Navigation of Lago Grey
Navigation of Lago Grey
4.5
Bodies of WaterNational ParksNature & Wildlife Areas
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Duration: More than 3 hours
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- QuakesNewYork249 contributionsBeautiful Lake and Glacier Views Although Hike to Launch Can be Fun or Hard for Different FolksFun experience and you certainly get close up to the glaciers that would otherwise be very tricky for vast majority of people. The boat ride itself was also comfortable and provided a nice scenic experience. The area outside is not cramped when people are trying to get views of the glaciers, and the captain does give ample time at each unique site and turns the boat around regularly to allow everyone great looks. The walk from the parking lot to the boat launch can be quite daunting for some though. It's a 45-minute hike on loose sandy ground which can be very tiring. On top of that, the winds can be very gusty and cold (and we were there in summer). It's part of a hiking trail that leads up to Mirador Lago Grey. Nevertheless it is a pretty walk but some may feel rushed given that the hotel organizers do not hand out tickets until an hour before the launch of the boat. Regardless, the navigation was a highlight of our trip though it's also not a cheap fare.Visited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten January 17, 2024
- nick wLondon, United Kingdom1,328 contributionsGreat Customer ServiceWe did this trip on the day of the first heavy autumn snowfall. As the weather deteriorated the captain returned the boat to shore before we reached the glacier. However, we received a full refund from the company. This despite the fact that we had still enjoyed a 2 hour boat trip, saw some icebergs and enjoyed a free pisco sour. That's pretty great customer service. Be advised when taking this trip it is a 20 minute walk to the boat through a forest then across an exposed beach. If travelling out of season where warm and waterproof clothing. The seating area is fully enclosed but you will want to go on deck to take pictures. There is a bar and toilets and some food is available for purchase. Oh and remember to have separately bought your Torres del Paine Park entry ticket.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 8, 2024
- mk10573Atlanta, Georgia39 contributionsAmazing glacier formationsSuch amazing scenery. We loved going on this boat to see the glaciers. The ice was beyond what I could have imagined. I have seen glaciers in Alaska but these were spectacular. Because it is nature they will change every month. Dress warmly to be outside most of the time. The winds were strong but we had a beautiful clear day. You can stay inside the boat but it seemed like most people were outside.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 20, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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betsy1812
Akureyri, Iceland48 contributions
Jan 2020
We were in Patagonia over the New Year's holidays. Probably as a result, the boat was packed full. Seating was snug during the initial portion of the trip when passengers were not allowed out on deck. Trying to get pictures was tricky with all of the elbows poking and competing. Also, for persons with kids or older adults, it is a challenging walk across a rocky strand to reach the boat, especially when it is windy (which it usually is)!
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark R
10 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
We had two separate boat tickets. One to get to Rifugio Gray and one return trip the following day. We made it to Rifugio gray without incident. The boat staff was friendly and helpful. The problem came when the following day, the boat was cancelled due to weather. We found out that the boat was cancelled late, after standing on the beach waiting for it and finally asking the rangers what happened.
We were stranded on the far side of Lago Gray and had to stay an extra night without a clear plan of how to get back to our rental car. There are no roads or alternate ways to get back except hiking out to a different boat that places you in a completely different part of the park.
The main complaint I have, is that the Navigacion company whom I purchased the tickets through were terrible communicators.
Upon my asking if I could book the next boat, they refused me a spot, and then when I asked for further help, they did not respond for over 24 hours.
Only after our vacation plans had been pushed back a full day at rifugio grey, were we forced to make the decision to hike to the other boat, and then had to hitchhike the 32km to get back to our car.
AFTER this ordeal, FINALLY, the Navigacion company emailed us with further information and offered to send us a car to pick us up… but it was a full day too late.
All in all, I think the people operating the boat were great… but the people behind the booking desk left a lot of professionalism and timeliness to be desired.
If you book this boat with the intention of deboarding at rifugio grey, you should be forewarned that the following boats may never come to get you. Be aware of what options you may need to make to get home. In our case it was hiking 6 miles over a mountain pass to Rifugio Paine Grande and taking the catamaran to pudeto and hitchhiking all afternoon to return to our rental car.
We were stranded on the far side of Lago Gray and had to stay an extra night without a clear plan of how to get back to our rental car. There are no roads or alternate ways to get back except hiking out to a different boat that places you in a completely different part of the park.
The main complaint I have, is that the Navigacion company whom I purchased the tickets through were terrible communicators.
Upon my asking if I could book the next boat, they refused me a spot, and then when I asked for further help, they did not respond for over 24 hours.
Only after our vacation plans had been pushed back a full day at rifugio grey, were we forced to make the decision to hike to the other boat, and then had to hitchhike the 32km to get back to our car.
AFTER this ordeal, FINALLY, the Navigacion company emailed us with further information and offered to send us a car to pick us up… but it was a full day too late.
All in all, I think the people operating the boat were great… but the people behind the booking desk left a lot of professionalism and timeliness to be desired.
If you book this boat with the intention of deboarding at rifugio grey, you should be forewarned that the following boats may never come to get you. Be aware of what options you may need to make to get home. In our case it was hiking 6 miles over a mountain pass to Rifugio Paine Grande and taking the catamaran to pudeto and hitchhiking all afternoon to return to our rental car.
Written December 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janine B
1 contribution
Dec 2021 • Solo
Very unfriendly service and completely overpriced. I went from Hotel Grey to Refugio Grey, which is a boat ride of 45 min. This cost 70000CLP. I would highly recommend to take the Pehoé navigation for only 22000CLP.
Written December 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Allez.Ski
Epieds-en-Beauce, France5 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
It’s really nice, but it’s not worth €100! We thought that by paying this price, we could enjoy the glacier a little closer than if we went there on foot, and a little more leisurely than if we went to Perito Moreno.
In fact, the boat is crowded (fortunately there were only 2 of us, groups or families had to be separated), and we don't get that close to the glacier (less than in the photos in the advertising in any case !).
The service clearly leaves something to be desired. My wife wanted a non-alcoholic drink, but they only had water or pepsi, not the natural juices touted in the brochure. The smile is on the surface, and quickly fades as soon as there is a grain of sand in the big tourist machine. Jacqueline, the captain, gives us a whole lesson on respecting the environment...and throws her chewing gum into the water in front of us!!!
This company has the exclusivity of navigation on the lake, it takes full advantage of it and there is no possible alternative. So we frankly advise against it at this price. Go there on foot (even if it means seeing it from afar), go to Perito Moreno (even if it means having people) or, if you have the means to get as close as possible and be alone in the world...go to La Laguna San Rafael!
In fact, the boat is crowded (fortunately there were only 2 of us, groups or families had to be separated), and we don't get that close to the glacier (less than in the photos in the advertising in any case !).
The service clearly leaves something to be desired. My wife wanted a non-alcoholic drink, but they only had water or pepsi, not the natural juices touted in the brochure. The smile is on the surface, and quickly fades as soon as there is a grain of sand in the big tourist machine. Jacqueline, the captain, gives us a whole lesson on respecting the environment...and throws her chewing gum into the water in front of us!!!
This company has the exclusivity of navigation on the lake, it takes full advantage of it and there is no possible alternative. So we frankly advise against it at this price. Go there on foot (even if it means seeing it from afar), go to Perito Moreno (even if it means having people) or, if you have the means to get as close as possible and be alone in the world...go to La Laguna San Rafael!
Written November 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
glyntor
toronto ontario202 contributions
Jan 2020
We went on a very windy day so the ride was quite rough. Worse though, was the walk from the lodge to the boarding point. It is along a strip of pebbled beach with water on both sides. This walk probably took us over 45 minutes, partly due to the wind. Boarding and disembarking were efficient. We did get fairly close to the glacier. I thought that the whole experience was very over priced.
Written March 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
livia c
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Couples
It’s a 2.45min return trip which costs $100 CLP. The first departure stops at the Refugio first then goes to see the glacier on its return trip. If you only go to the Refugio it’s a one way ticket costing$90 each way. We wanted to stop at the Refugio and do a Short walk to the hanging bridges and then catch the boat back and see the glacier on the way back. Unfortunately because of the inflexible schedule, it did not cater to our needs. So we spent $90 each way for 2 people being $360CLP or around $400 US and all we got was a 45 minute trip to Refugio stop and return- a total of 90 minutes as opposed to 2.45mins round trip where you actually see the glacier. An extremely expensive ferry crossing to the Refugio without even seeing the glacier.
A total rip off. They refuse to alter the schedule to cater for the needs of the tourists. There needs to be a different fare included for tourists who want to do a round trip including stopping at the Refugio stop to do the hanging bridges walk, then catch the next boat which will allow you to see the glacier on the return trip. Staff on the boat were lovely and informative.
Be careful what departure you book and whether or not you get to see glacier Grey.
A total rip off. They refuse to alter the schedule to cater for the needs of the tourists. There needs to be a different fare included for tourists who want to do a round trip including stopping at the Refugio stop to do the hanging bridges walk, then catch the next boat which will allow you to see the glacier on the return trip. Staff on the boat were lovely and informative.
Be careful what departure you book and whether or not you get to see glacier Grey.
Written March 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Flavia RBT
Santos, SP2,004 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
The glimpse begins upon arrival at the location: a hotel with an incredible view of the lake. The windows are huge and, if Vice arrives early, you will have them all just for you to choose the best angle for your photo. There is a snack bar with coffee, juices and muffins. To catch the boat you walk along the beach for about 2km. The bad part is if you are vetoing it. The wind is very strong and can even knock people over. So, anyone with children, be prepared to carry them to the boat in case of strong winds. 2km becomes 10km in this case 😅. Elderly people and people with reduced mobility also suffer from traveling on very windy days. And this is very common in the region (strong and freezing winds, even in summer). The boat is medium in size, with capacity for 98 passengers, each way. It is divided into spaces for 6 and 4 seats, with a central table. You can bring a snack to eat on the boat. Getting close to a glacier is incredible. Due to strong winds, the boat can rock a lot. So, be prepared. Take something, if you are on the team that gets sick on the boat.
There are 4 daily boat departures. It's worth planning for this tour.
There are 4 daily boat departures. It's worth planning for this tour.
Written February 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joy R
Irvine, CA28 contributions
Feb 2020
Beautiful boat trip to see the three tongues of the glacier that run into Lake a Grey. The only thing that would have made this better would be to have a private boat to skip the crowds taking selfies. Given that isn’t available, just get on and enjoy!
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
QuakesNewYork
New York249 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
Fun experience and you certainly get close up to the glaciers that would otherwise be very tricky for vast majority of people. The boat ride itself was also comfortable and provided a nice scenic experience. The area outside is not cramped when people are trying to get views of the glaciers, and the captain does give ample time at each unique site and turns the boat around regularly to allow everyone great looks.
The walk from the parking lot to the boat launch can be quite daunting for some though. It's a 45-minute hike on loose sandy ground which can be very tiring. On top of that, the winds can be very gusty and cold (and we were there in summer). It's part of a hiking trail that leads up to Mirador Lago Grey. Nevertheless it is a pretty walk but some may feel rushed given that the hotel organizers do not hand out tickets until an hour before the launch of the boat.
Regardless, the navigation was a highlight of our trip though it's also not a cheap fare.
The walk from the parking lot to the boat launch can be quite daunting for some though. It's a 45-minute hike on loose sandy ground which can be very tiring. On top of that, the winds can be very gusty and cold (and we were there in summer). It's part of a hiking trail that leads up to Mirador Lago Grey. Nevertheless it is a pretty walk but some may feel rushed given that the hotel organizers do not hand out tickets until an hour before the launch of the boat.
Regardless, the navigation was a highlight of our trip though it's also not a cheap fare.
Written January 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mk10573
Atlanta, GA39 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Such amazing scenery. We loved going on this boat to see the glaciers. The ice was beyond what I could have imagined. I have seen glaciers in Alaska but these were spectacular. Because it is nature they will change every month. Dress warmly to be outside most of the time. The winds were strong but we had a beautiful clear day. You can stay inside the boat but it seemed like most people were outside.
Written May 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can you provide me with a website so I can get more information and book this tour? Also, did you have to book much in advance?
Thank you for your help.
Pauline
Written October 28, 2019
Hi there, I was wondering if you booked this excursion in advance , last minute........I have been trying to book for april 9 online and it won't allow it....company said it has to have so many people and since it's slow season, etc. I am leaving refugio grey from the W trek and would like take the boat tour back to hotel grey....... thanks!!! Veronica
Written February 14, 2019
Hi,
We booked online a way ahead & it was fully booked at departure time.
Best to book ahead & if you cannot get through on the website maybe try the Lago Grey hotel as they just might have a few places reserved for last minute hotel guests which they may free up? Worth trying.
G
Written March 25, 2019
Fellas,
Can I take this tour from Puerto Natales? Because I am planning to start from Puerto Natales and take this tour and come back to Puerto Natales.
Is it possible from Puerto Natales to this tour and go back to Puerto Natales at the end of the day?
Thanks
Written October 14, 2018
It has Benn suggested to me by a travel agent that one can stay in Puerto Natales and visit DTP to save costs, so, yes.
Written October 18, 2018
We live on a lake, we snow ski in Europe and US and will be taking a 20 day Antarctic Cruise. Is it still worth while to do the Lago Grey Cruise?n.mcelheran
Written July 22, 2018
Yes, it is worthwhile … I actually did it. Before I started the Antarctica expedition from Punta Arenas, I hired a car at the airport a week earlier and drove to Torres del Paine NP, also stayed at the Hotel Grey. The cruise on Lago Grey is spectacular. Windy though, best to bring your Antarctica clothes along.
Written September 4, 2018
What times are departures for today? How long is the tour (we don’t have a lot of time)? Is there seating inside the ferry where I’d be sheltered from the wind?
Written April 19, 2018
I dont know the departure times. The tour is about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 from memory. We hiked to the end of Lago Grey & then returned by the ferry. Therefore if you are not hiking first then the tour may be longer. The ferry we went on had seats inside & undercover and also toilet facilities and you could purchase refreshments.
Written April 20, 2018
Hi, I'm curious where you stayed to take the boat. Wondering if I'm staying at a non inclusive can i still book the boat to the grey glacier and the pros of staying one night at Hotel Lago Grey
Thanks!
Written November 8, 2017
Hi
I stayed at Explora, and they booked the boat ride for us. From Explora you will take approximately 35 minutes to get there. I don’t think you have to stay at the hotel to take the boat ride.
Written November 15, 2017
Olá. Gostaria de saber por qual empresa voce fez o passeio de navegação no lago Grey. Obrigada. Débora
Written October 29, 2017
is there any tour company to book in advance for this Lago Grey tour and glacier viewing? and normally how long is the trip?
Written August 31, 2017
sp00n1
Ashland, Ohio
What opportunities are there for kayaking close to the glacier and among the icebergs?
Written February 5, 2017
It is a full day adventure and be prepared to take the hike if weather won't allow the navigation. We ended up doom that and it was pretty magical.
Written March 2, 2017
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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