GEMS OF WEST GREENLAND
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12 DAYS
Immerse yourself along the dramatic coast of West Greenland, exploring deep into fjords and stunning islands. This trip features the best sites of West Greenland and delivers an in-depth experience in just 12 days. You’ll have opportunities to visit towns such as Sisimiut and Uummannaq, both rich with culture. Find yourself coasting by massive glaciers while enjoying all the comforts Ultramarine has to offer. At the peak of summer months, you’ll enjoy the long sunny days, clear vistas, and longer opportunities to see wildlife.
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Reykjavik | Explore this beautiful city at leisure |
| Day 2 | Fly to Kangerlussuaq | Embark on your ship |
| Day 3 | At Sea | Sail north along west coast, preparation for adventures ahead and presentations from education team |
| Days 4 - 6 | Uummanaq Fjord | Cultural and natural wonders possible visit to town of Ummanaq, Qilakitsoq and Store Glacier |
| Days 7 & 8 | Disko Bay | Dramatic scenery, whales, Illulissat, Jakobshavn Glacier also considered Equip Sermia or Torsukatak Fjords |
| Days 9 & 10 | Qeqqata | Community and wilderness-focused activities, alpine lake of Innussuit Tasersuat and Eternity Fjord |
| Day 11 | Kangerlussuaq | Disembark in Kangerlussuaq and fly to Reykjavik |
| Day 12 | Reykjavik | Make your way to the airport for your homeward flights |
SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
Ultramarine
The newest ship in the Quark fleet, Ultramarine is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and immerse you in the best the region has to offer. Ultramarine accommodates 199 guests and is equipped with two twin-engine helicopters to offer the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, the most spacious suites in its category, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size. With two dining areas, four bars, a panoramic lounge, theatre, library, spa and fitness centre, Polar boutique and an ocean view sauna your days at sea can be as busy or relaxing as you decide.
Ocean Explorer
The Ocean Explorer is the newest addition to the Quark fleet, offering modern and elegant design. This 138 passenger vessel is purpose-built for polar exploration, featuring well-appointed and spacious public areas and ample outdoor viewing areas for long-view photography and wildlife viewing. Spacious cabins feature a modern, bespoke Scandinavian design and almost all have verandas. Guests can relax and find comfort in the spacious gym, sauna with large windows, and two outdoor Jacuzzis.
Day 1 Reykjavik
Arrive in the Icelandic capital and make your way to your included hotel. You will have the rest of the day to explore the city on your own.
Day 2 Fly to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
In the morning, the group will transfer to the airport and board the private charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, a small town at the eastern head of Sondre Stromfjord, one of the longest fjords in the world. After embarking your ship in the afternoon, enjoy time out on deck, taking in your new surroundings as you set sail on your arctic expedition.
Day 3 At Sea
As you cruise across the Davis Strait, your Expedition Team will prepare you for the adventures that await. Learn about the storied history and politics of the Arctic, its fascinating wildlife, geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore. Staff will also keep a lookout for seabirds soaring above your ship, as well as whales that frequent the waters here.
Days 4 – 6 Uummanaq Fjord
Uummannaq Fjord is the second-largest fjord system in Greenland surpassed only by Scoresbysund in east Greenland. On these itinerary days you will have the opportunity to become one of few people ever to explore this area in depth and travel beyond the predictable tourist destinations. The fjord is full of cultural and natural wonders. Potential excursions include visits to the town of Uummanaq, venturing into Qilakitsoq (the site where the famous Greenland Mummies were discovered) and excursions focused around Store Glacier and its immense discharge zone. You’ll embrace the expeditionary spirit as we pioneer new destinations within the labyrinth of valleys and channels in the depths of the fjord.
Quark Expeditions’ core belief in working closely with our local partners will enhance every experience as we explore alongside local experts. We’ll draw on our team’s collective knowledge and expertise to deliver incredible experiences.
Days 7 & 8 Disko Bay
Disko Bay Is a wide, southeastern inlet of Baffin Bay and is the largest open bay in western Greenland. Try to get out on deck as we navigate into this iconic bay where whales are often spotted. Disko Bay is full of exciting destinations for us to explore. We will almost certainly visit the community of Illulissat, which is situated at the head of outlet fjord for Sermeq Kujalleq (Jakobshavn Glacier) , known for discharging 35 billion tons of ice each year. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, the fjord is immensely beautiful and we will encourage you to explore it via one of the many marked hiking trails.
Another area we will consider for this itinerary is the wild beauty of Equip Sermia or Torsukatak Fjords, located in the northeast corner of Disko Bay. Both of these remote areas offer fantastic vistas of large active glacial faces and provide plenty of opportunities for hiking, paddling, and Zodiac cruising. This is also an area where, if conditions allow, we will consider utilizing our twin- engine helicopters to get you in the air to appreciate the immensity of this region.
Days 9 & 10 Qeqqata
Qeqqata (meaning centre) municipality is Greenland’s second smallest administrative region. Situated in the middle of the country’s western coast, Qeqqata is home to almost 20% of Greenland’s populace, most of whom reside in Sisimiut and Manitsoq.
During these two days your expedition team will work with our local partners to curate a balance of community and wilderness-focused activities. We are likely to visit Sisimiut, where you can wonder through the open air museum, participate in local tastings or join a hiking group to venture beyond the town limits along one of many incredible hiking trails on Sisimiut’s doorstep. This is where we will also offer the (paid) mountain biking activity.
Further south, the areas surrounding Manitsoq are equally stunning. One of our favorite destinations in the area is the picturesque alpine lake of Innussuit Tasersuat, which we can hike and share a picnic with friends from Manitsoq. The fjord systems behind Manitsoq are deep and seldom visited. Our team will seek to take you beyond the ordinary and into these fjords for magical one-of-a-kind experiences, one of which is Eternity Fjord, which is home to the tallest mountains in all of West Greenland.
Day 11 Kangerlussuaq
Today, we disembark in Kangerlussuaq and transfer you to your charter flight to Reykjavik, where you’ll spend the night in your included hotel.
Day 12 Reykjavik
Today, make your way to Keflavík International Airport to catch your homeward flights, or spend more time exploring the fascinating city of Reykjavik.