Kayak Grey Glacier & Lake in Torres del Paine — Guided Iceberg Paddle

Puerto Natales•moderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

3–4 hours

Fitness Level

Moderate fitness: able to paddle continuously at a steady pace for 2–3 hours and handle short bursts against wind.

Overview

Paddle among towering icebergs and approach the east face of Grey Glacier on a guided three- to four-hour kayak tour inside Torres del Paine. This guided route balances close-up glacier views with strict safety and practical logistics for an intimate Patagonian experience.

Kayak Grey Glacier & Lake in Torres del Paine — Guided Iceberg Paddle

Kayak

Other

Select participants and date

Date

Thu, Oct 30

Travelers

You push off from a wind-gnarled beach and the lake answers: a bright, cold slosh that slides your double kayak into floating fields of blue-white. Icebergs drift lazily, cracking like distant thunder, and the Grey Glacier sits at the lake’s eastern edge — a hulking, layered wall of ice that keeps its own slow time. Guides trim the pace, scanning for calving or sudden gusts, while the support kayak circles like a patient shepherd. The air tastes of metal and mint; every breath reminds you you’re somewhere raw and still changing.

Adventure Photos

Kayak Grey Glacier & Lake in Torres del Paine — Guided Iceberg Paddle photo 1

Adventure Tips

Stay in the Grey sector the night before

To take earlier shifts you must overnight near Grey Refugio or camping — otherwise you’ll only be eligible for the final return trip.

Pack a dry bag for electronics

Wind and spray are constant; keep cameras and phones in waterproof cases or leave them ashore with your guide.

Dress in thermal layers under the wetsuit

Neoprene keeps you warm but thin wool or synthetic base layers are essential for comfort on the water and during post-paddle breaks.

Arrive early and be flexible

Trails, boat schedules, and weather in the park can shift; arrive at Grey Base Camp at least 15 minutes early and expect possible small delays.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Andean condor
Chilean goose (Upland goose)

History

Torres del Paine was designated a national park in the mid-20th century; Grey Glacier is an outlet of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field that has shaped the landscape for millennia.

Conservation

Glacier retreat and changing weather patterns are visible here; operators follow strict park guidelines to minimize impact and keep safe distances from active calving zones.