Exploring Disko Bay on an old wooden boat
Request a quote East & West

8 days exploring Disko Bay & East Greenland with stop in Nuuk

 from 2,365.00 €
Request a quote East & West

8 days exploring Disko Bay & East Greenland with stop in Nuuk

 from 2,365.00 €

How many people are you?

Adults Children < 12 years

The trip you chose is offered from June to September. Within this given time, when can you travel?

Start
End

What accommodation level do you prefer?

Should we include international flights?

Yes No

From what airport do you want to fly?

We can customise this trip for you. What activities would you like to add?

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 give you insights of the Inuit culture and will answer your questions.

Choosing this option cleverly makes use of a stop-over in Kangerlussuaq adding a day tour to the ice cap and one required overnight in Kangerlussuaq. Prices in hostel are +€170 per person in DBL and +€215 per person in SGL. If you choose hotel as accommodation, prices are +€220 per person in DBL and +€340 per person in SGL.

This adventure is 5-6 hours long and starts with a boat trip that will get us in front of Apusiajik glacier. During the 40 minutes sailing from Tasiilaq it is possible to see wildlife, such as humpback and fin whales, orcas and seals. Arriving at the glacier your guide will provide all the gear and will lead you safely on the glacier. During the walk on the ice you will be able to explore an ice cave, see all the features of a glacier and admire the calving front of the glacier that sits on top of the ocean. On the way back by boat, we will have another opportunity to see wildlife and gaze at the impressive icebergs of East Greenland.

We leave Ilulissat early in the morning and sail north in the direction of Eqi Glacier. Very few places in Greenland are as breathtaking as Eqi. On the way we will sail around the most impressive icebergs in the Northern Hemisphere. We will sail close the massive glacier wall, turn off the engines for about an hour, enjoy some lunch as well as the breathtaking view of the calving glacier. In the afternoon we make our way back to Ilulissat.

Dressed in floating suit and life west you head out in the morning by open boat (RIB - rigid-inflatable boat) to have a taste of Greenlandic nature just north of Ilulissat. After a guided tour around the small settlement Oqaatsut you will leave towards a wilderness hut and on the way collect mussels, Greenlandic herbs and mushrooms - just like the Inuit that had to complement their diet that mainly consisted of meat and fish with further vitamins. The hut is much alike a local hunters hut with no electricity or running water and serves as a shelter if needed. Besides gathering food you will also do a short hike by the shore where old Inuit graves and tent rings can be found. Afterwards a delicious lunch will be prepared with the ingredients found in the nature. In the afternoon you head back to Ilulissat.

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).

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).

We start with a town walk of Tasiilaq. We will first have a look to the Skunk, the workshop where local artists manufacture the most beautiful and renowned handicraft. We continue with a visit of the museum located in the old church built in 1903, where you could learn about the live and history of East Greenland. We walk then up to the new church from where we will have a beautiful view over the whole town. From up there you can see the oldest houses of the town. We will head further to the beautiful Flower Valley. On the way, we could see as the name indicates, many different flowers, such as arctic thyme, arctic bluebell, arctic dandelion, the national flower broad-leafed willow herb, and many others. We will continue the small curved path along the river, until we will reach a small waterfall. Here we will stop for a while and enjoy the beautiful landscape and quietness, before heading back to Tasiilaq.

We leave in the morning from the harbour and sail into the impressive Ammassalik fjord. After about an hour of sailing, the fjords are getting more narrow and the surrounding mountain peaks even more breathtaking. Shortly after we will stop in Ikateq, an old American military base, also known as "Bluie East Two" during war times. The airbase was operational from 1942 to 1947 and was placed in this strategic spot to facilitate transatlantic air traffic, navigation, search-and-rescue operations as well as weather forecast. When the airport was moved to Kulusuk the US army left considerable fuel drums, vehicles and buildings behind. The rusted relics of the past offer an interesting and disputed contrast to the beautiful wilderness surrounding Ikateq. Our journey continues towards Fjord Sermiligaaq. Sermiligaq in Greenlandic means "beautiful glacier". And this is exactly where we are heading. At the end of the fjord the two majestic glaciers Karale and Knud Rasmussen calve into the sea. With our safe boats we will try to get as close as save to Knud Rasmussen Glacier. Here we will also go ashore and enjoy our lunch break with a mesmerising view. We spend 1-2 hours in the area before heading back to Tasiilaq.

Further information

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Exploring Disko Bay on an old wooden boat
Equipment list East & West

8 days exploring Disko Bay & East Greenland with stop in Nuuk
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Copy Link Download / Print
Equipment list East & West

8 days exploring Disko Bay & East Greenland with stop in Nuuk

Below is an equipment list with items we highly recommend you bring on the journey. To enjoy the trip to the fullest, comfortable and good equipment is essential. So be a bit picky about what you bring on our trip, make sure it is adequate for arctic conditions.

Clothing & Footwear

  • Non-cotton, wool long sleeves and tights (base layer)

    Base layers are designed to keep you warm despite they might be wet from sweating, for example - therefore they must not be cotton but instead a lightweight wool or other fast-drying fiber. Base layers will also keep you warm if, for example, your outer layers are not entirely windproof or waterproof. If there is one thing to stress, it is that having several light layers to choose from, or use in combination with each other, is far more valuable for regulating body temperature than having one or two heavy layers that might make you too cold or too hot, but never just right. It is recommended to bring a selection of long-sleeve shirts and pants for lightweight base layers, so you have a few extras.

  • Wool sweater, fleece or PrimaLoft jacket (mid layer)

    A wool layer is always nice to have as additional warmth. It should not be your heaviest winter sweater, but just something you feel could make you warm and cosy if you had a persistent chill. It is recommended to bring a light- to medium-weight wool sweater or a fleece or prima loft jacket.

  • All-purpose or fleece pants (mid layer)

    When you are on land, and if it’s dry, the waterproof pants (outer layer) layer won’t be necessary, but you’ll need more than a base layer. It is recommended to bring a pair of light, loose breathable pants as a sort of all-purpose pants. Fleece pants can be useful if you easily feel cold. Jeans are strongly discouraged.

  • breathable light jacket (outer layer)

    When you’re on land, and if it’s dry, the waterproof jacket layer won’t be necessary, but you’ll need more than a base layer. It is recommended to bring a light jacket, or even a vest. Lightweight puffy jackets work well.

  • windproof & waterproof jacket and pants (outer layer)

    Whether it’s to protect you from wind and rain on land or from ocean spray while sailing, having good outer layers to protect against the elements will make the difference between a pleasant and unpleasant trip. It is recommended to bring both a windproof/waterproof jacket and a pair of windproof/waterproof rain pants. Gore-Tex is a leading manufacturer of breathable and waterproof layers.

  • warm hat and light (fleece) gloves

    A bit of wind, a mammoth iceberg nearby, and even fog can have more effect on the air temperature than you might imagine, and it can be magnified when sailing or standing a few hundred meters above sea level. Even though it is summer and there is not a single patch of snow to be found, you still need to be prepared with a few of the more ‘wintery’ items. It is recommended to bring a warm hat and gloves. As a light version, a buff to wear around the head or neck is also useful.

  • hiking boots

    Footwear is of the utmost importance in Greenland. It must be comfortable yet supportive, as it is what protects your feet and will keep you going all day long. So bring your favourite hiking boots, that you will likely use across all sailing and hiking activities, on all days. Good hiking boots have high ankles support, are waterproof or water-resistant and are non-skid / have a sole with good traction (good for both rocky terrain and wet boat decks). It is good if they are worn-in as it is not ideal to break in brand new shoes and have blisters on the first day.

  • comfort footwear

    We recommend supportive sneakers/running shoes, that you will use on arrival and departure day, as well as for the evenings.

Other gear

  • 60-80 litre backpack or duffle bag

    It is recommended to pack your gear in a backpack. Many of the towns have simple dirt- or rocky roads which are not exactly ideal for pulling luggage with wheels. If you do not own a backpack, prefer a duffle bag over a hard shell suitcase.

  • 20-30 litre daypack

    For maximum versatility, it is recommended to bring a small daypack to hold an extra layer or two and your water bottle during short excursions.

  • sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, base-cap

    In summer in Greenland, the midnight sun is out 24 hours a day. Couple this never-ending daylight with the fact that there are no trees for shade - as well as with the reflection off the water and nearby icebergs - and you’ve got yourself the equation for some fierce sun exposure. It is recommended to bring sunscreen, lip balm and sunglasses, and, if you like, a hat with a visor.

  • bug repellant, head net & after bite

    The Arctic summer is notorious for small pesky insects like mosquitos and flies. They will not be a problem when sailing, but once we hit land, they’ll surely find us soon enough. Only a light breeze will give natural respite from the bugs. It is recommended to bring bug repellent, after bite and a mosquito head net. Not very fashionable, but oh-so-functional. Please note: it should be possible to purchase bug repellent in the local Pisiffik grocery store, pending product availability, however it will be the strong, chemical, non- environment-friendly stuff. If you prefer a natural-based product, you should bring your own.

  • water bottle

    Make sure you stay hydrated. So it is recommended to bring your own water bottle or CamelBak to fill up with the freshest, cleanest, tastiest water you can find at convenient streams and waterfalls - or at the faucet, if you want to be like the rest of the world.

  • camera/binoculars

    There’s going to be no less than 10,000 amazing things to see and remember - icebergs that look different from every angle, diving whale flukes, flocks of birds gathering around a fishing boat for free giveaways, small colourful houses perched at the edge of the hill and the world and fantastic geological rock formations. It is recommended to bring whatever camera or looking device you wish, whether that’s a smartphone, snazzy camera, or selfie stick.

In case you have any further questions regarding the equipment to bring to the tour please do not hesitate to contact us.

Exploring Disko Bay on an old wooden boat
FAQ East & West

8 days exploring Disko Bay & East Greenland with stop in Nuuk
FAQ East & West

8 days exploring Disko Bay & East Greenland with stop in Nuuk
Greenland Tours - Elli Thor Magnusson
Individual tour

East & West

8 days exploring Disko Bay & East Greenland with stop in Nuuk

Difficulty level: Easy from 2,365.00 €
Request a quote

While brushing up on your knowledge on Greenland, you have most likely come to realise that Disko Bay and East Greenland are both equally tempting and lure to be explored. Disko Bay, the go-to area to witness those massive floating icebergs and rugged East Greenland with its astonishing ice fjord and steep mountain ranges are both calling for amazing adventures. But where to go and how to decide with both regions being so fascinating?

For those who do not want to settle on just one of these areas, we made this trip. So if that sounds like you, be in touch and soon you will board a journey showing you the best of both worlds.

Rough summary

Day 1:

Arrival to Ilulissat

Day 2:

Free Panorama Hike - Evening Iceberg Sailing

Day 3:

Free day Ilulissat

Day 4:

Flight from Ilulissat to Nuuk

Day 5:

Flight from Nuuk to Kulusuk & transfer to Tasiilaq

Day 6:

Free day Tasiilaq

Day 7:

Boat tour to Sermilik Icefjord & Tiniteqilaaq

Day 8:

Transfer from Tasiilaq to Kulusuk - Departure from Greenland

Prices and dates

Price per person:

Package based on: Double Single
Hostel 2365 2660
Guesthouse 2480 2840
3* hotel 2925 3485
4* hotel 3080 3580

Dates:

Tuesdays, June 24, 2019 – August 31, 2019 (available)

Further details

Price includes:

  • 2 hour iceberg sightseeing tour by boat
  • 3 nights in Ilulissat
  • airport transfers in Ilulissat when staying in hotel
  • breakfast included when staying in hotel
  • flight from Ilulissat to Nuuk
  • 1 night in Nuuk
  • flight from Nuuk to Kulusuk
  • helicopter transfers Kulusuk / Tasiilaq / Kulusuk
  • 3 nights in Tasiilaq
  • 7.5 hour boat tour to Sermilik Fjord & Tiniteqilaaq

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.

Minimum age:

10 years

Remarks:

Due to flight connections it is necessary to stop over in the capital Nuuk, when trying to reach the East coast from the West of Greenland. Exiting East Greenland is best accomplished flying out via Iceland.

Options

If you are interested in adding one or more of our tour options to your request, just mark it with

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 give you insights of the Inuit culture and will answer your questions.

Choosing this option cleverly makes use of a stop-over in Kangerlussuaq adding a day tour to the ice cap and one required overnight in Kangerlussuaq. Prices in hostel are +€170 per person in DBL and +€215 per person in SGL. If you choose hotel as accommodation, prices are +€220 per person in DBL and +€340 per person in SGL.

This adventure is 5-6 hours long and starts with a boat trip that will get us in front of Apusiajik glacier. During the 40 minutes sailing from Tasiilaq it is possible to see wildlife, such as humpback and fin whales, orcas and seals. Arriving at the glacier your guide will provide all the gear and will lead you safely on the glacier. During the walk on the ice you will be able to explore an ice cave, see all the features of a glacier and admire the calving front of the glacier that sits on top of the ocean. On the way back by boat, we will have another opportunity to see wildlife and gaze at the impressive icebergs of East Greenland.

We leave Ilulissat early in the morning and sail north in the direction of Eqi Glacier. Very few places in Greenland are as breathtaking as Eqi. On the way we will sail around the most impressive icebergs in the Northern Hemisphere. We will sail close the massive glacier wall, turn off the engines for about an hour, enjoy some lunch as well as the breathtaking view of the calving glacier. In the afternoon we make our way back to Ilulissat.

Dressed in floating suit and life west you head out in the morning by open boat (RIB - rigid-inflatable boat) to have a taste of Greenlandic nature just north of Ilulissat. After a guided tour around the small settlement Oqaatsut you will leave towards a wilderness hut and on the way collect mussels, Greenlandic herbs and mushrooms - just like the Inuit that had to complement their diet that mainly consisted of meat and fish with further vitamins. The hut is much alike a local hunters hut with no electricity or running water and serves as a shelter if needed. Besides gathering food you will also do a short hike by the shore where old Inuit graves and tent rings can be found. Afterwards a delicious lunch will be prepared with the ingredients found in the nature. In the afternoon you head back to Ilulissat.

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).

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).

We start with a town walk of Tasiilaq. We will first have a look to the Skunk, the workshop where local artists manufacture the most beautiful and renowned handicraft. We continue with a visit of the museum located in the old church built in 1903, where you could learn about the live and history of East Greenland. We walk then up to the new church from where we will have a beautiful view over the whole town. From up there you can see the oldest houses of the town. We will head further to the beautiful Flower Valley. On the way, we could see as the name indicates, many different flowers, such as arctic thyme, arctic bluebell, arctic dandelion, the national flower broad-leafed willow herb, and many others. We will continue the small curved path along the river, until we will reach a small waterfall. Here we will stop for a while and enjoy the beautiful landscape and quietness, before heading back to Tasiilaq.

We leave in the morning from the harbour and sail into the impressive Ammassalik fjord. After about an hour of sailing, the fjords are getting more narrow and the surrounding mountain peaks even more breathtaking. Shortly after we will stop in Ikateq, an old American military base, also known as "Bluie East Two" during war times. The airbase was operational from 1942 to 1947 and was placed in this strategic spot to facilitate transatlantic air traffic, navigation, search-and-rescue operations as well as weather forecast. When the airport was moved to Kulusuk the US army left considerable fuel drums, vehicles and buildings behind. The rusted relics of the past offer an interesting and disputed contrast to the beautiful wilderness surrounding Ikateq. Our journey continues towards Fjord Sermiligaaq. Sermiligaq in Greenlandic means "beautiful glacier". And this is exactly where we are heading. At the end of the fjord the two majestic glaciers Karale and Knud Rasmussen calve into the sea. With our safe boats we will try to get as close as save to Knud Rasmussen Glacier. Here we will also go ashore and enjoy our lunch break with a mesmerising view. We spend 1-2 hours in the area before heading back to Tasiilaq.

Flight connections

Flights to Greenland are not included.
Fly to Ilulissat via Reykjavík/Iceland or Copenhagen/Denmark.
Return flight from 990 EUR per person can be added to your package.

Open map

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Ilulissat

Upon arrival in Ilulissat, you will immediately have the chance, to get a peek at what you came to West Greenland for - the giant massive icebergs. You can use the rest of this day to roam around the area of Ilulissat spotting icebergs along the coast line or exploring the town and live 69° North of the Arctic circle. You will spend the night in Ilulissat.

Day 2: Free Panorama Hike - Evening Iceberg Sailing

Start your free day in Ilulissat with a stroll around the beautiful town of Ilulissat. Explore the church, harbour, museum and cafés. For a free day full of impressive icebergs, our recommendation for you, is to discover the Ilulissat Icefjord with a self-guided hike. A hiking map illustrating the different hiking routes, varying in difficulty, will be provided by us. Right at sundown you will take the boat out to explore the icebergs from close by on the open water. Have your camera ready to capture the artistic sculptures made of ice. Those majestic icebergs have arrived to the Disko Bay from the UNESCO Icefjord Sermeq Kujalleq, which is the most productive glacier of the Northern Hemisphere. Chances are given you might spot a whale. You will spend the night in Ilulissat.

Day 3: Free day Ilulissat

Today the adventure is yours. You have the chance to make this trip your very own and choose from our optional tours, wether you are looking into a sightseeing trip or more active activities. Take a boat tour to the impressive and constantly calving Eqi glacier, visit an old Inuit settlement or try kayaking in Disko Bay among icebergs (have look at our suggestions in the options). You will spend the night in Ilulissat.

Day 4: Flight from Ilulissat to Nuuk

Today you will catch the flight from Ilulissat to Nuuk. This is the start of your conquering from the West to the East coast of Greenland. Nuuk, as the capital of Greenland, provides the best and only direct flight connection to Kulusuk from the West coast. This already gives you a glance at the remoteness of the next stop of your adventure. For now, use this transition to get your very own glimpse at the vibrant Arctic capital Nuuk. Discover the urban Arctic living in the buzzing city centre with locally produced and designed products, or get to know the history of Greenland by wandering around the old harbour and visiting the museums and art galleries. You will spend the night in Nuuk.

Day 5: Flight from Nuuk to Kulusuk & transfer to Tasiilaq

Today you will be flying from Nuuk to Kulusuk. Upon arrival in Kulusuk you can already discover the beauty of diversity in Greenland. Arriving to the East Greenland allows you to deep dive into a different world, which looks nothing alike the West coast in Disko Bay area. Next you will be transferred to Tasiilaq. This short ride will give you the fantastic opportunity to get a first sight at the beautiful and remote location of the small town Tasiilaq. The scenery could not be more opposing to what you have explored so far. You will spend the night in Tasiilaq.

Day 6: Free day Tasiilaq

Today is a free day to venture the area of Tasiilaq in East Greenland. You have time to enjoy the isolation of this area and the beautiful surrounding nature with its spectacular and twisted fjord system. You can use the day to explore the town by yourself, hiking the surrounding mountains or check out our optional tours to customise your trip accordingly to your expectations (see our suggestions in the options). You will spend the night in Tasiilaq.

Day 7: Boat tour to Sermilik Icefjord & Tiniteqilaaq

For this day we have planed an exciting trip through the Sermilik Fjord for you. From a new perspective, you will get the chance to experience an isolated and remote settlement within breathtaking nature and impressive landscape. From the harbour of Tasiilaq we will head north along the Ammassalik Island crossing a fantastic landscape while icebergs in various shapes are floating alongside the boat in the fjord. After around 2 hours, we will reach the small settlement of Tiniteqilaaq which stands for “strait that runs dry at low tide”. This tiny settlement is permanently inhabited by only 110 people. From this location you will have a mesmerising view over the Sermilik Fjord. Use the time to take a stroll around the settlement. While continuing to the Sermilik Fjord, you will enjoy a lunch with a view on the giants icebergs. We continue direction southwards, sailing around Ammassalik Island, before returning to Tasiilaq. You will spend the night in Tasiilaq.

Day 8: Transfer from Tasiilaq to Kulusuk - Departure from Greenland

Today already is the end of your venturing the contrasting East and West coasts of Greenland. After breakfast you will be taken back to Kulusuk airport. Take in the breathtaking landscape for a last time before this trip comes to an end.

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.