Western Greenland southwards 7% Advantage

This expedition focuses on West Greenland and combines days at sea with in depth stays in selected coastal communities. You cross the Arctic Circle by ship, travel through Eternity Fjord and explore Uummannaq Fjord, where it can be possible to reach sections that are rarely visited. In Disko Bay you travel alongside drift ice and icebergs, and you also visit Sisimiut, Uummannaq and Ilulissat, including the UNESCO area around the Ilulissat Icefjord. Zodiac cruises and guided walks follow coastlines and lead to viewpoints, offering different perspectives on glacial landscapes and floating ice. In Uummannaq and Sisimiut, the emphasis is on insights into everyday life in Arctic communities, complemented by guided strolls and time to explore independently. On board, polar experts accompany you with presentations and photography support. With some luck, you may also spot seabirds and, occasionally, whales in the ice filled waters. Optional activities such as sea kayaking, paddling excursions or mountain biking may be available, depending on weather and local conditions.

Day 1: Arrival in Keflavik and hotel night
Your journey begins with your arrival in Iceland. You make your own way to the group hotel near Keflavik Airport, which is included in the charter flight and hotel package. The rest of the day is at your leisure. If you would like to visit Reykjavik, allow around one hour for the journey between Keflavik and the city centre, depending on whether you travel by taxi or public transport.

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Day 2: Charter flight to Kangerlussuaq and embarkation
After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group transfers together to the airport. From there you fly by private charter to Kangerlussuaq in Greenland, a small settlement that for many decades served as the country’s main airport. After landing, you are taken to a very small harbour, where the expedition team organises embarkation and brings you to the ship by Zodiac shuttle. Embarkation takes place in the late afternoon, after which you set course for the Arctic coast.

Day 3: At sea and introduction to the Arctic
Your first full day on board above 66 degrees 33 minutes north is for settling in and getting oriented. You can make use of the ship’s facilities, including the whirlpools, or spend time in the Observation Lounge on Deck 8 to look out for drifting ice, seabirds and other wildlife. There are also presentations led by polar experts.

Day 4: Uummannaq and exploring the town
You reach Uummannaq Fjord and travel towards the community of Uummannaq, whose name in Greenlandic means heart shaped, inspired by the distinctive mountain above the town. Landing is by Zodiac. On shore you can walk through the settlement with its colourful houses, see a meadow of turf houses beside a stone church, and visit the local museum as well as an artisans’ market. Another nearby museum honours the artist Rockwell Kent. Depending on the schedule, you join a guided walk or explore Uummannaq on your own.

Day 5: Uummannaq Fjord and rarely visited sections
Today you venture deeper into Uummannaq Fjord, into areas reached by only a small number of travellers. You experience narrow fjords with steep cliffs, large drifting icebergs, exposed geological formations, and rarely seen glaciers and waterfalls, which can be particularly striking after rain. Exploration is by Zodiac and, where possible, with short landings, accompanied by the expedition team. In Uummannaq there may also be encounters with locals, sometimes as part of a kaffemik with hot drinks and light snacks, usually with translation.

Day 6: Disko Bay and arrival in Ilulissat
You travel into Disko Bay and approach Ilulissat. In these ice rich waters, whales are occasionally sighted. In the inner harbour, icebergs often drift among fishing boats and small skiffs. You have time to explore the town, which in recent years has developed further with new restaurants, small businesses and boutique hotels.

Day 7: Ilulissat Icefjord and UNESCO World Heritage
Today centres on the UNESCO protected Ilulissat Icefjord. It is the passage for countless icebergs calved from the fast moving Eqip Sermia glacier and carried into Disko Bay. A short boardwalk leads to an elevated viewpoint with views of icebergs of different sizes. In the surrounding area, Arctic cotton grass and summer wildflowers grow. You also learn more about Knud Rasmussen, who was born in Ilulissat and, during the Fifth Thule Expedition from 1921 to 1924, travelled by dog sled from Greenland to Alaska and briefly to Siberia, documenting in Kalaallisut.

Day 8: Sisimiut and coastal everyday life
You visit Sisimiut, a community with a rich history and culture. As you enter the inner harbour, you see activity at the marina, where catches from Baffin Bay arrive, including halibut, shrimp and other seafood. On shore, routes lead through the town with colourful houses and Arctic cotton grass. Greenlandic dogs are present in kennels and reflect the close connection with their owners. The guideline is to always ask permission before approaching. Guided walks with the expedition team and local partners provide insight into daily life, complemented by time to explore independently.

Day 9: Eternity Fjord with cliffs and glaciers
The approximately 75 kilometre long Eternity Fjord is characterised by mountains rising steeply from the sea and glaciers flowing down into deeply cut valleys. Depending on conditions, you explore the fjord by Zodiac, on foot ashore, or in combination. A range of hikes or shorter shoreline walks is offered, accompanied by an experienced team, and there are also good views from the ship’s outer decks.

Day 10: Disembarkation in Nuuk and flight back to Iceland
In the morning you reach Nuuk, the northernmost capital city in the world. If the schedule allows, you may be able to explore Nuuk briefly. Afterwards, the expedition team brings you ashore by Zodiac and you transfer to the airport for the charter flight to Reykjavik. On arrival, you are transferred to the group hotel, with the overnight stay included in the charter flight and transfer package.

Day 11: Departure from Keflavik after breakfast
The final day begins with breakfast at the hotel in Keflavik. Afterwards, you arrange your own transfer to the nearby airport and continue your onward journey, or extend your stay in Iceland if this has been arranged in advance.

Included:

• Hotel nights in Keflavik as per the charter flight and hotel package
• Private charter flights Reykjavik to Kangerlussuaq and Nuuk to Reykjavik
• Transfers and group transfers as per the programme
• Expedition on board Ocean Explorer
• Zodiac shuttles and Zodiac cruises
• Guided hikes and shore landings
• Polar Plunge
• Photography support by guides
• Presentations and talks by polar experts
• Meals and beverages on board as per the onboard concept

Not included:

• International travel to and from Iceland
• Individual transfers between Keflavik and Reykjavik city centre
• Visa costs and travel insurance
• Mandatory expedition gear and personal equipment
• On board expenses and personal extras
• Optional adventure activities and trip extensions

Optional upgrades:

• Sea kayaking
• Paddling excursion in an inflatable two person kayak
• Mountain biking in Sisimiut or subject to availability
• Cabin upgrades on board

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