Kayaking in Patagonia: Where to enjoy Kayak in Patagonia?
Kayaking in Patagonia: Where to Enjoy Kayak in Patagonia?
Kayaking is a wonderful activity loved by travelers around the world. It allows you to connect directly with nature while exploring beautiful landscapes from the water.
Patagonia is a dream destination for kayaking. With its lakes, fjords, mountains, and rivers, it offers endless opportunities to enjoy this outdoor adventure. From the Lakes District in the north to the southern fjords, kayaking in Patagonia is truly unforgettable.
Let’s explore some of the best kayaking experiences in Patagonia!
What is Kayaking?
Kayaking is a water activity that involves paddling a small, narrow boat known as a kayak.
Here’s what makes it unique:
The paddler sits facing forward with legs extended.
A double-bladed paddle is used to move through the water.
Most kayaks have closed decks, but sit-on-top and inflatable kayaks are also popular.
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, kayaking is an exciting way to explore Patagonia’s waters.
Kayaking in the Lakes District: Incredible Experiences
Some of the best kayaking spots in the Lakes District include:
Argentina: Bariloche, San MartÃn de los Andes, Villa La Angostura
Chile: Puerto Varas, Pucón, Puerto Montt
These destinations offer breathtaking scenery and calm waters—perfect for a day of kayaking.
Kayaking in Bariloche
Bariloche and its surroundings are filled with lakes and rivers that are perfect for kayaking. You’ll find everything from flat waters to challenging rapids (up to class 5).
Here’s why Bariloche is great for kayaking:
Suitable for all levels, including beginners and children
Calm waters for learning and improving skills
Advanced options like river descents, slalom, and freestyle
Popular use of duckies (inflatable kayaks), which are stable and easy to handle
Guided excursions available on the Manso and Limay rivers
Another great place to enjoy kayaking in the Lakes District—this time across the Andes in Chile—is Puerto Varas.
About 15 km from Puerto Varas is Laguna La Poza, where you can enjoy a wonderful kayaking experience. You’ll paddle about 5 km through a 25-meter-wide channel that gradually narrows into a tunnel. This tunnel is covered by vegetation made up of weeping willows and native plants, creating a magical setting.
The tunnel is only accessible by canoe or kayak and leads to the Laguna Escondida—an ideal spot for birdwatching. You may see kingfishers, Chucaos, and various types of herons. It’s a very peaceful location, perfect for families or those trying kayaking for the first time.
After exploring the hidden lagoon, you’ll return through the same channel and then continue paddling toward Lake Llanquihue.
In this area, you can spot whales, penguins, sea lions, elephant seals, and a wide variety of birds. One of the most exciting experiences here is kayaking with sea lions.
This unique sea kayak expedition combines the thrill of paddling with a deep understanding of the local natural environment. Accompanied by expert guides, you’ll paddle through the calm waters of the Golfo Nuevo, making stops along the way to observe and learn about the region’s wildlife, plants, and coastal geography.
This tour is low in physical demand, making it ideal for people with no prior kayaking experience. It’s a popular option for families and anyone wanting to try sea kayaking for the first time.
The activity usually takes place in the southern area of Puerto Madryn, though the location may vary depending on weather conditions.
Kayaking in Patagonia: The Marble Cathedral
In one of the most remote places on the planet lies one of nature’s best-kept secrets. We could begin with almost any corner of Patagonia, but the Marble Cathedral in Chile is truly one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited.
Over thousands of years, the glacial waters of the lake—South America’s second largest—have eroded the shoreline to create surreal caves, caverns, and islets. The lake is surrounded by the Andes Mountains and flows into Lake Bertrand, which then gives rise to the stunning Baker River, one of the most beautiful rivers in the continent.
There are many activities to enjoy in the area:
Visit Laguna San Rafael National Park and its spectacular glacier.
Go ice trekking on the Exploradores Glacier.
Explore charming towns such as Puerto RÃo Tranquilo, Chile Chico, and Puerto Guadal.
And of course, visit the breathtaking Marble Chapels.
Kayaking here is an unforgettable experience. Connecting with nature on the majestic General Carrera Lake and paddling up close to the Marble Cathedral is a must for nature lovers exploring Patagonia.
The experience starts at BahÃa Mansa, just 5 km south of Puerto RÃo Tranquilo. After a safety briefing, we’ll paddle for about 20 minutes to reach the Chapel and then the Cathedral. Kayaking allows us to explore narrow caves and tunnels within the rock formations, giving us freedom and flexibility to take photos and fully enjoy the scenery.
Once the tour is complete, we’ll return to BahÃa Mansa and then head back to Puerto RÃo Tranquilo.
It’s very important to follow the guide’s instructions at all times and behave responsibly to ensure a safe and respectful experience. Keep in mind that weather conditions, the itinerary, and participant fitness levels are all essential for the successful completion of the excursion.
Kayaking in Patagonia: Perito Moreno Glacier
This is a one-of-a-kind activity in the world: kayaking among icebergs in Los Glaciares National Park. Paddling in front of the Perito Moreno Glacier is truly unforgettable. This unique excursion lets you navigate through icy waters and get up close to the north face of the glacier like never before.
If you choose the option with hotel transfer from El Calafate, we’ll pick you up at 7:30 AM. You’ll first visit the Perito Moreno walkways, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the glacier for about 2 hours.
Next, you’ll head to the meeting point, where expert guides will take you to the base dome in front of the beach. There, you’ll receive all the technical equipment you need:
Gore-Tex dry suit
Thermal suit
Boots and gloves
Life jacket
The guides will give a complete briefing on paddling techniques and safety procedures, aiming to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
After some warm-up exercises, the kayaking adventure begins. You’ll paddle alongside majestic icebergs, some so close you could almost touch them. It’s a powerful reminder of the vastness of nature and our small place in it.
The total paddling time is around 1.5 hours. After returning to shore, you’ll enjoy a snack at the dome. You’ll also find out how to access the photos of your adventure, which are included in the experience.
Finally, we’ll head back to El Calafate, arriving around 5:00 PM, after living an unforgettable day in front of one of the world’s most iconic glaciers.
At 11:30 AM, you’ll meet your kayak guide at the lake. The guide will explain:
Paddling techniques
The route to be followed
Safety measures
At 12:00 PM, you’ll start paddling toward BahÃa Tranquila, a calm bay about 40 minutes away. Along the way, you’ll take short breaks to rest, enjoy the views of the Huemul and Vespignani Glaciers, and learn more about the lake’s natural surroundings.
BahÃa Tranquila is a peaceful spot with clear, shallow water, protected by forest and ideal for relaxing. You’ll take a 20-minute break here before paddling back to Punta Sur.
At 2:00 PM, you’ll return the equipment and have two hours of free time to rest or hike to the Huemul Glacier.
Another exciting option is kayaking the RÃo de las Vueltas, one of the region’s most important rivers. It begins at Lago del Desierto and flows toward Lake Viedma, winding through forests and canyon walls. The river is fed by glacial meltwater, and kayaking it offers incredible views of Mount Fitz Roy and its surrounding peaks.
The kayaking itself lasts around 1.5 hours, offering a memorable and immersive adventure in Patagonia.
Kayaking in Patagonia: Torres del Paine
For trekking and nature lovers doing the W or O circuits in Torres del Paine National Park, kayaking at Grey Glacier is an unforgettable experience to add to your adventure.
The activity starts at the Bigfoot Base Camp, located on the northeast shore of Grey Lake. There, you’ll meet your guide at the scheduled time for a brief introductory talk, where the route and schedule will be explained.
Next, you’ll receive your full kayak gear, which includes:
Wetsuit
Waterproof jacket and boots
Kayak gloves
Skirt
Vest
Life jacket
Once ready, you’ll begin paddling among large floating icebergs, then head toward the eastern arm of Grey Glacier. You’ll get close to the towering glacial ice walls, taking in this breathtaking natural setting.
If the weather conditions are favorable, the route may include a pass by the dramatic Nunatak Island on the way back to Bigfoot Base Camp.
To wrap up the experience, your guide will offer a snack and a hot drink, the perfect way to warm up and reflect on this spectacular Patagonian adventure.
Kayaking in Patagonia: Ushuaia & the Beagle Channel
Another amazing place to enjoy sea kayaking is Ushuaia, especially on an unforgettable trip to Gable Island.
Nature and history make the Beagle Channel one of the most fascinating sea kayaking destinations in the world. Located east of Ushuaia, this vast area brings you closer to the southern edge of the Atlantic Ocean—and back in time to when the Yámana people, the nomads of the sea, paddled these same waters daily.
This full-day excursion begins as we leave the city behind, driving through the Fuegian forest along Route J. In just 1.5 hours, you’ll feel like you’ve arrived at the edge of civilization.
In this remote and wild region, there’s a good chance of seeing:
Seabird flocks
Sea lions (often spotted!)
The striking presence of Gable Island, along with other nearby islets, creates a stunning backdrop for this sea kayaking experience.
After a technical and safety briefing, you’ll receive all the gear needed for the day. The total net paddling time is over four hours, following a rugged coastline with bays, coves, and peninsulas.
We’ll disembark on beautiful Gable Island for:
A lunch break
A short hike to explore the island
After that, we return to our kayaks to continue the journey across this wild and scenic landscape.
Visiting Patagonia? Check our complete list of tours to visit Patagonia
We have different options to visit the amazing Patagonia. Check the following list of Patagonia Tours, including Peninsula Valdes, Bariloche and the Lakes District, Perito Moreno Glacier, Torres del Paine, El Chalten and Ushuaia.
