West Greenland: Southbound

Voyage Overview

Discover massive icebergs and visit Greenlandic communities.

This expedition is designed for travelers who want an immersive journey to West Greenland—where tidewater glaciers, storied fjords, colossal icebergs, and picturesque coastal communities bring the spirit of the region to life. You will journey deep into both Eternity Fjord—and the rarely-visited Itilleq Fjord. You’ll also explore Ilulissat, Eqip Sermia and Uummannaq—West Greenland’s crown jewels of ice and stone—all in one seamless trip. And thanks to our partnerships with locals, we’ll take you beyond the guidebooks, connecting you with Greenland through those who call it home. Plus, you’ll cross the iconic Arctic Circle.

Trip Details

Duration: 11 Days

Ship: Ocean Explorer, Premium Ship, 138 passengers

Start: Reykjavik, Iceland

End: Reykjavik, Iceland

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland
Arrive in the Icelandic capital and make your way to the group hotel near Keflavik Airport. You will have the rest of the day to explore this fascinating city, known for its Norse history, and stunning architecture. If you plan to visit the city of Reykjavik, allow for a one-hour transfer between Keflavik and Reykjavík.

Day 2: Fly to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland and Embark
After an early breakfast at the hotel, guests will transfer together to the airport and board our private charter f light to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. This is a very small town that for decades served as Greenland’s primary airport. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to a very small harbor, where your Expedition Team will provide Zodiac shuttles to your awaiting ship. After a late-afternoon embarkation, we will set sail for the stunning Arctic wilderness.

Day 3: At Sea: Welcome to the Arctic
You have multiple choices for your f irst ship day above 66°33° North latitude, which you will spend aboard Ocean Explorer. You can check out the ship’s amenities, like the Jacuzzis, attend an educational presentation led by our polar experts, or relax in stylish Observation Lounge on Deck 8 while you spot drifting ice, seabirds and other wildlife.

Day 4 & 5: Uummannaq: Mountains, ice, and Greenlandic smiles
Two full days in Uummannaq—a rarity on Arctic expeditions—means you will get to devote one day to Uummannaq town and the second to Uummannaq Fjord. We arrive in Uummannaq Fjord in the morning and cruise toward the community of Uummannaq. In Greenlandic, Uummannaq translates to “heart-shaped,” inspired by the dramatic mountain that rises above the town. Visiting this remote community is a rare privilege. We reach town by Zodiac and may be greeted by locals— and the ever-smiling chief of police. It’s said that smiles here are as common as drifting icebergs. Winding roads take you past colorful homes before reaching a meadow of turf houses beside a stone church. You can visit the local museum and artisan market for a glimpse of life in northern Greenland. Another nearby museum honors artist Rockwell Kent, who was inspired by the landscapes of Uummannaq Fjord and Disko Bay. You may choose to join a guided walk or explore on your own. Several homes may open for kaffemik, a social gathering with hot drinks, light snacks and a chance for locals and visitors to connect. Rest assured, the people of Uummannaq will be curious about your part of the world. Shy smiles and translated conversations are natural during these authentic cultural exchanges—which are usually memorable. A parting gift from one local fisherman: “Keep life simple— simple is beautiful.” On Day 5, you’ll have the opportunity to venture deeper into Uummannaq Fjord and explore areas seldom seen by travelers. Highlights include narrow fjords with steep cliffs rising straight from the sea, large drifting icebergs, striking naked (exposed) geology, rarelyseen glaciers, and cascading waterfalls-some thunderous after a heavy rain. After these two days, you’ll have experienced parts of Uummannaq that many Greenlanders have yet to see.

Day 6 & 7: Disko Bay & Illulisat: Explore a UNESCO World Heritage site
Ilulissat, located in Disko Bay, is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ilulissat Icefjord, which serves as the thoroughfare for countless icebergs calved from the world’s fastest-moving glacier, Eqip Sermia. A small boardwalk leads to an elevated overlook, where you can view bergs of all sizes spread out before you. From this vantage point, it feels as though you’re standing where the town ends and the wilderness—no doubt humbled by the sweeping vista of ice. You will also notice the Arctic cotton grass and summer wildflowers thriving in the long daylight hours. The inner harbor often holds evidence of the icefjord’s reach, with drifting icebergs mingling among fishing boats and skiffs. The town itself is well worth exploring, and has become one of Greenland’s top destinations. Recent years have brought growth— colorful homes now sit beside new restaurants, boutique hotels and small businesses. History buffs will be excited to know Ilulissat is the birthplace of Arctic explorer Knud Rasmussen, who traveled by dog sled from Greenland to Alaska (and briefly Siberia) during the Fifth Thule Expedition (1921–1924). Fluent in Kalaallisut, he learned from and documented the Circumpolar Inuit he met—considered one of the Arctic’s greatest expeditions. The dramatic landscapes around Ilulissat inspired Rasmussen’s life of exploration. As we approach town, watch out for whales, which occasionally frequent the icebergladen waters.

Day 8: Sisimiut: A peaceful Greenlandic community
Today we’ll visit Sisimiut, a community rich with Greenlandic history and culture. As we approach via the inner harbor, you’ll spot locals coming and going from the marina, bringing halibut, shrimp and other seafood freshly harvested from Baffin Bay. Upon reaching shore, we’ll follow winding roads through the vibrant town dotted with colorful homes and Arctic cotton grass blooming under the summer sun. While the waterfront may be lively with boat traffic, life uphill moves at a relaxed pace. You may hear children laughing, sled dogs barking, and locals exchanging greetings—sounds that often bring smiles to both visitors and residents. Greenlandic dogs, often seen in kennels throughout town, reflect the deep bond between owners and their canine teams. As in any Arctic community, always ask before petting or approaching these working dogs. Our expedition team and local partners will lead guided walks and provide insight into daily life in Greenland— and you will be able to share your own story with locals, who will be curious about your homeland. One scenic walk leads to the Taseralik Cultural House, beside Nalunnguarfiup Tasia, a small tranquil lake at the base of a 780-meter (2,550 feet) Nasaasaaq mountain. You’ll walk the same paths locals use every day, experiencing not just the look of Sisimiut, but its rhythm, sounds and genuine sense of place. We also aim to team up with our local mountain-biking partners in Sisimiut, exploring trails that lead outside the town limits.

Day 9: Eternity Fjord: Towering cliffs and glaciers
The 75-km-long (47 miles) Eternity Fjord lives up to its name—its beauty feels endless. You will be surrounded by precipitous mountains rising straight out of the sea and glaciers spilling down deep-cut valleys. Within the fjord, you may explore by Zodiac or on foot—or both—with the potential to cruise the coastlines and floating glacial ice. You can anticipate a range of hikes or on-shore walks—always accompanied by our knowledgeable team, whose expertise bring the world’s largest island into focus. Transiting the fjord by ship will provide excellent opportunities for you to soak in the scenery from the outer decks of the ship.

Day 10: Disembarkation in Nuuk and flight to Reykjavik
The morning will find you in the port at Nuuk, the northernmost capital city in the world. If time permits, you may have an opportunity to explore Nuuk. Otherwise, your Expedition Team will shuttle you to ashore by Zodiac, after which you will be transferred to the airport for your charter flight to Reykjavik. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the group hotel for the night, which is included in the Charter Flight and Transfer Package.

Day 11: Depart Reykjavik, Iceland
After breakfast, you can transfer independently from your Keflavik hotel to the nearby airport for your onward journey, or explore Iceland as prearranged.

EXPEDITION SPIRIT: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team  must  consider  the sea, ice and weather to guide the route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you may experience on this voyage; please  be  aware  that  no  specific  itinerary can be guaranteed. By the same  token,  wildlife  encounters  as  described  are  expected,  but  not  guaranteed.  Your  Expedition  Team  will  use  their  considerable  experience to seek out wildlife in known habitats, but the presence of any particular species of bird or marine wildlife is not guaranteed.