West Greenland Explorer

west greenland icebergs in disko bay istk

West Greenland Explorer

from £9900 excluding flights

9-14 nights
Jul-Aug

Customers rate Discover the World

Average score 4.8/5 Based on 1220 reviews. Powered by Feefo

Highlights

west greenland ilulissat iceberg dwarfs boat istk

Cruise through the spectacular Ilulissat Icefjord

Paddle among mighty icebergs in a kayak

Learn about Inuit culture and traditions

greenland disko bay humpback whale tail vg

Look out for whales, seals and seabirds

Why this trip...

Immersive exploration

Immerse yourself in your surroundings on a true exploration of remote and spectacular areas

discover the world escorted holiday group whale fjord iceland

Expertly guided

In-depth knowledge and expertise will enrich your experience on this trip

No surcharge guarantee

When you book we guarantee there will be no price increases or additional fees to be paid

Overview

Explore the ice-choked fjords and small settlements along the coast of West Greenland on this adventure-filled voyage. Shore landings, Zodiac cruises and the chance to join optional kayak excursions offer a great way to immerse yourself in your surroundings and meet Inuits living the traditional ways of life in some of the world’s most remote environments.

Stunning vistas of bays filled with icebergs are irresistible for photography enthusiasts, while kayakers can glide through waters teeming with whales. The Ilulissat Icefjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where boats and people alike are dwarfed by the sheer size of the icebergs.

Speak to our team about arranging your flights, as well as extending your stay in Greenland pre- or post-voyage.

Itinerary

Your adventure begins with an overnight stay in thoroughly-modern Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital city.

Enjoy a morning at leisure to explore the Icelandic capital. In the afternoon you will be transferred to the ship for embarkation. Settle in and explore your new home before heading up on deck as you sail out of the picturesque fjord.

While sailing west you may spot see fulmars, kittiwakes, gannets and common guillemots. Whales may also make an appearance as you cross the Arctic Circle. By the end of the day you may encounter your first icebergs as you approach the south Greenland coast.

Over the coming days you will discover the immense beauty of West Greenland. In true expeditionary style, your itinerary will remain flexible, as weather and sea ice determine where you can go and what you will do and see. You may visit Sisimiut, the second-largest town in Greenland, and the former whaling station of Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island. Qeqertarsuaq is Greenland’s oldest town, founded in 1773, and boasts spectacular views of basaltic mountains and the huge icebergs of Disko Bay. The active tidewater glacier of Eqip Sermia is likely to be another highlight, as is the Ilulissat Icefjord into which one of the world’s fastest moving and most active glaciers calves 46 cubic kms of ice every year.

greenland midnight sun glacier ilulissat vg

west greenland rodebay settlement coloured houses istk

west greenland wildflowers near ilulissat vg

Arrive back in Kangerlussuaq where you disembark and bid farewell to your expedition team, before transferring to the airport for your charter flight back to Reykjavik.

All voyage itineraries are intended as a guideline only – embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy of expedition travel. Actual routes and landings will be dependent on weather, sea and ice conditions. A degree of flexibility is essential in the polar regions.
The above sample itinerary is based on the 14-day voyage on the Sea Spirit. Other departures may vary in duration and routing, i.e. alternative embarkation or disembarkation ports, or include a pre-voyage hotel night. Please speak to our Travel Specialists for specific details.

Vessel Finder

Ultramarine

The spacious Ultramarine is a purpose-built expedition ship, offering a choice of adventure activities as well as the chance to explore by…

The spacious Ultramarine is a purpose-built expedition ship, offering a choice of adventure activities as well as the chance to explore by helicopter.

Maximum passengers: 199

Compare

Passengers: 199
Class: Ice-strengthened
Balcony Cabins
Sauna
Helicopter: on board
Jacket: Jacket to keep
Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
Optional Activities

Sylvia Earle

The sister ship to the Greg Mortimer, the Sylvia Earle features the same cutting-edge design, superior comfort and environmentally friendly technology.

The sister ship to the Greg Mortimer, the Sylvia Earle features the same cutting-edge design, superior comfort and environmentally friendly technology.

Maximum passengers: 126

Compare

Passengers: 126
Class: Ice-strengthened
Balcony Cabins
Pool/Hot tub
Sauna
Jacket: Jacket to keep
Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
Optional Activities

Select 2-3 items to compare.

Tundra to Table Dining

Exclusive Inuit Culinary Experience

The innovative Tundra to Table dining experience showcases the culinary traditions of the Inuit of Greenland and Nunavut, offering the chance to enjoy dishes specially prepared by Inuit chefs, and to learn more about local Inuit culture.

A modern Inuit fusion-style cuisine reflects the influences of the region, featuring freshly caught seafood straight from the Arctic Ocean and free-roaming game. Dishes may include beer-braised muskox, South Greenlandic lamb, honey-glazed ptarmigan or pickled halibut, accompanied by wild herbs and locally grown vegetables.

During your four course meal, local Inuit chefs will share the story of their people through food, and explain the origins of the menu and the traditional methods of Inuit cooking.

This unique experience is available on board the Ultramarine on selected departures only. Limited places are available so pre-booking is essential.

Departures:
14 & 23 July 2024

Price: £110 per person

Excursions

Multi Destination

Kayaking

Price on request

Duration variable | Jan-Mar, Jun-Aug, Nov-Dec

Paddle alongside seals, icebergs and more on a polar kayaking excursion.

Discover more

antarctic peninsula kayaking through icebergs pov istk

Multi Destination

Kayaking Taster Session

Price on request

Variable hours | Jan-Mar, Oct-Dec

Explore the polar region on a sit-on-top kayak.

Discover more

Prices and Departures

Price from £9900 excluding flights

Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.

★ Voyage prices shown are standard for twin cabins but you can be assured that any relevant offers will be applied with your quote.

What's Included

Shipboard accommodation
All breakfasts, lunches & dinners on board
Tea & coffee available around the clock
All Zodiac transfers, cruising & shore landings
Presentations by the Expedition Team and guest speakers
Expedition jacket - yours to keep
Loan of rubber boots during voyage
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges
24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
No surcharge guarantee
Full financial protection

2024 and 2025 Departures

Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin. The indicative prices shown in the table below are the standard voyage fare and do not reflect any applicable special offers or discounts. Single, triple and quad cabins are also available. Please get in touch for a tailored quote based on the best available price for your preferred voyage and cabin type.

Departure	Duration	Vessel	Price from (pp)
14 Jul 2024	12 days	Ultramarine	£12,300
23 Jul 2024	12 days	Ultramarine	£12,300
10 Aug 2025	10 days	Ultramarine	£9,900
15 Aug 2025	15 days	Sylvia Earle	£18,395
17 Aug 2025	12 days	Ultramarine	£9,900

Activity Icon Key

Kayak taster session
Kayaking

Current Offers

Special Offer

Arctic 2024: Enjoy up to 50% off selected voyages aboard the Ultramarine and Ocean Adventurer

Expires: 29th April 2024

Take an adventure to the Arctic with saving of up to 50% off!

Discover more

svalbard polar bears on pack ice barentsoya astk

Special Offer

Arctic 2025: Up to 40% off voyages aboard the Ocean Explorer and Ultramarine

Discover the Arctic with saving of up to 40% off your incredible adventure!

Discover more

Personalised adventures. Trusted expertise.

Enquire Now

Adventure, Your Way

Our tailor made approach means you can think of us as your personal planning service.

Every Trip is an Original

Whatever the brief we'll create an amazing trip to get excited about. We give you on tap knowledge.

Here's the Plan

View your trip itinerary along with travel tips and maps with our online portal and travel app.

24/7 On Trip Support

No-one likes a plot twist. As standard we provide complete piece of mind with our in country 24/7 support and guidance.

As Standard, Complete Piece of Mind

We’re listening. We always care what our fellow travellers think and love building strong customer relationships so we continuously focus on improving future experiences based on feedback. How incredible for the last three years we have received the Feefo Platinum Award.

The World's Great. Pass it On

To mark our 40th anniversary, we've launched our Education Bursary Fund to help disadvantaged school children experience the wonders of travel. A percentage of revenue from every holiday booked will go into the bursary fund to pay for at least 40 students to join one of our school trips abroad.

Highlights