The Sarfaq Ittuk passing icebergs

Coastal Ship - South & West

© Visit Greenland - Mads Pihl
Individual tour

Coastal Ship - South & West

13 days in the south & west of Greenland incl. 5 days on board Sarfaq Ittuk & Disko Bay

from €2,150

The trip starts in South Greenland where you will spend four days exploring the beautiful green nature and the beautiful blue icebergs. You will then sail on board the coastal ship ‘Sarfaq Ittuk’ from Narsaq to the famous Disko Bay.

Travelling on board the coastal ship with the locals and stopping in small settlements on the way, gives you a great insight into the life of the people in Greenland. You will sail for more than 1200km along the coast before arriving at Disko Bay. You will spend five days in Ilulissat, the city of icebergs, where you can explore the area, enjoy the amazing views and go on exciting day tours.

Rough summary

Day 1:

Arrival in Narsarsuaq

Day 2:

Narsarsuaq - Igaliku

Day 3:

Day at leisure in Igaliku

Day 4:

Igaliku - Narsaq

Day 5:

Visit of Narsaq - Embarkation on board the Coastal ship

Day 6:

Sailing: Stops in Arsuk, Paamiut & Qeqertarsuatsiaat

Day 7:

Sailing: Stop in Nuuk

Day 8:

Sailing: Stops in Maniitsoq and Sisimiut

Day 9:

Sailing: Stop in Aasiaat - Arrival in Ilulissat

Day 10-12:

Days at leisure in Ilulissat

Day 13:

End of the trip in Ilulissat

Prices and dates

Price per person:

1 June to 31 August: Double Single
Couchette & budget rooms 2150 2780
Cabin & rooms w. private facilities 3170 4775

Dates:

Saturdays, June 1, 2023 – August 31, 2023 (available)

Further details

Price includes:

  • 1 night in Narsarsuaq
  • 2 nights in Igaliku
  • 1 night in Narsaq
  • boat transfers Narsarsuaq - Itilleq - Narsaq
  • sailing on board Sarfaq Ittuk from Narsaq 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.

Minimum age:

8

About accommodation:

Couchette & budget rooms: In Narsarsuaq, Igaliku & Narsaq, nights in accommodation with shared facilities, on board the Sarfaq Ittuk in couchette / sleeping bag accommodation, in Ilulissat in hotel with private facilities.

Cabin & acc. with private facilities: In Narsarsuaq & Narsaq in hotel rooms with private facilities, in Igaliku in a cottage including breakfast with private facilities, on board the Sarfaq Ittuk in a private cabin with private facilities, in Ilulissat in a 3 local star hotel in standard room with private facilities.

The ship Sarfaq Ittuk

The vessel was built in 1992 and modernised and lengthened in the winter of 1999/2000. It is now 73 meters long and 11 meters wide. With her engine of 2000 hp the vessels steams at a speed of 13 knots. The crew counts 22 people. The vessel has café, stern saloon with panorama windows, playroom and a hospital clinic to be used in case of injuries and emergency situations onboard. The vessel's capacity is 239 passengers. The overnight accommodation facilities are distributed on 104 cabin beds with private bath and toilet, and 135 couchettes. The couchettes are without private facilities and have access to lockable cabinet showers in communal areas. 'Det Norske Veritas' has classified the vessel for sailing in icy waters.

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 15th
  • 2h
  • €95
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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.
A small passenger boat in front of the huge glacier wall at the Eqi glacier in Greenland

Boat tour to Eqi Glacier

  • Ilulissat
  • Jun-Sep
  • 6h
  • €350
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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.
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Glacier hike during glacier adventure

Full day adventure incl. glacier walk

  • Local guide
  • Ilulissat
  • Jun 21st-Aug
  • 9h
  • €485
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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.
A house in the settlement of Oqaatsut in Disko Bay

Boat tour to Oqaatsut settlement incl. lunch

  • Ilulissat
  • Jun 15th-Sep 15th
  • 7h
  • €185
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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
  • €40
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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
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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 past Oqaatsut in the Disko Bay in Greenland

Inuit village & kayaking

  • Ilulissat
  • Jun-Sep 15th
  • 7h
  • €285
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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).
Whale diving near Ilulissat among icebergs

Whale watching tour in Disko Bay

  • Ilulissat
  • Jun 15th-Sep 15th
  • 3h
  • €150
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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.
Hiking in Disko Bay

Guided Hike from Ilulissat to Oqaatsut incl. dinner

  • Ilulissat
  • Jun 15th-Sep 15th
  • 10h
  • €215
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Add this option if you want to join a guided hike (20km, 12 miles) from Ilulissat to Oqaatsut, where you can experience the coastline with its mountains and lakes on one side and Diskobay with its floating icebergs on the other. Once in Oqaatsut, you will be served a wonderful 3-course meal at the H8 restaurant with local ingredients such as fish and meat. After dinner a boat will take you back to Ilulissat.

Flight connections

Flights to Greenland are not included.
Fly to Narsarsuaq via Keflavik/Iceland or Copenhagen/Denmark.
Return flight from 1250 EUR per person can be added to your package.

Open map

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Narsarsuaq

Today you arrive in Narsarsuaq, the gateway to South Greenland. Planes usually land late afternoon or in the evening here, so use the rest of the day to take a quick stroll around the few houses. Here you will also stay for tonight before your big adventure is about to begin tomorrow.

Day 2: Narsarsuaq - Itilleq - Igaliku

You will leave Narsarsuaq and sail south in the Tunulliarfik fjord to the small port of Itilleq. From there you will go on an easy hike to cross the Kongevejen, the path of the kings, to the the small settlement of Igaliku. At Igaliku you will find the ruins Gardar, the archdiocese and religious capital of Viking Greenland. Night in Igaliku.

Day 3: Day at leisure in Igaliku

You will have the day at leisure in the Igaliku area. You can go on a very nice hike up to the plateau over Igaliku, where you have an amazing view on the Qooroq fjord and the icebergs. Night in Igaliku.

Day 4: Igaliku - Boat transfer Ittileq - Narsaq

You will hike along the Kongevejen back from Igaliku to Itilleq. From there you will sail south to Narsaq which is the most important town in South Greenland, ideally located between two fjords. Narsaq offers the perfect setting for iceberg cruising, as a very active glacier in Bredefjord sends numerous icebergs towards the sea passing by Narsaq. The town is very beautiful with colourful houses, a fantastic museum with a fine exhibition of kayaks, traditional clothing and the history of the town. Night in Narsaq.

Day 5: Visit of Narsaq - coastal ship departure

You will have the day at leisure in Narsaq. In the evening you will leave Narsaq on board the coastal ship ‘Sarfaq Ittuk’.

Day 6: Sailing: Arsuk, Paamiut & Qeqertarsuatsiaat

Today you will be northbound on the ocean along the west coast. Now that we are out of the fjord the chances of seeing whales increase and much of the time, will be spent on the lookout for these giants of the sea. We will have short stops at the settlements of Arsuk, Paamiut & Qeqertarsuatsiaat. Night on board.

Day 7: Sailing: Nuuk

Today, we will stop in Nuuk and will have the day to explore the capital of Greenland. You can take a walk around town, visit the National Museum (and see the mummies found in the north of Greenland) and take a walk at the hold harbour and visit the the culture center, Katuaq.

Day 8: Sailing: Maniitsoq - Sisimiut

The further north we sail, the higher and steeper the mountains are. Today, 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. Night on board.

Day 9: Sailing: Aasiaat - Ilulissat

Today, you will arrive in the famous Disko Bay. After a short stop in Aasiaat, we will continue to sail north towards Ilulissat, the town of the icebergs. Shortly before we arrive in Ilulissat, we will pass by the impressive Icefjord, Kangia, filled with enormous icebergs. You will have the afternoon at leisure in Ilulissat to visit the town and enjoy the amazing view of the icebergs. Night in Ilulissat.

Day 10-12: Days at leisure in Ilulissat

You will have 3 days to discover the famous Disko Bay. You can explore the beautiful area and enjoy the view of the the incredible icebergs. You can also book great excursions on the spot. Nights in Ilulissat.

Day 13: 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
Narsaq Wednesday 21:00 21:30
Arsuk Thursday 06:45 07:00
Paamiut 14:00 14:30
Qeqertarsuatsiaat 22:15 22:30
Nuuk Friday 07:30 21:00
Maniitsoq Saturday 07:00 07:30
Kangaamiut 11:00 11:15
Sisimiut Sunday 19:00 21:00
Aasiaat 08:00 08:30
Ilulissat 13:00 -

What our customers say

Alles hat gut geklappt.

Alles hat gut geklappt. Als einmal ein Voucher fehlte, wurde dieser auf Nachfrage sofort nachgeliefert. Dank der sehr guten Organisation konnten wir die spektakuläre Reise, die auch vom Spannungsbogen her so gut aufgebaut war, dass die Faszination anhielt, durchgehend voll genießen.

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Ulrich van Krüchten (Deutschland, August 2021)

Everything went perfectly

Greenland Tours were very easy to deal with. Questions were answered efficiently by Anna and her team throughout the booking process. The tour that was put together for us was fantastic. It gave us good coverage of Greenland and we enjoyed lots of different experiences. Everything went perfectly. All companies that ran the excursions on the ground were professional. Transport transfers were on time and comfortable. Hostels were clean and in a good location. I would definitely book through Greenland Tours if I ever returned to Greenland.

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Sharon Eaton (Australia, September 2019)

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.