Immerse yourself in some of the best of Greenland’s amazing nature and culture on this 5-day sightseeing tour, that is two parts boat tour, one part cultural immersion but, accessible to all. Feast your eyes on the amazing vastness and allow your senses to soak up the magic of Arctic nature, calm waters interrupted by icebergs, the occasional calving glaciers and maybe whales and seals in the icefjord. On land, enjoy Inuit culture and history, where the only hustle and bustle comes from eager sled dog puppies and playing children. Soak up even more by visiting a local home, fish like the locals all within the vicinity of Oqaatsut settlement. Cap off your experience with a walk in the near surroundings where waters are decorated with these temporary ice sculptures called icebergs. See full description below.

• Tour Description

  Highlights of the Tour

  • Up close with the Inuit Culture

  • Explore Eqi Calving Glacier

  • Whales blowing in between majestic icebergs

  Experience one of World’s wonders, the UNESCO classified Icefjord, as genuine as it gets by staying in a small village by the fjord. The Icefjord is one of the fastest and most active glaciers in the world. It calves about 43 million ton ice in one day! Or to put it into another perspective: 35 km3 in one year. These numbers are almost unbelievable and it’s something you have to experience to believe. You will stay in the colorful town Ilulissat, with the icefjord in your back-yard, so to say.

  A boat excursion will take you to this world of gigantic icebergs. Experience the deafening silence, broken only by the sound of seagulls and the thunderously exploding ice. Go search for whales, gaze and icebergs, take a hike, go fishing and taste traditional Greenlandic food with a local family. You will have plenty of opportunity to explore the settlement after arrival or do optional activities. Kayaking and other tours can be arranged on site.

  This tour is self guided. This means that you enjoy the freedom of travelling on your own while we take care of your all your stressful travel plans. You get arranged transfers and accommodations reserved just for you! Plus, you get a day-to-day itinerary and a detailed road book where we'll even throw in some great tips that only our certified professional guides know!

  Included: Excursions according to itinerary, accommodation in a 3 star hotel in double/twin room, breakfast, one dinner, one lunch.

  Not included: Flights Reykjavík - Ilulissat - Reykjavík, Meals, other than breakfast and meal mentioned in the tour description.

  Flights can be added to the booking. 

  Flights for Reykjavik-Ilulissat-Reykjavik are around 1030 Euros + taxes. 
  The price depends on availability of the concerned date.
  If the flights are not available as an add-on, contact us for further information on availability and prices.

• Tour Itinerary

  Day 1 Ilulissat and Evening Sailing by the UNESCO Icefjord

  You have a late morning flight from Reykjavík to Ilulissat.  The flight time is 3 hours and 15 minutes. You arrive to Ilulissat early noon. There you will check into your accommodation and start exploring the village and the surroundings.

  In the evening we sail to the incredible Ilulissat Icefjord. Every day about 43 million ton ice calves into the fjord. The result is gigantic icebergs, which can be more than 100 meters on each side and with a height on more than 100 meters above the water surface. Tonight you will go sailing among these amazing icebergs, experience first-hand these tower-like icebergs. Prepare your camera!

  Sailing: 1,5 hours

  Day 2 Whale Watching and Kaffimik - Coffee Party With A Greenlandic Family

  After a good breakfast with a view, we go out on a boat. This is one of Greenland’s great experiences: Whale watching among icebergs. We go by boat to areas where there’s a great chance to meet fin, humpback, Greenland and minke whales. We sail among huge icebergs in an endless variety of formations and colors and get as close as possible to these magnificent marine mammals.

  Summer is prime whale watching season. Up to 15 species visit Greenland’s waters, but the most common are the fin whale, humpback whale, and minke whale.

  Ones back on land, we visit a local family for what is called “kaffemik”, a remarkably cozy get-together where you swap stories and share experiences. You drink coffee or tea, eat cake and enjoy cosy conversation together with others. Kaffemik is an old Greenlandic tradition. Greenlanders invite friends and family for coffee, cake and to chat about anything and everything, to share amusing anecdotes and news about all the goings-on in the family and community.

  Duration: 5-6 hours, sailing: 3 hours.

   

  Day 3 Boat trip to Eqi calving Glacier

  Again we head out on a boat after breakfast. An unforgettable trip to Eqip Sermia, also known as the “calving glacier”. The glacier lies about 80 km north of Ilulissat. It’s incredibly active, noisy and wondrous to behold. A lunch is served on-board the boat, facing the glacier. It does not get much better!

  Duration: sailing 8 hours

   

  Day 4 Afternoon Fishing Tour and Last Dinner

  You have the morning and noon to explore town by yourself if you haven't had the chance. Go for a little walk and explore town and its museums to get a good feel of the history and get a notion of its remoteness. You may also want to go for a walk along the UNESCO fjord Kangia. There are great paths to follow. From here they have have a marathon going to Rodebay every summer. You can go for a walk and try to imagine the struggle running over the hills. But here you can also just enjoy the arctic flora as well as the fantastic icebergs. Great photo opportunities!

  In the afternoon you will be put to the test of the Inuit: fishing for your dinner! We sail to the fishing spot of the day, most probably near Bredebugt or the mouth of the Ilulissat Ice Fjord. While waiting for our catch we have time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

  By the end of the fishing day we will hopefully bring home different sorts of fish like cod, halibut, redfish and catfish. We will take it to town in Rodebay where we cook our last meal in Greenland. Remember to get some white wine from the local shop during the day. The dinner is of course included, as you were the one fishing it. But we have a plan B if luck is not on our side.

  Duration: Fishing 2-3 hours, cooking dinner : 2 hours

  Day 5 Return to Iceland

  It is time to take the last deep breath of the fresh Arctic Air Your flight back to Reykjavík is in the early afternoon.

  Note: The itinerary can be subject to shift in order of the excursions. The content of the tour will remain the same.

   

• Equipment List

  Adventure Greenland

  For your own wellbeing and safety we strongly suggest following the advice of our equipment list, this includes having good quality rain-gear, tops and bottoms! Also respect that cotton clothing is not appropriate for any strenuous outdoor activity – this includes jeans and t-shirts. Modern outdoor clothing is by far more comfortable and will greatly improve your experience. 
  

  Boots and Clothing:

  • Hiking boots – light hiking boots with waterproofing and ankle support are preferred
  • Long and short sleeve thermal underwear – Wool or synthetic
  • Rain Jacket with a good hood– Preferably waterproof and breathable material
  • Hiking pants
  • Rain trousers – Waterproof and breathable material
  • Gloves – Wool or synthetic
  • Socks – two or three pairs of hiking socks - Wool or synthetic
  • Warm hat – Wool or synthetic
  • Puffy jacket / down or synthetic – for the boat ride 

  Other gear:

  • Backpack for clothes and items used during the day. Size: 20-30 litres. 
  • Duffel bag for your overnight gear, preferably not a suit-case
  • Sunglasses and sun protection
  • Water bottle - 05. - 1 L. 
  • Casual clothes / change of clothes
  • Prescription medication and other personal health items
  • Toiletries; Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap etc. 
  • Protection against flies (mosquitos); such at nets, repellents, etc.

  Optional gear:

  • Walking pole(s)
  • Pen knife
  • Sun/rain Hat or a Cap
  • Camera, spare batteries and a memory card or films
  • Slippers for indoor use
  • Earplugs

  Should you have any questions regarding this equipment list or the equipment on our tours feel free to contact [email protected]

• Map