Sightseeing boat in Disko Bay approaching icebergs
Request a quote Best of the West

8 days exploring Disko Bay incl. Disko Island and visit to the Greenland Ice Cap

 from 1,815.00 €
Request a quote Best of the West

8 days exploring Disko Bay incl. Disko Island and visit to the Greenland Ice Cap

 from 1,815.00 €

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?

Replace the included ice cap day tour from Kangerlussuaq with this fantastic 2 day trip to explore the fascinating Greenlandic ice cap and spend the night in a tent on the ice sheet. Choosing this option will extend your program by one day in Kangerlussuaq.

Add to the included boat tour to Eqi Glacier an overnight in a standard hut (incl. full board, linen, towels and glacier view hike) at Glacier Lodge Eqi. Choosing this option will extend your program by one day.

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. A local lunch is included at the small restaurant “H8”, which is located in one of the old colonial buildings. 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.

This afternoon you will head south to explore the small settlement of Ilimanaq and on your way pass by the famous Kangia Icefjord with a stunning view of the massive icebergs. Ilimanaq means ‘the area of expectations’ since you would expect to get a good catch here in the mid 19th century. At that time, hundreds of families lived along the coast. Today, the settlement only counts around 50 inhabitants. On a guided settlement walk you will visit the local church, school and the dog area as well as the old wooden houses and your guide provides you with an insight into Greenlandic culture and the local way of living. The evening will come up with some real taste of Greenland. You enjoy dinner at Restaurant Egede, the historic home of Poul Egede, which has been painstakingly restored and nowadays houses one of Greenland’s best restaurants. The historic spirit of this place, the marvelous location with a view into Disko Bay and the fresh Greenlandic cuisine allow for an unforgettable evening before you head back to Ilulissat.

You will visit a local handcrafts woman at her house where she is revealing glimpse into her traditional skills. In the past the Inuit only wore clothes made from animal skin or fur since these were warm and hard-wearing and ideally adapted for Arctic climate. The Inuit saying “A man is what his wife makes him” shows the great deal of responsibility the women carried by carefully choosing the skins and perfectly processing them into clothes that protected people in the harsh arctic winter. You will come to know how these skilled and talented artists were creating the traditional Inuit clothing as well as the festive national dress and also enjoy coffee and cake together. By joining this tour you support the local women community and contribute to the preservation of Greenlandic handcraft.

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).

Further information

Contact Information

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Sightseeing boat in Disko Bay approaching icebergs
Equipment list Best of the West

8 days exploring Disko Bay incl. Disko Island and visit to the Greenland Ice Cap
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Equipment list Best of the West

8 days exploring Disko Bay incl. Disko Island and visit to the Greenland Ice Cap

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.

Sightseeing boat in Disko Bay approaching icebergs
FAQ Best of the West

8 days exploring Disko Bay incl. Disko Island and visit to the Greenland Ice Cap
FAQ Best of the West

8 days exploring Disko Bay incl. Disko Island and visit to the Greenland Ice Cap

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?
  • What are the approximate costs for meals?
  • 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?
Dylan Furst
Individual tour

Best of the West

8 days exploring Disko Bay incl. Disko Island and visit to the Greenland Ice Cap

Difficulty level: Easy from 1,815.00 €
Request a quote

Be awed by stunning icebergs, enjoy sweeping views across the endless Greenland Ice Cap and experience massive, shimmering glaciers on this individual journey through the western parts of Greenland. Soak up the tranquility of beautiful Disko Island, experience Inuit culture, and simply let Greenland take your breath away. Hands down, this trip covers the best of the west and beyond!

Rough summary

Day 1:

Arrival in Kangerlussuaq - Ice Cap

Day 2:

From Kangerlussuaq to Ilulissat by plane

Day 3:

Free day in Ilulissat - Evening iceberg sailing

Day 4:

By ferry from Ilulissat to Qeqertarsuaq

Day 5:

Free day in Qeqertarsuaq

Day 6:

Back to Ilulissat by ferry

Day 7:

Boat tour to Eqi Glacier

Day 8:

Departure from Ilulissat

Prices and dates

Price per person from:

Package based on: Double Single
Hostel 1815 2040
Apartment 2440 3290
3* hotel 2370 2965
4* hotel 2535 3080

Dates:

daily departures, June 10, 2019 – September 05, 2019 (available)
June 10, 2020 – September 05, 2020 (available)

Further details

Price includes:

  • 5 hour sightseeing tour to the Greenland Ice Cap in Kangerlussuaq
  • 1 night in Kangerlussuaq
  • domestic flight from Kangerlussuaq to Ilulissat
  • 2 hour walk at 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
  • 4 nights in Ilulissat
  • Breakfast included when staying in hotel category
  • airport transfers in Ilulissat (not included when staying at hostel category)

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

Options

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

Replace the included ice cap day tour from Kangerlussuaq with this fantastic 2 day trip to explore the fascinating Greenlandic ice cap and spend the night in a tent on the ice sheet. Choosing this option will extend your program by one day in Kangerlussuaq.

Add to the included boat tour to Eqi Glacier an overnight in a standard hut (incl. full board, linen, towels and glacier view hike) at Glacier Lodge Eqi. Choosing this option will extend your program by one day.

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. A local lunch is included at the small restaurant “H8”, which is located in one of the old colonial buildings. 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.

This afternoon you will head south to explore the small settlement of Ilimanaq and on your way pass by the famous Kangia Icefjord with a stunning view of the massive icebergs. Ilimanaq means ‘the area of expectations’ since you would expect to get a good catch here in the mid 19th century. At that time, hundreds of families lived along the coast. Today, the settlement only counts around 50 inhabitants. On a guided settlement walk you will visit the local church, school and the dog area as well as the old wooden houses and your guide provides you with an insight into Greenlandic culture and the local way of living. The evening will come up with some real taste of Greenland. You enjoy dinner at Restaurant Egede, the historic home of Poul Egede, which has been painstakingly restored and nowadays houses one of Greenland’s best restaurants. The historic spirit of this place, the marvelous location with a view into Disko Bay and the fresh Greenlandic cuisine allow for an unforgettable evening before you head back to Ilulissat.

You will visit a local handcrafts woman at her house where she is revealing glimpse into her traditional skills. In the past the Inuit only wore clothes made from animal skin or fur since these were warm and hard-wearing and ideally adapted for Arctic climate. The Inuit saying “A man is what his wife makes him” shows the great deal of responsibility the women carried by carefully choosing the skins and perfectly processing them into clothes that protected people in the harsh arctic winter. You will come to know how these skilled and talented artists were creating the traditional Inuit clothing as well as the festive national dress and also enjoy coffee and cake together. By joining this tour you support the local women community and contribute to the preservation of Greenlandic handcraft.

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).

Flight connections

International flight to Greenland is not included. Domestic flight from Kangerlussuaq to Ilulissat included. Fly to Kangerlussuaq best via Copenhagen/Denmark.
Return flight from 830 EUR per person can be added to your package.

Open map

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kangerlussuaq - Ice Cap

Arriving here in Kangerlussuaq at this old U.S. Air Force base smells a lot like adventure. This day is no different as our plan is to take you to one of the true wonders of the world - the vast Greenland Ice Cap. A powerful 4WD-vehicle will take you along a rough and dusty track all the way to the edge of the ice. Passing through breathtaking scenery featuring wide plains, semi-desert valleys and a fantastic moraine landscape you start realising how massive Greenland really is. And you have only just started this trip. After a bumpy ride it is time to set your foot onto the massive Greenland Ice Cap. This will be one of your most memorable moments of your trip in Greenland. It is hard to believe that only a few decades ago the Greenland Ice Cap was inaccessible to most people. Like a mysterious, looming beast the Ice Cap sent cool winds rolling down from its highest peak into Kangerlussuaq. We spend some more time exploring this endless world of ice before returning to Kangerlussuaq. By the way, the area provides best access to witness some of Greenland's fauna. With a bit of luck on our side we might spot reindeer, musk oxen or arctic hare. Overnight in Kangerlussuaq.

Day 2: From Kangerlussuaq to Ilulissat by plane

In the morning you head further north by plane to visit famous Disko Bay for another big day. 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 is 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. Overnight in Ilulissat.

Day 3: Free day in Ilulissat - Evening iceberg sailing

A free day in Ilulissat allows for relaxing or adding further exciting activities and experiences that suit you. Make this trip your very own adventure and find some suggested options below in the trip details.

During sundown you will head out by boat and visit the gigantic floating icebergs, so have your cameras locked and loaded. One of our experienced captains will take you out into Disko Bay, getting you as close as safe to the fascinating icebergs. These frozen giants have calved from the most productive glacier of the Northern Hemisphere, the Sermeq Kujalleq. It annually calves 35 km³ of ice into the UNESCO Icefjord - a sheer unimaginable amount. If you are lucky you might even spot a whale or two. Overnight in Ilulissat.

Day 4: By ferry from Ilulissat to Qeqertarsuaq

From the harbour 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. Our recommendation is to take a walk through the settlement observing the old colorful houses and the not-so-busy life style. There are also a few benches along its coastline inviting for great views out into the iceberg-spotted bay. So wrap-up warm, take a book, maybe a camera, and try to hear the sounds of the whales feeding out in the bay. Overnight in Qeqertarsuaq.

Day 5: Free day in Qeqertarsuaq

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, it is easy to find and you do not need a guide for this trip. 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. Overnight in Qeqertarsuaq.

Day 6: Back to Ilulissat by ferry

It is hard to leave Qeqertarsuaq behind but great adventures are heading our way. First we 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 the captain of our ferry will soon have to pay more attention to the countless icebergs enlacing Ilulissat. Did we mention that the ferry is also 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. Overnight in Ilulissat.

Day 7: Boat tour to Eqi Glacier

One of the biggest highlights of this trip still remains - Eqi Glacier, a massive glacier wall of ancient ice constantly calving and breaking. To get there we head north from Ilulissat by boat for a few hours. Having reached Eqi we will sail as close as safe to the giant wall, turn off the engines for about an hour, enjoy lunch but foremost the breathtaking view of the calving glacier. To hear the sound of the ice cracking and crushing is sheer amazing. Now is also the time to get out your camera to take the perfect photo memory before we are heading back down to Ilulissat. Overnight in Ilulissat.

Day 8: Departure from Ilulissat

All great adventures come to an end and so is this. Still feeling like you want to use an extra day here or there? No problem, contact us and we will refine this trip and make it yours.

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.