Gems of West Greenland: Fjords, Icebergs & Culture
Gems of West Greenland: Fjords, Icebergs & Culture
Gems of West Greenland: Fjords, Icebergs & Culture
12 Days Starting and ending in Reykjavik, Iceland
Visiting: Kangerlussuaq, Uummannaq Fjord, Disko Bay, Qeqqata
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PLN
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 199
Age range:
18-99
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Gems of West Greenland: Fjords, Icebergs & Culture" expedition. This immersive voyage takes you through Greenland's most iconic regions, including the breathtaking Uummannaq and Eternity Fjords. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Disko Bay, renowned for its majestic icebergs and frequent whale sightings. Enjoy helicopter excursions for a bird's-eye view of this remote landscape and delve into Greenlandic culture with local partners. Explore the historic town of Uummannaq and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier near Ilulissat. Aboard the Ultramarine, a Polar Adventure Ship, you'll enjoy all-inclusive meals, comfortable accommodations, and expert-led excursions. This expedition offers a unique blend of cultural exploration and natural wonder, ensuring a truly memorable adventure in the heart of Greenland.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start Reykjavik, Iceland
Accommodation Name: hotel
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 And Embark
Location: Kangerlussuaq
Accommodation Name: Ultramarine
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning you’ll catch your charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, where you’ll board your vessel and begin your expedition. Get ready for a great adventure ahead! Expect a welcome and safety briefing from your Expedition Leader.
Day 3 : At Sea
Accommodation Name: Ultramarine
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
As we sail north along the west coast to our first area of exploration, your Expedition Team will prepare you for the adventures that lie ahead. Once activity and excursion briefings are completed, our education team will schedule presentations on the wildlife and fascinating history of Greenland, its geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore.
Day 4 - 6 : Uummanaq Fjord
Location: Uummannaq Fjord
Accommodation Name: Ultramarine
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 7 - 8 : Disko Bay
Location: Disko Bay
Accommodation Name: Ultramarine
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 9 - 10 : Qeqqata
Location: Qeqqata
Accommodation Name: Ultramarine
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 favourite 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
Location: Kangerlussuaq
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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, Iceland
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, make your way to KeflavÃk International Airport to catch your homeward flights, or spend more  time exploring the fascinating city  of Reykjavik.
What's Included
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Meals
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners. -
All meals while on the ship
All meals are included while on the ship, offering a variety of international menus including vegetarian options.
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Beer and house wine during dinner
Beer and house wine are included during dinner.
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All accommodation
All accommodation is included throughout the tour.
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All transport and listed activities
All transport and activities listed in the itinerary are included.
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Tour leader throughout and qualified Expedition Staff
A tour leader and qualified Expedition Staff will accompany you throughout the journey.
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Mandatory transfer package including return charter flights between Toronto and Kangerlussuaq
The mandatory transfer package includes return charter flights between Toronto and Kangerlussuaq.
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Single accommodation (available on request)
Single accommodation is not included but is available on request.
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Visas or vaccinations
Visas or vaccinations are not included and must be arranged separately.
Food
All meals while on the ship included.
Typical Meals
The ships galley offers good quality service and cuisine throughout, with excellent chefs preparing international menus including vegetarian dishes, accompanied by a wide variety of drinks from around the world on sale.
Breakfast: Buffet style – unlimited tea and coffee, a selection of fruit juices, hot options including bacon and eggs or omelettes, a selection of bread and toast and jam/honey/marmalade, fruit and cereal.
Lunch:Â Three course set meal, or the occasional buffet or BBQ.
Dinner:Â Three courses with a starter of soup, salad or anti-pasto, a choice of three mains with at least one vegetarian and one seafood option and a dessert of sweet pudding or ice cream or fruit, tea and coffee.
Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this holiday - please do inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so that our local team can be well prepared.
Accommodation
The Gems of West Greenland: Fjords, Icebergs & Culture voyage is offered on the Ultramarine, a Polar Adventure Ship. These small ice-rated vessels are well-suited for Polar waters, offering intimate adventures with flexible itineraries, frequent Zodiac excursions, trekking, and superb food and staff.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes all transport and listed activities, with a mandatory transfer package featuring return charter flights between Toronto and Kangerlussuaq. The journey is conducted on a small expedition vessel, ensuring a unique and immersive experience in Greenland's stunning landscapes.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of vessel will we be traveling on during the tour?
The tour is conducted on the Ultramarine, a Polar Adventure Ship. These small ice-rated vessels are well-suited for Polar waters, offering intimate adventures with flexible itineraries, frequent Zodiac excursions, trekking, and superb food and staff.
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Are there any helicopter excursions included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes helicopter excursions, providing a unique perspective of the rarely visited regions in Greenland.
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What kind of meals can we expect on the ship?
All meals on the ship are included, offering a variety of international menus including vegetarian options. Breakfast is buffet style, lunch is typically a three-course set meal, and dinner includes three courses with options for vegetarians and seafood lovers.
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Will there be opportunities to explore Greenlandic culture during the tour?
Yes, the tour offers opportunities to experience Greenlandic culture by exploring with local partners, visiting towns like Uummannaq, and participating in community-focused activities in places like Sisimiut.
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What activities are available in Disko Bay?
In Disko Bay, you can explore the community of Ilulissat, known for its proximity to the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier. There are opportunities for hiking, paddling, and Zodiac cruising, and if conditions allow, helicopter flights to appreciate the region's immensity.
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What is the focus of the activities in Qeqqata?
In Qeqqata, the activities are a balance of community and wilderness-focused experiences. You can visit Sisimiut for local tastings and hiking, and explore the picturesque alpine lake of Innussuit Tasersuat near Manitsoq.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 28, 2025Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.