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Late summer in West Greenland

Gems of West Greenland: Fjords, Icebergs and Culture

Roundtrip Reykjavik - Example 12 Day Cruise aboard Ocean Explorer
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Begin your 12-day Gems of West Greenland Arctic adventure in Reykjavik. Board your ship in Kangerlussuaq and sail north, immersing yourself in the natural and cultural wonders of Uummannaq Fjord, Disko Bay, and Qeqqata. Explore iconic destinations like the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord, where the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier releases massive icebergs. Witness wildlife, including whales and seabirds, as you cruise through majestic fjords. In Uummannaq Fjord, uncover history at Qilakitsoq, the site of the famous Greenland Mummies, and marvel at Store Glacier's immense beauty. Disko Bay offers thrilling excursions, from hiking near Jakobshavn Glacier to Zodiac cruising near glacial faces. Then, end your journey with memories of Greenland’s landscapes and wildlife.
Ilulissat GreenlandCommunity visit in Sisimiut West GreenlandHiking in Skjoldungen Fjord East GreenlandFlightseeing in GreenlandMountain Biking in Sisimiut GreenlandLate summer in West Greenland
Highlights
  • Explore the multicultural city of Toronto, Canada
  • Discover the cultural and natural wonders of Uummanaq Fjord in Greenland
  • Explore the iconic Disko Bay and witness the beauty of Sermeq Kujalleq
  • Venture into the stunning wilderness of Qeqqata and participate in outdoor activities
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik

Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland's capital, and check in to your included hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city at your leisure.

Day 2: Fly to Kangerlussuaq | Embark

This morning, take a charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, where you'll board your ship to begin the expedition. Your adventure starts with a welcome and safety briefing from the Expedition Leader.

Day 3: At Sea

As you sail north along the west coast to the first area of exploration, your expedition team prepares you for the adventures that lie ahead. Once activity and excursion briefings are completed, the education team schedules presentations on the wildlife and fascinating history of Greenland, its geology, ecology, and climate, and the incredible sights for you to explore.

Day 4-6: Uummanaq Fjord

Uummannaq Fjord is the second-largest fjord system in Greenland, surpassed only by Scoresbysund in east Greenland. On these itinerary days, you can have the opportunity to become one of the 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 Ummanaq, a visit to Qilakitsoq (the site where the famous Greenland Mummies were discovered), and excursions focused around Store Glacier and its immense discharge zone. Embrace the expeditionary spirit as you pioneer new destinations within the labyrinth of valleys and channels in the depths of the fjord. Quark Expeditions’ core belief in working closely with local partners enhances every experience as you explore alongside local experts. Draw on your team’s collective knowledge and expertise to deliver incredible experiences.

Day 7-8: Disko Bay

Disko Bay is a wide, southeastern inlet of Baffin Bay and is the largest open bay in western Greenland. Try to get out on deck as you navigate into this iconic bay where whales are often spotted. Disko Bay is full of exciting destinations for you to explore. Visit the community of Illulissat, which is situated at the head of the 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, and you can explore it via one of the many marked hiking trails.

Another area to consider for this itinerary is 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. This is also an area where, if conditions allow, you can consider utilizing the twin-engine helicopters to get you in the air to appreciate the immensity of this region.

Day 9-10: Qeqqata

Qeqqata (meaning center) 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, your expedition team works with local partners to curate a balance of community and wilderness-focused activities. You are likely to visit Sisimiut, where you can wander 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. This is where you can try the (paid) mountain biking activity.

Further south, the areas surrounding Maniitsoq are equally stunning. One of the favorite destinations in the area is the picturesque alpine lake of Innussuit Tasersuat, where you can hike and share a picnic with friends from Maniitsoq. The fjord systems behind Maniitsoq are deep and seldom visited. Your team will seek to take you beyond the ordinary and into these fjords for magical, one-of-a-kind experiences, one of which is Eternity Fjord, which is home to the tallest mountains in all of West Greenland.

Day 11: Kangerlussuaq | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
Today, you disembark in Kangerlussuaq and transfer you to your charter flight to Reykjavik, where you’ll spend the night in your included hotel.

Day 12: Reykjavik

  • 1 Breakfast
Today, make your way to Keflavík International Airport to catch your homeward flights or spend more time exploring the fascinating city of Reykjavik.

Ship/Hotel

Ocean Explorer

Ocean Explorer
Atrium - Two level lounge
Explorer Presentation Lounge

Reykjavik - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$14,795 2-3 travelers
Ocean Explorer  - Deluxe Veranda Forward Stateroom
Deluxe Veranda Forward
Located on Deck 4 and approximately 182 sq. f. (16.9 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Ocean Explorer - Deluxe Veranda Stateroom
Veranda Stateroom
Located throughout the ship and approximately 208 sq. f. (19.3 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles, and seperate sitting area furnished with two club chairs and a reading table. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. Note: 611 and 612 do not have the club chairs and a reading table.
Grand Veranda State Room
Veranda Suite
Located throughout the ship and approximately 205 sq. ft. (19.2 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles, and seperate sitting area furnished with a sofa-bed. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Ocean Explorer  - Studio Single
Studio Single
Designed for one. These cabins are located on Deck 3 and approximately 166 sq. ft. (15,4 sq. m,) in size, with one double bed and a porthole view. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Junior SuiteJunior Suite Receiving area
Junior Suite
Located on Deck 6 and approximately 298 sq. f. (27.7 sq. m,) in size. These 2-room suites have one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom and an outer sitting room furnished with a sofa-bed, and activity table for two. From the bedroom there a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a double sized walkout balcony. There are also 2 TV's, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with bathtub, vanity and heated floor.
Ocean Explorer - Studio Veranda Single
Studio Veranda Single
Designed for one. This unique cabin is located on Deck 7 and approximately 162 sq. f. (15.1 sq. m.). It has one twin bed with a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a generous walkout balcony. There is also TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Ocean Explorer - Explorer Suite
Penthouse Suite
This unique 2-room suite is located on Deck 7 and is approximately 269 sq. f (25.0 sq. m.) in size. It has one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom.and the outer sitting area is furnished with a sofa-bed. Walk-out from either room to a double sized balcony . There are also 2 TV's, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. And an additional powder room in the outside sitting area.
Owners SuiteOwner's Suite - Receiving area
Owners Suite
This massive 2-room suite is located on Deck 7 and is approximately 443 sq. f (41.2 sq. m.) in size. It has one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom. The inner bedroom has a private en-suite with a bathdub, vanity and heated floor. The outer room is furnished with a sofabed, club chair and 4-seat dining table. Walk-out from either room to a triple sized balcony . There are also 2 TV's, state of the art 'infotainment' system and an additional private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor for the outer room.

Notes

- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy. Request the Twin Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.

- Standard Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the double occupancy rate. The supplement for a Premium Cabin is 2 times the shared rate.

Insurance: Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a maximum benefit of US$500,000 per person is included. Travelers should have a minimum US$50,000 (or equivalent) of emergency medical coverage prior to embarkation. It is recommended that you and all members of your party have comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, trip delay (interruption or after departure coverage), baggage, and repatriation. Contact us for details.
Included
  • 11 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 10 Dinners

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Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge

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