Colourful houses in Qeqertarsuaq
Request a quote Disko Island Exploration

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

 from 670.00 €
Request a quote Disko Island Exploration

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

 from 670.00 €

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?

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End

What accommodation level do you prefer?

Should we include international flights?

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From what airport do you want to fly?

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

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.

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.

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.

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).

This morning you will sail south from Ilulissat towards the small settlement of Ilimanaq. On the way you will pass by the famous Kangia Icefjord with a stunning view of the massive icebergs. You will visit the small settlement of Ilimanaq with its picturesque colonial buildings and come to know how people live in such a remote part of the world. You enjoy lunch at a local family's home. In the afternoon you will sail back to Ilulissat, passing by the breathtaking Icefjord once more.

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.

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.

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.

Further information

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Colourful houses in Qeqertarsuaq
Equipment list Disko Island Exploration

6 days in Disko Bay incl. a visit to Disko Island
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Equipment list Disko Island Exploration

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

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.

We recommend you take the most important equipment with you as cabin luggage or carry the respective clothes/shoes on your body, notably boots and trousers, fleece shirt, warm and waterproof jacket, functional underwear, glasses, hat, gloves and everything else you consider important. In case of baggage loss you are thus at least able to start the tour.

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.

Colourful houses in Qeqertarsuaq
FAQ Disko Island Exploration

6 days in Disko Bay incl. a visit to Disko Island
FAQ Disko Island Exploration

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

Tour related questions

  • Is this trip flexible in dates?
  • Can the excursions/activities be customised and can I add more?
  • In what language are guided excursions/activities offered?
  • How will I know where my excursions/activities start and how can I get there?
  • How will I get from Ilulissat airport to my accommodation?
  • Which shopping and eating out facilities can I expect in Ilulissat?
  • Can I store luggage in Ilulissat?
  • Where does the ferry to Qeqertarsuaq depart from?
  • What happens in case the ferry to/from Qeqertarsuaq is delayed?
  • How will I get from Qeqertarsuaq harbour to my accommodation?
  • Which shopping and eating out facilities can I expect in Qeqertarsuaq?

General questions

When best to travel

  • What is the best time to travel to Greenland?
  • What is not a good time for travelling in Greenland?
  • How is the climate in Greenland?
  • What are typical activities in summer or in winter?
  • Where and when can I best witness the midnight sun?
  • Where and when can I best witness the northern lights?
  • How is the daylight during winter in Greenland?

Entering Greenland

  • Which entry requirements apply to Greenland?
  • What are the customs regulations entering Greenland?

Getting there and around

  • How can I get to Greenland?
  • Do I need to stopover in Copenhagen or Reykjavik before or after travelling to Greenland?
  • How long are flight durations to Greenland?
  • What is the baggage allowance on flights to Greenland?
  • How can I get around in Greenland?

Booking your adventure

  • How do I book a tour with Greenland Tours?
  • How far in advance do you recommend to book?
  • Should I book activities in advance or can I book them on the spot?
  • When and in what format do I receive my travel documents?
  • What if I have to cancel my trip?

Being safe and sound

  • Do I need travel insurance?
  • Are vaccinations required when travelling to Greenland?
  • Do I need to meet certain requirements when taking part in your tours?
  • What about medical care in Greenland?
  • Can I travel with children in Greenland?

Money matters

  • What is the currency in Greenland?
  • How much Danish krone (DKK) in cash should I bring to Greenland?
  • Where can I withdraw money in Greenland?
  • How is the acceptance for credit cards in Greenland?
  • Is tipping common in Greenland?

Having a chat

  • What is the official language in Greenland?
  • Can I get by with English in Greenland?

Staying connected

  • How is mobile phone reception in Greenland?
  • How is internet and mobile internet connection in Greenland?
  • How will Greenland Tours contact you once in Greenland?
  • Do I need a power plug adapter or voltage converter?

Sleeping and eating

  • What types of accommodation are there in Greenland?
  • What is the Greenlandic cuisine like?
  • What choice of restaurants is there in Greenland?
  • How can I cater for myself in Greenland?
  • Is there vegetarian or vegan food in Greenland?
  • What are the approximate costs for meals?

Facts and figures

  • How many people live in Greenland?
  • What is the capital city of Greenland?
  • What religions are there in Greenland?
  • Are there UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Greenland?

Traditions and culture

  • How to immerse into Greenlandic culture?
  • What is a kaffemik?
  • What is a Tupilak?
  • How does the traditional dress in Greenland look like?

Encountering wildlife

  • Which animals are there in Greenland?
  • How likely is it to encounter a polar bear in Greenland?
  • How are the chances for whale watching?
  • Are there mosquitoes in Greenland?
  • Beware of sled dogs!

Being stuck in Greenland

  • How about the risk of flight delays and cancellations in Greenland?
  • What happens when my flight is delayed or cancelled?
  • How can I best use my extra time when being stuck?
  • How can I best use a stopover in Kangerlussuaq?
  • What if an individual activity is cancelled by the local provider due to bad weather?

What’s more...

  • Are the trips you are offering group or individual trips?
  • Can you send us a printed brochure or catalogue?
  • Where can I find good maps and city maps?
  • Where can I find literature about Greenland?
Greenland Tours - Elli Thor Magnusson
Individual tour

Disko Island Exploration

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

Difficulty level: Easy-Moderate from 670.00 €
Request a quote

Discover Disko Island, surrounded by the most impressive icebergs of the Arctic hemisphere! The trip starts in 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. Disko Island is very reclusive, and not many people have the chance to come here and enjoy the incredible view of the stunning Disko Bay. 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. This trip will be a true once in a lifetime experience.

Rough summary

Day 1:

Day at leisure in Ilulissat.

Day 2:

Sailing from Ilulissat to Qeqertarsuaq.

Day 3:

Possibility of hiking to Kuannit or to join a guided walk around the settlement.

Day 4:

Sailing back to Ilulissat.

Day 5:

Day at leisure in Ilulissat.

Day 6:

End of trip in Ilulissat.

Prices and dates

Price per person:

Package based on: Double Single
Hostel 670 845
3* hotel 1125 1645
4* hotel 1235 1715
Apartment 1210 1895

Dates:

daily departures, June 15, 2020 – September 15, 2020 (available)

Further details

Price includes:

  • transfers by ferry Ilulissat - Qeqertarsuaq A/R
  • luggage transfer from harbour to accommodation in Qeqertarsuaq A/R
  • 2 nights in Qeqertarsuaq
  • 3 nights in Ilulissat
  • breakfast when staying in hotel

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

This morning you will sail south from Ilulissat towards the small settlement of Ilimanaq. On the way you will pass by the famous Kangia Icefjord with a stunning view of the massive icebergs. You will visit the small settlement of Ilimanaq with its picturesque colonial buildings and come to know how people live in such a remote part of the world. You enjoy lunch at a local family's home. In the afternoon you will sail back to Ilulissat, passing by the breathtaking Icefjord once more.

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.

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.

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.

Flight connections

Flights to Greenland are not included.
Fly to Ilulissat via Reykjavík/Iceland or Copenhagen/Denmark. Return flight from 1090 EUR per person can be added to your package.

Open map

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Day at leisure in Ilulissat

You will arrive and have today at leisure in Ilulissat. If time allows you may join an optional tour, please see suggestions further below. You will spend the night in Ilulissat.

Day 2: Sailing from Ilulissat to Qeqertarsuaq

From Ilulissat harbour the local ferry will take you across to Disko Island’s small settlement Qeqertarsuaq. On the way, you will enjoy stunning views of giant iceberg formations floating in the sea. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed at the harbour and take a short walk on your own towards your accommodation (ca. 500m, your luggage will be transferred). In the afternoon, you may explore Qeqertarsuaq and its beautiful surroundings on your own. You will spend the night in Qeqertarsuaq.

Day 3: Possibility of hiking to Kuannit or to join a guided walk around the settlement

Enjoy your free day in tranquil Qeqertarsuaq. Various hiking trails lead you into the island’s lush hills to experience volcanic rock formations. We highly recommend to hike along the coastline to Kuannit. It roughly takes 4-6 hours return and is easy to find. This hike is also some sort of free whale watching trip, since next to the big icebergs bowhead and humpback whales can often be spotted along the shoreline all the way to Kuannit. An additional option today would be to join a guided walk around the colourful settlement of Qeqertarsuaq. You will spend the night in Qeqertarsuaq.

Day 4: Sailing back to Ilulissat

Use the chance to enjoy the unique atmosphere on Disko Island before returning to Ilulissat. There are only few tourists around, thus the island still has a very special and authentic feel. Here you can truly see how the Greenlanders live and how they have adapted to the conditions of this remote part of the world. By ferry you get back to Ilulissat, the town of icebergs, a name holding its truth as we soon start to witness approaching the town. From the occasional iceberg here and there our captain will soon have to pay more attention to the countless icebergs enlacing Ilulissat. Did we mention that the ferry is also a great way to meet locals, as it is the common form of transport getting from A to B during summer - sort of like our bus system - just with better views. You will spend the night in Ilulissat.

Day 5: Day at leisure in Ilulissat

You will have today to explore the beautiful town of Ilulissat. You can simply relax or stroll around town, hike down to the stunning UNESCO Icefjord or join another optional tour (see plenty of suggestions below). You will spend the night in Ilulissat.

Day 6: End of trip in Ilulissat

Today you could fly back or combine this trip with a guided tour or another individual tour.

What our customers say

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.