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Kayak from Paine to Natales: 2 Days

Kayak down the complete Serrano River with amazing views of the Paine Massif, get up close to the icebergs on Serrano Lagoon in front of the magnificent Serrano Glacier and paddle to the remote Mount Balmaceda. This remote 2-day kayak trip, with excellent guides, is a great add-on to any trip to Torres del Paine.

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Kayak from Paine to Natales: 2 Days

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Trip type

Guided Activity

Trip length

2 Days

From

$1,100

Location

Torres del Paine

Kayak from Paine to Natales: 2 Days - 2 Days - $1,100

Trip Summary and Itinerary Map

Day 1: Serrano River, waterfall and Glacier; Balmaceda camp

Day 2: Serrano Lagoon & Glacier; Lamb BBQ; Boat to Puerto Natales

Start from Puerto Natales and end at Puerto Natales

Landmarks visited on Kayak from Paine to Natales: 2 Days

Operator's Itinerary

Day 1:  Serrano River, waterfall and Glacier; Balmaceda camp

This amazing overnight trip starts in Puerto Natales. We’ll pick you up at your hotel in private transport. The drive to the shore of the Serrano River is about 1.5hrs. The river is on the boundary of Torres del Paine National Park.

After loading the kayaks, your guide will give you a briefing about safety and instructions for paddling efficiently. Also, details about the route, weather and river conditions.

We’ll run down the Serrano River with amazing views of Paine massif till we get to the Serrano waterfall (1.5hrs). Here, there’s a portage of about 100m, after which you’ll keep paddling down river on your journey to the Serrano Glacier.

There are amazing views of Tyndall Glacier and the Geike range along the way. The remote area makes this a unique experience.

At this point, the river is surrounded by beautiful native coigue and cypress forests. After a couple of hours, Balmaceda Mountain will appear on the shores of Ultima Esperanza Fjord.

Finally, the amazing Serrano Glacier will welcome you with a spectacular view. It was here that the Spanish Sailor Juan Ladrilleros sought an outlet to the Atlantic in 1558.

You'll pull out at the Balmaceda campsite and soak up the wild atmosphere of this magical spot as you and your guide prepare a great dinner together. A first-class camp dinner will be enjoyed, washed down with a few pisco sours (with glacial ice-cubes) and plenty of Chilean wine.

Paddling distance: 42km, 26 miles; Paddling time: 6-7hrs

Meals: Snacks, picnic lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Balmaceda camp (Facilities: Toilets)


Day 2: Serrano Lagoon & Glacier; Lamb BBQ; Boat to Puerto Natales

The day starts with a delicious breakfast including freshly ground coffee. After gearing up, you’ll get ready to portage of the kayaks for 50m from the camp to Serrano Lagoon. Paddling among icebergs in front of the magnificent Serrano Glacier is an unforgettable experience! The first sun rays will give you unique views of this beautiful place. This icy scenery is especially sheltered. A small stop on a secret lookout will give you a different perspective for awesome views of the Glacier.

Back at camp, after packing all the gear, your group will help load everything onto the '21 de Mayo' catamaran to return to Puerto Natales. There is a stop at Perales Ranch, where you’ll be treated to a traditional Magellan lamb BBQ.

Finally, the catamaran stops in Puerto Bories, where your private transport will be waiting to take you to your hotel in Puerto Natales, arriving in the early evening to celebrate some magnificent paddling.

Paddling distance: 3km, 2 miles; Paddling time: 2-3hrs

Meals: Breakfast, snacks, BBQ lunch

Note: Sometimes the lagoon can be blocked with too many pieces of ice. If this is the case, it won't be possible to paddle in the lake and an alternative kayaking route will be proposed. 

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What our customers think of Kayak from Paine to Natales: 2 Days

Kayak from Paine to Natales: 2 Days trips scored 4.9/5 from 6 reviews

The O Circuit is the best way to see all that Torres del Paine has to offer. Everyday offers a spectacular and different nature feature to see. From granite towers, to glacier clad mountains, to Grey Glacier, every day is incredible. I met several wonderful people on my trip who all shared the same joy of being in the special place.

Travelled: March 2021

Paul Cooney -

Our trip was excellent. The highlight for Kate was kayaking down the Serrano river. For Rahul, the best thing was the hike to the base of the towers. The landscape was one-of-a-kind. On top of that, we hit the jackpot with our group, and everybody was a pleasure to be around.

Travelled: March 2021

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Hiking Valley Frances was our most spectacular day - epic views of peaks, avalanches, rushing rivers and lake below. We also had a terrific kayak trip that offered another way to see more of Patagonia.

Travelled: March 2021

Kate Wendell -

It's impossible to pick a highlight because we enjoyed so much of what we saw and did, for many different reasons - the landscapes, encounters with wildlife, chatting with people, our activities, the weather, the food. We were surprised by the quality of the huts we stayed in (more like basic hotels really) and the coaches we travelled on (so smart and comfortable). Also, the weather was far better than we expected! We really feel like we made the most of our time in Patagonia, which was important as unfortunately it could be some time before we can go back.

Travelled: March 2021

Emma Rae -

Kayaking Serono River was amazing. I've never been so close to a glacier while on the water. Saw so many animals -- rhea, puma, penguins.... I liked that fellow travelers had selected Patagonia as a destination -- no one was just 'passing through'.

Travelled: March 2021

Jan Reichelderfer -

We loved the 5 day W trek and the Big Ice Glacier walk!

Travelled: February 2020

Caitlin -

Review:

Kayaking in Patagonia

Prices, Departures and Inclusions

The 2023/24 and 2024/25 season prices are USD $1,100 per person, based on two people sharing.

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Please get in touch for more information. 

2024

2025

Start date Price (pp)
November 2024
4-Nov-2024 $1,100* Provisional Date Enquire
14-Nov-2024 $1,100 Provisional Date Enquire
18-Nov-2024 $1,100* Provisional Date Enquire
28-Nov-2024 $1,100 Provisional Date Enquire
December 2024
2-Dec-2024 $1,100* Provisional Date Enquire
11-Dec-2024 $1,100 Provisional Date Enquire
16-Dec-2024 $1,100* Provisional Date Enquire
26-Dec-2024 $1,100 Provisional Date Enquire
30-Dec-2024 $1,100* Provisional Date Enquire
January 2025
10-Jan-2025 $1,100 Provisional Date Enquire
13-Jan-2025 $1,100* Provisional Date Enquire
23-Jan-2025 $1,100 Provisional Date Enquire
27-Jan-2025 $1,100* Provisional Date Enquire
February 2025
6-Feb-2025 $1,100 Provisional Date Enquire
10-Feb-2025 $1,100* Provisional Date Enquire
20-Feb-2025 $1,100 Provisional Date Enquire
24-Feb-2025 $1,100* Provisional Date Enquire
March 2025
6-Mar-2025 $1,100 Provisional Date Enquire
10-Mar-2025 $1,100* Provisional Date Enquire
20-Mar-2025 $1,100 Provisional Date Enquire
24-Mar-2025 $1,100* Provisional Date Enquire

* Note: Prices are per person. Paid in USD ($) - figure above is based on today's exchange rate. Actual cost $1,100

Additional Notes

Experience – Previous kayak/canoe experience is required and an ability to swim.

Rapids – You'll kayak some rapids in semi-protected waterways at Level 2, with access to shore.

Fitness – Physically you must be very fit; be willing to kayak in adverse conditions; line your kayak upstream; and be able to help haul your kayak in/out of the water where necessary.

Wind – Windy conditions are normal in Patagonia. If you choose to undertake this trip you need to understand that paddling with strong wind may be a possibility.

Confirmed trips – The minimum to run any overnight trip is two guests.

Includes

  • Private transportation from and back to Puerto Natales
  • Accident insurance for each participant
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Camping equipment including tents, sleeping bags and sleeping mats
  • Certified kayak guide(s)
  • Tandem kayaks (HTP, laminated kayaks)
  • All kayak equipment: drysuits, one-piece polar suits, mambas/gloves, neoprene shoes (4mm), socks (2mm) and hat, spray-skirt, dry-bags, compact waterproof bag for camera/smartphone case
  • Safety equipment: helmets, life-jackets, satellite messaging communciation
  • Entrance fee to Bernardo O'Higgins National Park
  • BBQ at Perales Ranch

Excludes

  • Meals not indicated in itinerary
  • Personal expenses and equipment
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Gratuities/tips
  • International and domestic/in-country flights
  • Any visa, passport and vaccination expenses

Questions about this Trip?