Kayaking

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What we offer…

Kayaking is becoming more and more popular in Chile and Argentina, you can even enjoy kayaking while joining some of our Antarctic voyages. With the long and varied coastlines and wealth of lakes and rivers we highly recommend paddling out onto the water during your visit.

Kayaking in Patagonia

We were one of the first operators in the area to introduce sea kayakers to the marvellous waterways in and around Torres del Paine with our innovative three-day sea-kayaking tour, which was part of our multi-activity Blue Ice Trail.

Today, we offer a range of kayaking tours from a five day kayak journey out of Torres del Paine via the isolated waterways of Bernardo O’Higgins to a dramatic one day kayak with whales between the fjords and the glaciers of the Straits of Magellan.

We also include kayaking in some of our multi-sport trips in Torres del Paine, we can add a half or full day kayaking onto any custom Paine trip. Kayaking is available on Grey Lake either at the beach end or close to the glacier itself. This can be an exciting addition to a hiking or riding trip, even for families travelling with older children. For those with younger children, just contact us and we can discuss options.

Gaining in popularity are the majestic peaks and intensely green forests of Aysen in northern Patagonia. Join our four day instructional kayak down the Baker River through wild and pristine fjords with nights camping under the stars and days exploring these magnicent waterways.

Some of our kayaking departures run on scheduled dates and some are custom trips available privately on request. Some require previous kayaking experience and some are suitable for beginners.

We have outlined some of our most popular kayaking experiences below.

5-day Grey & Serrano Glacier Adventure

The ultimate glacier kayak, paddle close to two magnificent glaciers on this unique ice-packed kayak trip. Paddle down stream out of Torres del Paine and back to Puerto Natales via the pristine waterways and fjords of the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park.

Highlights

  • Unzip your tent on some of Patagonia’s most sublime views

  • Sip wine chilled in the river while your cook prepares dinner

  • Dodge icebergs as you paddle out onto meltwater lakes up to the face of a glacier

  • Visit the Serrano Glacier that tumbles down a wooded valley surrounded by ancient forests.

  • Trek from a local ranch to the remote and hidden Geike Glacier

  • Paddle out onto the magical Serrano lagoon in the glistening morning light

  • Explore two of Patagonia’s most dramatic National Parks

  • Feast on organic lamb cooked the traditional way over a roaring wood fire

Extras

  • This trip can be added onto any trekking, exploring or riding trip in Torres del Paine for an exciting and adventurous finish.
  • Accommodation is not included in Torres del Paine prior to the trip or in Puerto Natales after the trip but we can make suggestions and reservations if required, why not treat yourself to a comfortable night in a waterside lodge afterwards and a spa treatment or massage.

Day by day

  • Day 1: Transfer from Puerto Natales to Torres del Paine. Paddle out onto Grey Lake to navigate its colossal ice floes. Continue down Grey River (approximately 29 km). Transfer to camp.

  • Day 2: Paddle down Serrano River (18 km) with dramatic mountain views. Arrive at isolated estancia. Camp.

  • Day 3: Hike out to Geike Glacier, a moderate-challenging trail of around 22 km. Camp.

  • Day 4: Paddle down river and, weather permitting, paddle in front of Balmaceda hanging glacier. Camp.

  • Day 5: Morning paddle in Serrano Glacier meltwater (weather permitting). Join boat back across the fjords to Puerto Natales with a stop for lunch at local estancia for a traditional lamb asado. Trip ends in Puerto Natales.

Is this trip for me?

  • This trip requires some experience of kayaking with a difficulty level of medium to high owing to the distance encountered and the potential for challenging river and weather conditions.

  • You should be in a good physical condition and able to swim. You should also be comfortable around water and enjoy travelling in remote areas. Some of the paddling will be against the current so you should be moderately strong.

  • Participants should be between 14 and 65 years of age, please contact us to discuss suitability.

  • This trip requires you to have an open mind and a flexible attitude as itinerary changes can occur if the weather and river conditions so dictate.

  • Camping is generally wild with few facilities (all gear is provided)

  • It is fully supported and guided throughout by expert, knowledgeable, certified guides. You will be provided with a one piece polartec suit and dry suit, life jackets, gloves, booties, wet socks, spray skirt, dry bag, smart phone case.

  • Solo paddlers should contact us about confirmed departures. The trip can be arranged privately on request for custom groups or families.

Destinations

5-day Baker River, Aysen Instructional Kayak

An exciting kayak adventure through a pristine wilderness area. The Baker River meanders through the dazzling Aysen area in northern Patagonia with its ancient forests, soaring cliffs and snow capped peaks. You will paddle downstream with nights wild camping and a focus on learning new skills.

Highlights

  • Paddle silently through the pristine, remote and relatively unknown Aysen area of Chile
  • Kayak between soaring green cliffs and granite monoliths topped with snow
  • Fish for trout from the banks of a pristine river
  • Hike to waterfalls that cascade through ancient woodlands
  • Camp under the immense southern skies and on a clear night, spot the Southern Cross
  • Visit the pretty lake district village of Caleta Tortel
  • Learn about the history of the area, the least populated in Chile, from your expert guide

    Extras

    • For advice on onward travel in the area or hotel nights please contact us.

    • Contact us for a longer 8 day/7 night inclusive navigation by boat and kayak through the fjords of Patagonia including Laguna San Rafael Glacier

    Day by day

    • Day 0: Arrive into Cochrane or Puerto Bertrand, own arrangements. Briefing at 7 p.m.

    • Day 1: Depart Cochrane for transfer to Balseo baker. Join kayaks set up and packed with equipment tents, food, dry bags for expedition. Safety briefing, swimming assessment. 5 hours paddling. Camp

    • Day 2: Kayak and take short walks. Paddle through some stronger currents as you descend the Colonia and Gonzales rapids. Continue on calmer waters, 5-6 hours paddling. Portage and camp

    • Day 3: Early rise and optional hike to Lukas Bridges. Continue paddling among the snowy mountain ranges, eternal glaciers and native forests (approx four hours). Camp.

    • Day 4: Kayak to the very pretty Caleta Tortel through dense green forests and more dramatic mountain ranges (approx 6-7 hours paddling). Farewell dinner. Night lodge.

    • Day 5: Trip ends after breakfast. Continue exploring the area or with onward travel.

    Is this trip for me?

    • The trip is suitable for novice kayakers who are happy around water, prepared to get wet and are used to travelling in remote areas. There will be a mandatory swimming assessment to ensure safety in the water on Day 1. This will involve participants swimming while dressed in a neoprene suit and booties, jacket (semi-dry) and life jacket – this assessment will take place regardless of weather conditions and is carried out for the safety of all participants.
    • Accommodation is in tents so you should be comfortable camping in some wild places
    • The trip is guided throughout by experienced wilderness kayak guides certified by the American Canoe Association (ACA) with training in international outdoor schools (such as Outward Bound) and first aid training in remote areas (Wilderness First Responder).
    • All camping equipment is provided including two/three man tents, inflatable mattress, kitchen equipment etc.
    • Most of the paddling is on calm waters but there are two rapids on the descent.
    • There is a 1,000 metre portage during the itinerary so kayakers need to be fairly fit and strong
    • Weather in Patagonia is unpredictable so you need to travel with a flexible attitude and be prepared for itinerary changes which will be imposed if the guide feels the safety of the group would be compromised by continuing with the scheduled itinerary.
    • OPEN departure of the Baker River trip due to run from 3-7 February 2025 (US$1,000 per person). For a longer kayak trip to the incredible San Rafael Glacier, we can offer an OPEN departure from 20-27 January 2025 (US$1,500 per person). Contact us for details and suitability or for more departures. Please note we can arrange custom departures of these trips for private groups.
      Destinations

      A few short kayak experiences to slot into your Patagonia itinerary:

      • Take a boat trip to Grey Glacier, or hike there from Lake Pehoe before paddling out onto Grey Lake for an intimate encounter with this immense valley glacier, the largest in Torres del Paine. Navigating your kayak around the icebergs, you will witness the glacier’s impressive vertical face rising some 30 metres above the lake (half day excursion)
      • Instead of joining one of the standard tours to the Perito Moreno Glacier, we highly recommend joining a tour that includes a few hours kayaking in front of this legendary glacier. As with Grey Glacier above, you will paddle out in front of the vertical face of the glacier for a truly once in a lifetime experience.
      • Join a full day boat trip into the Francisco Coloane Marine Park accessed from Punta Arenas in southern Chile. After a 3-hour navigation you arrive in the marine park where you will be  paddling out in kayaks alongside whales among the fjords and glaciers of the Straits of Magellan in one of southern Patagonia’s most untouched landscapes. An area where ancient Kawesqar canoe routes exist. See more information under the Whale Watching heading.