Serrano and Balmaceda Glaciers

The Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers are located within Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, which lies about 31 miles northwest of the city of Puerto Natales and is part of the Andes mountain range. Visiting this area means admiring a majestic place, almost untouched by humans.
Access is only possible by boat, navigating through the Última Esperanza Fjord. The fjord’s name, meaning “Last Hope,” comes from a 1557 expedition searching for the Strait of Magellan from the Pacific Ocean.
The journey begins at Puerto Bories dock, located 15 minutes from downtown Puerto Natales. Shortly after departure you’ll see the historic buildings of the Bories meat processing plant, once one of Patagonia’s largest meatpacking industries. Along the way, you can also spot a colony of Imperial Cormorants, a small group of sea lions, and a variety of native plants such as Coigüe, Canelo, Lenga, Ñire, Chilco, and Calafate.
The Balmaceda Glacier can be viewed directly from the boat. To visit the Serrano Glacier, however, a 20-minute hike along a trail bordering a small lake formed by the glacier’s meltwater is required.
On the return trip, the boat stops at Estancia Perales, where guests will enjoy a delicious and hearty regional lunch.
 
Season: Available year-round. (April 1 to August 31, only on Sundays)
Departures: 7:00 AM from the office located at Eberhard 560, Natales, or 7:30 AM at the Puerto Bories dock. 1 hour later during low season.
Minimum capacity: 25
Maximum capacity: Available upon request, subject to boat availability.
Languages: Spanish and English
Physical fitness requirements: Gentle walk with ups and downs on rocky and sandy terrain along the lakeshore.
Service: · Spanish-speaking crew · Lunch at Estancia Perales
Restrooms: On the boat.
Does not operate on December 25 and January 1.
*ITINERARY SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS*