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Home > Boat Trips > Laguna San Rafael > From Bahía Exploradores
CROSSING THE ANDES BY BOAT
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Puerto Varas - Bariloche
(Cruce Andino o de Lagos)
CARRETERA AUSTRAL
Puerto Montt - Chaitén
Puerto Montt - Puerto Chacabuco
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Weekend Cruises
Fiordo Quintupeu

(Skorpios)
LAGUNA SAN RAFAEL
From Puerto Montt:
Skorpios
From Pto. Chacabuco:
Catamaranes del Sur
From Bahía Exploradores:
Expedition Launches
PATAGONIAN CHANNELS
Puerto Montt - Puerto Natales (Navimag)
From Puerto Natales to Southern Ice Field
(Skorpios III)
TIERRA DEL FUEGO
Punta Arenas - Ushuaia
(Cruceros Australis)
Punta Arenas - Puerto Williams

 

BAHÍA EXPLORADORES -> LAGUNA SAN RAFAEL -> BAHÍA EXPLORADORES
Boats for 12 - 14 people, Programs from 1 to 3 days, from US$ 250

It is a new way to visit Laguna San Rafael from Bahía Exploradores, now connected by road from Puerto Río Tranquilo, at Lake General Carrera, about 220 km south of Coyhaique in the Carretera Austral.
It is a more adventurous trip in a small boat for 12-14 people. It is less comfortable but provides a more intimate experience. The overnight programs with lodging on the shores of Laguna San Rafael, include a walk through the forest towards a viewpoint overlooking the glacier.

Important: Due to the characteristics of the small launch, the excursion cannot take place with strong winds and waves. We suggest to consider alternative dates for doing this excursion, if possible.

 

 

Itinerary

The starting point is a small place called Bahía Exploradores. To get there, you must drive from Puerto Río Tranquilo along 90 kilometres on a recently opened road*). It takes about 2 hours. If you don't have your own vehicle, it is possible to hire a transfer.
*) At km. 75, there is a bridge you must cross to get to the dock area. Its dimensions don't allow tall vehicles to pass, like motor homes or similar. Please consult us if you are travelling with a large vehicle.
From the dock starts a gentle navigation through the last part of the delta of the Exploradores River before it gets to the sea. After some 2 1/2 hours, we enter the Témpanos River, which connects with the Laguna San Rafael, and we navigate towards the glacier wall to admire this magnificent scenery. After lunch, we start the trip back to Bahía Exploradores, arriving at the dock around 5 PM.

For more detailed information on this excursion and the 2- and 3-day- program see:

Important:Due to the characteristics of the small launch, the excursion cannot take place with strong winds and waves. We suggest to consider alternative dates for doing this excursion, if possible..

Dates

This excursion is made from mid-August to late April, according to availability and weather conditions.
For this excursion, it is necessary a minimum of 8 people. Usually, during the high season, there are daily departures. If you are travelling alone or in a smaller group, contact us to check the availability.
Because of the weather conditions of this region and possible departure cancellations, it is convenient to have in mind alternative dates.

Boats
The boats are small fibreglass launches for 12 -14 passengers. There are seats for everybody inside the cabin during the fast navigation. On the outside deck, there is space for the passengers while the boat stops at interesting points to take pictures or enjoy the views.
 
 
 
Accommodation

The full-day program does not consider accommodation. The 2- and 3-day programs include accommodation in "Lotus Belle" tents close to Laguna San Rafael or in a more rustic campsite at Quintin Beach.
Right now, Bahía Exploradores has no regular places to stay overnight. There are some basic options on the road, but people usually stay at Puerto Río Tranquilo where there are many cabins, hostels and bed & breakfasts (consult us for the listing).

Prices

Prices en Chilean Pesos
The prices are per person and include the excursion from Bahía Exploradores. It is possible to book the transfer from/to Puerto Río Tranquilo. The rate includes the navigation, experienced guides, entry fee to the National Park, insurance and food according to the program.

 
Excursion to Laguna San Rafael from Bahía Exploradores
Program
Rate from
Bahía Exploradores
With transport from
Puerto Río Tranquilo
Full Day
Ch$ 190.000
Ch$ 210.000
Program 2 days / 1 night
Ch$ 350.000
Ch$ 370.000
Program 3 days / 2 nights
Ch$ 480.000
Ch$ 500.000
  Rates for Children under 12 years*)
Full Day
Ch$ 115.000
Ch$ 135.000
Program 2 days / 1 night
Ch$ 190.000
Ch$ 210.000
Program 3 days / 2 nights
Ch$ 240.000
Ch$ 260.000

*) Note: Rates for Children from 3-11 years.
Children under 2 years are free, but parents are responsable to bring their food.
Minimum age for 3-day-program in Istmo de Ofqui is 12 years.

Programs:

There are attractive programs with accommodation in "glamping"-style tents or in a rustic camp, with exploratory walks in the surroundings. A unique experience for adventurers.
More information about the programs:

How to make a reservation:
In TravelAid we can take your reservation with the following information:

-Full name
-Nationality
-Passport or ID number
-Date of birth

Please tell us also if you are driving in your own vehicle to Bahía Exploradores, or if you need to hire the transfer service.
 


Boat in front of the glacier San Rafael


Glacier and icebergs.


The boats have capacity for 10 - 12 people.


Iceberg break off and slide.


A seal rests over an iceberg.


Ruins of Hotel Ofqui


Walk through the forest to the viewpoint.


Glacier San Rafael from the viewpoint.

For more information, please contact us at:

TravelAid · Ansorena 425 local 4 · Pucón · Chile · info@travelaid.cl · travelaid@gmail.com
Phone/Fax (56) 452444040 · Mobile phone (56) 9-93536886 · ·