Overlooking Disko Bay on the hike to Kuannit from Qeqertarsuaq
© Sam Alive
June August Individual tour

Disko Island Exploration

8 days in Disko Bay incl. a visit to Disko Island

from €1,995 per person
Difficulty level: Easy to Moderate

The trip starts with exploring Ilulissat, “The Town of Icebergs”. From there the local ferry will take you across to exceptional Qeqertarsuaq, a settlement standing alone on the great Disko Island away from Greenland’s west coast. We love the place for its authentic vibe.

On arrival, you may go on an easy stroll around the colourful settlement yourself and explore the beautiful nature surrounding it. The next day, we recommend to hike along the coastline to wonderful Kuannit, watch out for whales and also examine the specific geology of the island. Soak up the special atmosphere of Qeqertarsuaq the following day, before sailing back to Ilulissat.

Upon return in Ilulissat you head north to visit the massive glacier wall at Eqi Glacier or instead head south to join an adventurous glacier walk in the backlands of Disko Bay.

Rough summary

Day 1:

Arrival in Ilulissat - Evening iceberg sailing

Day 2:

Ilulissat Icefjord and Sermermiut

Day 3:

By ferry from Ilulissat to Qeqertarsuaq

Day 4:

Free day in Qeqertarsuaq

Day 5:

Back to Ilulissat by ferry

Day 6:

Free day in Ilulissat

Day 7:

Boat tour to Eqi Glacier

Day 8:

Departure from Ilulissat

Prices and dates

Price per person:

Package based on: Double Single
Budget rooms 1995 2665
3* hotel 2145 2900
4* hotel 2395 3540

Dates:

daily departures, June 15, 2024 – August 31, 2024 (available)

Further details

Price includes:

  • 2 hour walk at UNESCO Ilulissat Icefjord and Sermermiut
  • 2 hour evening iceberg sightseeing tour by boat
  • Transfers by boat Ilulissat - Qeqertarsuaq return
  • 2 nights in Qeqertarsuaq
  • 10-12 hour boat tour to Eqi Glacier
  • 5 nights in Ilulissat incl. breakfast
  • airport transfers in Ilulissat

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:

8

Options

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

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A house in the settlement of Oqaatsut in Disko Bay

Boat tour to Oqaatsut settlement incl. dinner

  • Ilulissat
  • Jun 15th-Sep 15th
  • 6h
  • €225
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In the afternoon you will sail to the small settlement of Oqaatsut (Rodebay) located north of Ilulissat. Once we arrive in Oqaatsut we will take you on a guided tour of the settlement. The exploration of Oqaatsut ends at the H8 Explorer restaurant, where a delicious 3-course meal awaits you. After your dinner, the boat will take you back to Ilulissat.
Exploring the

Adventurous glacier walk instead of boat tour to Eqi

  • Ilulissat
  • Jul-Aug
  • 8h
  • + €150
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Choosing this option will replace the trip to Eqi with a glacier adventure. Instead of heading to Eqi Glacier, you start from Ilulissat 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.
Colourful houses in Qeqertarsuaq

Guided settlement walk through Qeqertarsuaq

  • Qeqertarsuaq
  • Jun 15th-Sep 15th
  • 1.5h
  • €35
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Explore picturesque Qeqertarsuaq on this guided walk which will reveal a glimpse into its history as well as every day life of its around 850 inhabitants. The locals primary occupations are hunting and fishing, especially fishing for snow-crabs and lumpfish. Despite being small and quiet, the only community on Disko Island provides a school, nursing home, hospital and a small museum as well as numerous voluntary associations. The soccer field is always busy with playing children and looks out on the sea with its fantastic icebergs.
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Kayaking from Ilulissat in Disko Bay

Evening kayaking

  • Ilulissat
  • Jun-Sep 15th
  • 3h
  • €180
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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).
Kayaking between icebergs close to Qeqertarsuaq

Guided kayak tour from Qeqertarsuaq

  • Qeqertarsuaq
  • Jun-Sep 11th
  • 2h
  • €170
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You head out to experience Qeqertarsuaq’ s magnificent nature and its steep volcanic cliffs from a kayak. We often see icebergs and with a bit of luck you might even spot a whale or two. The chosen route depends on the weather, but if we have good weather, your guide will head with you towards beautiful Kuannit.

Overnight at Ilimanaq Lodge

  • Ilimanaq
  • Jun 15th-Aug
  • 2 days
  • €575
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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.
A house in the settlement of Oqaatsut in Disko Bay

Boat tour to Oqaatsut settlement incl. lunch

  • Ilulissat
  • Jun 15th-Sep 15th
  • 7h
  • €195
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In the morning you will sail to the small settlement of Oqaatsut (Rodebay) located north of Ilulissat. During the boat tour you will have the opportunity to gaze at the most impressive icebergs of the Northern Hemisphere. The settlement once was a popular trading post and was called Rodebay (red bay) by Dutch whale hunters in the 18th century. Lunch is included for you. You will have time on to explore the picturesque settlement with its colourful houses and go on a short hike around the area before sailing back to Ilulissat.
View of Ilulissat with Zion church and museum

Guided city walk Ilulissat

  • Ilulissat
  • Feb-Sep
  • 2h
  • €35
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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.

Flight connections

Flights to Greenland are not included.
Fly to Ilulissat via Keflavik/Iceland or Copenhagen/Denmark. Return flight from 1295 EUR per person can be added to your package.

Open map

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Ilulissat - Evening iceberg sailing

Experience the beauty of Disko Bay with a boat voyage to view the majestic icebergs that have calved from UNESCO’s Ilulissat Icefjord. With our experienced captains at your service, you will be taken safely up close for an awe-inspiring sight. You may even get lucky enough to see some whales! Don't forget your cameras - it's going to be something special! Overnight in Ilulissat.

Day 2: UNESCO Ilulissat Icefjord and Sermermiut

A guided visit to Ilulissat Icefjord World Heritage Site offers stunning sights of the UNESCO Ilulissat Icefjord and icebergs floating in Disko Bay. Being amid the immense natural beauty will humbly remind you just how small we are as humans - it's sure to leave a lasting impression. Learn more about Inuit culture while visiting Sermermiut, an abandoned settlement that was home to ancient cultures over its long history - our guide is on hand with insights and answers any questions you have along your journey here..

Make your evening truly special with a selection of suggested options. Create your own adventure - relax or explore, the choice is yours! Overnight in Ilulissat.

Day 3: By ferry from Ilulissat to Qeqertarsuaq

You take the local ferry from the harbour in Ilulissat to Qeqertarsuaq - an isolated settlement on Disko Island off Greenland's western coast. Surrounded by impressive icebergs and wildlife including whales, this quaint village is rich with culture and offers visitors many opportunities to relax in its peaceful atmosphere. Stroll through its colorful streets admiring traditional homes before taking a seat at one of several picturesque benches along the shoreline where breathtaking views await! Overnight in Qeqertarsuaq.

Day 4: Free day in Qeqertarsuaq

Explore the tranquil settlement of Qeqertarsuaq and experience its breathtaking, volcanic surroundings with a great hike along the pristine coastline of Disko Island. We recommend taking a 4-6 hours walk to explore Kuannit — all without needing an accompanying guide! And don't forget that you may also get lucky enough to spot bowhead whales and humpback whales as they hang around in these waters from time to time. Overnight in Qeqertarsuaq.

Day 5: Back to Ilulissat by ferry

As you depart Qeqertarsuaq, your journey of great adventures continues. Approaching Ilulissat - aptly named the "Town of Icebergs" – you begin to appreciate just how fitting this name is as multiple icebergs come into view. Riding the local ferry not only provides stunning views but also presents an opportunity for meeting locals, who rely on these ferries to get around in summertime much like buses do back home. Overnight in Ilulissat.

Day 6: Free day in Ilulissat

On this day, you can enjoy the beautiful sights of Ilulissat should your journey back from Disko Island proceed without delay. Take advantage of this opportunity - explore Ilulissat or plan an additional activity upon arrival! Overnight in Ilulissat.

Day 7: Boat tour to Eqi Glacier

A highlight of this journey is a memorable boat tour to the majestic Eqi Glacier. We cruise north from Ilulissat for several hours before arriving at its awe-inspiring wall, where we turn off our engines and enjoy lunch onboard the ship with an incomparable view. As chunks break away from the glacier's face, you can hear ice crushing in amazing cacophony – not forgetting that it provides fantastic photo ops, too! After savoring every moment here we voyaged back southward towards Ilulissat. Overnight in Ilulissat.

Day 8: Departure from Ilulissat

Today this trip comes to an end. But if you have any desire to explore more of what this journey has to offer, contact us and we'll help craft an experience tailored just for you.

What our customers say

I want to go back as soon as possible!

It was just amazing! I want to go back as soon as possible! The best experience I ever had.

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Peter Miks (United Kingdom, July 2018)

Souvenirs impérissables

L'un des plus beaux endroits visités dans le monde. Mérite un deuxième voyage. Souvenirs impérissables.

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Bernard Comtois (Canada, July 2017)

therapeutic in many ways

I simply wanted to thank you again for all your efforts in putting together a magnificent holiday for my wife Catherine and me in Greenland. It was therapeutic in many ways and a welcome escape from our crazy lives.

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Robert (USA, July 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.