Organizing a glacier tour for groups in El Calafate is simpler if you plan ahead: confirm the date according to the departure schedule, reserve spots and optional activities for everyone, arrange the transfer to Puerto Punta Bandera and the entrance fee to the National Park, and notify them of any special dietary requirements. For large groups or companies, charter flights are also an option.
Since 1980, we have welcomed all kinds of groups on board: travel groups, large families, student delegations, and corporate teams. This guide compiles what we've learned to ensure your day on the All Glaciers Cruise goes smoothly.
Why Todo Glaciares works well as a glacier tour for groups
Some excursions are difficult to adapt to a group. The Glaciers region has several things going for it at once:
- Large ships. Our fleet The range of aluminum catamarans includes the Patagonia Infinity, with a capacity for 162 passengers, and the Quo Vadis, for 300.
- The same rhythm for everyone. 7 hours of navigation, with the Upsala, Seco, Heim, Peineta and Spegazzini glaciers, and a landing at the Spegazzini Base where each one explores at their own pace.
- Full accessibility. It's 100% accessible: elevator at the Punta Bandera pier, level ramps, floating dock at the Base, adapted restrooms on boats and at the Refuge, accessible trails and viewpoints. No one in the group is left out.
- No minimum age. It is suitable for groups with children and senior citizens; children aged 0 to 5 years do not pay.
- Land infrastructure. A 350 m² covered and heated terminal in Punta Bandera, with restrooms, a nursing station and its own parking; and at the Base, the Spegazzini Refuge, with a main hall of 280 m².
Step by step to organize a group outing
- I chose the date with the calendar in hand. The All Glaciers tour departs daily from September to April; from May to August, every other day. For large groups, the sooner you confirm, the better.
- Write to us with the group's details. Number of people, tentative date, ages if there are minors, accessibility needs, and any optional details you're interested in. You can do this from the website. contact.
- I defined the transfer. Punta Bandera Port is 47 km from El Calafate. You can add the El Calafate – Punta Bandera transfer or, if the group is traveling with their own vehicle, use the terminal parking lot.
- Solve the park entrance. It is not included in the tour. It must be purchased separately online at pnlosglaciares.aror at the National Parks booths in the terminal. Check there for current entry categories.
- Prepare the passenger list. Full name and any other information we request upon confirmation. Having this information ready will expedite the boarding process.
- Plan ahead for food. See the next section.
Meals for the whole group: Refuge Menu and Captain's Club
Within a group, there are always different dietary needs. The Refuge Menu , served at the Spegazzini Refuge, has three variations:
| Menu | What includes |
|---|---|
| Classic | Meat empanada, guanaco goulash and white and dark chocolate mousse |
| Suitable for celiacs | Salad, lamb casserole and mousse |
| Vegetarian | Vegetable empanada, lentil and vegetable casserole, and mousse |
All packages include a non-alcoholic beverage and an herbal infusion. Requesting individual options when booking avoids last-minute decisions. There is also a café on board. For groups seeking a more exclusive experience, the Captain's Club offers a preferred cabin, personalized service, and a menu with various dining options throughout the day.
Groups of students: a class in front of the glacier
For an educational trip, Todo Glaciares is practically a complete curriculum. In just a few hours, you can see how ice works: the icebergs of the Upsala Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in South America; the Glaciar Seco, a hanging glacier that doesn't reach the water; and the Spegazzini Glacier, the tallest in the park. At the Spegazzini Base, the trail features interpretive stations on glaciology, history, fauna, and flora.
A tip for teachers: distribute topics before the trip and ask each group to research them during the day. We'll tell you what you'll learn about each topic at the interpretive stations at Spegazzini Base , and to prepare for the theoretical part, we'll explain how to study a glacier.
Large companies and contingents: the charter
When the group is a company, a conference, or a contingent that wants the boat for themselves, chartering is the best option. We tailor the vessel, activities, and services to the event, with the Refugio Spegazzini as the perfect setting. You can find more details on our Events at Refugio Spegazzini page and our Event Services page.
Departure day: key points for coordinators
- Puntuality. It is the responsibility of each passenger to be present at the boarding time. For groups, it is advisable to arrange a meeting point with some leeway.
- Layered clothing for everyone. On deck, facing the glacier, it's cold in any season.
- Time to return to the dock. At Spegazzini Base, the crew indicates when to return; designate someone to count heads.
- Cancellation policy. Changes or cancellations made 4 to 6 days prior to the event incur a 70% fee; from 3 days prior onwards, the fee is 100%. More details at the cancellation policy.
Organize your group's navigation
The All Glaciers Navigation departs from Punta Bandera Port and runs from 8:30 AM to 16:00 PM (from April to August, from 9:30 AM to 17:00 PM). It's a 7-hour sailing trip, approximately 10 hours with transfers. Contact us with your group size and preferred dates to check availability and current rates on the tour page.
FAQ
Is it possible to do the All Glaciers tour with a large group?
Yes. The catamarans in the fleet have capacities ranging from 162 to 300 passengers. For large groups, it's best to contact us in advance through the contact page.
Is there a menu for celiacs and vegetarians in groups?
Yes. The Refuge Menu has classic, gluten-free, and vegetarian options. Please specify your preferred option when booking.
Is the entrance fee to the National Park included for the group?
No. It is purchased separately, online at pnlosglaciares.ar or at the National Parks offices at the Punta Bandera terminal.
Is it possible to charter a boat exclusively for a company?
Yes, with the charter service for events, which adapts the vessel, activities and services to the group.
Is the entire Glaciers area suitable for groups with people with reduced mobility?
Yes. It is 100% accessible, from the Punta Bandera pier elevator to the trails and viewpoints of the Spegazzini Base.
