Traveling to glaciers by catamaran means sailing on a stable and spacious twin-hulled vessel. Our fleet consists of five aluminum catamarans, ranging from 162 to 300 passengers and from 24,45 to 31,71 meters in length: Quo Vadis, Upsala Connection, Nueva León, Campbell (the newest, from 2024), and Patagonia Infinity.
We have been navigating Lake Argentino since 1980, when we became the first concessionaire for lake services in Los Glaciares National Park. This is a presentation of the boats that currently take our passengers to the Upsala and Spegazzini.
The fleet: technical specifications of each catamaran
| Catamaran | passengers | Length | Construction | Helmet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quo Vadis | 300 | 31,71 m | 2006 | Aluminum |
| Upsala Connection | 208 | 28,5 m | 2004 | Aluminum |
| New Leon | 208 | 28,7 m | 2005 | Aluminum |
| Campbell | 184 | 26,4 m | 2024 | Aluminum |
| Patagonia Infinity | 162 | 24,45 m | 2008 | Aluminum |
The boat assigned to each departure depends on the day's operations, so it's not chosen when booking. What's important is that they all share the same basic design and essential services.
Why go to the glaciers by catamaran?
The catamaran rests on two parallel hulls instead of one. This has specific advantages for navigating between glaciers:
- Stability: The wide base reduces lateral swaying, which is the most uncomfortable movement on board.
- Space: The platform between the two hulls allows for spacious lounges and generous exterior decks.
- Aluminum helmet: a lightweight and resistant material, widely used in passenger vessels.
If you're worried about the boat's movement, we recommend reading the article "Does one get seasick sailing on Lake Argentino?".
The ships, one by one
Quo Vadis
It's the largest in the fleet: 300 passengers and 31,71 meters long. Built in 2006, it's the ship with the highest capacity, ideal for days of high demand.
Upsala Connection and New Lion
Two sister catamarans with a capacity of 208 passengers each. The Upsala Connection, from 2004, measures 28,5 meters and is named after the largest glacier on our route; the Nueva León, from 2005, measures 28,7 meters.
Campbell
The most recent addition: built in 2024, it carries 184 passengers, is 26,4 meters long and has a beam of 8,2 meters. It demonstrates that we continue to invest in the fleet almost five decades after our first voyage.
Patagonia Infinity
The most compact: 162 passengers and 24,45 meters in length, built in 2008. Its smaller scale gives it a more intimate atmosphere on board.
What's on board the catamaran
- Closed rooms with large windows, to follow the landscape sheltered from the wind.
- Exterior coverings designed for photography in front of glaciers and among icebergs.
- Onboard cafeteria for hot drinks and something to eat while sailing.
- Adapted restrooms for people with reduced mobility.
- Captain's Club Cabin (optional): a preferred space with personalized attention and its own menu.
If you want to make the most of the decks, check out our tips for photographing glaciers from the ship.
Accessibility: from the dock to the glacier
The All Glaciers Navigation tour is 100% accessible. The route is designed so that a person in a wheelchair can complete it from beginning to end.
- Elevator at the Punta Bandera Port dock to board the ship.
- Flat ramps and adapted toilets on board.
- Floating dock at Spegazzini Base for disembarkation.
- Accessible trails, walkways and viewpoints, and adapted restrooms at the Spegazzini Refuge.
More details on the accessible experience page.
Before going up: the Punta Bandera terminal
The journey begins on land. In Puerto Punta Bandera, 47 km from El Calafate, we have our own 350 m² covered and heated terminal, with restrooms, a first-aid station, private parking, ticket windows, and two booths where National Parks sells park entrance tickets. From there, the catamarans depart for Boca del Diablo and the North Arm of Lake Argentino.
Get on board the fleet
On the All Glaciers Cruise, you'll spend 7 hours aboard and ashore among the Upsala, Seco, Heim, Spegazzini, and Peineta glaciers, which you can see from Glacier Bay and Spegazzini Base, where we disembark. Learn more about our ships on our fleet page and check availability and current rates on the tour page.
FAQ
How many catamarans does Solo Patagonia have?
The fleet has five aluminum catamarans: Quo Vadis, Upsala Connection, Nueva León, Campbell and Patagonia Infinity, with capacities from 162 to 300 passengers.
Which is the largest catamaran in the fleet?
The Quo Vadis, with a capacity for 300 passengers and a length of 31,71 meters, was built in 2006.
Which is the newest catamaran?
The Campbell, built in 2024, with a capacity for 184 passengers, is 26,4 meters long and 8,2 meters wide.
Can you choose which catamaran to sail on?
No. The boat assigned to each departure depends on the day's operation; all offer enclosed lounges, outdoor decks, a cafeteria, and accessible restrooms.
Are catamarans wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The All Glaciers Navigation is 100% accessible: there is an elevator at the Punta Bandera dock, level ramps, adapted restrooms on board, and a floating dock at the Spegazzini Base.
