Laguna San Rafael — Face to face with the ice
A full day to reach a wall of ice more than 40 meters high, in the Northern Patagonian Ice Field.
We leave early from Puerto Río Tranquilo for Bahía Exploradores, where the boat trip to Laguna San Rafael begins. At the end of the route awaits Glaciar San Rafael: a wall of ancient ice that calves icebergs, which float around you as you sail.
It's one of the most striking natural experiences in Chile — and one that climate change makes ever more valuable to witness.
What your day looks like
- 1
06:30–07:00 hrs
Departure by land
From the Sur Nómade Costanera office, Puerto Río Tranquilo. Please arrive 20 minutes early.
- 2
Transfer through the Exploradores Valley
About 90 km of gravel road to Bahía Exploradores.
- 3
08:30 hrs
Boarding at Bahía Exploradores
If you arrive directly (option without transportation), your tour starts here: please be at the pier 20 minutes early.
- 4
Boat trip to Laguna San Rafael
About 86 km through fjords and channels on board the Koraiken, with breakfast and lunch on board.
- 5
The glacier
Boat trip in front of the ice wall of Glaciar San Rafael, among icebergs.
- 6
15:30 hrs aprox.
Return to Bahía Exploradores
End of the tour for the option without transportation.
- 7
17:00–18:00 hrs
Arrival in Puerto Río Tranquilo
Return transfer by land, for the option with transportation.
What's included
- Land transfer from Puerto Río Tranquilo (depending on the option)
- Boat trip on the Koraiken
- Breakfast and lunch on board, with a gluten-free option prepared separately
- Guide
- Life jacket (also in children's sizes)
Requirements to participate
- Health and Fitness Form: each passenger completes it before the tour, declaring any medical conditions or physical limitations.
- When booking, let us know about each passenger's allergies, intolerances or special diet (vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian).
- All minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Under 18s: a simple authorization signed by their mother, father or legal guardian.
- Participation of older adults is assessed with our operations team before the booking is confirmed.
Good to know
- It's a long day with a very early start — we recommend spending the night before in Puerto Río Tranquilo and avoiding tight connections on the same day.
- The return time is approximate and may vary due to road, weather, tides and navigation conditions.
- Ice calving, wildlife and visibility are never guaranteed — every visit to the lagoon is unique.
- Along the road and at the lagoon you may spot black-necked swans, chucaos, huemul deer, pudús and kodkods (güiña cats) — possible, never guaranteed.
Booking with us
- Your booking is confirmed with advance payment through official channels; checking availability does not hold seats.
- Rain alone does not cancel the departure; the deciding factors are wind and safety. If the Maritime Authority does not authorize the departure or conditions are not safe, the tour is canceled, rescheduled or adjusted according to current policy.
- If the port is closed, we'll first offer to reschedule the date or time; if you'd rather not, we refund 100% of what you paid.
- We never ask for card details by WhatsApp, email or phone.
Ready for Laguna San Rafael?
Book your seat online. If you have your date, secure it: checking availability does not hold seats.
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