El Calafate Glacier Cruise Review: Spegazzini, Upsala, & Perito Moreno

So, you’re thinking about a glacier cruise in El Calafate? Very good idea, that is! Seeing the Spegazzini, Upsala, and Perito Moreno glaciers from the water can be, in some respects, quite the experience. It’s almost like stepping into another planet, a very, very chilly one! But, before you jump in, it’s quite nice to be prepared. Here’s my, honestly quite thorough, rundown on what to anticipate and maybe how to squeeze the very most out of this unique adventure. Think of this less like a brochure and more like chatting with a pal who’s already been there, y’know?

Choosing the Right Cruise: A Few Things You Should Consider

So, the very first thing you will want to decide is which cruise to grab. There tends to be a bunch of options floating around, from full-day adventures on bigger boats to smaller, a bit more intimate catamaran experiences. It’s almost important to consider what exactly you want to get out of the day. Bigger boats, almost always, mean bigger crowds. That sometimes means you are going to compete for the prime viewing spots. Very small catamarans could cost you a bit more but often offer a more personal experience and usually get you a little closer to the ice. Many cruises only feature some of the glaciers – some may just take in Perito Moreno and others the further-flung Spegazzini and Upsala.

A good consideration involves how long you fancy being on a boat, too it’s worth thinking about. The full-day trips can last, possibly, up to 8 or 9 hours, and that includes travel time to and from the port. If you get seasick even just a little bit, you could also opt for something shorter, maybe just focusing on Perito Moreno. Consider what is important for you to prioritize before jumping in. If the goal is gorgeous photographs without a lot of other tourists, then a small boat or a very off-season booking is that. Should you simply want to see these magnificent icy giants with maximum convenience, the bigger boats would serve. You should really think about it, is that right?

Spegazzini Glacier: The Tall One

Okay, let’s talk Spegazzini Glacier. Many cruises actually will feature this behemoth, and it’s rather a sight to behold. This is arguably the tallest glacier in the park, very impressive cliffs rising very high from the lake. Its height really gives you the feeling that the whole natural structure dwarfs humans that go to see it, which, honestly, it completely does. The boat actually takes you fairly close, and that makes for some wonderful photo opportunities. As I was saying, many of the bigger boats feature multi-language guides, which is helpful because it provides interesting information about the area’s geology and glacial formation. Still, for the best spots on the boat to take photos, I would suggest securing a spot on the deck as quickly as possible. Many times that would require ditching the seat that is more comfortable as people move about for viewing and grabbing photos.

Just a little side tip here, really; layers are genuinely crucial. Even on a sunny day, it can get surprisingly chilly out on the water, basically especially when the wind picks up. A warm jacket, hat, and gloves would mean the whole difference between having an amazing experience or cutting it just a bit short because you were freezing your buns off. That is an important thing to know, too it’s something that can easily be forgotten, arguably, until you need it! Don’t be scared of carrying more clothes. This Patagonia region can be rather notorious for changeable weather so preparedness is useful, even when seemingly unnecessary. I mean, always, right?

Upsala Glacier: The One That’s Retreating

Alright, moving on to the Upsala Glacier. As a matter of fact, this one’s almost a bit somber, and it gives you a peek at how, as they say, our planet is changing. Unfortunately, Upsala has really retreated considerably over recent decades, you know. When the boat approaches, the scale is still quite impressive, with icebergs dotting the lake in all shapes and sizes, and stuff. In the meantime, what you see presently isn’t very what it once was, still it can leave quite a bit of a sobering mark.

Just so you know, the boat very likely won’t get too close to Upsala because of the icebergs. Anyway, that is alright though; the landscape itself is rather spectacular. The color of the water can be intensely turquoise, and I mean deeply beautiful, especially on a clear day. When there’s sun shining, that contrast between the ice, the water, and the mountains could be, just a little bit, picture-perfect. Don’t miss snapping photos as the colors tend to just be phenomenal, especially given the gloomier reputation of the Patagonian skies!

Perito Moreno Glacier: The Showstopper

Finally, the grand finale, arguably; the Perito Moreno Glacier. That is the one everyone comes to see, and for great cause. As a matter of fact, this glacier is absolutely massive, that is! What’s even more striking is that it is one of the rare glaciers still actively advancing, albeit with plenty of well-publicized ruptures of the ice dam, you know? Most tours involve a stop at the viewing platforms on land before, naturally, or after the boat trip, giving you multiple viewpoints.

Honestly, watch for ice calving. That is arguably the highlight. Those huge chunks of ice breaking off and crashing into the water? Just mesmerizing, seriously! From the boat, you usually get an actually awesome perspective on the glacier’s face and, clearly, you will be at a pretty decent distance to truly grasp the size and scope, naturally. That part tends to be my personal favorite viewing method. It can happen completely randomly too; often I spot the smaller breaks while facing entirely the wrong way, which really makes keeping watch essential! That is the thing to do.

Food and Drink Onboard: Pack Some Snacks!

As I was saying, while many cruises include lunch, honestly the quality and options can sometimes be rather basic. Very good idea is to pack some of your own snacks, alright? And just bring some of the good stuff, the kind of treat that gives joy. Granola bars, nuts, or little sandwiches can be a very solid choice. Some cruises provide coffee and tea, very good to warm up, too. Check what’s on offer before you hop on so, of course, you aren’t caught out! Bringing a warm thermos along of a beloved hot drink will make a big difference when spending time on deck, which most want to, so, bring provisions!

Photography Tips: Capturing the Ice

As a matter of fact, if you’re into photography, you absolutely want to bring the A-game equipment. That almost means a decent zoom lens, anyway. Very much makes it possible to capture the details in the ice and the faraway mountain peaks, or perhaps capture condors passing over, and that stuff! Don’t actually forget extra batteries and memory cards! Because the landscape can really invite you to get happy shooting so, of course, it is always a nuisance to have those cut viewing short, anyway.

The lighting could be tricky, very good to remember that, that is! Glaciers tend to be bright, you know, but the skies can be overcast. Messing around with your camera settings or phone settings can give you an incredible range. That means the time to find them really shouldn’t be on the deck! Anyway, test out HDR modes and various filters well before showing up at El Calafate. You may even take the chance, if you possess an easy way to shoot RAW and make post adjustments, so, you can squeeze the maximum detail and information out of a photograph.

What to Wear: Dressing for the Occasion

Dressing well is incredibly crucial, especially for Patagonian weather that might be prone to fast turns! Layers, layers, layers, actually! You want a base layer that would wick away sweat, anyway, so you don’t get that clammy feeling. A fleece or sweater will keep you comfortable. Always, and I mean absolutely always, bring a waterproof and windproof outer layer. Some waterproof pants, such as ski trousers, can be a good idea as conditions could prove wet when visiting viewing points following sailing on a tour. I was saying about carrying the right things – bring extra socks. Cold and damp feet would not make that fantastic photo viewing that you deserve!

Anyway, don’t forget about accessories! A warm hat and gloves tend to be a must, even in the summertime. In the meantime, sunscreen can prove to be useful for protection, and sunglasses are rather handy given the strong reflections from the ice, right? Basically, if you’re comfortable, you could actually enjoy the cruise even more. Make sure your clothing is warm to let you feel nice when you explore this incredible area, after all.

Are Glacier Cruises Worth It?: My Honest Opinion

So, are these glacier cruises basically worth the money? Absolutely, that is! If you are someone who loves being outdoors and can enjoy absolutely breathtaking scenery, anyway. Seeing those glaciers up close is nothing you’ll easily forget, alright? As I was saying, while there are other methods to see the Perito Moreno Glacier (the walkways are awesome, and things!), the cruise tends to give you a quite unique perspective of not just it, but the Spegazzini and Upsala as well.

It’s a day of being at one with an astonishing environment. But a reasonable attitude for conditions would improve the chance that you enjoy the journey. Be prepared that is. Dress in sensible clothing so, of course, there are good experiences to bring home from seeing the majestic glaciers in the wonderful setting of El Calafate in Argentina. That, for sure, does need sensible choices but so very worthwhile. Basically a wonderful memory from traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to take the glacier cruise?

Anyway, the peak season tends to be during the southern hemisphere’s summer months (November to March). At the end of the day, the weather is usually milder, and pretty much all the tours tend to be running.

Do the cruises operate in all weather conditions?

If the weather becomes excessively hazardous then that. Cruises, usually, are canceled in these sorts of circumstances as visitor safety has to come very, very first. I mean, I can tell you that refunds and rescheduling might be available in that scenario, or stuff!

Are the boats accessible for those with limited mobility?

That can be difficult as that would rely on the specific vessel so, of course, it tends to be always worth calling the tour provider or ship company to learn and determine what access provisions have been put in place to cater to passengers, if you happen to know and foresee some requirements.

Could I bring kids with me?

Anyway, pretty much children could ride these glacier tours so, of course, there are specific factors which determine suitability so, naturally, keep details like their conduct as being appropriate, also is the journey going to prove a tough ordeal for kids, right?

What kind of wildlife may potentially appear?

Okay so, some Patagonian wildlife in that area tends to often feature things like condors, eagles, and various kinds of birds, anyway keep your attention looking right at the skyline while enjoying those cruises! You may spot things while seeing glaciers, of course, depending if your star is correctly lining the weather!.

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