Kayak Excursion on the Reloncaví Fjord, Puerto Varas

4.8 (4 reviews)
Paddle 11 miles on the Reloncaví Fjord, stop for a lunch break, and look out for sea lions, dolphins, and birds along the way.
Show all photos
Joanna
Joanna W.
Nov 22, 2024
This was something I would not have chosen for myself but I’m so glad I did it. Stunning day out with so many sights - sea... Read more
ashley
ashley c.
Dec 11, 2022
If you like adventuring and want to engage with the mostly lovely locals ever, this is your trip. Our day was a little windy so the... Read more
M
Michael P.
Dec 02, 2022
This experience was amazing! Fantastic views of the fjord, the volcano, and the sea lions. All while getting a little exercise out on the water. The... Read more
Previous Next
See all reviews

Overview

It's common to begin the kayaking excursion on the Reloncaví Fjord with hotel pick-up in Puerto Varas, from which your guide may drive you to the Bay of Ralún, where you'll receive equipment and listen to a briefing. Next, you'll likely begin your 11-mile (18 km) journey, taking in the views of snowcapped mountains and the Yate Volcano and possibly spotting wildlife, including sea lions, dolphins, and migratory birds. Perhaps you can enjoy a mid-day stop at a local farm to savor lunch and learn about sustainable living before continuing to Cochamó, a village renowned for the salmon and mussel industries. It's common to finish the day with transport back to Puerto Varas.

Highlights

  • Paddle nearly 11 miles (18 km) between the villages of Ralún and Cochamó 
  • Take a lunch break at a local farm and learn about their sustainable lifestyle
  • Marvel at views of the fjord, snowcapped mountains, and abundant wildlife
  • Visit the village of Cochamó and gain insight into the local salmon and mussel industries
  • Enjoy the convenience of pick-up and drop-off in Puerto Varas

Know before you go

Recommended for
All ages
Group
Small group

What you'll do

Begin your day bright and early as a van picks you up from your hotel in Puerto Varas. Then, you may enjoy a scenic drive along Llanquihue Lake to the base in Ensenada, where expert guides may brief you on the day's itinerary. Here, perhaps they'll provide you with a complete set of equipment, including neoprene suits and boots, windbreaker jackets, life jackets, and dry bags.

Next, it's common to set off to the mouth of the RÍo Petrohué in the Reloncaví Fjord at the Bay of Ralún, where the initial kayaking section lasts for about one and a half hours. Perhaps you'll stop at the Peninsula Rollizo, where you may take a moment to stretch your legs and enjoy a homemade lunch inside the home of local hosts. When everyone finishes eating, you can return to your kayak for a couple more hours of paddling south with the Yate Volcano in sight. This part of the fjord is rich in wildlife, and if you're lucky, you may even spot sea lions, dolphins, and a wide array of avifauna. 

When you reach the town of Cochamó, you've likely concluded the kayaking portion of the excursion. Here, your guides might show you the incredible viewpoint over the fjord and the valley that opens to the east. After a final stroll along this charming fishing village's waterfront, it will likely be time to board the van to head back to Puerto Varas for hotel drop-off in the early evening.

Like what you see?

Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.

Get started

Traveler reviews

4 total ratings, 4 with reviews
4.8
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
4.8
Food
3.5
Guides, Drivers and Staff
4.8
Transport
4.8
Joanna
Joanna W.
Canada | Reviewed on Nov 22, 2024
This was something I would not have chosen for myself but I’m so glad I did it. Stunning day out with so many sights - sea lions up close, birds nearby, a lovely little lamb gamboling up to us at the lunch stop and an (optional) cold plunge at the end Read more

This was something I would not have chosen for myself but I’m so glad I did it. Stunning day out with so many sights - sea lions up close, birds nearby, a lovely little lamb gamboling up to us at the lunch stop and an (optional) cold plunge at the end

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Joe
Joe S.
Austin, TX | Reviewed on Feb 19, 2023
Jass was great but fjord but was wide and large and did not feel very intimate for a kayaking trip. Read more

Jass was great but fjord but was wide and large and did not feel very intimate for a kayaking trip.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
ashley
ashley c.
Roswell, GA | Reviewed on Dec 11, 2022
If you like adventuring and want to engage with the mostly lovely locals ever, this is your trip. Our day was a little windy so the athletic demand was higher than anticipated but so worth it. The lunch break at Yolanda and Juan Carlos’ farm was magical. Our kids (22, 18,17 & 12) had the chance to see up close the beauty of living in connection with the land. Walking around the property proved to be high on everyone’s list of favorite things on our amazing Chilean adventure. Read more

If you like adventuring and want to engage with the mostly lovely locals ever, this is your trip. Our day was a little windy so the athletic demand was higher than anticipated but so worth it. The lunch break at Yolanda and Juan Carlos’ farm was magical. Our kids (22, 18,17 & 12) had the chance to see up close the beauty of living in connection with the land. Walking around the property proved to be high on everyone’s list of favorite things on our amazing Chilean adventure.

Tips for future travelers

The outfitter provides a dry suit and booties so you only need to bring a swimsuit and towel, regardless of season.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guides were so engaged and informative. We loved them.
Transport
Seem less pickup and return to our hotel in Puerto Varas
M
Michael P.
Edina, MN | Reviewed on Dec 02, 2022
This experience was amazing! Fantastic views of the fjord, the volcano, and the sea lions. All while getting a little exercise out on the water. The the view from the woman’s farm where we stopped for lunch was awe inspiring. And she was extremely sweet. Chloe our guide was fantastic too. She was funny and knowledgeable. Also, I have to plug the lunch. All the other excursions had boxed lunches from a company. They were fine. But these lunches, someone took real time making just for us:... Read more

This experience was amazing! Fantastic views of the fjord, the volcano, and the sea lions. All while getting a little exercise out on the water.

The the view from the woman’s farm where we stopped for lunch was awe inspiring. And she was extremely sweet.

Chloe our guide was fantastic too. She was funny and knowledgeable. Also, I have to plug the lunch. All the other excursions had boxed lunches from a company. They were fine. But these lunches, someone took real time making just for us: salads, homemade cookies, coffee riverside, etc. And they took into account some dietary restrictions I have. Really put an amazing experience over the top by going that extra mile.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport

Like what you see?

Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.

Get started

Puerto Varas Experiences

Show more Puerto Varas experiences
Previous Next

Chile Experiences

Show more Chile experiences
Previous Next

Best of Puerto Varas

Best of Puerto Varas
Previous Next

Trip Planning Essentials

Previous Next