West Greenland: Exploring the Far North

The most ambitious expedition into Northern Greenland, with the potential to reach 78° North latitude. Explore remote regions linked to legends like Knud Rasmussen, visit isolated communities like Qaanaaq, and sail through Smith Sound, where Greenland and Canada meet on the same horizon under the Northern Lights.


Greenland
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Duration: 16 days / 15 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


English Version (Description & Highlights):
This 16-day journey represents the ultimate exploration of Northern Greenland. It is the only 2027 itinerary to venture as far as Smith Sound and visit Qaanaaq, the second northernmost town in the world. We will navigate through historic regions where explorers like Robert Peary and Navarana Freuchen charted routes over the ice, allowing guests a deep immersion into subsistence Inuit culture and the planet's rawest geological landscapes.

The voyage balances wild nature with cultural richness. From the World Heritage site in Ilulissat to intimate encounters with local hospitality in Upernavik and Uummannaq, each stop reveals a different aspect of Arctic life. Sailing north in September, the landscape is bathed in an ethereal autumn light, offering unique photographic opportunities of giant tabular icebergs and the dance of the Northern Lights as the polar night approaches.

Highlights:
Reach Kap Alexander and beyond for the most northerly destination of the journey.
Explore the Ilulissat Icefjord (UNESCO) and the active Eqip Sermia glacier.
Visit the remote High Arctic communities of Qaanaaq, Upernavik, and Itilleq.
Experience authentic Greenlandic traditions at heart-shaped Uummannaq.
Strong likelihood of viewing the enchanting Northern Lights.
Adventure options: sea kayaking, tundra hiking, and mountain biking.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland
The Arctic gateway
Arrive in the Icelandic capital and transfer to the included hotel near Keflavik airport. Free time to explore the city and its Norse history.

Day 2: Fly to Nuuk and embark
To the Greenlandic capital
Breakfast followed by an airport transfer for the private charter flight to Nuuk. Embarkation on the Ocean Explorer to begin the voyage.

Day 3: Sisimiut: First stop above the Arctic Circle
Culture and canine traditions
Guided walk through the fishing harbor and local museum. Chance to taste local food and go mountain biking through the surrounding tundra.

Day 4: Disko Bay: Icebergs and Greenlandic welcome
Autumn light and giant scales
Sailing among monumental icebergs in the UNESCO site of Ilulissat. Landfall at Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island before pushing northwards.

Day 5: Upernavik: Remote community in the far north
Life on the hillside
Arrival at this active community of 1,000. Visit the historic harbor and learn about the locals' vital connection to the sea ice.

Day 6: At Sea: Sailing into the vast Arctic wilderness
Toward Ultima Thule
A sea day to cover great distances. Presentations by the Expedition Team on ecology and preparation for the highest latitudes.

Day 7: Kap Alexander: The farthest point north
Where Canada and Greenland meet
Arrival at Smith Sound. Weather permitting, Zodiac cruising among drifting ice seeking polar bears, walruses, and muskoxen.

Day 8: Qaanaaq: Greenland's northernmost community
Tradition at the edge of the world
Visit to one of the most remote towns on Earth. Meet local hunters and visit the museum to see traditional ivory and bone tools.

Day 9 & 10: At Sea: Southbound to glaciers
Relaxation and observation
Sailing south enjoying ship amenities like the Jacuzzis and library, while watching for Northern Lights at night.

Day 11: Uummannaq: Mountains, ice, and Greenlandic smiles
Inuit hospitality
Visit the community under the heart-shaped mountain. Opportunity for a *kaffemik(social coffee) in local homes.

Day 12: Eqip Sermia: One of Greenland's most active glaciers
Echoes of the ice
Observe calving at this tidewater glacier. Tundra hikes to capture elevated views of the glacier face.

Day 13: Ilulissat: UNESCO World Heritage site
The roar of Sermeq Kujalleq
Walk the boardwalk to the icefjord overlook. Explore the birthplace of Knud Rasmussen and watch for whales in the bay.

Day 14: Itilleq: Playing football with the local community
Tradition and sport
Visit this picturesque village of brightly painted homes. Enjoy the traditional friendly football match between guests and locals.

Day 15: Disembark at Kangerlussuaq
Return flight
Disembarkation and transfer for the charter flight to Reykjavik. Included hotel stay for the final night.

Day 16: 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 Arctic gateway
Arrive in the Icelandic capital and transfer to the included hotel near Keflavik airport. Free time to explore the city and its Norse history.

Day 2: Fly to Nuuk and embark
To the Greenlandic capital
Breakfast followed by an airport transfer for the private charter flight to Nuuk. Embarkation on the Ocean Explorer to begin the voyage.

Day 3: Sisimiut: First stop above the Arctic Circle
Culture and canine traditions
Guided walk through the fishing harbor and local museum. Chance to taste local food and go mountain biking through the surrounding tundra.

Day 4: Disko Bay: Icebergs and Greenlandic welcome
Autumn light and giant scales
Sailing among monumental icebergs in the UNESCO site of Ilulissat. Landfall at Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island before pushing northwards.

Day 5: Upernavik: Remote community in the far north
Life on the hillside
Arrival at this active community of 1,000. Visit the historic harbor and learn about the locals' vital connection to the sea ice.

Day 6: At Sea: Sailing into the vast Arctic wilderness
Toward Ultima Thule
A sea day to cover great distances. Presentations by the Expedition Team on ecology and preparation for the highest latitudes.

Day 7: Kap Alexander: The farthest point north
Where Canada and Greenland meet
Arrival at Smith Sound. Weather permitting, Zodiac cruising among drifting ice seeking polar bears, walruses, and muskoxen.

Day 8: Qaanaaq: Greenland's northernmost community
Tradition at the edge of the world
Visit to one of the most remote towns on Earth. Meet local hunters and visit the museum to see traditional ivory and bone tools.

Day 9 & 10: At Sea: Southbound to glaciers
Relaxation and observation
Sailing south enjoying ship amenities like the Jacuzzis and library, while watching for Northern Lights at night.

Day 11: Uummannaq: Mountains, ice, and Greenlandic smiles
Inuit hospitality
Visit the community under the heart-shaped mountain. Opportunity for a *kaffemik(social coffee) in local homes.

Day 12: Eqip Sermia: One of Greenland's most active glaciers
Echoes of the ice
Observe calving at this tidewater glacier. Tundra hikes to capture elevated views of the glacier face.

Day 13: Ilulissat: UNESCO World Heritage site
The roar of Sermeq Kujalleq
Walk the boardwalk to the icefjord overlook. Explore the birthplace of Knud Rasmussen and watch for whales in the bay.

Day 14: Itilleq: Playing football with the local community
Tradition and sport
Visit this picturesque village of brightly painted homes. Enjoy the traditional friendly football match between guests and locals.

Day 15: Disembark at Kangerlussuaq
Return flight
Disembarkation and transfer for the charter flight to Reykjavik. Included hotel stay for the final night.

Day 16: Depart Reykjavik
End of the expedition
After breakfast, independent transfer to the airport for your flight home.


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INCLUSIONS

Specialist Expedition Leaders
Our team is comprised of the most professional and passionate Expedition Leaders in the world, who bring a wide range of experience and expertise to every adventure.

Immersive Off-ship Activities
Itineraries are packed with adventure options designed to immerses travelers in the polar wilderness, enabling them to connect with the natural wonders of their surroundings.

On-Ship Experiences & Facilities
Designed for comfort and adventure, each ship accommodates no more than 200 guests. Facilities include comfortable cabins, exceptional dining options, wellness treatments, and breathtaking panoramic views of the polar landscape.

Food & Beverages
Premium dining, with a wide selection of options that accommodate a variety of dietary preferences.

Quark Expedition Perks
Complementary Wi-Fi, alcohol on all voyages, and the Official Quark Expeditions parka to take home.

Transfers
Select voyages include essential transportation and accommodation arrangements for guests, ensuring seamless travel to and from the expedition starting point.

EXCLUSIONS

International airfare & visa expenses, travel insurance, mandatory expedition gear, on-ship expenses, adventure options and trip extensions are not included.
Anything not mentioned in the inclusions


Dates & Rates


Ship: Ocean Explorer | Date: 02 Sept 2027 - 17 Sept 2027 (5024)
Triple Suite
$21,690
$16,971
Deluxe Veranda Forward
$24,090
$19,131
Veranda Stateroom
$24,290
$20,211
Veranda Suite
$26,690
$21,471
Studio Single
$31,190
$25,521
Studio Veranda Single
$33,590
$27,681
Penthouse Suite
$35,990
$29,841
Owners Suite
$38,390
$32,001

* 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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