Kayaking Through National Parks - Chile Nativo Travel
Kayaking Through National Parks
Let the rivers guide you through Patagonia Difficulty level

Kayaking Through National Parks

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Summary

This 2-day expedition is the perfect introduction to exploring Patagonia’s crystal-clear waters by kayak. Dare to paddle along the Serrano River to Última Esperanza Fjord, surrounded by the majestic landscapes of Torres del Paine and Bernardo O’Higgins National Parks.

Enjoy the adventure of camping in a remote corner of Patagonia and savor authentic local cuisine under an endless sky. This is a moderate-level adventure, perfect for those looking to test their skills while being guided by a team of experts every step of the way.

  • Paddle among pristine lakes and rivers Paddle among pristine lakes and rivers
  • Kayak from Torres del Paine to Bernardo O’Higgins National Park Kayak from Torres del Paine to Bernardo O’Higgins National Park
  • Experience remote camping Experience remote camping
  • Enjoy a traditional Patagonian asado at an estancia Enjoy a traditional Patagonian asado at an estancia
Itinerary

Day 1 - From Serrano River to Última Esperanza Fjord

The adventure begins early! We will pick you up from your hotel in Puerto Natales and head to the shores of the Serrano River, where we will prepare our kayaks and provide a safety briefing along with paddling techniques.

Our destination today is the majestic Ultima Esperanza Sound, a tranquil channel sculpted by glaciers and guarded by the imposing Balmaceda Mountain (2,148 m / 7,047 ft).

We will start paddling along the Serrano River towards the waterfall of the same name, where we will briefly portage our kayaks (50 m / 164 ft) before continuing. Back in the water, we will paddle through lenga and cypress forests, with breathtaking views of the Tyndall Glacier and the Geike Mountain Range.

As we join the waters of the Ultima Esperanza Sound, we will be greeted by the stunning view of the Serrano Glacier. Here, wildlife will surprise us: cormorants, sea lions, dolphins, and coastal birds will accompany us on this final stretch before we reach our camp, where we will rest under a starry sky.

Your adventure this day includes:

  • 2-hour private transfer 2-hour private transfer
  • 6-7 hours paddling, 42 km / 26 mi 6-7 hours paddling, 42 km / 26 mi

Accommodation and meals

  • Night at Campsite in the Puerto Toro / Serrano Glacier sector (4-season mountain tents on a double basis) Night at Campsite in the Puerto Toro / Serrano Glacier sector (4-season mountain tents on a double basis)
  • Box lunch Box lunch
  • Dinner Dinner

Optional services

  • Pre-tour accomodation Pre-tour accomodation
  • Private transfer from Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales airport Private transfer from Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales airport
  • Public bus from Punta Arenas Public bus from Punta Arenas

Day 2 - Homeward journey among icebergs and glaciers

After breakfast, we get ready for a new adventure: we will carry the kayaks about 30 meters (100 feet) to the stunning Serrano Lagoon, at the foot of the majestic Serrano Glacier.

The morning will bring us our final kayaking experience, paddling among the imposing blue icebergs that have broken off the glacier, creating an awe-inspiring landscape.

At noon, we will head back to Puerto Natales, navigating through Ultima Esperanza Sound. We will make a stop at Estancia Perales, where we will indulge in a delicious Patagonian-style lamb barbecue. We will conclude our journey by arriving in Puerto Natales around 6:00 PM.

Occasionally, access to Serrano Lagoon may be blocked by ice, which would prevent the kayaking activity.

Your adventure this day includes

  • 1-2 hours paddling, 3 km / 1.8 mi 1-2 hours paddling, 3 km / 1.8 mi
  • 3-hour total navigation 3-hour total navigation

Accommodation and meals

  • Breakfast Breakfast
  • BBQ BBQ

Optional services

  • Accommodation in Puerto Natales for the night after the tour Accommodation in Puerto Natales for the night after the tour
  • Private transfer to Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales airport Private transfer to Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales airport
  • Public bus to Punta Arenas Public bus to Punta Arenas

Dates and prices

We offer scheduled departures that allow you to plan your adventure with complete clarity. Prices are calculated based on the number of confirmed passengers, with the cost per person decreasing as more travelers join. Each group has a maximum of 8 people to ensure a personalized and high-quality experience.

2-8 people 2-8 people USD $1,700 per person

Season 26/27 — From October 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027

For tailor-made programs or inquiries about next season’s dates, please contact our sales team at [email protected].

What is included in the trip?

Private transportation (departing and returning to Puerto Natales) Private transportation (departing and returning to Puerto Natales)
Certified local guides (English-Spanish, level II, level III, and Wilderness First Responder) Certified local guides (English-Spanish, level II, level III, and Wilderness First Responder)
Double kayaks (Wilderness System kayaks) Double kayaks (Wilderness System kayaks)
Kayak equipment (dry suits, life jackets, rowing gloves, MSR booties, MSR 4mm skirt, neoprene cover, dry bags, compact/waterproof camera case) Kayak equipment (dry suits, life jackets, rowing gloves, MSR booties, MSR 4mm skirt, neoprene cover, dry bags, compact/waterproof camera case)
Safety equipment: Pump – Towline – VHF radio communications – Satellite communications Safety equipment: Pump – Towline – VHF radio communications – Satellite communications
First aid kit – Hypothermia kits First aid kit – Hypothermia kits
All meals indicated in the program All meals indicated in the program
Camping and cooking gear (4-season mountain tents on a double basis, technical sleeping bag, liner, sleeping pad, pillow, gas stove, cookware) Camping and cooking gear (4-season mountain tents on a double basis, technical sleeping bag, liner, sleeping pad, pillow, gas stove, cookware)
1 night at a campsite within Bernardo O'Higgins National Park (Puerto Toro / Serrano Glacier sector) 1 night at a campsite within Bernardo O'Higgins National Park (Puerto Toro / Serrano Glacier sector)
Camping fee Camping fee
Bernardo O'Higgins National Park fee Bernardo O'Higgins National Park fee
Boat navigation through Ultima Esperanza Sound Boat navigation through Ultima Esperanza Sound
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What you should know

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