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Kayaking
in Puerto Natales - Patagonia - Chile |
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2
días - Sea Kayaking en los Glaciares Balmaceda
y Serrano |
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Day 1
Early in the morning, the kayak guide will pick you up
at your hotel, and you will be transported to Puerto Bories,
where the kayaking equipment will be transferred to the
21 de Mayo Boat. During the 3-hour navigation through
Última Esperanza Fjord, we head northwest while
appreciating colonies of cormorants, sea lions and a cliff
containing a large population of condors. As we near Mount
Balmaceda, we can see its glaciers more clearly, as they
descend from their different heights. From the ship, we
have excellent views of Glacier Balmaceda, giving us a
representative view of the Chilean fjords. Finally, we
reach Puerto Toro, gateway to Bernardo O'Higgins National
Park and the place of Serrano Glacier and Lagoon. We set
up camp and eat lunch, just a few meters away from the
lagoon.
In the afternoon—weather permitting—the guide will pass
out the kayaks and equipment, while you listen to an instructive
talk on safety and how to paddle a sea kayak. We will
then paddle on the waters of the fjord until we reach
Glacier Balmaceda. Along the way, we will visit great
waterfalls pouring from the thick vegetation of nearby
cliffs. Upon our return to camp, we will be able to appreciate
Glacier Serrano whose huge mass of ice flows into the
waters of the Serrano Lagoon. Dinner.
Day 2
Early in the morning, we set out to paddle among icebergs
in the Serrano Lagoon until we reach the front of Glacier
Serrano’s vertical wall—paddling only as close as is
safe. After this impressive navigation in kayak, we
paddle back to camp and get ready to put the kayaks
back onto the boat 21 de Mayo. We then sail back through
Última Esperanza Fjord to Puerto Natales. Along
the way, we stop for 1.5 hours to enjoy a typical Patagonia
lamb barbecue at Estancia Perales. After lunch, we continue
navigating through Última Esperanza Fjord, reaching
Puerto Natales around 18:00. Transfer to hotel.
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Start:
Puerto Natales |
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End:
Puerto Natales |
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Difficulty:
Low |
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Season:
October -April |
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Options |
This kayak program can include sport fishing,
in which case all fishing equipment will be included.
At the end of the kayak excursion, it is possible to return
to Torres del Paine National Park, navigating the Serrano
River in semi-rigid boats to the Park Administration. (Additional
costs apply.)
One day extension – Horseback ride to Glaciar Gueikie.
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Requirements |
It is not necessary to have paddling experience.
Your guide takes the time necessary to ensure that you learn
all the most important technical aspects of paddling and how
to stay safe on the water.
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Note |
Please be aware that sea kayaking
depends entirely on the Patagonia weather. The guide will
evaluate the current weather conditions, before heading out
on the water. At this point your guide may decide to shorten
the trip, suspend its start or cancel it altogether. If the
trip is suspended, your guide will evaluate alternative activities
such as hiking, horseback riding or fishing—depending on the
group’s geographic location.
In cases that the program is somehow modified—via
shortening, suspension or cancellation—there will be no cash
refunds.
The group occupies two-person tents. You can request a single-person
tent, at an additional cost.
Each group member will receive a dry bag to store personal
belongings. You will also receive a smaller dry bag for your
cameras or other such items.
The water supply comes from rivers and lakes in the areas
we visit. In this part of Patagonia, the water is pure and
you can drink it without problems. The guide carries a filter
and chlorine tablets for those who wish to purify the water.
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Climate
and temperature |
Patagonia is known for its changeable weather
and high winds. Even the summers can be very cool and rainy.
Appropriately warm clothing and equipment are required.
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Equipamiento |
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Sun
hat or visor |
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Warm
clothes |
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Waterproof
clothing (pants and jacket) |
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A
complete change of clothes |
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Cap
or wool hat |
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Gloves |
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Sunscreen |
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Appropriate
walking shoes |
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3
pairs of socks |
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Fleece
jacket |
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Sunglasses
(optional) |
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Long
underwear (top and bottom) |
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Services |
Included |
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Transfer from Puerto Natales to the Serrano Sector.
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Bilingual guide (Spanish / English), with WFR
training, VHF radio and first aid kit. |
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Single or double kayak. |
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Full paddling equipment (neoprene gloves, paddling
jackets, life jackets, kayak skirts, neoprene
boots, dry bags). |
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Camping equipment: Tent, sleeping pad, sleeping
bag. |
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Kayaking on the Serrano Lagoon and the Última
Esperanza Fjord. |
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Entrance fees for Bernardo
O’Higgins National Park.
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Complete food service: Breakfast, Lunch, Snack,
Dinner (4 meal services per day). |
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Drinks: water, juice, coffee, tea, Pisco Sour. |
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Round trip navigation
to Glaciers Balmaceda and Serrano. |
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Typical Chilean
barbecue in Estancia Perales (drinks not included).
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Transfer from
Puerto Bories to Puerto Natales Center. |
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Not
included |
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Drinks
at Estancia Perales. |
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Groups |
Groups have a maximum of 6 people.It is possible to exceed
this maximum for tour operators or family groups..
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