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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

Our guide was excellent! The food was amazing and made from scratch! This was a highlight of our trip!

Travelled: February 2022

Emily Steinhauer - USA

The kayak guides were phenomenal. We got to really know them on our two day kayak - their backgrounds are super impressive, their knowledge of Patagonian waters and the park were unsurpassed and their cooking skills were top-notch! Their team of specialists is one we will recommend to everyone looking to spend time in Patagonia. Kayaking through the back country of Torres del Paine and O'Higgins National Parks was surreal and will never be matched.

Travelled: December 2019

Meghan Riley - United States Of America

Kayaking down the Rio Serrano was the highlight - I truly felt like we were in the wilderness because we didn't see any other people!

Travelled: January 2017

Mary - South Dakota

Review:

Kayaking in Patagonia

Prices, Departures and Inclusions

2024/25 season prices are from 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)
December 2024
12-Dec-2024 $1,100* Guaranteed Date Enquire
16-Dec-2024 $1,100 Provisional Date Enquire
21-Dec-2024 $1,100* Limited Availability Enquire
26-Dec-2024 $1,100 Fully Booked Enquire
30-Dec-2024 $1,100* Fully Booked Enquire
January 2025
4-Jan-2025 $1,100 Guaranteed Date Enquire
5-Jan-2025 $1,100* Guaranteed Date Enquire
10-Jan-2025 $1,100 Fully Booked Enquire
12-Jan-2025 $1,100* Provisional Date Enquire
13-Jan-2025 $1,100 Fully Booked Enquire
21-Jan-2025 $1,100* Guaranteed Date Enquire
23-Jan-2025 $1,100 Provisional Date Enquire
27-Jan-2025 $1,100* Guaranteed Date Enquire
February 2025
6-Feb-2025 $1,100 Provisional Date Enquire
8-Feb-2025 $1,100* Fully Booked Enquire
9-Feb-2025 $1,100 Guaranteed Date Enquire
11-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
7-Mar-2025 $1,100 Guaranteed Date Enquire
11-Mar-2025 $1,100* Limited Availability Enquire
19-Mar-2025 $1,100 Provisional Date Enquire
25-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

Age Limit - You must be aged between 14 and 65 years old to book this kayaking trip.

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

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.

BMI Restrictions - Body Mass Index (BMI) requirement for customers booking this activity with KEP: There's a limit of 30. If your BMI is over 30, you may not be able to partake in this activity - please ask us for more details.

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

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?