El Calafate Cruises: Top Sailing Tours & Expert Review

So, El Calafate, this town in Patagonia, Argentina, is a jumping-off point to explore some pretty awesome places, including the famous Perito Moreno Glacier, and one of the best ways to really take it all in is by water; that’s why quite a few folk explore cruises around El Calafate. Very similarly to planning any trip, it is so important to figure out just what kind of experience you’re looking to have. Just think about whether you prefer something filled with activity, maybe a quiet trip, or perhaps even one where you’re splurging a bit on comfort. You see, what works best varies a lot with each person. Also, of course, very budget-friendly choices exist side by side with seriously luxurious boats offering top-notch service.

1. Perito Moreno Glacier Sightseeing Cruise

You know, a really common choice, arguably, is a sightseeing cruise focused on the Perito Moreno Glacier. It tends to offer a good glimpse very close to the glacier walls, where you could also spot some bits of ice crashing into the water — an utterly captivating experience; it almost leaves a mark! These tours often include a walk on the land part of the glacier viewpoints, in fact. Just think, you could grab an amazing view that will not be the same from a ship and on stable ground! The boats are rather equipped, sometimes featuring heated indoor spaces, too, along with outdoor decks so, regardless of weather, very nice photographic ops are never compromised. At the end of the day it’s like the iconic trip!

2. Upsala & Spegazzini Glacier Cruise

Sometimes this extended cruise on Argentino Lake is just a bit more ambitious, if that is alright, visiting not just the Perito Moreno, it visits the Upsala and Spegazzini Glaciers, as well. As I was saying, this trip often offers very diverse scenery. Arguably, the Upsala Glacier’s size makes it truly a marvel, where, still, the Spegazzini impresses a good bit with its stunning ice walls that rise so very high; this makes all three visits unique from each other. Typically these cruises often go for most of a day, giving you much more time to really dive deep and soak up Patagonia’s icy sights at various locations.It really is all about nature’s grandeur!

3. Sailing Adventure on a Smaller Catamaran

Unlike the big boats, choosing a smaller catamaran for a sailing experience could give you much more of an intimate feel; I mean, these usually limit passenger numbers by a considerable margin. These tours almost tend to provide access to certain bays, that’s almost true, and channels bigger ships can’t reach. Too it’s often just right, offering an awesome, different viewpoint on the whole region. Also, keep in mind that the vibe becomes that much more personal, where tour guides will also give more care as far as stories go, so, quite a few of the secrets from Argentina’s impressive Patagonian area end up unlocked.It’s an appealing sailing experience.

4. Luxury Cruise Experience

Should you choose to indulge in some luxurious comforts, arguably, El Calafate offers several cruise tours aimed at a higher level of service, in that case. Very similarly to smaller catamarans, that is very possible, they feature smaller passenger groups, arguably, which results in more customized attention, which is appreciated by many. They very commonly provide premium gourmet cuisine, as well, where dishes often use regional products, and on occasion they also feature sommelier-selected wines to go alongside each meal. Most likely you can just anticipate higher-end cabin layouts, quite possibly with viewing decks only found on specific, fancy cabins on certain cruises!This definitely offers pure elegance.

5. Multi-Day Cruise Options

For those hoping to seriously delve deep into what this place offers, there are multiple-day cruise options setting off right from El Calafate.That certainly means bigger explorations, that is, since extended tours can take you through distant regions such as Chile’s Puerto Natales for checking out Bernardo O’Higgins National Park! Some tour operators organize tours through different sectors within Los Glaciares National Park while focusing on some locations of complete beauty rarely glimpsed by normal visitors; as a matter of fact this opens opportunities as regards untouched landscapes. So, there’s often just so much to be thrilled by, when setting sail here; what one gets out depends so on the company you chose to travel alongside with as, obviously, their style.