Practical questions
What to wear, and the wind on deck
The northern arm is more exposed than the sheltered Perito Moreno walkways, and the best views are outside. Here is how to actually stay comfortable for a full day on the water.
See Glaciers Gourmet cruise tickets on GetYourGuide ↗Quick answers
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Biggest factor | Wind, more than raw temperature |
| Best layer | A windproof, waterproof outer shell |
| Where the views are | The open outer decks, not the cabin |
| Footwear | Closed, comfortable shoes — no ice walking on this route |
| Sun | Patagonian UV is strong even on cool, overcast days |
Why wind matters more than temperature
El Calafate's daytime temperature on a mild day can be perfectly pleasant, and still feel cold on the water. The northern arm is more exposed than the walkways at Perito Moreno, and a boat moving through open water generates its own wind chill on top of whatever is already blowing off the ice. Dress for the wind first, the thermometer second.
The layering that actually works
A base layer, an insulating mid-layer, and a genuinely windproof and waterproof outer shell beats one thick coat — you can adjust through the day as the boat moves between sheltered channels and open water, and strip back when lunch is served inside if the cabin runs warm. Gloves and a hat are worth packing even outside deep winter; hands and ears feel the wind first.
Where to actually stand
The views this cruise is built around — the bergs off Upsala, the wall at Spegazzini — are seen properly from the open outer decks, not through cabin glass. Budget for spending real time outside in the wind rather than treating the deck as a brief photo stop between warm indoor stretches.
Footwear and what not to pack
This is a boat-only listing with no ice walking, so crampons and technical mountain boots are unnecessary — comfortable, closed, non-slip shoes are enough for the decks and any short landing stops along the route. Save the technical gear for a Perito Moreno Mini-Trekking day if that's also on your itinerary.
Sun, even on a grey day
Patagonian sun reflecting off ice and open water is stronger than the temperature suggests, and cloud cover does not block UV the way it blocks warmth. Sunglasses and sunscreen are worth packing regardless of the forecast, alongside the wind layers.
Motion and a long day on the water
The northern arm is generally calmer than open ocean, but a full day of sailing with a proper lunch can still unsettle a sensitive stomach, particularly if the wind picks up. Travelling with motion-sickness tablets if you know you're prone to it is a sensible, low-effort precaution for a 10 to 12-hour day rather than a half-hour ferry hop.
Travelling with kids
Some northern-arm vessels include a small onboard recreation area for children, which helps with a long day, but the same wind and layering advice applies to kids as to adults — pack a proper windproof layer for them too, not just a jacket meant for a mild day in town. Check the age policy on your specific listing before booking if travelling with very young children.
A short packing list
In summary: a windproof, waterproof outer shell; a warm mid-layer; gloves and a hat even outside deep winter; sunglasses and sunscreen; comfortable closed shoes; cash in Argentine pesos for the park fee if not prepaid; and a camera you can access quickly on deck. That covers the practical side of the day — the rest is simply showing up on time for pickup.
Dressing for the temperature swing
El Calafate's own daytime temperature can be genuinely mild in summer, which is exactly why underestimating the boat is the most common mistake — the gap between how warm the town feels and how cold the open deck feels an hour later is bigger than most first-time visitors expect. Treat the forecast for El Calafate town as a starting point, not the conditions you will actually experience on the water.
Layers you can actually take off
The gourmet lunch is served inside, where the cabin can run warm once a full boatload of passengers sits down together — a jacket that unzips easily and layers that pack down small matter more here than one bulky all-in-one coat you have to fully remove and stow. Aim for pieces you can shed and re-add through the day as you move between the open deck and the warmer indoor seating.