Ocean Diamond Greenland Optional Shore Excursions

GREENLAND OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

Please note:

You do not have to book shore excursions at time of booking, you have up until 4 weeks prior to departure to request which excursions you would like to do. You do this by filling out the online shore excursion form and submitting the form to the operator. A confirmation of your reservation request will be sent to your e-mail address. This is only an acknowledgment of receipt but no final booking confirmation. You will receive a final confirmation of the reserved shore excursions with your travel documents. In the case of fully booked shore excursions, you will receive recommended alternatives or the possibility of being placed on a waiting list. Payment of shore excursions will take place on board only.

VESTMANNAEYJAR – WESTMAN ISLANDS

Heimaey Island
Heimaey Island
Iceland Pro Cruises - Thermal Activities

BUS TOUR-POMPEII OF THE NORTH – LAVA TOUR

Tour Highlights: A geologically and historically interesting bus tour, visit of the Volcano Museum Eldheimar

Duration: 3 hours

Price: US$110 per person

Minimum Group Size: 10
Maximum Group Size: 45

This guided bus tour around Heimaey Island includes the volcanic crater and houses half-buried from the volcanic eruption of 1973. It‘s a unique and fascinating landscape with diverse birdlife (mid April to mid August). The tour ends at the volcanic center, a unique museum that tells the story of the Heimaey volcanic eruption 1973, the emergence of Surtsey Island 1963 and the geology of the Westman Islands. Suitable for most guests as there is only easy walking involved.

Available on: All Greenland voyages

 

THRILLING QUAD (ATV) EXPERIENCE

Tour Highlights: 4×4 Quad (ATV) tour in the lava fields; driving a Quad (ATV) yourself.

Duration: 1.5 hours

Price: US$110 per person (double use, 2 people per ATV)

US$140 per person (single use, 1 person per ATV)

Minimum Group Size: 2
Maximum Group Size: 7/14

On this one hour guided Quad (ATV) tour you will ride through stunning lava fields while experiencing the real offroad feeling. While driving around you get great views over the island and the surrounding areas. And if you are lucky you might even get a glimpse of the world famous volcano Eyjafjallajokull on the other side on the mainland. This is a unique and adventurous opportunity to experience Westman Islands! Don´t miss out on the fun! The tour requires guests to be in a generally good physical condition and guests must provide their driver’s licence to be able to drive the ATV’S.

Available on: All Greenland voyages

 

VOLCANO HIKE

Tour Highlights: Climbing a volcano, visit of the Volcano Museum Eldheimar

Duration: 3 hours

Price:US$45 per person

Minimum Group Size: 10
Maximum Group Size: 40

Various catastrophes have befallen the island of Heimaey and its inhabitants throughout history. Probably the most tragic incident to take place on the island is the volcanic eruption in 1973. Learn more about the geology and volcanology of Iceland during this 2 hours hike upon a volcano. After reaching the top of the volcano you will not get to see lava flow but you can still feel the warmth of its activity. At the end of the hike, you will visit the unique volcano museum that tells the story of the Heimaey volcanic eruption in 1973, the emergence of Surtsey Island in 1963 and the geology of the Westman Islands. The hike is approximately 5.3 kms on uneven ground and uphill so it is recommended for guests that are in a generally good physical condition.

Available on: All Greenland voyages

NARSARSUAQ

Iceland Pro Cruises - Eqip Glacier
Iceland Pro Cruises - Narsarsuaq
Greenland glaciers

BOAT TRIP QOOROQ ICE FJORD

Tour Highlights: A fascinating cruise through the icebergs in the Qooroq Ice Fjord

Duration: 1 hour

Price: US$110 per person

Minimum Group Size: 12
Maximum Group Size: –

The Greenland ice cap produces 250 million tons of icebergs each summer and their final journey begins when they break off from glaciers and plunge directly into crystalclear fjords. Near Narsarsuaq you sail through the Qooroq Ice Fjord, weaving through hundreds of icebergs with a mesmerizing view of the Qooroq glacier off in the distance. The Qooroq Ice Fjord will be reached in approx. 20 minutes by boat. You cruise between the light blue icebergs which South Greenland is popular for and sail into the fjord to see the glacier in the distance. Here the captain stops the engine and you can enjoy the Arctic scenery and the silence. Suitable for all guests.

Available on: All Greenland voyages

 

HIKE TO TASIUSAQ

Tour Highlights: Hike through the beautiful Arctic landscape

Duration: 6-7 hours

Price: US$50 per person

Minimum Group Size: 10
Maximum Group Size: 25

In Qassiarsuk you will start your hike through stunning Arctic landscapes to the remote community of Tasiusaq. The largely treeless and rocky fjord landscape of South Greenland resembles the fjords of western Norway. At the end, you will find sheep farms that give a new meaning to the word ‘remote’. It used to be the home of sheep farmers but nowadays it is abandoned. Sheep and the occasional eagle might be seen, but this hike is mainly about the beauty of the landscape – enjoy the beautiful view of the fjord system and the Arctic nature. The hike is approximately 13.5 kms on an unpaved road so it is recommended for guests who are in a generally good physical condition. A lunch box will be provided from the Ocean Diamond kitchen.

Available on: All Greenland voyages

 

VIKING RUINS QASSIARSUK

Tour Highlights: Learn more about the Viking culture and visit Greenland‘s first Christian church

Duration: 2 hours

Price: US$40 per person

Minimum Group Size: 10
Maximum Group Size: 15

The ship’s zodiac will bring you to the other side of the fjord, where you will visit the small settlement of Qassiarsuk. The settlement is housing some of the most interesting ruins from the Viking period and reconstructions will be open to visit. In Qassiarsuk it is possible to visit the ruins of the first Christian church in Greenland, as this was the site where Erik the Red and his wife settled in year 982-985. Your guide will lead the way, and you will learn about the Vikings’ life and their Greenlandic history. Close to the ruins you will find reconstructions of a little church and a farm house. There is about 2 hours of walking on a gravel road involved in this tour.

Available on: All Greenland voyages

 

HELICOPTER FLIGHT TO EQALUIT GLACIER

Tour Highlights: Exciting approx. 30 minutes helicopter flight plus 30 minutes ground stop at the Eqaluit Glacier

Duration: 1.5 hours

Price: US$675 per person

Group Size: 5 or 8 depending on size of helicopter

An aerial perspective gives a true sense of Greenland’s unbelievable size. During this “Flightseeing-Tour” by helicopter you see details that you would miss from an airplane. Flying low and slow, Greenland’s spectacular natural features like glacial moulins and icebergs seem to be right below your feet. The helicopter flies at low altitude over the coastal mountains for about 15 minutes (per way) before landing in front of the glacier. Use the break of approximately 30 minutes to inspect and photograph the amazing glacier face before flying back. Suitable for all guests. The helicopter needs to be full for this tour to run so it will be either for 5 or 8 guests depending on the size of the helicopter.

Available on: All Greenland voyages

NUUK

Iceland Pro Cruises - Nuuk
Iceland Pro Cruises - Nuuk
Greenland

CITY WALK INCL. NATIONAL MUSEUM

Tour Highlights: A wonderful introduction to Greenland‘s capital Nuuk and a visit to the world famous mummies

Duration: 2 hours

Price: US$25 per person

Minimum Group Size: 10
Maximum Group Size: 25

Nuuk is the capital of Greenland and its oldest town. Founded in 1728 by Danish-Norwegian missionary Hans Egede, Nuuk combines Arctic traditions and European urbanity. With around 16,000 inhabitants, Nuuk is considered a bustling metropolis compared to the rest of Greenland’s cities and settlements. This guided tour brings you to the old city center and also includes a visit to the National Museum of Greenland which exhibits 500 year old Inuit-mummies discovered in Qilakitsoq 40 years ago. On the local market you can find seal, fish and musk ox. This tour involves approximately 2 hours of walking.

Available on: All Greenland voyages

 

HIKING AROUND LILLE MALENE

Tour Highlights: Hike through the beautiful Arctic landscape around Nuuk

Duration: 5 hours

Price: US$60 per person

Minimum Group Size: 10
Maximum Group Size: 25

A short approximately 10 minutes bus ride takes you to the starting point: the foot of the mountain Lille Malene. Soon you are out in the clean and untouched wilderness with magnificent views over the Nuuk fjord system, which is the second largest system in the world. The hike takes you along a trail with streams and small lakes. It provides many beautiful spots which are perfect for photo stops and lunchbreak with lunch boxes provided by the Ocean Diamond kitchen provided. This 10km hike covers mountain terrain in all variations and is only suitable for passengers with a very good level of fitness.

Available on: All Greenland voyages

 

FJORD BOAT TRIP

Tour Highlights: Very good chances of spotting whales as well as beautiful views of Sermitsiaq mountain – Nuuk´s landmark

Duration: 2 hours

Price: US$150 per person

Minimum Group Size: 12
Maximum Group Size: 66

On this two hours boat tour there is a very good chance of seeing humpback whales on close hand. The captains are very experienced and know how to sail carefully in order for the whales to stay close to the boats. The tour will also take you to the island of Sermitsiaq which hosts more beautiful sights. Not only melting glaciers produce a waterfall diving directly into the fjord but also Sermitsiaq mountain can be seen. Seals, icebergs and sea birds (mid April to mid August) are also likely to be experienced on this tour.

Available on: All Greenland voyages

 

HELICOPTER FLIGHT AMONGST MOUNTAINS AND FJORDS

Tour Highlights: Exciting approx. 30 minutes helicopter flight plus 30 minutes ground stop in the mountains

Duration: 1.5 hours

Price: US$675 per person

Group Size: 5 or 8 depending on helicopter size

Greenland’s nature is by many considered the most beautiful in the world. This is your chance to see it from above. During the ground stop amongst mountains you have a splendid vista over impressive mountains and the wide fjord system of Nuuk. Do not miss this unique chance to experience astonishing views and bring back memories for life. Suitable for all guests. The helicopter needs to be full for this tour to run so it will be either 5 or 8 guests depending on the size of the helicopter.

Available on: All Greenland voyages

SISIMIUT

Sledge Dogs - Iceland Pro Cruises
Iceland Pro Cruises Sisimiut
Kayaking in Greenland iceland pro cruises

CITY WALK

Tour Highlights: Culture and history of Greenland, sledge dogs, most popular sights of Sisimiut

Duration: 2 2.5 hours

Price: US$20 per person

Minimum Group Size: 10
Maximum Group Size: 30

On this walking tour your guide describes everyday life in Sisimiut as well as the history, buildings and places you pass. The walk starts at the harbour, brings you to the old city center passing by the fish market all the way to the local dog yard. If you are lucky you might even get to see some puppies. The walk ends in the city centre, if time allows you can still explore the village on your own and walk individually back to the ship. The walk takes approximately 2 hours up and downhill on uneven and unpaved ground.

Available on: All Greenland voyages

 

INUIT CULTURE & HISTORY HIKE

Tour Highlights: Amazing sceneries and Inuit culture

Duration: 2 hours

Price: US$30 per person

Minimum Group Size: 10
Maximum Group Size: 25

You want to know more about the Greenlandic culture? Participate on a guided hike to the place where it all started 4,000 years ago. Different Inuit cultures used the Tele-Island as hunting grounds for many years. Learn about the way they lived. From the Tele-Island you have a beautiful view over Sisimiut with the Mountain Nasaasaq in the background. The hike takes approximately 2 hours on uneven terrain.

Available on: All Greenland voyages

 

KAYAK TOUR

Tour Highlights: Kayak through picturesque scenery, Greenlandic history

Duration: 2.5 hours

Prices: US$275 per person

Minimum Group Size: 4
Maximum Group Size: 12

Travel back in time paddling for approx. 1.5 hrs the surrounding of Sisimiut like the first Inuit peoples of the Saqqaq culture 4,000 years ago. You will learn about the hunting history, the city of Sisimiut and everyday life in Greenland. Inuits designed and built their boats based on their own experience and that of the generations before them, passed on through word-of-mouth. The word “kayak” means “man’s boat” or “hunter’s boat”, and kayaks were a personal craft, each built by the man who used it with assistance from his wife, who sewed the skins and closely fitting his size for maximum manoeuvrability. Guests will need to be in a good physical condition for kayaking.

Available on: All Greenland voyages

ILULISSAT

Pro Cruises - Illulissat
Iceland Pro Cruises - Ilulissat, Icefjord
Iceland Pro Cruises - Illulisat Boat Trip

CITY WALK

Tour Highlights: An interesting cultural and historical walk to Ilulissats most famous sights.

Duration: 1.5 hours

Price: US$20 per person

Minimum Group Size: 10
Maximum Group Size: 30

Originally founded by the Danes as a trading post in 1741, Ilulissat is today the third largest town in Greenland with over 4,500 inhabitants. Learn more about life 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle and hear about the old as well as the new history of the town and its development. After the tour you can stay in town or walk back to the pier. Approximately 1.5 hour walk up and downhill, with a partly uneven path and steps.

Available on: All Greenland voyages

 

HIKE TO THE ICEBERGS OF SERMERMIUT

Tour Highlights: Learn more about the Inuit culture on this hike through the stunning Arctic nature and see impressive icebergs

Duration: 5-6 hours

Price: US$50 per person

Minimum Group Size: 10
Maximum Group Size: 25

Hike through spectacular surroundings as we take you to “Holms Bakke” which offers great views to the Jakobshavn Ice Fjord with its many icebergs. Experience the Ice Fjord from a different angle and soak in these impressive moments. It also leads to the Inuit ruins at Sermermiut where you can discover the culture and lifestyle of the early Inuit, the first people to settle Sermermiut around the year 2,000 BC. You can still see the relics witnessing their presence. Hear the story about the Inuit people’s life and traditions before the Europeans came to Greenland. Lunchboxes from the Ocean Diamond kitchen will be provided. This hike covers mountain terrain in all variations. It is a demanding 8km long hike so only recommended for guests with a good level of fitness.

Available on: All Greenland voyages

 

ICE FJORD CRUISE

Tour Highlights: An unforgettable cruise among the icebergs of the UNESCO World Heritage Ice Fjord

Duration: 2 hours

Price:US$170 per person

Minimum Group Size: 12
Maximum Group Size: –

Ilulissat means “icebergs” in Greenlandic and the Ilulissat Ice Fjord is impressive whether viewed from the air or the sea. Experience an unforgettable cruise to the mouth of the Ilulissat Ice Fjord, where an underwater moraine catches many of the large icebergs. The only way to cross the moraine is via pressure from behind – therefore you always see a multitude of huge icebergs directly in front of Ilulissat. Suitable for all guests. There will need to be a minimum of 12 people for this tour to run.

Available on: All Greenland voyages

 

ICE FJORD SIGHTSEEING FLIGHT

Tour Highlights: Enjoy the stunning views of the UNESCO World Heritage Ice Fjord from above on this approx. 30 minutes flight

Duration: 1 hour

Price: US$530 per person

Group Size: 5 (flight needs to be full for tour to run)

The Ilulissat Ice Fjord is impressive whether viewed from the air or the sea. Experience an unforgettable flight over the Ice Fjord and the world’s most active glacier, Sermeq Kujalleq, which moves 72 feet per day. Your pilot will fly low over the fjord and circle around the majestic icebergs which can reach a height of 3,000 feet and a few miles in length. Suitable for all guests.

Available on: All Greenland voyages

QEQERTARSUAQ

Greenland
Iceland Procruises - Disko Bay

CITY WALK

Tour Highlights: An interesting cultural and historical walk to Qeqertarsuaqs most famous sights

Duration: 2 hours

Price: US$20 per person

Minimum Group Size: 10
Maximum Group Size: 30

Guided sightseeing in Qeqertarsuaq where you get an insight into the town´s ancient and modern history. Qeqertarsuaq is the only town on Disko Island (the big island) and a city that stands alone far off Greenland´s west coast and the Lyngmark Glacier that towers above the town. In the past whaling played a major and important role. In 1773, the first whaling base was opened up in Qeqertarsuaq. Nowadays, the inhabitants live from fishing and sealing.

Available on: All Greenland voyages

 

BOTANIC TUNDRA HIKE

Tour Highlights: Stunning landscapes, the “Valley of the Winds” – Blaesedal and waterfalls

Duration: 2.5 hours

Price: US$30 per person

Minimum Group Size: 10
Maximum Group Size: 25

The “Valley of the Winds” is located right outside of Qeqertarsuaq. Sometimes, a heavy wind blows on this Arctic plateau. That is where the valley Blaesedalen received its name from. But the valley also impresses with its waterfalls and large scenic variety with diversified flora and fauna. Learn more about tundra vegetation and adaptions of plants to Arctic climate on this botanic hike. The hike is approximately 4.8 kms over uneven terrain so it is recommend for guests who have a generally good level of fitness.

Available on: All Greenland voyages

KANGERLUSSUAQ

Musk Ox Greenland
Iceland Pro-cruises Only - Nuuk Greenlandic Culture
Kangerlussuaq

REINDEER GLACIER AND BBQ

Tour Highlights: Experience one of Greenland´s biggest attractions – the Ice Sheet and enjoy a BBQ with local specialities

Duration: 5-6 hours

Price:US$165 per person

Minimum Group Size: 12
Maximum Group Size: –

Known as the Greenland Ice Sheet, it is UNESCO World Heritage and covers 80 % of the island’s surface and is second in size to the world’s only other Ice Sheet in Antarctica. You drive through a wide variety of the most beautiful natural scenery from Arctic desert to tundra with low growing shrubs and through hilly terrain with a grand view of the edge of the Ice Sheet in the distance. The final goal is a stop with the most magnificent view. Here you will have approximately one hour to enjoy the unspoiled tundra vegetation and silence. Before heading to the airport you will stop at a beautiful spot in the middle of nowhere for a BBQ with local Greenlandic specialities.

Available on: Iceland and Natural Wonders of Greenland voyages only

 

TUNDRA SAFARI AND BBQ

Tour Highlights: Explore Greenland´s backcountry, keep an eye open for musk oxen and enjoy a BBQ with local specialities

Duration: 3.5 hours

Price:US$100 per person

Minimum Group Size: 12
Maximum Group Size: –

Kangerlussuaq´s location is a paradise for both reindeer and musk oxen, who thrive in this environment due to the relatively mild, stable and dry climate and the abundance of food. With a bit of luck, you will observe musk oxen roaming freely in their natural habitat. You will follow a route through the beautiful tundra landscape to the top of the mountain Black Ridge, which offers fantastic panoramic views of the valleys, rivers, Kangerlussuaq and even parts of the Greenland Ice Sheet. Before heading to the airport you will stop at a beautiful spot in the middle of nowhere for a BBQ with local Greenlandic specialities. Suitable for all guests though not recommended for those who get motion sickness as you will be travelling in a 4×4 bus over rocky and changeable terrain and gravel roads.

Available on: Iceland and Natural Wonders of Greenland voyages only

 

ICE SHEET SIGHTSEEING FLIGHT

Tour Highlights: A spectacular approx. 30 minutes sightseeing flight over the Ice Sheet and glaciers

Duration: 1 hour

Price: US$530 per person

Group Size: 5 ( flight needs to be full for this tour to run)

A treat for your senses! The magnificent Ice Sheet awaits your visit on this unique sightseeing tour covering both the Arctic tundra with a great view of the numerous musk oxen, a journey over the Ice Sheet with smooth turns to experience melt water lakes and of course the Russell Glacier as the grand finale. Suitable for all guests.

Available on: Iceland and Natural Wonders of Greenland voyages only

For more information on the Ocean Diamond voyages, call us on 1300 784 794 or email contact@arctictravelcentre.com.au

We will tailor the perfect holiday to suit your needs.