6 Kayak Trips in Chile Worth the Day

1.Guided Kayak Trip on Liucura River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 87 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $75Our pick

Paddle the Liucura River near Pucón with guides Guillermo, Gio, or Lorenzo. You’ll use open sit-on-top kayaks, neoprene gear, and safety equipment while handling calm stretches and bubbly rapids. The trip includes private transportation, local wildlife and plant life, secret river spots, and views toward Villarrica Volcano.

“Gio is wonderful guide. He is thoughtful, friendly and he loves to be on the river kayaking. His knowledge and friendliness are exceptional. We had a wonderful trip. The surroundings are beautiful. Highly, highly recommended!!”

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2.Tour Guiado en Kayak por Rio Maullin / Medío dia en Pto. Varas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 47 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $115

Meet Cahuil Adventure in Llanquihue for a guided paddle on Lake Llanquihue and the Maullín River. Guides such as Phillipe, Steve, and Andres provide instruction, safety gear, local stories, and help on the water. After about two and a half hours of kayaking, enjoy a snack, optional swim, 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.”

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3.Kayak through the Sunken Forest of the Maullín River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 41 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $95

Paddle through the submerged forest of the Maullín River near Llanquihue with guides such as Felipe, Camilla, Esteban, or Benjamin. Expect bird and plant watching, basic kayaking instruction, a short stretch of faster water, and a pizza brunch with craft beer or a soft drink. Sea kayaks and sit-on-top kayaks are available.

“This was an excellent half day kayak experience. We paddled in a beautiful area with lots of different birds to see and gorgeous scenery. Our guide Filipe was excellent. He had lots of knowledge about the birds and plants, which was very interesting. The instruction on paddling and steering technique was helpful and the advice on the route to take on the faster water was so helpful. We felt safe and supported. It really was a brilliant afternoon.”

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4.Marble Chapels Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 33 reviews · from $60Best value

Paddle from Bahía Mansa to Patagonia’s Marble Tunnel, Marble Chapel, and Marble Cathedral with Cormorán Expediciones. Guides such as Mai and Magdalena provide safety instruction, geology explanations, warm neoprene clothing, dry storage, and photos. The three-hour trip uses open fishing kayaks and groups of one to six people.

“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”

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5.Sea Kayaking the first fjord of Patagonia

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews · 1 day (approx.) · from $110

Start at Ko’KayaK near Ensenada at 8:30 am for a guided paddle on the Reloncaví Fjord. After calm-water instruction, you’ll kayak toward Yolanda’s farmhouse for a traditional lunch, then continue toward Cochamó. Stable single and tandem kayaks, safety gear, private transport, and return service are included.

“My husband and I are not complete kayak beginners, but that really doesn't matter, as with Richard's instruction anyone can do it. The gloomy day still provided the journey with a distinctive beauty through the fog. We were kept nice and warm with wetsuits and dry jackets. The rustic farmhouse lunch was fabulous and like a step back in time, but the hospitality of these beautiful people was gold. Our only minor criticism was that we spent a little too long over lunch. We really would have enjoyed kayaking a bit longer. As I said MINOR! What really made our trip memorable, was the close interaction with sea lions we…”

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6.Puerto Rio Tranquilo: Kayak Tour to the Marmol Chapels

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 24 reviews · from $75

From ChileAndes in Puerto Río Tranquilo, you ride 20 minutes to the bay, learn kayak basics, then paddle about 1.5 hours among the Marble Caves, Cathedral, and Chapels. Guides such as Gabi and Jose provide safety help, local interpretation, and photos. Kayaks, clothing, transfers, and sanctuary entry are included.

“Well organized, very good equipment, great guide, very helpful and a lot of photos”

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