Torres del Paine Kayak Glacier Grey
Torres del Paine, and Patagonia in general, offers many options for the adventure experience. Among these is the chance to experience the Torres del Paine Glacier Grey kayak, in front of a glacier and amoung its icebergs! As with the ice hiking, the kayaking at Grey Glacier can only be accessed from where Refugio and Camping Grey is located, which is at the end of the Western arm of the W Trek. Also, in order to partcipate in Kayak from this destination you will need a night at Grey, either camping or in the refugio. What follows is more useful information about this activity.
Kayaking Near Grey Icebergs
Kayakers in front of the Ice
Kayaking Near the Glacier
Torres del Paine Kayak Glacier Grey
Operated between October to April
Subject to local weather conditions
Age restrictions: Over 14yrs, under 65yrs at time of participating in the activity
FULL REFUND IF ACTIVITY CANNOT BE OPERATED
Introduction to Torres del Paine Kayak Glacier Grey
Note: We offer this activity to be built into your main itinerary and not as a standalone.
To kayak on a river, lake or sea is, in itself, a great outdoor activity that gives great pleasure to those participating. However, to be able to kayak on a lake containing icebergs is another dimension. Here, in Torres del Paine National Park we offer kayak in front of Grey Glacier. The base camp for this activity is located at Refugio and Camping Grey.
Hikers can arrive here by any of the following ways:
- Trek 4hrs from Paine Grande.
- Arrive from Los Perros on the full Circuit Trek.
- Come across on the Navigation Grey from Hotel Grey*
*However, the only issue with coming from Hotel Grey is that should the wind speed pick up the boat crossing can be cancelled or delayed, and, in such circumstances, this would affect the ability for you to do the ice hike.
Most important to consider is that due to the times for check-in and ending, you will have to have a night booked in the Refugio or Camping Grey, either the previous night to the kayak, or the night following the kayak. In addition, you must have it pre-booked and paid for. You can NOT “just turn up” on the day and hope to book then.
Only one company holds the concession to operate ice hiking on glacier grey, which means that groups are between 2 people to 10 people max.
Torres del Paine Kayak Glacier Grey Useful Information
Check-in from near to Refugio Grey at 08:00hrs & 11:00hrs & 16:30hrs.
The Kayak expedition lasts around 2.5 hours. Group size is from 2 to 14 people.
On Lake Grey your kayak expedition will involve paddling around the large, floating icebergs, aiming towards the east side of the glacier and getting pretty close (but at a safe distance) to the giant, glacial ice wall. While you are resting and enjoying this incredible place your guide will offer you a snack and a hot drink. If weather conditions permit, you will walk over an island called a “nunatak” on the way back to base camp.
Included:
At the base camp you will be supplied with a neoprene suit, waterproof jacket and boots, “poogies” (kayak gloves), kayak skirt and a lifejacket. In the safety briefing you will get to “know your kayak”, paddle, route and conditions.
Clothes you need to bring are the same as the clothes you should have brought with you for trekking – see our link below.
Kayak Request here: request@experiencechile.org
Q. What Clothes Should I Pack for the Kayak Glacier Grey?
Hiking the Torres del Paine W Trek Trail & Kayak Glacier Grey
Suggestion on What to Pack in Your Luggage
Most important is what we aim to do here is advise you on what to pack in your suitcase (or backpack) and bring with you when coming to any part of Patagonia, be it land or sea. Moreover, the weather here has one constant, which is change! It is often windy, and it can rain or offer beautiful sunshine within the space of an hour. Therefore, please bring the right clothing to keep yourself dry and warm. Further below there is a graphic detailing what you should, ideally, bring with you.
Layered Clothing is the Answer
At least try to bring LAYERS of breathable clothes that can be taken off or put on easily to adapt to any change in weather and as you heat up and cool down on a trek. For example, cotton undershirts are NOT recommended – see below.
Above all, travel light. For example, take a day backpack for the trek days.
Suggested Clothes to Wear
As an illustration, please see our dedicated “Clothes to Bring” illustration below (scroll down).
On Your Feet
To begin with you need “hiking boots”. In other words, boots that are durable, but strong and especially WATERPROOF. In addition, if you have gaiters also bring these. Above all break-in any new boots well before arrival.
Also, a pair of flip flops for indoors. It should be noted that the refugios demand that you take off outdoor footwear when you enter the building.
By the same token, bring socks that are for hiking use, that fit well within your hiking boots, and maybe 3 pairs. These socks should be a little thicker than your normal socks.
Over Your Legs
For the purpose of practicality, hiking pants as well as a waterproof outer shell to go over your hiking pants if it rains are the best option. In addition, optional underwear such as synthetic leggings to go under your trekking pants are also useful if it gets cold.
For Your Upper Body
Most important, here you need to have “layered” clothing. This is because you get hot when trekking, therefore you need to be able to take layers off as well as put them on when you cool down.
Ideally, you will need a long sleeved under vest. This should be in a synthetic material. Why? Because you will sweat when you trek, and the synthetic material will dry more quickly than cotton material. If you are trekking in the summer and it is hot, you may not need to wear this undervest, but take one anyway in case the weather changes to be cold.
In addition, over the under vest, you will need a shirt, long sleeved ideally. Therefore, this can be considered to be a second layer.
Covering your second layer you need a fleece or similar, ideally with a front zipper so you can undo it or close it up with ease.
Finally, to cover everything you will need an outer jacket with a hood, and this needs to be waterproof and if is not, take another outer shell which is waterproof.
Around Your Neck
It should be noted that even if the rest of your body is covered and snug, bring a scarf or neck muff – this is very useful if it is cold, and easily taken off if it is hot.
Covering Your Hands
Most important, don’t forget your gloves! These are required specifically for when you are close to ice, like Glacier Grey or even at the Torres Base, where the air is cold. Again, waterproof is the way to go.
On Top of Your Head
Bring a head band to cover the ears – because they can get very cold. In addition, try to bring a hat like a woollen “beanie”.
Protection from the Sun
Most important: Pack the sunscreen cream.
For When you are Thirsty
Also, bring a water Bottle.
To Protect Your Eyes
Equally important, pack a pair of sunglasses. The light reflection from glaciers, snow and just brightly lit days can be strong.
Other Useful Items to Include in Your Luggage
Must be remembered: Portable USB Charger
Of course, a Travel Towel
Also, to help with sleeping when in a shared accommodation environment: ear Plugs, eye mask and maybe sleeping pills.
By all means bring both Cash and a Credit Card
Most important: Passport for check-in and TOURIST ENTRY VISA – given to you when you pass through Chile immigration.
Other Useful Links
What ExperienceChile.Org says about
Torres del Paine Kayak Glacier Grey
For most people coming to Torres del Paine, the ability to trek the “W” is enough. However, for the adventure seekers who want more than just hiking you can add kayak to the end or start of your trek. To be able to kayak in front of a glacier and among icebergs is a rare opportunity. Experience Chile says that if you have the time and extra budget then kayak Glacier Grey is well worth it. It is not too costly and lasts only 2.5hrs and, in addition, it does not require too much exertion.
Note that we have been creating Torres del Paine W Trek itineraries and other Patagonian itineraries since 1996. We are based in Chile, English owned, and a leading receptive travel operator, covering in particular – Patagonia.
Send Your Enquiry to here: request@experiencechile.org
Please Send Us Your Enquiry
For the best service please supply us with as much information as you can. For example, where you want to go, what you want to do, what you want to experience and how much money you want to spend (or do not want to spend!). How many people, what type of beds (matrimonial, twin, single etc.)
VIP
In the event that you are a VIP in any of the fields such as celebrity and/or political and/or business, and you need “special attention”. For example, privacy and/or security for your trip please use an alias in the enquiry but mention that you are VIP and one of the directors will handle your request and keep your real name and details confidential.
OFFER
Ask us to handle ALL of your South America, or Chile trip and we WILL include some items for free or at special lower-than-public rates. How much we can offer you depends on how much we can arrange and book for you. REQUEST@EXPERIENCECHILE.ORG
Remember, our specialty is to create a travel itinerary custom-built to your needs.
