Chile · CANOES & KAYAKS
Good kayak & canoe trips sell out weeks ahead in high season and the best go first. Below: the 13 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Paddle Patagonia’s clear lakes on a four-hour kayak trip with top gear, small groups, and a special tea break near Villa La Angostura.
“Passeio incrível de Kayak em Villa La Angostura! Definitivamente recomendo essa experiência. Os equipamentos são de excelente qualidade, Pablo e Marcela foram muito gentis e atenciosos. Amamos nossa experiência!”
Paddle Lake Nahuel Huapi from Villa la Angostura, then enjoy a regional picnic on this small-group Patagonia kayak tour.
“This was a wonderful trip, I could do this over and over again. It’s a beautiful location, very peaceful and nice views. You stop at an island for a snack and drink and it’s a nice break. The group had fun and I just was so happy to get a chance to be on the water in this amazing place.”
Review of KayakinChile’s Liucura River kayak trip in Pucón, with rapids, volcano views, gear, guides, price, and practical booking advice.
“This is MUST do tour in Pucón! Our guide picked us up and dropped us off from our hotel (it was me and my boyfriend), handled all the equipment, provided wet suits, took videos/photos, and taught us how to handle the kayaks/river. I’ve only kayaked a handful of times and he made me feel super safe and comfortable. The tour was so much fun as well! Beautiful water, mountains, and a great side of Chile. It was an extremely enjoyable experience and one of the highlights of our trip! The guide truly knows what he’s doing! Trip is offered in English as well. HIGHLY recommend! This was a more personalized…”
Paddle from Lake Llanquihue into the peaceful Maullín River, with birdlife, mountain views, snacks, pizza, and craft beer.
“We had the best day of our trip so far! The river and its surrounds were lovely - clear, deep water as well as shallow parts with interesting flora, a steady current, beautiful surrounds and lots of birds to watch. Phillipe was a great guide with lots of info about the habitat and guidance about kayaking in this area. Between him and Steve the whole activity was a pleasure - really nice to chat with them at the end over pizza and a beer. Highly recommend this day trip.”
Paddle the Maullín River’s sunken forest near Llanquihue with expert guides, birdlife, kayaks, pizza, craft beer, and a small-group setting.
“We had a wonderful tour on the Maullin river and I can recommend this tour to every nature enthusiast. The route is both beautiful and a bit exciting. Our guide was very knowledable and told us about the different plant and bird species that we saw during the tour.”
Kayak to Chile’s Marble Chapels with a small group, warm gear, local guides, geology stories, and dry clothes waiting in the van.
“This was a fantastic experience. The caves are much more protected than in town so don't let a little wind scare you off. The clothes (neoprene shirt, neoprene pants, wind jacket and booties will keep you plenty warm. Mai was a great tour guiRead more”
Paddle Patagonia’s Reloncaví Fjord, enjoy a farmhouse lunch, spot wildlife, and return to Puerto Varas with gear, transport, and guides included.
“Amazing full day sea kayak with Cata. Everything was slick and very well organised - minimum fuss and just straight to it. Cata was lovely and very knowledgeable. The lunch was an amazing experience with Yolanda and delicious traditional food. 5 stars, we loved it! Highly recommend! Thank you!”
Paddle Chile's largest lake to the Marble Caves near Puerto Río Tranquilo with guides, gear, transfers, and small groups.
“Gabi was an amazing guide and the entire tour was spectacular.”
Kayak Lake Llanquihue near Puerto Varas with views of Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes in a small, four-hour English tour.
“Most companies in Viator provide refunds with 24 hours notice. THIS one does not. Fine print does say this, but people DO get ill. BEWARE!!!”
Review of Punta Arenas whale kayaking, including Cape Froward, Magellan Strait, wildlife, price, timing, guides, and practical booking advice.
“The experience of seeing Whales is incredible. You go out in the boat with everyone regardless of whether they are doing the kayak bit.”
Paddle among icebergs toward Grey Glacier in Torres del Paine with guides, full kayak gear, snacks, and hot drinks.
“I had a great time with wonderful people and special experience in Grey Glacier of Torres del Paine. I really recommend this tour!”
Review of a full-day kayak trip from Santiago to Laguna del Inca, with Aconcagua views, lunch, transport, gear, and practical tips.
“We were the first kayakers of the year and enjoyed every moment of our experience. Our guide was fantastic and made the drive very enjoyable by talking about the country but also allowing us to nap! We even enjoyed the music during the drive :) There was nothing negative about our experience - even the boxed lunch was great! And made better by climbing onto rocks overlooking the beautiful lagoon, enjoying the incredible views while we ate. This was our favourite excursion by far during our visit to Chile (and we did a lot of fun stuff). Kudos to Andes Explora and their crew - you do a fantastic job!…”
Paddle 8 km through Chile’s Marble Caves from Puerto Río Tranquilo, with a guide, equipment, transfers, snacks, and close views of the Sanctuary.
“This kayak tour to the Marble Cathedral was a perfect combination of beauty, adventure and learning, made possible by the impeccable professionalism and passion of our guide Gonzalo. I highly recommend this experience to everyone as it is the only one that allows you to see and enter the formations and caves that lie beyond the cathedral.”
Pick a region or pick a kind of day. Both land on the same shortlists.
