A marvelous adventure in the isolated and untamed environment of East Greenland

• Video
• Tour Description

  Highlights of the Tour

  • Spectacular Kayaking in a World of Ice
  • Day hikes in the Arctic Wilderness
  • A Taste of the Inuit Culture

  East Greenland is famous for its pristine and unforgiving landscape, with colossal jagged mountains stretching as far as the eyes can see. Gain first-hand experience in how the Inuit traveled from various hunting grounds to another a few generations ago. On this kayaking tour it is not uncommon to encounter curious seals, while listening to icebergs crumbling in the distance. While you paddle through the domain of the giants – the whales, you may feel their deep breaths from afar in this dreamlike corner of the world. During the hikes you will get up close with the forces of nature unlike any other and immerse yourself into a savage wilderness carrying a sweet scent of the fragile flora growing in impossible conditions in valleys and fjords carved by glaciers over thousands of years. The inhabitants of the area are just as vivid as any wild flower, so while you sail by the friendly fishermen you will understand why the Inuit is known as “the smiling folk”.

  Included: Guide, food for 10 days (from lunch day 1 to breakfast day 10), boat transfer: Tasiilaq – Kulusuk, tents (7 nights, 2 pers. in each tent) and camping equipment, kayaks and kayak equipment, transport of kayaks and equipment and 1 night in a guesthouse in Tasiilaq (shared rooms and bathrooms) and 1 night in a Sleepingbag accomodation in Kulusuk Hostel.

  Not included: Flights to/from Kulusuk (can be added on the first and last day of the trip - please choose when you book online), sleeping bag, travel insurance, any expenses derived from unexpected bad weather or delays in flights or boats, anything not stated on “what’s included”.

  Total distance: 100 – 130 km

  If you have questions, please check our FAQs. If you do not find the answer please contact us: [email protected]

• Tour Itinerary

  Day 1 Reykjavík – Kulusuk - Ammasalik Fjord
  When arriving to Kulusuk we do the final preparations and packing of kayaks and start paddling around noon between beautiful icebergs towards Apusiaajik Island where we will see our first glacier – and then west towards our campsite. We aim to cross Ammassalik Fjord to a beautiful campsite in a small bay on east coast of Ammasalik Island. Accommodation: Tents. 
  Kayaking: 5-6 hours, 15-20 km.

  Day 2 Sangmileq Bay
  Today we head first north and after a while further west, deeper into the stunning fjords of the east coast. Our destination for today is at the end of Sammileq bay. Our campsite is situated next to a river surrounded by impressive high peaks and glaciers. Accommodation: Tents.
  Kayaking: 4-6 hours, 10-20 km.
  
  Day 3 Ikâsartivaq Fjord
  We head towards Ikaasatsivaq Fjord, still among high peaks, glaciers and huge cliff faces. We pass an abandonned village and go between small islands if the ice allows us to do so. This is one of our longer days. We stay overnight next to a glacier halfway along the fjord. Accommodation: Tents.
  Kayaking: 7-8 hours, 20-25 km.

  Day 4 Ikâsartivaq Fjord – Tiniteqilaaq – Sermilik Fjord
  After half a day paddling in the fjord surrounded by mountains so tall that they make you feel tiny and humble, we stop in the small Inuit settlement of Tiniteqilaaq. After spending some time in the village, visiting the shop and greeting the locals we steer our kayaks into the magical ice filled Sermilik Fjord and navigate our way around icebergs towards north to a bay and a well-earned rest after a long day. Accommodation: Tents.
  Kayaking: 7-8 hours, 17-22 km.

  Day 5 Sermilik Fjord
  To really grasp the enormity and beauty of the area it’s good to leave the kayaks behind for a day and head up to the mountains for a better view. From our beautifully located campsite we hike uphill to the top of Innertvik (543 m). A wonderful spot to view the whole Sermilik Fjord and to get a good look at the Greenland Icecap. Accommodation: Tents.
  Hiking: 6-7 hours

  Day 6 Sermilik Fjord - Pupik
  We continue south in the Sermilik fjord finding our way through this world of icebergs. We will enjoy the mezmerising ice sculptures, listen to the thunder-like sound of icebergs breaking and turning while looking for curious seals surfacing between the ice. In the afternoon we will arrive to the area of Pupik where we spend the night. Accommodation: Tents. 
  Kayaking: 7-8 hours, 20-23 km.

  Day 7 Pupik – Southern part of Sermilik Fjord
  We leave the hut in the morning for this last day of kayaking. We follow the west coast of Ammassalik Island further south. Following closelly the coastline we pass a nice sand beach and the last few gigantic icebergs before we head into a quiet bay and our last campsite on Ammassalik Island. Accommodation: Tents.
  Kayaking: 6-7 hours, 15-20 km.

  Day 8 Hike from Sermilik to Tasiilaq
  After sending our kayaks off in transfer boats we will start our walk crossing the Ammassalik Island towards Tasiilaq. Walking first gradually uphill to a pass where there is a great view of the Sermilik Fjord that we are now seeing for the last time. Then we head downhill and on flat ground into a different and more fertile landscape. We pass a waterfall and some beautiful lakes on our way to Tasiilaq where we arrive in the late afternoon.
  Accommodation: Guesthouse.
  Hiking: 7-8 hours. 

  Day 9 Tasiilaq - Kulusuk 
  Today we have the day to explore Tasiilaq - the largest town on the east coast with a population of about 2,000 and one of the fastest-growing towns in Greenland. You can go for a visit at the local museum, experience the live local life at the harbor, go for a walk in the blooming Flower Valley or buy some souvenirs to bring home. At the end of the day, we take a boat transport to Kulusuk, where we stay the last night. The boat ride itself, is a great experience. Make sure to look out for whales surfacing between the ice. It is a truly amazing experience seeing and hearing these giants in these surroundings.
  Accommodation: Sleepingbag accommodation.

  Day 10 Kulusuk – Reykjavik
  Today we pack our things and head for the airport for the transportation back to Reykjavik. And that is the end of our journey.

  
  NB - Icelandic Mountain Guides (IMG) reserves the right to change the itinerary without prior notice should this be necessary due to weather or other reasons that are beyond IMG‘s control.

   

• Equipment List

  Kayaking tours in 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 cotton t-shirts. Modern outdoor clothing is by far more comfortable and will greatly improve your experience. It is recommended to follow the equipment list although it is necessary to pack light as everything (equipment + food + tents) needs to fit the kayaks.

    The following equipment is provided/included in the price:

  • Kayak
  • Paddle
  • Spray deck
  • PFD
  • Dry suit
  • Neoprene shoes
    
    Please feel free to bring your own gear that you know to fit you well but let us know if you plan to do so. 

  The following equipment we recommend you to bring:

  Clothing:

  • 2* Long sleeve shirt + trousers (thermal underwear) – Wool or synthetic.
  • T-shirt (thermal underwear) – Wool or synthetic.
  • Light wool or fleece sweater (2nd layer).
  • Trousers – Strong and light material that dries quickly e.g. soft-shell.
  • Jacket or an Anorak with a good hood – windproof, waterproof and breathable.
  • Puffy jacket (e.g. primaloft or down).
  • Rain trousers – windproof, waterproof and breathable. Please note that full rain gear is mandatory on all our tours.
  • Gloves for paddling. Nephrane is great.
  • Gloves – Wool or synthetic for on land
  • Socks – Wool or synthetic
  • Warm hat – Wool or synthetic.
  • Spare change of clothing for campsites
  • Sterdy Hiking Boots for the  hiking days– preferably waterproof with ankle support.

  Other gear:

  • Backpack for the hiking days. 25 – 40 L (1500 – 2500 cu in).  
  • Dry bags for your clothes and gear (All your gear has to be packed in smaller dry bags that can fit in the kayak 5 - 10 L, preferably in different colors). Bring one to have on deck.
  • Sleeping bag – We recommend a 3 or 4 season sleeping bag. The last few summers have been cold.
  • Towel – lightweight and packable.
  • Sunglasses & sun protection. Sun hat or cap.
  • Protection against flies (mosquito's); such at head nets, repellants, etc.
  • 1 L Water container that you can reach easily from your seat in the kayak
  • Personal first aid kit
  • A box/container for your daily lunchs
  • Prescription medication and other personal health items.
  • Toiletries; Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap etc.

  Optional gear:

  • Pen knife
  • Headlamp for reading and getting around the tent (although it does not really get dark)
  • Camera, spare batteries and a memory card or films
  • Aperitif or other heart-warming spirits
  • Power bank / Solar Phone Chargers

• Map
  
• Tour Dates Details

  2020 Departures	Availability
  28.07 - 06.08.2020	Available
  11.08 - 20.08.2020	Available

  2021 Departures	Availability
  27.07 - 05.08.2021	Available
  10.08 - 19.08.2021	Available

  * The 2021 dates are published with a notice that they might change slihgthly
  based on the fligth schedule, published in October 2020.