The Great Greenland Adventure

The Great Greenland Adventure - 27 days

Prices From £18,241pp
July Only | 26 nights

The Great Greenland Adventure - 27 days

Aboard: M/S Balto

As we travel from Ilulissat in West Greenland to Scoresby Sound in East Greenland, we get to experience one of the world’s most epic sea voyages, a life-affirming adventure of 26 days.

We will encounter astonishing landscapes, unique geological formations, narrow fjords, caves and hot springs as well as magnificent towering icebergs and impressive glaciers faces. The rich waters are likely to introduce us to several whale species, such as humpback, minke or pilot whales, as we navigate in between enormous icebergs under the midnight sun. The voyage will also be filled with fascinating stories of ancient times, Inuit culture, Norse history and natural wonders! In the east we navigate ”the forbidden coast”, a wild and unchartered coastline, rarely visited. This is the ultimate expedition for those of you who would like to maximise your Greenland experience.

Join us on this extraordinary expedition cruise with M/S Balto! Travelling with this unique and elegant expedition ship in a group of merely 12 passengers offers an intimate experience of Greenland compared to a larger expedition ship. We get to visit remote settlements, meet the welcoming people living here and in a personal way learn more about their fascinating culture. The M/S Balto has a lot of experience of the Greenlandic waters and is designed to explore the most remote fjord systems and take you to secret anchorages. This is true micro cruising.

This trip requires a mandatory transfer package priced at USD 1050.
Mandatory flight package includes:

Flight from Constable Point (Greenland) to Reykjavik (Iceland).
Transfer in connection with flight, from Reykjavik airport to hotel.
One hotel night in Reykjavik after the expedition.

The price is USD 1050 per person. Please note that this cost is in addition to the stated price.

Highlights

  • Small group of 12 passengers
  • An epic adventure
  • Inuit culture & norse history
  • Small settlements & the capital Nuuk
  • Hot springs & icebergs
  • The large Sermilik fjord system
  • Great chance of seeing whales
  • The wild and unchartered eastern coast
  • Stories and myths from the Tunumiit culture
  • The chance to see Polar bears

What's Included

  • 24 nights on board M/S Balto
  • 1 night at a hotel in Ilulissat
  • All meals on board
  • Coffee and tea
  • 1 Expedition Leader and 1 guide
  • Guiding ashore and talks on board
  • All excursions and activities
  • Comprehensive information material before the expedition

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Arrival in Greenland
1Day

Arrival in Greenland

Arrive independently to Ilulissat, Greenland’s third biggest town, where immediately upon arrival you may be awestruck by the natural beauty that surrounds you, with hills, glaciers and a bay filled with icebergs. The remoteness from everyday life is obvious! Today you will transfer to your hotel for your included overnight stay where you will stay surrounded by breathtaking views of the surrounding ice-choked waters.

 Ilulissat
2Day

Ilulissat

With its breathtaking landscapes and unique positioning, the incredibly impressive Ilulissat area offers the perfect introduction to this remarkable island. Before embarkation today you will be offered the chance to join a gentle hike to the World UNESCO heritage site of the Ilulissat Icefjord (Sermeq Kujalleq). The scenery here is simply out of this world and may well be a highlight of your whole trip.

In the afternoon you will board the ship and settle in to your comfortable cabin as we set sail for an epic voyage covering more than 2000 nautical miles along one of the world’s most spectacular shorelines. As with all Polar expeditions, your itinerary here will be flexible and may be dictated by ice and sailing conditions, with your captain and crew choosing the best course for adventure each day, and we plan to cover all the way from West Greenland to the last outpost of civilization in the far Northeast Greenland.

The first adventure on board will see us continue our exploration of the ice-choked area around the Ilulissat ice fjord looking for the best ice-free passage out of the harbour, before we head towards the beautifully situated settlement of Qeqertarsuaq further west in Disko Bay.

The Greenlandic West Coast
3 - 8Days

The Greenlandic West Coast

Adventures over the next few days will offer unique perspectives of Greenland and its wonderfully diverse and unforgettable coastline. First up will be a further exploration of Qeqertarsuaq where you can join a short hike that will reward in magnificent views of the tremendous icebergs below, and the first of many thrilling Zodiac cruises. Back on board, keep your eye out for the humpback whales that are often spotted here around Disko Bay’s gigantic icebergs.

Sailing south, we will sail through a fascinating passage past small islands, cliff and fjords towards Sisimiut and the numbers and sizes of icebergs will begin to decrease. Our next stop is likely to be around the magical Eternity Fjord (Kangerlussuatsiaq), where huge mountains up to 2000 metres high rise dramatically, straight from the ocean. Here, the sight of the extraordinary steep valley glaciers flowing down from the mountain cliffs is likely to be a highlight.

We will then make our way to Nuuk, the charming capital of Greenland, where, surrounded by a spectacular setting, you will have the opportunity to visit the National Museum, Greenland’s largest museum of cultural history, as well as spending some time looking for the humpback, minke and pilot whales that are often found in the nearby waters.

Continuing further south, we will hope to navigate further away from the coast in order to search for more whale sightings along the continental shelf, before making our way to the abandoned mining town of Ivittuut. Here you can take an enjoyable stroll through this remarkable “ghost town” to learn all about how this was one of the few places in the world where naturally occurring cryolite was discovered and how the settlement was abandoned when this discovery made mining here obsolete. You can also take a short hike here to search for sightings of muskoxen.

South Coast Greenland
9 - 11Days

South Coast Greenland

It’s now time to discover Greenland’s enchanting south coast and our first stop will bring us to Qaqortoq, southern Greenland’s largest city, beautifully situated under the mountain slopes and surrounded by fjords. We hope to visit Hvalsey Church, the best-preserved Norse ruin in Greenland, as well as a trip to nearby Eriksfjord, a picturesque settlement founded by Erik the Red.

Throughout your time here you will learn all about Inuit culture and life this far north, both present and past. As well as a wonderful insight into the culture and history here, the natural surroundings are equally impressive. As we explore around you will encounter dazzling mountain peaks, hot springs, bird cliffs and picturesque remote islands. Enjoy a bathe in the hot springs of Uunartoq surrounded by incredible scenery of mountains and drifting icebergs, and discover the extraordinary fjord system of Prince Christian Sound where steeps cliffs up to 2000 metres high plunge dramatically into the sea and the resemblance to Mordor, in Lord of the rings, is striking.

East Coast Greenland - "The forbidden coast"
12 - 25Days

East Coast Greenland - "The forbidden coast"

We now begin our cruise north along East Greenland, through remarkably wild and uncharted lands where few have been lucky enough to explore and where the ever-changing weather conditions may dictate our plans more than ever. Pushing against the strong East Greenlandic current that carries a parade of icebergs southwards we will slowly make our way towards the expansive Sermelik Fjord system near Tasiilaq. Here we will be greeted by icebergs of all shapes and sizes, and in a never-ending spectrum of blue and we will stop to collect some glacier ice for our drinks! We may spend a few days exploring around this ever-changing environment where each turn will bring a new scenic wonder and new chances for unforgettable stops and chances of spotting marine mammals, before arriving to the town of Tasiilaq via a tiny secret passage. Home to 2000 inhabitants, this is the largest settlement in East Greenland and offers us the chance to meet some of the locals, enjoy a story telling of local myths and legends and learn all about the life and traditions this far north.

True Polar exploration continues as we sail further northwards along the “Forbidden Coast” where we will make stops that are so remote that we may be the only people that visit these places this year!

In the ice choked Tuttilik Fjord, meaning the place where the reindeer live (a long time ago), we hope to go ashore and explore some abandoned Inuit winter houses. With some luck we might also find the memorial built in honour of the famous explorer Gino Watkins that vanished here in 1932 while hunting seals from his kayak.

Even further north, the wild coastal landscapes continue as we attempt to reach Kangerlussuaq Fjord and Watkins Fjord to enjoy some fantastic hiking opportunities. We will hope to move even further up the coast to visit Nansen Fjord, Rømer Fjord, Deichmann Fjord and Steward Island. These areas offer our best chance of spotting Polar bears! Although spotting these mighty Kings of the Arctic is not an overly common occurrence in Greenland, if we’re going to spot them then this will be the place, so we will be keeping a constant lookout for any opportunity!

We will then make every effort to sail through the sea ice to reach the spectacular Scoresby Sound, the world’s largest fjord system. Sea ice often blocks the entrance here until around mid-July, and although we are travelling in August when the passage has usually opened up, we can take nothing for granted here so a visit is unfortunately not guaranteed. If we do make it, then we may visit Vikinge Bay a sheltered place perfect for Zodiac cruising amongst magnificent basaltic columns and icebergs. In Hall Bredning huge icebergs from the deeper fjords tend to accumulate; icebergs in a density and size we have not seen since leaving Ilulissat at the very start of our voyage. Though, the difference now is the magnificent mountain scenery in the background giving us even new perspectives. Finally, landing at Sydkap, we might get another chance to see Muskox or Arctic hare. Should sea ice block our route, we will still find comfort in the wildlife that comes with the sea ice such as seals and good numbers of marine mammals.

Constable Point - Reykjavik
26Day

Constable Point - Reykjavik

As our epic Greenland cruise nears its conclusion, we will now arrive at Constable Point where we disembark for our flight to Reykjavik in Iceland. Please note: a mandatory transfer package is required for this trip which covers flights from Constable Point to Reykjavik and transfers and hotel stay in Reykjavik. This mandatory package is currently priced at USD 1050 per person.

Reykjavik and homewards
27Day

Reykjavik and homewards

After an overnight stay in Reykjavik your itinerary will come to an end and it will sadly be time to make your way homewards or onwards. Should you wish to extend your stay in Reykjavik to experience some of the wonders of Iceland, please let us know and we will be happy to help you arrange stays, tours and adventures.

A view from Above

All Aboard

M/S Balto
Mid range  adventure vessel

M/S Balto

M/S Balto is named after the leading sled dog of 1925 Nome serum run. She was built for the highest ice class in Rauma, Finland, to serve as a government service vessel in the Baltic sea. During 2019-2020, she has been totally refurbished and is now one of the roomiest and most elegant small polar expedition yachts in service. M/S Balto offers a relaxed luxury accommodation for 12 guests in 7 outside cabins, all with private facilities and lower beds. The spacious cabins include 1 Owner’s cabin, 1 superior cabin, 3 double cabins and 2 single cabins. The Owner’s cabin is 30m2, has 6 windows and a queen bed, the superior cabin has two twin beds while the double cabins has a queen bed. The Owner's and superior cabin also offer a separate seating area. In all cabins you find a desk with a chair and a closet for storage.

On the guest deck you also find a cider lined sauna, accommodating 4-6 persons, with a cold shower and a small changing room. The richly appointed saloon and the beautiful dining messroom feature crotch-mahogany panelling, a bar, a card table, a library, coffee and tea stations. She offers a large restaurant style open galley, where you can check on the marvels of our chefs and sample freshly baked bread.

There are several open and semi enclosed deck spaces from where you can enjoy the stunning Arctic sceneries. You are welcomed by an international crew and the bridge is open for visitors.

The ship has been fitted with an electric diesel propulsion capable of maintaining versatile manoeuvring and survey speeds with no vibration. It is therefore ideal as film and photo platform. There is also a mud room for expedition gear and two Zodiacs for wilderness cruises and offshore experiences. M/S Balto is truly one of a kind when it comes to small polar expedition ships. Travelling with this unique 12-passenger ship offers a completely different and much more intimate experience of Greenland compared to a larger expedition ship.

A small group of merely 12 passengers gives us more flexibility, unique itineraries and more time ashore. Also, the footprints we leave behind are a lot smaller!

The M/S Balto is designed to explore the most remote fjord systems, visit isolated Inuit settlements, take you to secret anchorages and maximise each guest’s experience in the unspoiled wilderness. This is true micro cruising.

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Arctic adventure for you.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike has more than fifteen years hands-on experience in the industry, travelling to some of the most incredible wild places on the planet. His far-reaching knowledge and invaluable skills will ensure that your wildlife travel adventure is a dream come true.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

Simon’s deep passion for and first-hand knowledge of a vast range of destinations all over the world gives him the ideal skills to help you create a truly unforgettable wildlife inspired adventure to the most exciting places on the planet.

Sheena Ogley Senior Travel Expert

Sheena’s abiding love of adventure travel has taken her to some of the most incredible wildlife-rich places on Earth. Her vast experience and genuine desire to share her knowledge makes her an outstanding and invaluable person to help you organise your wildlife adventure trip.

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

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0800 195 3385
Outside the uk
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43

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Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

Chat Now

Request a
callback

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

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