A full day on the ice sounds like a dream, and this cruise delivers. You’re on a catamaran with multiple viewing decks on Lake Argentino, and you get standout glacier views from the water plus time at Perito Moreno. I love the close-up angles from the boat (including inside viewing areas with big windows) and the way the route strings together five glaciers in one long day.

You’ll also need to plan for the main tradeoff. The Perito Moreno part is a choice: disembark for walkways or stay aboard, and because the catamaran can get crowded, your day can feel more like a long group outing than a quiet private cruise.

Key Highlights You Should Know Before You Go

• Five glaciers in one itinerary: Upsala, Seco, Spegazzini, and the Perito Moreno area plus Heim and Seco glimpses
• Catamaran with open-air decks and indoor viewing for wind and changing weather
• VIP upgrade option with a private outdoor deck, if you want a quieter viewing spot
• Gourmet lunchbox included with drinks and dessert, though food quality opinions vary
• Perito Moreno walkways included only if you choose to disembark during that portion of the day

El Calafate to Puerto Privado La Soledad: Transfers and the Park Ticket Reality

This is built as an all-day outing, starting in El Calafate with transfers if you select the pick-up option. The pick-up begins at 7:00 a.m., and by about 8:15 a.m. you’re at the port. If you book without pick-up, you’ll need to make your own way to Puerto Privado La Soledad, which is listed at about 29 miles (47 km) from El Calafate.

One practical detail matters: the Los Glaciares National Park entrance ticket is not included in the tour price. At the port, your guide helps you purchase that ticket. That’s one more cost to budget for, but it also reduces stress because someone is guiding you through the park-ticket step before you board.

I like that this transfer-plus-park-ticket setup keeps the day smooth. You’re not left guessing, and you lose less daylight to logistics.

Boarding at 8:30 a.m.: What the Catamaran Setup Means for Your Photos

Once you’re on the water, boarding starts at 8:30 a.m. on a spacious catamaran with four open-air decks. That layout matters on glacier days because light changes fast, and wind can be real. You can shift from deck to deck as conditions change, instead of being stuck in one spot.

There’s also a VIP section with a private outdoor deck. If you like breathing room and prefer a dedicated viewing space, this is the upgrade to consider. In the past, people have noted it can get windy on deck, so having options is helpful, not fancy.

The boat doesn’t just move you around. The captain maneuvers carefully when you’re near ice walls and large ice blocks, so you can find good sightlines both inside and on the decks. That is huge for photography, because the glacier doesn’t wait for your camera to be ready.

Stop 1: El Calafate Start Point and Your Best Time to Get Ready

You’re starting early, and that is by design. The day starts at 7:00 a.m. with pick-up (if selected), then you’re at the port by 8:15 a.m. By 8:30 a.m. you’re boarding.

This early start gives you more time for the best glacier moments. Also, it reduces the “late arrival scramble” that can happen with popular national park days.

What you should do the night before:

• Pack layers so you can grab something warm fast when you’re on deck.
• Have your park ticket money ready, since it’s purchased at the port.

Upsala Glacier: The Big One You See From Farther Away (For Good Reason)

The first major glacier experience is Upsala. The boat leaves promptly at 9:00 a.m., and within minutes you’re in the zone of the park’s ice fields.

Upsala is described as the second largest glacier in South America. It’s also the glacier where safety rules shape your experience. The boat won’t come closer than ten kilometers. Even from that distance, the glacier still looks enormous, and you see why this is one of the headline ice sights in Patagonia.

From a practical standpoint, this is a good thing for most people. You get the spectacle without the risk, and the captain’s maneuvering still lets you watch and photograph from multiple angles. The color is described as striking, with a look that can seem almost luminous.

Expect about 3 hours here. That’s the kind of time window that makes the difference between seeing ice and actually understanding it. You’ll notice how the ice breaks, how it towers, and how weather affects contrast.

Glaciar Seco and Heim: Hanging Ice That Looks Impossible

After Upsala, you move to Glaciar Seco for about 1 hour. This portion focuses on hanging glaciers, known as the Heim and Seco glaciers. They cling to the mountainside without reaching the surface of Lake Argentino below.

This is one of those “your brain can’t quite label what you’re seeing” moments. The ice looks suspended, and it makes you rethink how glaciers interact with the landscape.

A possible drawback: since this is a shorter stop, you’ll want to be ready to shift between inside and deck quickly. If you wait until the best angle appears, you might lose your window.

El Puesto de Las Vacas: A Patagonian Cattle Ranch Break From the Boat

Between glaciers, the itinerary adds a land stop at El Puesto de Las Vacas (The Cow Stall), for about 1 hour. This is a historic Patagonian cattle ranch within the national park area.

You’ll get off for a calm, guided walk and see horses, old buildings, and artifacts left behind by early settlers. You also get fresh air and a slower pace, which helps you enjoy the day instead of just rushing from one icy viewpoint to the next.

This stop can also be a nice weather buffer. If the wind kicks up on the water, you’ll appreciate having time on land, even if you’re still dressed for cold.

Spegazzini Glacier Plus Lunch: The Day’s Comfort Stop

Then comes Glaciar Spegazzini, one of the highlights for many people. It’s described as rising up to 425 ft (130 m), nearly twice the height of Perito Moreno. If you’re the type who wants one glacier that feels extra dramatic, this is the one.

You’ll spend about 2 hours here. And this is also when lunch happens.

Lunch is included as a Patagonian lamb sandwich served with baked vegetables, described as a lunchbox with drinks and dessert. There’s also a premium option. If you choose the premium package, it’s described as a four-course meal (two appetizers, main dish, dessert) plus an open bar throughout the El Calafate boat tour.

Here’s the honest value expectation: this is not a fine-dining restaurant meal, it’s a catered day-out lunch. Reviews do show mixed feelings about whether the food lived up to the word gourmet. Some people loved it, while others felt it was just an okay box lunch. Either way, you should plan to eat it as a functional fuel stop for a full day, not as a culinary destination by itself.

Canal de los Témpanos Toward Perito Moreno: Where the Ice Starts Making Sounds

After Spegazzini, the boat continues through the Canal de Los Témpanos toward the northern edge of the Perito Moreno glacier.

Perito Moreno is described as a massive glacier with constant activity. From the boat, you may see ice cracking and hear the powerful roar as chunks break off and crash into Lake Argentino.

This is where the cruise earns its keep. A guided glacier day is not just about pretty views. It’s also about understanding that these glaciers are alive and in motion, even if you can’t predict the exact moment you’ll witness a calving.

The itinerary sets you up for that timing by giving you significant time to cruise the area, not just a quick pass-by.

Perito Moreno Choice: Walkways Time or Stay Aboard

This is the decision point of the day, and it affects how long you feel like you’re on the move.

Option 1: Disembark at Perito Moreno (Recommended)

If you choose to disembark, the boat arrives at the dock around 3:30 p.m. and you get about two hours to explore the Perito Moreno trails. The tour notes that this is often the best choice if you’re not planning other Perito Moreno activities like Minitrekking.

You’ll head back to El Calafate by shuttle bus and arrive in town around 7:00 p.m. This option gives you variety. You’re not only watching ice from water, you get to walk in the park area and experience different viewpoints.

Option 2: Tour Without Disembarkation

If you stay on the boat, you’ll cruise along the face of Perito Moreno and then return to Puerto La Soledad, disembarking around 5:00 p.m. With transfers, you return to El Calafate around 6:00 p.m.

This option can work if you hate walking in cold conditions or you already have another plan in the Perito Moreno area. If you want the full “see it from the boat, then see it from the walkways” effect, choose the disembark option.

How Much Is This Really Paying For? Price and Value for a Full-Day Glacier Day

The tour price is listed at $245.00 per person, and it’s often booked about 42 days in advance on average. That’s a clue this is a popular, high-demand day trip.

So what are you paying for, beyond scenery?

• Five-glacier routing from the Lake Argentino vantage point
• A guided day with professional guide service in Spanish and English
• Transfers from El Calafate if you select pick-up
• Lunch included (lunchbox with drinks and dessert, with a premium upgrade to a four-course meal)
• Time at Perito Moreno walkways if you choose disembarkation

The entrance ticket to Los Glaciares National Park is extra, so factor that in when you compare prices. Also, if you’re drawn to the premium or VIP upgrade, your total cost will rise. Based on what’s listed, that’s the trade: you pay more for more comfort and a more upscale lunch setup.

My practical take: at this price point, the value is strongest if you want one long day that checks multiple glaciers off your list with guided structure and minimal headaches.

Group Size, Crowds, and the Deck Reality

The group size is capped at 50 travelers. That’s not huge, but it’s large enough that the boat can feel busy, especially during the most popular viewpoint moments.

Some reviews note reserved seating that can feel limiting, and others say the experience becomes more about finding your spot than relaxing. Another review specifically calls out that it can be windy on deck, and that inside can be comfortable with big windows.

So my advice is simple:

• Plan to use both inside and outside spaces.
• Don’t assume you’ll have one perfect seat all day.
• Bring layers so wind chill doesn’t ruin your ability to stay outside longer.

If you go in with that mindset, you’ll enjoy the day more.

What the Guides and Captain Actually Improve

You’ll have a professional guide who covers activities in Spanish and English. That matters because glacier days can feel like a lot of staring without understanding what you’re seeing. The route is packed, and the guide helps connect the dots.

The captain’s driving style also matters. The itinerary notes that the captain maneuvers near glacier walls and ice blocks so passengers get good views from both inside and decks. That’s why this cruise can feel “effortless” even though it’s doing a lot.

There are also mentions of staff and photography help. Even if you’re not booking a photo package, the crew’s job is to keep the boat moving and positioned so you’re not stuck watching from the wrong angle.

Who This Tour Is Best For (And Who Might Want Something Different)

This tour is a strong fit if:

• You want multiple glaciers in one day without switching vehicles and planning each stop separately.
• You like comfort, with open-air decks for views and inside windows for cold moments.
• You want a guided program with a land stop at El Puesto de Las Vacas and a Perito Moreno walking option.

You may want to reconsider or supplement if:

• You’re extremely picky about lunch quality and expect a restaurant-level meal. The included lunch is a box lunch with drinks and dessert, and premium upgrades exist but opinions vary on what people call gourmet.
• You want a more quiet, private glacier experience. This is a group cruise on a catamaran, and you will share deck space.

Should You Book Glaciares Gourmet From El Calafate?

Yes, if your goal is a full-day glacier overview that feels like you’re getting your money’s worth through variety and convenience. This is built for people who want five-glacier views, guided interpretation, and at least one chance to move from boat viewing to park walkways at Perito Moreno.

Book with the disembarkation option at Perito Moreno if you want the complete experience and you’re not planning another Perito Moreno hike tour. Skip disembarkation if you’d rather get back earlier and you already have a Perito Moreno plan that fits your style.

And a smart final check before you go: budget for the Los Glaciares National Park entrance ticket, and decide whether VIP or premium dining is worth it to you. If comfort and meal upgrades matter, those options can make the day more enjoyable. If you’re mainly chasing ice time and views, you may be perfectly happy with the standard included lunch.

If you want, tell me your travel month and whether you’re choosing the Perito Moreno disembarkation. I can suggest the best way to pack for that time of year and how to plan your day around wind and cold.

FAQ

Is the Los Glaciares National Park entrance ticket included in the tour price?

No. The tour does not include the park entrance ticket. You’ll purchase it at the port with the help of your guide.

What time does the tour start if I choose pickup in El Calafate?

If you select the pickup option, the tour begins at 7:00 a.m. with pick-up from your accommodation.

Where does the boat depart from for this cruise?

The tour starts from Puerto Privado La Soledad at the port area. The meeting point is listed as Cruise Port Marpatag – Solitude Puerto Bandera, Santa Cruz Province, Argentina.

How long is the full day tour?

The duration is listed as approximately 10 to 12 hours.

Are transfers included?

Transfers are included from El Calafate only if you select the pick-up option at booking. If you choose without pick-up, you must make your own way to Puerto Privado La Soledad.

Which glaciers and stops are part of the day?

The boat route includes five glaciers and multiple stops: Upsala, Glaciar Seco (Heim and Seco glaciers), a walk at El Puesto de Las Vacas, Spegazzini, and the Perito Moreno area.

What is included for lunch?

Lunch is included as a Patagonian lamb sandwich with baked vegetables, served as a lunchbox, with drinks and dessert. Premium options are also described as a four-course meal with an open bar.

Do I get time on Perito Moreno walkways?

You get time on Perito Moreno trails/walkways if you choose the option to disembark at Perito Moreno, with about two hours there.

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 50 travelers.

What happens at the end of the day?

With transfers, you return to El Calafate by shuttle bus. If you disembark at Perito Moreno, you arrive around 7:00 p.m. If you do not disembark, you arrive around 6:00 p.m.