Gems of West Greenland: Fjords, Icebergs and Culture

As you sail north along the west coast to our first area of exploration, the Expedition Team will prepare you for the adventures that lie ahead. Once activity and excursion briefings are completed, the education team will schedule presentations on the wildlife and fascinating history of Greenland, its geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore.

Uummannaq Fjord is the second-largest fjord system in Greenland surpassed only by Scoresbysund in east Greenland. On these itinerary days you will have the opportunity to become one of few people ever to explore this area in depth and travel beyond the predictable tourist destinations. The fjord is full of cultural and natural wonders. Potential excursions include visits to the town of Uummanaq, venturing into Qilakitsoq (the site where the famous Greenland Mummies were discovered) and excursions focused around Store Glacier and its immense discharge zone. You’ll embrace the expeditionary spirit as we pioneer new destinations within the labyrinth of valleys and channels in the depths of the fjord.

Disko Bay is a wide, southeastern inlet of Baffin Bay and is the largest open bay in western Greenland. Keep an eye out for whales flitting through the waters. Visit the community of Illulissat, which is situated at the head of outlet fjord for Sermeq Kujalleq (Jakobshavn Glacier), known for discharging 35 billion tons of ice each year. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, the fjord is immensely beautiful. Continue to the wild beauty of Equip Sermia or Torsukatak Fjords, located in the northeast corner of Disko Bay. Both of these remote areas offer fantastic vistas of large active glacial faces and provide plenty of opportunities for hiking, paddling, and Zodiac cruising.

Qeqqata municipality is Greenland’s second smallest administrative region. Situated in the middle of the country’s western coast, Qeqqata is home to almost 20% of Greenland’s populace, most of whom reside in Sisimiut and Maniitsoq. During these two days enjoy community and wilderness-focused activities. You are likely to visit Sisimiut, where you can wonder through the open air museum, participate in local tastings or join a hiking group to venture beyond the town limits along one of many incredible hiking trails on Sisimiut’s doorstep. In this area you can also do a mountain bike activity (with extra charge). Further south, around Maniitsoq, equally impressive areas await you. Hike and picnic with friends from Maniitsoq at the picturesque Innussuit Tasersuat alpine lake. The fjord systems beyond Maniitsoq are deep and rarely visited. The magical Eternity Fjord is home to the highest mountains in all of West Greenland.

Disembark from your ship and hop on a Zodiac for a final ride to the Kangerlussuaq shore. Make your way to the airport and catch your charter flight back to Reykjavik, Iceland. Check into either the Grandi by Center Hotels or the Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina, your centrally located accommodations near the Old Harbor. Rest and relax, or immerse yourselves in the cultural scene and nightlife of Reykjavik.