Set Sail on a Summer Odyssey Through the Arctic Wonders | 8 Days | West Greenland

The adventure begins in Ilulissat

Upon arriving in Ilulissat, a picturesque town on the west coast of Greenland, you will be greeted by our staff who will assist with your transfer to the expedition ship. The town's stunning natural surroundings, featuring a bay dotted with myriad icebergs, will capture your attention immediately.

In the evening, join us for a welcome dinner where you can meet your fellow adventurers. During this time, your guide will present an overview of the journey ahead and discuss important safety protocols for our time onboard. After dinner, our voyage towards the Ilulissat Icefjord begins. As night falls, we sail into a world where the icebergs, illuminated by the midnight sun, display their majestic forms. These ice sculptures vary wildly in shape – some resembling castles, others like towering mountains or intricate arches, all reflected beautifully in the tranquil waters. Keep your cameras ready to capture this otherworldly scenery.

Exploring Oqaatsut and Eqi Glacier

Today, we set sail towards Oqaatsut, a quaint settlement formerly known as Rodebay. Home to just 45 inhabitants, this village offers a glimpse into traditional Greenlandic life, with fishing as the cornerstone of the local economy. You will have the opportunity to interact with the warm-hearted locals and learn about their enduring lifestyle.

As we head north in the afternoon, our journey takes us to one of Greenland's natural wonders – the majestic Eqi Glacier. Known locally as Eqip Sermia, this glacier is renowned for its dynamic calvings. Positioned 80 km north of Ilulissat, Eqi is one of the most active calving glaciers in Greenland, making it a prime spot for witnessing the dramatic spectacle of ice breaking off into the water. The thunderous sound of the ice crashing and the sight of a 200-meter high ice wall stretching 4 km wide between mountainous landscapes are truly awe-inspiring.

Our approach to the glacier will vary between 2 to 3 kilometers, depending on recent calving activity, but the view remains spectacular regardless of distance. During our sail, the expedition leader will enrich our experience with insights into the natural surroundings, the glacier’s significant role in polar exploration, and the cultural history of the region. Keep an eye out for whales, as these magnificent creatures are often sighted en route to the glacier.

Hiking to EQI Glacier & BBQ

The day starts with an energizing breakfast, setting us up for a 5 km hike towards the glacier's edge. Our trek begins at the port and takes us around a small lagoon at the southern end of the glacier, a popular site for geese during the breeding season. As we ascend to the moraine, we are granted the chance to look down into the vast crevasses of the glacier, mere hundreds of meters away.

From our elevated position, we gain a panoramic view of the glacier’s front, where the spectacular sight of calving ice may occur. Highlighting our day will be a BBQ set against the breathtaking backdrop of the EQI Glacier. After soaking in the stunning scenery, we will return to the expedition ship for dinner, reflecting on the day’s incredible experiences.

Glacial passages & visiting an Inuit family in Saqqaq

Today, our expedition leads us across the expansive fronts of the South and North Glaciers, where the ice stretches over 10 km. As we navigate through narrow fjords peppered with icebergs of all sizes, the stunning icy landscape envelops us. By late afternoon, we will arrive at Saqqaq, the northernmost settlement in the Ilulissat region.

Our schedule includes a visit to an Inuit family, where we will be greeted with traditional Greenlandic cakes and coffee. While enjoying these local treats, our hosts will share stories and insights, offering us a deeper understanding of life in North Greenland.

Discovering Disko Island

Today, our journey takes us to Disko Island, celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes. As we approach the island, the sight of majestic mountains soaring a thousand meters above the ocean will greet us. The immense glacier, Sermersuaq, dominates the western flanks of Disko Island, a spectacle of nature's grandeur.

Upon arrival in Qeqertarsuaq, the main town on Disko Island, we will introduce you to this rugged yet stunning locale. Qeqertarsuaq is picturesque, with its colorful houses nestled between the harbor and mountains on one side, and the coast and sea on the other. It is common to spot whales along the coast, adding to the town’s charm.

You will have the opportunity to take a guided walk through the town, gaining insights into both its ancient and recent history, perfect for those keen on travel photography.

Additionally, we offer free use of 4 kayaks for our guests to explore the coastal waters at their leisure.

From Disko Island to Ilulissat

In the morning, you can enjoy a scenic walk to Kuannit. We will explore the natural wilderness on foot, hiking from the town and passing the Red River at the bridge, continuing along the coast. At Kuannit, you can witness the geological marvel of lava that erupted millions of years ago and, upon rapid cooling, contracted and cracked into spectacular sculptures of 6-sided basalt columns. The area is lush with a variety of flowers and the tasty Angelica plant.

On the coastline, you will discover a basalt stone uniquely shaped like an elephant drinking from the sea. The trek offers a blend of Arctic summer vegetation, volcanic formations, and icebergs drifting along the coast. Afterward, we will sail back to Ilulissat, arriving just in time to enjoy the midnight sun among the icebergs. Additionally, we serve snow crab once per trip, adding a unique culinary experience to your adventure.

Tracing Inuit heritage and whale watching in Ilulissat

Today, we will embark on a hike along the magnificent Icefjord. The journey takes us to the historical site of Sermermiut, located 1.5 kilometers south of Ilulissat. For 4000 years, this area was home to various Inuit cultures. As you explore, you can see the sparse ruins that mark their presence and learn about the Inuit way of life and traditions before European contact. Feel the ancient permafrost with your own hands and observe the remnants of these early inhabitants.

Our path will also lead us through “Kællingekløften,” where you can absorb the stunning views of the Ice Fjord. Throughout the hike, we will discuss the local flora, fauna, geology, and share fascinating facts about the surrounding ice.

In the late afternoon, we will set sail again for a whale-watching expedition. It is often a breathtaking experience to come close to such magnificent creatures. In the summer, we typically see humpback, minke, and fin whales. Known for its acrobatics, the humpback whale, with its distinctive humped fin and white-marked tail, is especially thrilling to observe as it leaps from the water. Disko Bay offers prime opportunities to witness these majestic animals in their quest for fish, squid, and krill.

Farewell and departure

Today marks the end of our Arctic adventure. In the morning, we will gather one last time for breakfast to bid farewell to each other and to Greenland. You will be transferred to the airport for your departure, carrying with you memories of a lifetime from this unique journey.