After passing the narrow Río de los Tempanos (River of Icebergs), you can see the San Rafael Glacier in all its glory. Over 3 km. wide and 50 m. high, the glacier's front is an impressive site. Because of the danger of falling ice (you can hear a constant rumbling, ice cracking and huge chunks of ice falling in thewater), you cannot approach the glacier. Instead, you can visit the floating icebergs with a dinghy from the main ship. Most of the floating icebergs are celestial-blue, because of the dense, low-oxygen glacier ice. Most captains will come close enough to chip a part of the icebergs, so back aboard you will be able a glass of wodka or champagne with ancient ice cubes! With any luck you will also be able to spot some of the varied wildlife, including otters, sea lions, Magellan-penguins and many other species of birds (picture © Sernatur 2005).