About All ToursHiking ToursFull Day ToursFrom El Calafate ToursFrom Puerto NatalesFrom Punta Arenas ToursPrivate ToursGrey Glacier Tours Directions Hours & Fees
Find Tours 
Explore the massive Grey Glacier in Torres del Paine through catamaran cruises, kayaking near the ice face, or guided ice hikes. Experience the Southern Patagonian Ice Field up close on these thrilling three to five-hour excursions.
Free Cancellation Navigate the western waters of Torres del Paine to see the 6km-wide ice walls of the Grey Glacier up close.
Explore the ice walls of Grey Glacier by kayak on a 3-hour guided excursion within Torres del Paine National Park.
Free Cancellation Hike across the ice of Grey Glacier on a five-hour guided excursion in Torres del Paine.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Torres del Paine — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Visiting Torres del Paine and getting up close to Grey Glacier is a defining Patagonian experience. Whether you choose to sip a pisco sour on a comfortable catamaran, paddle a kayak past floating icebergs, or strap on crampons to hike directly on the ice, these tours offer unparalleled access to the Southern Patagonia Ice Field.
Board a comfortable catamaran to cruise across Grey Lake. You'll get right up to the towering 30-meter ice walls of the glacier while enjoying a complimentary pisco sour.
Take a zodiac boat to a remote beach, hike across a rocky moraine, and strap on crampons. You'll spend hours trekking directly on the ancient ice of the glacier.
Suit up in neoprene and paddle a double kayak through the icy waters. Navigate around massive floating icebergs for an intimate, water-level view of the glacier face.
Beyond the glacier, the park's most famous trek leads you up the Ascencio Valley to a stunning glacial lagoon sitting beneath the three iconic 2,500-meter granite towers.
Located in the heart of the W-Trek, this area surrounds you with a 360-degree panorama of hanging glaciers and the dramatic Cuernos del Paine.
Witness the raw power of Patagonia's water systems at Salto Grande, a thunderous waterfall connecting the turquoise waters of Lake Nordenskjöld and Lake Pehoé.
Planning a trip to Grey Glacier requires a bit of logistical prep. From understanding park fees to knowing your physical limits, here is what you need to sort out before securing your spot.
Tour prices do not include the Torres del Paine National Park entrance fee. Foreign adults must pay CL$ 34,000 for stays up to 3 days. You must purchase this ticket in advance via the official CONAF website.
Grey Glacier tours do not pick you up from your hotel. You are responsible for getting yourself to Grey Base Camp, which is a 10-minute walk from the Grey Refugio and Camping area. Plan your trekking or boat transit accordingly.
You can choose your adventure level. The 3-hour catamaran navigation is leisurely and scenic. The 4-hour kayak tour requires moderate effort, while the 5-hour ice hike is a strenuous physical activity.
The ice hike is strictly for highly fit travelers between the ages of 14 and 65. Both the kayak and ice hike tours prohibit pregnant travelers and those with spinal or cardiovascular issues. The boat navigation is suitable for all fitness levels and ages.
Patagonia's weather is notoriously unpredictable. You must wear a three-layer clothing system, including a waterproof and windproof outer shell. Sturdy hiking boots are mandatory, especially for the moraine approach on the ice hike.
Check the terms carefully before booking. The catamaran navigation and ice hike generally offer a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance. However, the kayak experience is strictly final sale with no refunds available.
Technical gear is provided by the operators. Kayakers receive neoprene wetsuits, helmets, life jackets, and pogies (built-in gloves). Ice hikers are outfitted with helmets, harnesses, ice axes, and crampons.
Do not bring a drone; they are completely prohibited to protect the ecosystem. Additionally, any use of fire or unauthorized heat sources carries massive fines up to 2,000,000 CLP and potential expulsion from Chile.
| Catamaran Navigation | Glacier Kayak Experience | Ice Hike Expedition | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3 hours | 4 hours | 5 hours |
| Activity Level | Low (All fitness levels) | Moderate | High (Ages 14-65 only) |
| Includes | Catamaran ride, Bilingual host, 1 Drink (Pisco sour/soda) | Double kayak, Wetsuit & Safety gear, Snack & Hot drink | Zodiac boat ride, Crampons/Ice axe/Harness, Certified guide |
| Price from | $167 | $246 | $385 |
Torres del Paine National Park operates with specific gate hours depending on the entrance you use.
Tour Specifics: For Grey Glacier tours meeting at Grey Base Camp, you must arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure. Note that in April, early morning shifts may be delayed (e.g., from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.) due to changing daylight hours in Patagonia.
Reaching the park requires a bit of travel, usually starting from the gateway town of Puerto Natales or flying into the region.
Reaching Grey Base Camp: Once inside the park, getting to the tour starting point at Grey Base Camp requires independent hiking along the W-Trek or taking a ferry across Lake Pehoé followed by a hike. It is located a 10-minute walk from the Grey Refugio.
The ideal time to visit Torres del Paine is during the spring and summer months, from October to April. During this window, the weather is relatively warmer, and you can enjoy up to 17 hours of daylight, which is perfect for multi-day treks and glacier excursions.
The winter months (May to September) are beautiful but harsh. Temperatures can drop to -7°C, and daylight is limited to 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. While the park is less windy, many trails require mandatory certified guides and specialized equipment, and some glacier tours may not operate.
While Torres del Paine is a rugged environment, there are accessible options for visitors with mobility challenges.
The park is well-equipped to handle its 150,000 annual visitors, offering a range of accommodations and services.
Remember that you must secure confirmed reservations for all campsites or refugios before arriving at the park.
Torres del Paine enforces strict rules to protect its fragile ecosystem and 227,298 hectares of wilderness.
No, the Torres del Paine National Park entrance fee is not included in the tour prices. Foreign adults must pay CL$ 34,000, and tickets must be purchased in advance through the official CONAF website.
You must make your own way to Grey Base Camp, located on Grey Beach inside the park. It is a 10-minute walk from the Grey Refugio and Camping area, which usually requires hiking part of the W-Trek or taking a ferry and hiking in.
No, the ice hike is physically demanding and restricted to travelers between 14 and 65 years old. You must have a high level of physical fitness and cannot participate if you are pregnant or have spinal or cardiovascular issues.
You should wear a three-layer system: a moisture-wicking base, an insulating middle layer, and a waterproof/windproof outer shell. Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots are essential, especially for navigating the rocky moraine on the ice hike.
The kayak experience has a strict cancellation policy where all sales are final and no refunds are available for cancellations. However, if the operator cancels due to unsafe weather conditions, they will typically offer an alternative or refund.
No, drones are strictly prohibited everywhere within Torres del Paine National Park. This rule is heavily enforced to protect the local ecosystem and ensure the peace of other visitors.
No, Grey Glacier is located in the western region of the park, while the famous granite towers are in the east. To see the towers up close, you will need to do the Base Torres hike on a different day.
The catamaran navigation is safe and suitable for all ages. However, the kayak tour is not recommended for young children, and the ice hike has a strict minimum age requirement of 14 years old.
No, the tour operators provide all necessary technical gear. Kayakers receive neoprene wetsuits, helmets, and life jackets, while ice hikers are provided with crampons, harnesses, ice axes, and helmets.
If you visit in April, be aware that tour schedules may shift due to changing daylight hours. For example, the 8:00 a.m. tour shifts to a 9:00 a.m. departure between April 1 and April 24.
Browse verified tours with free cancellation and instant confirmation.
Find Tours
Grey Glacier is a major ice mass within the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, situated in the western region of Torres del Paine National Park. The glacier spans roughly 6 kilometers in width, with ice walls reaching heights of 20 to 30 meters above the water. This boat excursion takes you across the lake to the glacier's edge. By navigating close to its various faces, you can observe the scale and distinct blue textures of the formation from a perspective only accessible by water.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This three-hour excursion involves paddling approximately 3.5 miles (6 km) near the face of Grey Glacier. After fitting your equipment, you will spend two and a half hours on the water in a group led by a bilingual guide. Along the route, your guide will explain the natural history of the glacier and the surrounding Torres del Paine National Park. Please note that this tour does not include a pickup from Puerto Natales. The meeting point is located a 10-minute walk from the Grey campsite and refugio inside the park. You can reach this area by taking the Grey III boat or by hiking in as part of the W or O treks. Due to the remote location and timing, guests booked for the first or second shifts must stay at the Grey sector the night before. Those joining the final shift of the day must stay at the Grey sector the night after the activity.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English, Spanish
This five-hour excursion begins with a zodiac boat ride to a remote beach near the glacier’s edge. From there, you will hike for approximately one hour across the rocky moraine to reach the ice access point. After a safety briefing and fitting your crampons, you will spend two and a half hours trekking directly on the glacier. The 2-mile (3 km) route navigates a landscape of deep crevasses and blue ice formations. This high-difficulty tour is available from September to April and is limited to groups of 12 travelers. Please note that participation requires specific logistics: the 8:30 AM departure requires staying at Camping or Refugio Grey the night before, while the 2:30 PM departure requires staying there the night after the activity.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish