Locals travelling with the Sarfaq Ittuk
© Visit Greenland - Mads Pihl
June August Individual tour

Along the West

10 days west coast incl. 3 days on board the coastal ferry Sarfaq Ittuk

from €2,080 per person
Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate

On this trip you will sail with the coastal ship ‘Sarfaq Ittuk’ from Nuuk to the famous Disko Bay. Travelling with the locals on board the coastal ship will give you a great insight into the life of the Greenlanders. In Nuuk, the capital of Greenland we will have time to explore the city and learn about the history and the culture of the Inuit. On the way to Ilulissat, the city of Icebergs, you will stop at small settlements and witness the locals at the ports welcoming or bidding farewell to family and friends. In Ilulissat you can explore the breathtaking area, enjoy the view on the most impressive icebergs in the Northern Hemisphere and go on exciting day tours.

Rough summary

Day 1:

Arrival in Nuuk

Day 2:

Day at leisure in Nuuk

Day 3:

Embarkation on board the coastal ship in Nuuk

Day 4:

Sailing: Stops in Maniitsoq, Kangaamiut, Itilleq, Sisimiut

Day 5:

Sailing: Stops Attu, Kangaatsiaq & Aasiaat

Day 6:

Early arrival in Ilulissat, day at leisure

Day 7:

Day at leisure in Ilulissat

Day 8:

Day at leisure in Ilulissat

Day 9:

Day at leisure in Ilulissat

Day 10:

End of the trip in Ilulissat

Prices and dates

Price per person:

Double Single
Couchette Premium & budget rooms 2080 2580
Standard Cabin & 3* hotel 2895 5400
Standard Cabin & 4* hotel 3110 5855
Junior Suite Cabin & 4* hotel 3165 5970

Note: 3* and 4* hotels only where available. See accommodation section below for further details.

Dates:

The 2025 ferry schedule for the coastal ship Sarfaq Ittuk, operated by a government-owned shipping company, has not yet been finalized. We are in close contact with the company and will update our coastal ferry trip schedules as soon as the information becomes available.

This trip operates on a bi-weekly basis. On the alternate weeks, we provide a very similar journey but in the opposite direction.

Further details

Price includes:

  • 2 nights in Nuuk
  • sailing on board Sarfaq Ittuk from Nuuk to Ilulissat
  • 4 nights in Ilulissat
  • breakfast included except aboard the coastal ship

Price does not include:

  • meals aboard the coastal ship
  • all services not mentioned in the above "included" section

Type of trip:

This pre-arranged adventure is an individual trip, meaning you are discovering Greenland on your own but joining selected guided group activities during your stay. You will receive comprehensive travel information such as where and when to meet for the activities. Please note that the Sarfaq Ittuk is a ferry and not a cruise ship. That means that the stops at the ports of call are brief. The exact schedule can be found below the detailed itinerary.

Minimum age:

8

About accommodation:

Couchette Premium & budget rooms: In Nuuk, nights in budget accommodation with shared facilities, on board the Sarfaq Ittuk in couchette premium (shared sleeping bag accommodation & facilities), in Ilulissat in budget accommodation with private facilities.

Standard Cabin & 3 star hotel: In Nuuk in a 3 star hotel in standard room with private facilities, on board the Sarfaq Ittuk in a standard cabin with private facilities, in Ilulissat in a 3 star hotel in standard room with private facilities & sea view

Standard Cabin & 4 star hotel: In Nuuk in a 4 star hotel in standard room with private facilities, on board the Sarfaq Ittuk in a standard cabin with private facilities, in Ilulissat in a 4 star hotel in superior room with private facilities & sea view,

Junior Suite Cabin & 4 star hotel: In Nuuk in a 4 star hotel in standard room with private facilities, on board the Sarfaq Ittuk in a Junior Suite Cabin with private facilities, in Ilulissat in a 4 star hotel in superior room with private facilities & sea view

The ship Sarfaq Ittuk

The Coastal Ship 'Sarfaq Ittuk' was built in 1992. It is 73m long and 11m wide. Powered by a 2000 HP engine the vessels steams at a speed of 13 knots. It can accommodate around 235 passengers including crew. 'Norske Veritas' has classified it for sailing in the Arctic. It connects the cities and settlements along Greenland's west coast and is therefore the traditional means of transport used by the locals - a wonderful way to travel authentically and come into contact with the local population.
The ship's facilities are simple and practical, designed to serve its purpose as a ferry. There is a café on board, a lounge area with panoramic windows, a small cinema, a children’s playroom and an infirmary for emergencies. WiFi is available for a fee.

Options

Feel free to add one or more of our tour options to make them part of your request.

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Close to the ice with a sightseeing boat from Ilulissat

Evening iceberg sailing to UNESCO Icefjord

  • Ilulissat
  • Jun-Sep
  • 2h
  • €95
  • Easy
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On a 2 hour boat trip you will sail among the gigantic icebergs in Disko Bay in the evening sun. These frozen giants calved from the most productive glacier of the Northern Hemisphere, the Sermeq Kujalleq. It annually calves 35km³ of ice into the UNESCO Icefjord. Sailing around the gigantic icebergs in the evening sun is a fantastic experience. If you are lucky you might even spot a whale or two.
Hiking along the icefjord next to Ilulissat in Greenland

Walk to UNESCO Icefjord incl. Sermermiut

  • Ilulissat
  • Feb-Sep
  • 2h
  • €45
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It is a big day today. You came here to see glaciers and icebergs. And you do not mean the small ones, you mean the massive ones. Well, we promise - this is what you are going to see. Standing in front of the enormous Ilulissat Icefjord will make you feel small and humble. An endless amount of ice pushing down from the glacier Sermeq Kujalleq towards the sea, where ice is calving constantly creating those majestic icebergs floating in Disko Bay. Here, at the Ilulissat Icefjord World Heritage Site, we also stop at Sermermiut, an abandoned Inuit settlement, which had been used by Saqqaq, early Dorset and Thule cultures. Our guide will provide you with insights into the Inuit culture.
The old church in Nuuk with National Day celebrations

City sightseeing Nuuk

  • Local guide
  • Nuuk
  • Jun-Sep
  • 3h
  • €95
  • Easy
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Choose this option to add a guided tour of Nuuk starting at the National Museum, delving into Greenland's rich history. After this, stroll through the old colonial harbor with its ancient houses and whale processing relics. Next, visit the local market for fresh seafood and game, then pass by the Parliament en route to Katuaq, the cultural hub. Here, enjoy local art and traditional Greenlandic tapas at Cafétuaq. Wrap up your tour exploring the local shops near Katuaq.
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A small passenger boat in front of the huge glacier wall at the Eqi glacier in Greenland

Boat tour to Eqi Glacier

  • Ilulissat
  • Jun 15th-Sep 15th
  • 6h
  • €340
  • Easy
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We leave Ilulissat in the early morning by boat heading north to the famous Eqi Glacier, one of the most breathtaking places in Greenland. We stop for about an hour close to the massive glacier wall, turn off the engines and admire the magnificent views of this huge calving glacier. A packed lunch on board is included. In the afternoon we make our way back to Ilulissat.

Overnight at Ilimanaq Lodge

  • Ilimanaq
  • Jun 15th-Aug
  • 2 days
  • €575 in DBL, €710 in SGL
  • Easy
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Extend your trip by an overnight to explore the picturesque village of Ilimanaq. Journey along the famed Kangia Icefjord, where you'll be treated to magnificent views of vast icebergs. Upon arrival in Ilimanaq, delve into the village's quaint colonial architecture and enjoy a delightful dinner at Restaurant Egede. Your stay will include a night in a luxurious bungalow offering a sea view, complete with linens, towels, dinner, breakfast, and a guided tour of the settlement. This addition will prolong your itinerary by an extra day.
Glacier hike during glacier adventure

Full day adventure incl. glacier walk

  • Local guide
  • Ilulissat
  • Jul-Sep 7th
  • 8h
  • €480
  • Moderate
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From Ilulissat you start by sailing south to the beach of Itilliup Ilua. From here you set off with your guide by UTV, driving through the ever-changing landscape until you reach Tasiusaq fjord. From here it is a short hike down to the open boat which will take you deep into the ancient fjord where hunters and prey have been battling for centuries. Soon you jump ashore with your guide and walk towards Saqqarleq Sermia - a glacier that looks inviting but also craves humility. This is where you start to feel like a polar explorer and just want to walk on the thousands-of-years old glacial ice. So that is exactly what you will do. Your glacier guide explains about safety and precautions and takes you through this endless world of ice. Amazing! You will return to Ilulissat in the early evening.
View of Ilulissat with Zion church and museum

Guided city walk Ilulissat

  • Ilulissat
  • Feb-Sep
  • 2h
  • €35
  • Easy
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On a city walk through Ilulissat your guide will show you the most important sites of this charming little town located next to the UNESCO Icefjord for instance the old part of town where the houses of the first Danish settlers are situated at the harbour as well as the Knud Rasmussen Museum and the old wooden church Zion. He will provide us with valuable insight into the history of Ilulissat and the Greenlandic culture.
Kayaking from Ilulissat in Disko Bay

Evening kayaking

  • Ilulissat
  • Jun-Sep 15th
  • 3h
  • €180
  • Moderate
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In the evening, you go for an impressive kayaking trip among the gigantic icebergs in Disko Bay. The activity consists in kayaking along the coast of Ilulissat, from where you can see big icebergs coming from the Ilulissat Icefjord. You experience this breathtaking scenery in the most natural and traditional way. Just you and your kayak, paddling as Inuits used to so and some still do. Nonetheless all the safety measures are included: the best equipment in the market (clothing that enables you to swim in freezing waters and the most safe and stable kayaks) and if that were not enough, our kayak instructors have the highest qualifications and lots of experience kayaking in Arctic regions (to participate in this trip max height is 2m and weight is 110kg).
Colourful houses in Qeqertarsuaq

Day tour to Disko Island

  • Ilulissat
  • Jul-Aug
  • 9.5h
  • €375
  • Easy to Moderate
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The journey begins with a boat trip from Ilulissat to Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island, where you can enjoy a light breakfast and coffee on board while admiring the open sea and towering icebergs. On arrival, explore the charming town of Qeqertarsuaq. Then hike to the stunning Kuannit area, where your guide will point out the unique geology and local flora and fauna. Enjoy a packed lunch with views of the sea and basalt rock formations. At the end of the day enjoy the boat trip back to Ilulissat, where you can reflect on your adventure over coffee and cake. The hike to Kuannit is approximately 3 kilometers and is estimated to take around 1 hour and 15 minutes each way. The terrain is mostly flat, and the trail is clearly marked with yellow stones and a well-worn path. You don’t need to be an experienced hiker to join this excursion; however, it may not be suitable for guests with walking difficulties.
Kayaking past Oqaatsut in the Disko Bay in Greenland

Inuit village & kayaking

  • Ilulissat
  • Jun 15th-Sep 9th
  • 7h
  • €295
  • Moderate
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In the morning you will be transferred by boat to the small settlement of Oqaatsut. Here we will go kayaking in Disko Bay. Before we start, you will get a short introduction to kayaking and then we will practice a bit just off the coast of Oqaatsut. We then head towards the icebergs. We will paddle among the icebergs in the bay and enjoy the spectacular views surrounding us. We will have some refreshment in Oqaatsut before we take the boat back to Ilulissat (to participate in this trip max height is 2m and weight is 110kg).
A comfort hut in the first row facing Eqi Glacier

Overnight in a comfort hut at Glacier Lodge Eqi

  • Ilulissat
  • Jun 15th-Sep 15th
  • 2 days
  • €735 in DBL, €995 in SGL
  • Easy to Moderate
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Extend your trip and stay overnight at the mesmerizing Eqi Glacier. Here you'll witness dramatic ice calving, when huge chunks of ice crash into the water, creating breathtaking sights and sounds. You'll spend the night at Glacier Lodge Eqi in a comfortable cabin with full board, linen, towels, electricity, private bathroom and running water. The next morning, you take a guided hike to the glacier moraine before returning to Ilulissat by boat in the afternoon. Choosing this option will add an extra day to your itinerary.
Whale diving near Ilulissat among icebergs

Whale watching tour in Disko Bay

  • Ilulissat
  • Jun-Sep
  • 3h
  • €145
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Today you will go on a whale safari in Disko Bay with its giant icebergs. During the summer many different whale species migrate to the colder waters of the Disko Bay area, commonest humpback whales, fin whales and minke whales. We are in contact with local fishermen who keep us up to date on where we are likely to spot some whales.
Tourists on a boat in the Icefjord near Nuuk in Greenland

Boat tour to the icefjord

  • Local guide
  • Nuuk
  • Jun-Sep
  • 7h
  • €255
  • Easy
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A Targa boat takes us to Kangersuneq/Icefiord through Qoornoq passage. After about 2 hours boat tour we arrive to the mouth of Kangersuneq/Icefiord where we have the view of Narsap Sermia Glacier. After lunch we will continue to Qoornoq an abandoned settlement. In Qoornoq you can walk around and get a feeling of how life was in a settlement.
Guests at the Qooqqut Nuan restaurant in the fjord near Nuuk in Greenland

Boat tour to Qooqqut Restaurant

  • Local guide
  • Nuuk
  • Jun-Sep
  • 5.5h
  • €215
  • Easy
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In the afternoon we head out by boat into the fjord, sailing for approximately one hour until we reach Qooqqut which is beautifully surrounded by impressive mountains. Before going ashore we will go fishing for 20 minutes. The fjord is abundant with cod and redfish and we will take our fresh catch to the famous restaurant up here to be cooked. Qooqqut itself used to be a sheep breading station, but the old buildings have been restored and turned into a superb restaurant. At the restaurant you will enjoy your Greenlandic dinner before we take you back to Nuuk by boat.
Hiking in the backlands of Nuuk

Hike to Summit Quassussuaq

  • Local guide
  • Nuuk
  • Jun-Sep
  • 5h
  • €185
  • Moderate
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The hinterland of Nuuk is a remarkable place where you can escape the urban buzz and immerse yourself in solitude within just 15 minutes. The hike to Quassussuaq, encircled by mountains and lakes, is genuinely soothing. As our ascent continues, the views of the deep eastern fjord and the expansive western ocean become increasingly breathtaking with each stride. Upon reaching Quassussuaq's summit (430m), we'll locate an ideal spot to unwind, savour a warm drink, enjoy some snacks and of course, take in a view that leaves a lasting impression.
Old buildings and the heart shaped mountain in Uummannaq

By coastal ferry to Uummannaq

  • Ilulissat
  • Jun-Aug
  • 3 days
  • €810 in DBL, €1,620 in SGL
  • Easy
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Head further north on an overnight journey aboard the coastal ferry Sarfaq Ittuk from Ilulissat to the remote town of Uummannaq, nestled in northwestern Greenland. Charming Uummannaq, known for its iconic heart-shaped mountain and vibrant houses set against rugged landscapes, offers a captivating blend of natural splendor and cultural richness. This brief 3 day option provides the great opportunity to explore the enchanting Arctic town on your own (6h) before resuming your adventures in Ilulissat.

Flight connections

Flights to Greenland are not included.
Fly to Nuuk via Reykjavík/Iceland or through Kangerlussuaq via Copenhagen/Denmark.
Return flight from 1175 EUR per person can be added to your package.

Open map

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Nuuk - visit of the capital

Today you arrive in Nuuk. Night in Nuuk.

Day 2: Nuuk

You will have the day at leisure Nuuk. You can explore the capital, visit the National Museum and see the mummies found in the north of Greenland, and take a walk at the hold harbour as well as visiting the culture center, Katuaq or join one of the guided excursions we have available in the options. Night in Nuuk.

Day 3: Nuuk - coastal ship departure

You will have the day at leisure Nuuk. In the evening, you will leave Nuuk on board the coastal ship, Sarfaq Ittuk. Night on board.

Day 4: Maniitsoq - Sisimiut

After a morning stop in Maniitsoq we sail further north. Here the mountains are getting higher and steeper. We will pass the Arctic Circle before arriving in Sisimiut, which is the most northern town in Greenland to be free of ice all the year around. We stay overnight in Sisimiut. Night on board.

Day 5: Sisimiut - Aasiaat

With our stops at Attu and Kangaatsiaq we are slowly approaching famous Disko Bay. After a short evening stop in Aasiaat, we will continue to sail north towards Ilulissat, the town of the icebergs. Night on board.

Day 6: Early arrival in Ilulissat - Day at leisure

Shortly before we arrive in Ilulissat, we will pass by the impressive Icefjord, Kangia, filled with enormous icebergs. Here you disembark and have the afternoon at leisure in Ilulissat to visit the town and enjoy the amazing view of the icebergs. Night in Ilulissat.

Day 7: Day at leisure

Spend the day at leisure to discover Ilulissat and the famous sights of Disko Bay. We recommend to book some of our optional activities in Ilulissat. Night in Ilulissat.

Day 8: Day at leisure

Enjoy another day at leisure in Ilulissat. Night in Ilulissat.

Day 9: Day at leisure

Enjoy another day at leisure in Ilulissat. Night in Ilulissat.

Day 10: End of the trip in Ilulissat

Today your trip ends in Ilulissat after unforgettable days in the Arctic.

Schedule Sarfaq Ittuk

02 June - 15 September Day Arrival Departure
Nuuk Friday - 21:00
Maniitsoq Saturday 07:00 10:00
Kangaamiut 13:30 13:45
Itilleq 19:15 19:30
Sisimiut 22:15 -
Sisimiut Sunday - 10:00
Attu 16:15 16:30
Kangaatsiaq 19:30 19:45
Aasiaat 22:45 23:30
Ilulissat Monday 06:30 -

What our customers say

The ferry trip for 3 days was a highlight

The ferry trip for 3 days was a highlight for us. We enjoyed the pace and having time to ourselves and to meet other passengers. We had great experiences at the extended ferry stops (including a visit to a lively local pub in Sisimiut).

Overall your tips and recommendations were valuable and contributed to an active and rewarding experience.

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Roger Arar & Alida Camp (United States, July 2024)

Sehr gute Organisation

Sehr gute Organisation, kurzfristige Rückmeldung, sehr gut erreichbar.

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Susanne Berg (Deutschland, May 2017)

for sure we will recommend your agency

All the services we booked from your agency were fine and excellent and we want to thank you again for everything. If some our friend would like to do the same trip to Greenland for sure we will recommend your agency.

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Catin (Italy, June 2016)
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All adventure trips are undertaken on the responsibility of its participants. Greenland Tours does not assume any responsibility for accidents which are caused by its customers or can be traced to their own actions. Participants have to sign a waiver before undertaking all trips stating that they realise that all outdoor activities carry an inherent risk.