Treasures of the Greenland West Coast

Join an 11-day expedition cruise along Greenland’s west coast. Discover Inuit culture, Norse history, majestic fjords, humpback whale feeding grounds, and enjoy relaxing in natural open-air hot springs.


Greenland
© PQS

Duration: 11 days / 10 nights on board
Starts: Ilulissat, Greenland
Ends: Ilulissat, Greenland
Language: English and Sweedish speaking voyage

The itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather and ice conditions. Your Captain and Expedition Leader will make the necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience.

Travelling to Greenland: Greenland is a vast, wild and remote island with a fascinating culture and history. Most airports are very small, there are few airlines flying there, and flights do not operate daily. For these reasons, you will most likely need to book additional hotel nights in connection with your outbound and/or return flights.


Included


Join a Greenland cruise filled with fascinating stories of ancient history, cultural legends and natural wonders. Our cruise stretches from the ice-crowned north to the jagged mountains and green pastures of the south, resulting in a large variety of nature and culture. The ice, land and nature we sail through will be given another dimension when seen through the prism of myths, legends and history of Inuit and Norse settlers, all shaped by its harsh bounty and beauty. An expedition cruise with a small group of merely twelve passengers gives us flexibility, unique itineraries and more time ashore. Also, the footprints we leave behind are a lot smaller. We get to visit remote settlements, meet the welcoming people living here and learn more about their fascinating culture.

Our route explores the ice-choked Disko Bay area, navigating humpback feeding grounds, and continues south via inland passages past small islands, wild fjords, and cliffs where muskooxen roam. We will visit Nuuk to explore the National Museum and gain insight into Greenlandic cultures before heading toward the southern fjords around Qaqortoq, including the unique geological structures of the Ikka Fjord. We will venture into Eriksfjord to visit Brattahlid, the historic estate established by Erik the Red at the end of the 10th century. Finally, we hope to explore the hot springs of Uunarteq and enjoy a bath in these warm-tempered natural bathtubs, with breathtaking views of mountain peaks and drifting icebergs before starting our journey home.

Highlights:
Cruise with an intimate group of twelve passengers to explore remote fjord systems and secret anchorages.
Navigate active humpback feeding grounds and search for iconic muskoxen during wilderness hikes.
Immerse in Inuit culture and Norse history at the National Museum in Nuuk and the estate of Brattahlid.
Glimpse the rare petrified ikaite limestone structures on the freezing bottom of the Ikka Fjord.
Unwind in the natural hot springs of Uunarteq with breathtaking views of peaks and icebergs.

Itinerary

© PQS
© PQS

Day 1: Ilulissat, Greenland
Embarkation at the ice fjord town
We arrive independently to the town by the ice fjord, Ilulissat. As soon as we arrive, the breathtaking natural scenery captivates us, showcasing hills, glaciers, and a bay dotted with icebergs. The remoteness from our everyday life is obvious. In the afternoon we board the vessel. We are now on a voyage in true expedition style and our exact route depends on weather and ice, meaning the itinerary must be kept flexible.

Day 2–10: Expedition cruising through history
Exploring Disko Bay, Nuuk, and southern historical fjords
We continue to explore the ice-choked Disko Bay area, constantly on the lookout since we are very likely to sail through humpback feeding grounds. We pass the colorful houses of Aasiaat and sail among small islands, fjords, and cliffs towards Sisimiut, where hikes might reveal iconic muskoxen. After passing Sermersuut Island, we enter the magical Kangerlussuatsiaq fjord, where huge mountains up to 2000 meters rise straight from the ocean. Reaching Nuuk, we visit the National Museum to explore archaeological displays and learn about Greenlandic cultures. Our journey continues south toward Qaqortoq, stopping by the abandoned mining town of Ivittuut and the nearby Ikka Fjord to observe the subaquatic columns of ikaite and learn about local legends like the Sea Goddess Sedna. Finally, we venture into Eriksfjord to visit Brattahlid, the estate established by Erik the Red at the end of the 10th century, and explore the hot springs of Uunarteq to enjoy a natural warm bath surrounded by drifting icebergs.

Day 11: Homeward bound
Disembarkation in Qaqortoq and return flights
We disembark the vessel in the morning, continue to the airport in Qaqortoq, and begin our journey home.

Itinerary

Day 1: Ilulissat, Greenland
Embarkation at the ice fjord town
We arrive independently to the town by the ice fjord, Ilulissat. As soon as we arrive, the breathtaking natural scenery captivates us, showcasing hills, glaciers, and a bay dotted with icebergs. The remoteness from our everyday life is obvious. In the afternoon we board the vessel. We are now on a voyage in true expedition style and our exact route depends on weather and ice, meaning the itinerary must be kept flexible.

Day 2–10: Expedition cruising through history
Exploring Disko Bay, Nuuk, and southern historical fjords
We continue to explore the ice-choked Disko Bay area, constantly on the lookout since we are very likely to sail through humpback feeding grounds. We pass the colorful houses of Aasiaat and sail among small islands, fjords, and cliffs towards Sisimiut, where hikes might reveal iconic muskoxen. After passing Sermersuut Island, we enter the magical Kangerlussuatsiaq fjord, where huge mountains up to 2000 meters rise straight from the ocean. Reaching Nuuk, we visit the National Museum to explore archaeological displays and learn about Greenlandic cultures. Our journey continues south toward Qaqortoq, stopping by the abandoned mining town of Ivittuut and the nearby Ikka Fjord to observe the subaquatic columns of ikaite and learn about local legends like the Sea Goddess Sedna. Finally, we venture into Eriksfjord to visit Brattahlid, the estate established by Erik the Red at the end of the 10th century, and explore the hot springs of Uunarteq to enjoy a natural warm bath surrounded by drifting icebergs.

Day 11: Homeward bound
Disembarkation in Qaqortoq and return flights
We disembark the vessel in the morning, continue to the airport in Qaqortoq, and begin our journey home.


© PQS
© PQS


INCLUSIONS

10 nights on board M/S Balto
All meals on board
Coffee and tea on board
1 Expedition Leader and 1 guide
Guiding ashore and talks on board
All excursions and activities
All passenger taxes and harbour fees
Slideshow from the trip
Full carbon offset

EXCLUSIONS

Flights to Ilulissat and from Qaqortoq
Travel and cancellation insurance
Gratuity to the ship’s crew
Personal expenses such as bar charges


Dates & Rates


Ship: MS Balto | Date: 17 Jul 2026 - 27 Jul 2026 (5308)
Double Cabin
$11,390
Twin cabin
$11,690
Superior Cabin
$13,290
Owner´s Suite
$14,990
Single Cabin
$15,390

* The prices are per person in US Dollars, unless expressly specified in a different currency. In that case, payment will be in US dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
** Rates are correct at the time of publication. All prices will be re-confirmed by email at the time of booking.
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.

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