Choosing a Perito Moreno Glacier boat tour
A Perito Moreno Glacier boat tour brings the glacier into view from the water, a different perspective from the elevated walkways. The practical choice is between a short navigation that starts at a harbour, a day trip from El Calafate with a boat option, and a longer cruise visiting several glaciers. These are different itineraries, so the time on the water and the time away from your accommodation should be read separately.
The glacier is in Los Glaciares National Park on Lago Argentino, opposite the Península de Magallanes. A boat ride is one way to add another viewpoint to the day; a separate guided trek crosses water on the way to the ice. Neither a harbour start nor the name of a cruise alone tells you whether a road transfer is included.
Our picks: boat trips
Our take: Choose the short navigation if you can reach the harbour independently. For a longer day, compare the guided trip with hotel pickup and the five-glacier cruise with lunch.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide and Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Five glaciers by boat
- Professional guide
- Gourmet lunchbox with drinks
Hotel transfers and a walkway landing are available with the respective booking options.
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Glacier day trip with navigation
- Shared transportation
- Bilingual professional guide
The day trip includes one hour of navigation in front of the glacier.
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One-hour glacier navigation
- Bilingual guide
- Glacier formation insights
Travel to the harbour independently for a one-hour navigation.
Check availability →Boat experiences on Lago Argentino
Compare a short glacier navigation with day trips and a longer multi-glacier cruise.
One hour on the water or a full day
The listed guided navigation from Puerto F. P. Moreno lasts one hour and includes an English and Spanish speaking guide. Its start is at the harbour, so plan your own journey there as well. The one-hour figure describes the boat trip, not the complete day from El Calafate. The park entrance should be considered separately when planning your visit.
A day excursion can combine road transport and the walkways with a boat option. The tour comparison explains how to distinguish those choices. The walkway guide helps you plan the land portion, whether you travel independently or join an excursion.
Puerto F. P. Moreno, Bajo de las Sombras and Punta Bandera
Puerto F. P. Moreno is the start of the short guided navigation described here. Bajo de las Sombras is associated with boat crossings for ice trekking. Punta Bandera and La Soledad serve longer navigations on the northern arm of Lago Argentino. These names refer to different departure arrangements: match the harbour to the specific activity when arranging transport.
El Calafate is the base for road journeys to the park. The transport guide describes the route and alternatives. Allow time for the road trip in addition to the period stated for a harbour departure, and distinguish a transfer included in the chosen option from one you arrange yourself.
Longer cruises to other glaciers
A multi-glacier day is a different outing from the one-hour Perito Moreno navigation. The Glaciares Gourmet programme visits glacier areas including Upsala and Spegazzini. One listed version includes a lunchbox, while transfer and a walkway landing depend on the selected option. Its itinerary and duration are those of a longer cruise, not a short crossing.
Our Upsala and Spegazzini guide describes the northern-arm routes, landings and meal choices. Ice and operating conditions affect the route; a close approach to the Upsala front should not be treated as a fixed promise. Plan park admission separately from the navigation.
Kayaking as an alternative
A guided kayak activity gives you another way to experience the water. The checked offer describes approximately 90 minutes in the kayak within a longer activity, with a guide, protective clothing, snacks and hot drinks. Hotel pickup and park admission are extra. The nearby activities guide explains the activity alongside other ways to spend time around El Calafate.
A kayak requires active participation, whereas a navigation is a boat journey. Both should be considered alongside the rest of your day: the journey to the meeting point, park entry and the time you want on the walkways all matter. Dress in layers and follow the instructions given for the chosen activity.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the short guided boat trip start?
The one-hour guided navigation described here starts at Puerto F. P. Moreno.
Is one hour the whole excursion from El Calafate?
No. One hour refers to the navigation from the harbour; the road journey and other activities take additional time.
Does a multi-glacier cruise follow the same route?
It is a longer itinerary that can include Upsala and Spegazzini. Transfer and landing depend on the option.