This glacier is one of those that make up the Northern Patagonian Ice Field and is the only one that descends directly into the sea. With a front measuring two kilometres in width and ice towers rising more than 70 meters high, San Rafael Glacier has become one of Chile’s most significant natural landmarks. In recognition of its importance, the Laguna San Rafael National Park was designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 1979.
The glacier originates at Nevado San Valentín, part of the Northern Ice Field. According to glaciological studies, its ice is over 30,000 years old, and together with its 1,742,000 hectares of ancient natural surroundings, the glacier offers a unique spectacle of intensely blue icebergs and constant calving into Laguna San Rafael, named so by the Spanish navigator Juan García Tao.
In this location, Skorpios Cruises operates excursion boats constructed of marine-grade steel known as Hércules, large vessels that allow close approaches to the glacier, offering a unique experience and the opportunity to observe a wide variety of marine wildlife.
Experiencing San Rafael Glacier in the Skorpios style is truly distinctive. It is a front-row encounter with nature.
