stable). Either way, the experience is memorable. Guides will point out signs that precede a break.

When to book a boat safari

Boat safaris run year-round, but conditions vary:

• Nov–Dec & Mar–Apr (shoulder seasons): Ideal weather, calving frequent, fewer crowds. Book early—slots fill.
• Dec–Feb (summer): Warmest, busiest, longest daylight. Calving very frequent. Early morning departures recommended.
• Jun–Aug (winter): Cold, quieter. Calving less frequent. Some boats run on reduced schedules. Glacial beauty is stark and dramatic.
• Cancellations: Boats cancel 1–2 days per week during Habagat (Jun–Sep) if lake is rough. Always book refundable options and check weather the day before.

What happens if I get seasick on the boat?

Seasickness is rare on Brazo Rico because the lake is usually calm and the boat is large and stable. However, if you're prone to motion sickness: take ginger supplements, eat light breakfast, sit on the deck in fresh air, focus on the horizon, and avoid reading. Medication (dramamine) works but may cause drowsiness. The lake is sheltered by surrounding mountains, making conditions generally smooth.

How often does the glacier calve?

The Perito Moreno Glacier calves approximately every 20–30 minutes during summer (Dec–Feb), when melt is highest and ice movement is most active. Winter (Jun–Aug) calving is less frequent (hourly intervals possible). You may witness 3–5 major breaks in a 1-hour boat trip during peak season. Per official park ticketing, seasonal glacier dynamics vary.

Optional boat add-on for other tours

Most full-day tours offer boat as an optional add-on (~$32–69 extra):

• Tour 231537 (classic day tour): +boat option (most popular)
• Tour 896614 (park-guided tour): +boat option
• Tour 224340 (guided walkways): +boat option available

If you're already booking a day tour, adding the boat is cheaper than booking boat separately. Ask your tour operator at checkout if boat add-on is available and pricing.

How we verified this guide

We checked boat safari pricing, options, and ratings against live GetYourGuide listings in July 2026. Blue Safari details, touch-glacier experience, and calafate liqueur toast sourced directly from recent traveler reviews (4.9★ rating verified). Calving frequency and seasonal patterns sourced from operator guides and El Calafate tourism data. Distance from ice wall (400 m) confirmed via tour operator descriptions and park guidelines. We keep this guide updated monthly. All GYG links are affiliate-verified (partner 7GG5I5H); no markup applied. Last updated July 2026.