Kayaking in Patagonia: best places in Argentina and Chile.

Patagonia is probably one of the best destinations in the world for kayaking enthusiasts. The stunning landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and the abundance of marine life make it a dream destination for kayakers. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best places to go kayaking in Patagonia, based on real excursions.

Kayaking in front of Perito Moreno Glacier

One of the most popular places to go kayaking in Patagonia is in front of the Perito Moreno Glacier. The glacier is located in the Argentinian Los Glaciares National Park, at a distance of 80km from El Calafate, and it’s one of the most visited attractions in the region. Kayaking in front of the glacier is an unforgettable experience, as you get to paddle among ice chunks through the pristine waters while admiring the stunning ice formations. In addition, you can take your time to appreciate the beauty of the surrounding mountains and the wildlife that inhabits the area.

You can expect about 2 hours of kayak, and the rest of the day combined between the balconies (which lead to different panoramic points of the Glacier) and the transfers in/out from El Calafate. Total, full day experience.

Kayaking in front of Grey Glacier

Another great place to go kayaking in Patagonia is in front of the Grey Glacier. The glacier is located in the Torres del Paine National Park, Chile, and – like the Glacier Perito Moreno it’s one of the largest glaciers that descend from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Kayaking in front of the glacier is a unique experience, as you get to see the glacier up close and personal. The turquoise waters of the lake and the towering ice formations make for a breathtaking scene. Additionally, you can take a break from kayaking and do some hiking in the surrounding area to get a better view of the Grey Valley, which is one of the legs of the W trek.

If you like hiking, you can incorporate this experience as an excursion while you do the W trek. You can stay for 1 night at Refugio Grey, and do the kayak right before returning to Puerto Natales. If you don’t have too much time to do the W trek (which takes at least 3 nights), but still want to do the kayak experience, you can do it through a full day excursion from Puerto Natales, or half day excursion from any of the hotels within the National Park Torres del Paine.

Kayaking in Cochrane River

Have you heard about the Cochrane River? The river is located in the Aysen region of Chile, and it is known for its challenging rapids and breathtaking scenery. Kayaking in the Cochrane River is not for beginners, as the rapids can be quite challenging, but it´s definitely an experience that is worth trying for experienced kayakers. Moreover, you can take some time to hike in the surrounding area and appreciate the flora and fauna of the region.

Important: there is a section of the river that is more calm, near the hotel Explora, where you can access through a guided experience.

Kayaking in Marble Cathedrals

The Marble Chapels are one of the most unique places to go kayaking in the chilean Patagonia. The Marble Chapels are a series of caves and pillars that have been carved out of the marble by the wind and water. Kayaking through the Marble Chapels is an otherworldly experience, as you get to paddle through the crystal-clear waters while admiring the unique rock formations. In addition, you can take a guided tour to learn more about the geology and history of this incredible place.

Kayaking in Beagle Channel

What about the Beagle Channel? Is one of the most famous waterways in Patagonia, and it is a great place to go kayaking. The channel is located in Tierra del Fuego, and it’s known for its stunning scenery and abundant marine life. Kayaking in the Beagle Channel is a great way to explore the region, as you get to paddle through the pristine waters while admiring the stunning landscapes. Furthermore, you can take a break from kayaking to visit some of the nearby islands or hike in the surrounding area. There are different destinations along the Beagle, however, the most popular ones are Ushuaia and Puerto Williams. You can hire half day, full day, or multiday experiences.

Kayaking in Bariloche

Bariloche is probably the heart of the Lake District in Northern Patagonia, an area full of green areas, forests, mountains, crystal clear rivers, pristine lakes, and lagoons. There are several places to do Kayaking (and also Rafting). You can opt for short circuits such as those in Lake Gutierrez and Lake Moreno, or more challenging experiences such as Brazo Tristeza.

Kayaking among Humpback Whales in Francisco Coloane

Near Punta Arenas, there is an excursion that takes you to Francisco Coloane Marine Park. Francisco Coloane is located in the Magallanes region of Chile (Chilean Fjords), and it’s known for its abundant marine life, including humpback whales. Kayaking with whales is an incredible experience, as you get to paddle through the pristine waters while admiring these majestic creatures up close. Additionally, you can take some time to learn more about the local culture and history of the area. On the way, it’s likely to find sea lions, penguins, and other animals. This is between December and March.

Kayaking among Southern Right Whales in Puerto Piramides

Another great place to go kayaking with whales in Patagonia is in Puerto Piramides. Puerto Piramides is located in the Valdes Peninsula, and it’s known for its abundant marine life, including southern right whales. Kayaking with whales in Peninsula Valdes is a unique experience, as you get to paddle through the pristine waters while admiring these magnificent creatures up close. Furthermore, you can take some time to explore the surrounding area and visit some of the nearby towns to experience the local culture. Be aware that the encounters with these animals are something spontaneous, and the excursions are not focused on that (however, these encounters are frequent, and they happen between July and November).

Kayaking in Rio Deseado

Rio Deseado is one of the hidden gems of Patagonia, and it is a great place to go kayaking. The river is located in the Santa Cruz province of Argentina, and it’s known for its unique rock formations and abundant wildlife. This is actually a salt-water river (Ría), that connects the sea with the heart of the steppe. You can paddle along the Ría while you enjoy multiple birds, including cormorants and penguins. The Ría is in some parts surrounded by a Canyon-like landscape.

Patagonia Adventure trips

The list with places for Kayak extends to other areas such as El Chaltén (Mounts Fitz Roy & Torre), Los Alerces National Park, etc..

We offer custom tours in Argentina and Chile, and are specialized in Patagonia. We would love to help you plan your trip! In the menu of this website you will find our destinations and different travel styles. As a kick off, we invite you to explore the following tours:

Highlights of Argentina

Patagonia Highlights tour