West Greenland: Discovering Massive Icebergs and Inuit Communities (Northbound)

An immersive 11-day expedition into the heart of West Greenland. Navigate through the tidewater glaciers of Eternity Fjord, cross the Arctic Circle, and marvel at the colossal icebergs of Ilulissat, Eqip Sermia, and Uummannaq. Through our local partnerships, you will connect with Inuit culture authentically, exploring landscapes of ice and stone on an unforgettable journey.


Greenland
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Duration: 11 days / 10 nights
Starts: Reykjavík, Iceland
Ends: Reykjavík, Iceland
Language: English speaking voyage

The itinerary is for guidance only; the exact route depends on ice and weather conditions.


Included
Optional


This expedition is designed for travelers seeking the deepest possible experience in West Greenland. From the capital, Nuuk, to the remote Itilleq and Eternity fjords, the landscape is dominated by rugged mountains and glaciers pouring ice directly into the sea. The journey reaches spectacular milestones such as the Eqip Sermia glacier, famous for its constant calving, and Uummannaq, a picturesque community nestled beneath a heart-shaped mountain. Local culture is the central theme, with unique opportunities to participate in a kaffemik (traditional social gathering) and experience the daily life of those who inhabit the Arctic.

A crowning highlight is the visit to Ilulissat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier produces the largest icebergs in the northern hemisphere, filling Disko Bay with monumental ice sculptures. Throughout the voyage, naturalists and marine biologists will help identify humpback whales and seabirds, while adventure options like kayaking and mountain biking allow for a physical connection with the pristine wilderness of the world’s largest island.

Highlights:
Deep exploration of the Eternity and Itilleq fjords.
Crossing the iconic Arctic Circle aboard the vessel.
Visit to West Greenland’s three jewels: Ilulissat (UNESCO), Eqip Glacier, and Uummannaq.
Authentic cultural immersion through local partners and community encounters.
Opportunity to participate in adventure activities such as sea kayaking and mountain biking.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland
The journey begins
Arrive in the Icelandic capital and transfer to the group hotel near Keflavik Airport. Free time to explore the city before the expedition.

Day 2: Fly to Nuuk, Greenland and Embark
To the Greenlandic capital
Transfer to the airport for the private charter flight to Nuuk. Free time to explore the capital before boarding the Ocean Explorer in the late afternoon.

Day 3: Eternity Fjord: Towering cliffs and glaciers
Endless beauty
Sailing among mountains rising straight out of the sea. Exploration by Zodiac or on foot through glacial valleys, with spectacular views from the outer decks.

Day 4: Sisimiut: First stop above the Arctic Circle
Culture and local rhythm
Visit Greenland’s second-largest community. Observe fishing life, colorful homes, and options for mountain biking or hiking toward Nasaasaaq mountain.

Day 5: Eqip Sermia: Epic Tidewater Glacier
The roar of the ice
Witnessing ice calving at Eqi Glacier. Hike across ancient tundra and spot humpback whales in the nutrient-rich waters of the area.

Day 6: Uummannaq: Mountains, ice, and Greenlandic smiles
The heart of the North
Arriving at the community under the heart-shaped mountain. Visit the local museum and traditional turf houses, with a chance to join a *kaffemikwith residents.

Day 7: Disko Bay & Ilulissat: UNESCO World Heritage site
Ice cathedrals
Visit the Ilulissat Icefjord to see monumental icebergs. Walk the boardwalk to the overlook and explore the birthplace of explorer Knud Rasmussen.

Day 8: Itilleq Fjord: Jagged peaks and picturesque valleys
Raw and peaceful wilderness
Exploration of a pristine and rarely-visited environment. Hike among summer wildflowers and view endless layers of mountain ranges toward the horizon.

Day 9: Itilleq Town: A Greenlandic Welcome
Tradition and sport
Visit this picturesque village of 100 residents. Enjoy local hospitality and the traditional friendly football match between passengers, crew, and locals.

Day 10: Disembark at Kangerlussuaq and fly to Reykjavik
Return to Iceland
Disembarkation and transfer to the airport for the charter flight back to Reykjavik. Overnight hotel stay included.

Day 11: Depart Reykjavik
End of the expedition
After breakfast, independent transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland
The journey begins
Arrive in the Icelandic capital and transfer to the group hotel near Keflavik Airport. Free time to explore the city before the expedition.

Day 2: Fly to Nuuk, Greenland and Embark
To the Greenlandic capital
Transfer to the airport for the private charter flight to Nuuk. Free time to explore the capital before boarding the Ocean Explorer in the late afternoon.

Day 3: Eternity Fjord: Towering cliffs and glaciers
Endless beauty
Sailing among mountains rising straight out of the sea. Exploration by Zodiac or on foot through glacial valleys, with spectacular views from the outer decks.

Day 4: Sisimiut: First stop above the Arctic Circle
Culture and local rhythm
Visit Greenland’s second-largest community. Observe fishing life, colorful homes, and options for mountain biking or hiking toward Nasaasaaq mountain.

Day 5: Eqip Sermia: Epic Tidewater Glacier
The roar of the ice
Witnessing ice calving at Eqi Glacier. Hike across ancient tundra and spot humpback whales in the nutrient-rich waters of the area.

Day 6: Uummannaq: Mountains, ice, and Greenlandic smiles
The heart of the North
Arriving at the community under the heart-shaped mountain. Visit the local museum and traditional turf houses, with a chance to join a *kaffemikwith residents.

Day 7: Disko Bay & Ilulissat: UNESCO World Heritage site
Ice cathedrals
Visit the Ilulissat Icefjord to see monumental icebergs. Walk the boardwalk to the overlook and explore the birthplace of explorer Knud Rasmussen.

Day 8: Itilleq Fjord: Jagged peaks and picturesque valleys
Raw and peaceful wilderness
Exploration of a pristine and rarely-visited environment. Hike among summer wildflowers and view endless layers of mountain ranges toward the horizon.

Day 9: Itilleq Town: A Greenlandic Welcome
Tradition and sport
Visit this picturesque village of 100 residents. Enjoy local hospitality and the traditional friendly football match between passengers, crew, and locals.

Day 10: Disembark at Kangerlussuaq and fly to Reykjavik
Return to Iceland
Disembarkation and transfer to the airport for the charter flight back to Reykjavik. Overnight hotel stay included.

Day 11: Depart Reykjavik
End of the expedition
After breakfast, independent transfer to the airport for your flight home.


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INCLUSIONS

An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
All shore landings as per the daily program
Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible.)
Complimentary select beer, wines and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
Complimentary coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
A photographic journal documenting the expedition
A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. (Premium packages are available for more data-intensive applications.) Note: Internet access in the polar regions is subject to geography, climate, and other factors beyond our control.
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
All luggage handling aboard the ship
Greenland voyages cruise passenger tax

Charter Flight and Hotel Package
One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation Reykjavik, near Keflavik airport (breakfast included)
Charter flight from Reykjavik to Nuuk
Group transfer from the ship to the Kangerlussuaq airport on disembarkation day
Charter flight from Kangerlussuaq to Reykjavik
One night’s post-expedition airport hotel accommodation Reykjavik, near Keflavik airport (breakfast included)

EXCLUSIONS

Charter Flight & Hotel Package*
International airfare
Arrival transfers in Reykjavik
Passport and visa expenses
Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
Laundry, bar, spa and other personal charges unless specified
Phone charges may vary by location
Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
Additional overnight accommodation
Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities


Dates & Rates


Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 17 Aug 2027 - 27 Aug 2027 (5021)
Triple Suite
$15,191
$13,136
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$16,790
$14,496
Veranda Stateroom
$17,590
$15,176
Veranda Suite
$18,490
$15,941
Studio Single
$23,590
$20,276
Penthouse Suite
$24,790
$21,296
Studio Veranda Single
$25,290
$21,721
Owners Suite
$26,390
$22,656

* 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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