Grey & Serrano River Kayaking Expedition
Kayaking

Grey & Serrano River Kayaking Expedition

The Tyndall Glacier kayak excursion takes you deep into a remote corner of Bernardo O’Higgings National Park, following quiet rivers and untouched valleys until you reach the Southern Ice Field.

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    Patagonia Kayaking Expedition

    Leave the crowded trails behind and experience Torres del Paine from the waterline. Paddle beneath colossal granite horns, navigate exhilarating river canyons and rapids, and wake to the thunderous crack of calving glaciers. Over three unforgettable days, you’ll journey down the Grey and Serrano rivers, camp under star-studded Patagonian skies, and navigate the historic waters of the Última Esperanza Fjord.

    Active / Guided

    Adventure Style

    Moderate / Challenging

    Difficulty

    3 Days

    Duration

    Grey & Serrano River Kayaking

    Journey beyond the viewpoint and onto the water. Over three wild days, paddle through drifting icebergs beneath the Cuernos del Paine, navigate dynamic river rapids, and camp along remote fjords at the foot of ancient ice fields. 

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    Itinerary Overview

    Setting off straight from Puerto Natales, this three-day paddling route gets you off the busy park trails and right down into the moving heart of Torres del Paine. Starting out among the wind-carved blue ice floes drifting off Glacier Grey, you’ll pick up the current and follow the water as it cuts south running the swift bends and canyons of the Grey and Serrano rivers, carrying gear past thundering falls, and watching the granite horns of the Paine Massif drop behind you. Nights are spent camped deep out in the lenga woods, falling asleep to the crack of ice along the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, before paddling the ice-choked waters of Laguna Serrano and riding the catamaran back through the Última Esperanza Fjord for a proper Assado de Cordero Magallanico( estancia lamb spit-roast).

    We depart from Puerto Natales in the morning by vehicle, heading toward the Lago Grey area in Torres del Paine National Park (if you are already elsewhere in the park, we can pick you up there).
    On the shore of Playa Grey Sur, we will gear up, prepare our kayaks, and receive instruction to ensure a comfortable and safe paddling experience. We begin the excursion at the mouth of Lago Grey, where you can paddle alongside impressive icebergs—driven by the wind—that have recently calved from the Grey Glacier. The backdrop features the Paine Massif and the western mountain range, most notably the famous Cuernos del Paine (Horns of Paine).
    After enjoying our time on the lake and getting comfortable in your kayak, we will begin our descent down the Grey River. From this point on, it becomes a true adventure, navigating through rapids and canyons, followed by a series of winding turns with views of the Sierra del Toro. We will take a break at the Grey Bridge to enjoy lunch, then continue paddling until we reach the confluence with the Serrano River—the spot where the sediment-rich, grey-hued waters merge with the crystal-clear waters flowing from Lago del Toro.
    The day concludes at Pueblito Serrano, after 3–4 hours of paddling. Here, our vehicle will pick us up and take us to our campsite, where we will have dinner and spend our first night.

    We begin the day with a hearty breakfast and take down our tent. We then load our gear into our kayaks and discuss the details of our expedition along the Serrano River, including weather conditions and the challenges posed by the river. Ready for our adventure, we set off, paddling with the Paine Massif in view, heading toward Salto del Río—an impressive waterfall. Here, a short hike and a portage of approximately 100 meters allow us to bypass the falls. 
    After our first break, we continue navigating the robust river on our way toward the Serrano Glacier. Vantage points offering views of the Tyndall Glacier and the Geike Mountains signal that we are traveling near the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. We pause here to recharge and enjoy lunch against a spectacular backdrop. Afterward, we make our slow approach toward Mount Balmaceda, eventually reaching the Última Esperanza Fjord—the very waters where, around 1558, Juan Ladrilleros searched intently for a passage to the Atlantic. From this vantage point, we enjoy a privileged view of the Serrano Glacier.
    Following the final stretch of paddling through the fjord, we arrive at Puerto Toro—our second campsite—where we will spend the night. We’ll enjoy a delicious dinner surrounded by the wild, natural landscape, nestled within a forest of *lenga* (southern beech) trees, very close to the Serrano Glacier and set against a quintessential Patagonian backdrop.

    Early in the morning, right after breakfast, we will put our paddling gear back on and carry our empty kayaks about 30 meters to Laguna Serrano (where the glacier ends). We will paddle alongside blue icebergs that have calved from the massive glacier. 
    After taking in the glacier face and the unforgettable views, we will return to our campsite to pack up our gear and await the catamaran that will take us back to Puerto Natales via the Ultima Esperanza Fjord. The journey offers a spectacular view of the Balmaceda Glacier. We will make a stop at Estancia Perales to enjoy a delicious, traditional roasted lamb. We will arrive back in Puerto Natales at 5:00 PM.

    What’s Included

    • Certified bilingual guide (British Canoeing, ACA, and Wilderness First Responder)
    • Private overland transport from Puerto Natales to the Serrano sector
    • Bernardo O’Higgins National Park entrance fee
    • Catamaran ticket through Última Esperanza Fjord (Puerto Toro to Puerto Natales)
    • Full technical paddling gear, including dry suit and double expedition sea kayak
    • Camp equipment (expedition tents and sleeping insulation mats)
    • All meals during the trek and river descent (starting with Day 1 lunch, including traditional lamb roast)
    • Return road transfer back to Puerto Natales
    *Route is subject to adjustments based on Patagonian river levels and wind

    Not Included

    • Entrance fee to Torres del Paine National Park (must be purchased online prior to trip)
    • Sleeping bag (available to rent locally in Puerto Natales)
    • Personal gear and clothing (thermal layers, waterproofs, sunscreen, camera, toiletries)
    • Day 1 breakfast
    • Any accommodation or transport outside the scheduled route
    • Gratuities for expedition guides and support staff

    Let’s Take You There

    Our team knows this region inside out, and we’ll guide you with honest advice, the right logistics, and the small details that make a big difference out there. Reach out to our adventure specialists, and we’ll shape something that truly fits you.

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