El Calafate Perito Moreno Tour: Is the Boat Ride Worth It?

Visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier is likely right at the top of tons of travelers’ Argentina wishlists. And, for good reason, too it’s almost. This huge ice formation is seriously stunning, plus it’s reasonably accessible, which isn’t always something you can say about Patagonia’s wild beauty. Now, if you’re considering a tour from El Calafate that includes a boat ride, you might be thinking, “Is that extra cost really gonna be worth it?” So, let’s take a close look to help you decide.

What Exactly Does the Tour Include, Anyway?

Okay, first things first, what will you actually get if you book one of these tours? Usually, the whole shebang kicks off with a bus ride from El Calafate to Los Glaciares National Park. The drive itself is super scenic, so very pay attention! Once you reach the park, you’ll get the chance to walk along the walkways facing the glacier. You can soak in all of those amazing views from different spots. After some time exploring on foot, that is where the boat part usually begins.

Most boat rides will take you on a cruise close to the southern face of the glacier. That part gets you super close to those massive ice walls, in some respects it’s a totally different view than what you experience from land. Often the boat tours will be optional upgrades. It’s just a question of deciding if it’s right for your specific style and budget. Sometimes you can also combine this standard visit with some other more adventurous activity. Things like ice trekking or kayaking close to the ice front are possible, too it’s almost.

Why Splurge? A Closer Look at the Boat Ride

Now, for that burning question: Is the boat tour a worthwhile investment? Here’s a more complete argument in favor of going for it. Seeing Perito Moreno from the walkways is already super awesome. You get really great panoramic views. Yet, the boat trip, that offers something unique – proximity. On the boat, you’re so much closer to the glacier’s towering ice walls. The scale becomes truly impressive, which provides really dramatic photo opportunities. This closeness gives you that proper feel for the sheer scale, and you get to experience the glacier’s presence so viscerally. It’s a total sensory overload in a way.

The boat ride also gives a different sense of perspective. You see the glacier from a lower angle, which exaggerates its height. The contrast between the white-blue ice, is that against the backdrop of the Argentinian sky, is really stunning. Besides, being on the water makes you feel small, as if surrounded by that raw power. Also, there’s the added thrill of seeing – and maybe even hearing – the ice calve into the lake, anyway. Although, that can happen from the walkways, so you get a different perspective, so it’s arguably even more exciting when you’re floating on the water.

Potential Downsides: What You Should Really Think About

Okay, the boat tour sounds good, right? Before you click “book,” here are certain potential downsides to think over, just a little. First up: crowds. Perito Moreno is just a massively sought-after destination. The boat trips, can get pretty crowded, particularly during peak season, which is really from November to February. More people could equal a less personal experience, so very consider this.

And, of course, that price, anyway. The boat tour does add a significant amount to the total price of your trip. It’s a question of weighing how important that up-close view is to you against where else those funds might go. If you’re traveling on a tighter budget, those walkways provide killer views on their own. Last, do remember that you are at the mercy of the elements! Patagonia is notorious, just a little for its unpredictable weather. A blustery, gray day could really impact the visibility and overall enjoyment of your boat trip. You might have that choppy water, which is something nobody actually enjoys.

What to Wear & What to Bring Along With You

If you decide to move ahead with the boat tour, being prepped makes sense. You want to maximize that comfort. Layers are really that name of the game. The weather down in Patagonia can shift without warning. Even on a sunny day, the wind coming off that glacier, is so bitingly cold! Bringing along that warm base layer. Layered with a fleece and waterproof jacket would be sensible. Don’t even think about skipping gloves and a hat. Trust your opinion that you will thank yourself!

Speaking of the sun, just because it feels cold doesn’t mean you can skip the sunscreen. The sun reflecting off the ice, is that strong. Be sure to protect that skin! Sunglasses are crucial to help you avoid getting blinded by the bright glare, too it’s almost. Bring that camera. Loads of battery power to grab photos and videos, it will be necessary to take more than 1 shot! Snacks and water can also be great to have on hand, yet just in case you get peckish between main meals. Double check what, that the tour you selected provides, since some may provide that.

Other Activities to Add to the Perito Moreno Experience

Want to dial up that Perito Moreno visit? There are lots of choices beyond that classic viewing-platforms-plus-boat-ride combo. Ice trekking, is likely one that stands out! A few different companies operate ice-trekking tours that take you right on top of the glacier. The amount of surreal feels almost unreal. Strapping on some crampons and hike around, across that icy surface would be unforgettable.

Kayaking on Argentino Lake, that’s another way for a big adrenalin rush and it’s a way to experience those glacial landscapes. Paddle close to the ice walls. Soak in that beauty from the water is a unique way. You can do it, for those seeking those picture postcard shots. In some respects there are various photographic safaris, is that operate in that park, guiding you to those optimal viewpoints.

So, Is It Worth It? The Verdict

Coming back around to that original question, the actual worth of taking that boat tour on that Perito Moreno Glacier, that tour depends entirely on your own personal preferences. Are you that type who likes an extra dose of adventure? If you want getting right up close and personal is high up on your priority list, then yes, treat youself to the boat tour. Very likely, is something that enhances that visit and it offers that kind of unique vantage point.

Though, it isn’t really 100% essential! You might rather stick to that viewing platforms. In that respect the money you save can be utilized on other experiences, arguably, particularly if that budget happens to be tight. You have to weigh up that trade-offs and it would mean assessing how that boat trip lines up with what you’re hoping for out of that trip. Whether you choose that boat, there’s little doubt that viewing that Perito Moreno Glacier should go into making up for all kinds of a special moment.