Gems of West Greenland - Fjords, Icebergs, and Culture
12 Days - Ocean Explorer
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.
from AUD $23295 $18811pp
Home » 12 Day Ocean Explorer: Gems of West Greenland – Fjords, Icebergs, and Culture
Itinerary Highlights
- We’ll take you deeper into Uummaanaaq and Eternity Fjords than any other operator.
- Experience Greenlandic culture by exploring with local partners.
- Visit three of Greenland’s most picturesque, iconic regions in a single voyage.
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik
- Day 2: Fly to Kangerlussuaq and Embark
- Day 3: At Sea
- Day 4 to 6: Uummanaq Fjord
- Day 7 and 8: Disko Bay
- Day 9 and 10: Qeqqata
- Day 11: Kangerlussuaq
- Day 12: Reykjavik
This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond control.
Day 1: Arrive in 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 and Embark
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
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 to 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.
The 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 and 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.
Day 9 and 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 Maniitsoq.
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 Maniitsoq are equally stunning. One of Call your 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 Maniitsoq. The fjord systems behind Maniitsoq 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.
This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond control.
Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|---|
04 Sep 2026 - 15 Sep 2026 | AUD $18811pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Deluxe Veranda Fwd | AUD $18811pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Veranda Stateroom | AUD $19780pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Veranda Suite | AUD $21072pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Studio Single | AUD $24787pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Junior Suite | AUD $24787pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Studio Veranda Single | AUD $26805pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Penthouse Suite | AUD $28663pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% | |
Owner's Suite | AUD $30681pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 15% |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Studio Single
Designed for one. These cabins are located on Deck 3 and approximately 166 sq. ft. (15,4 sq. m,) in size, with one double bed and a porthole view. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Deluxe Veranda Fwd
Located on Deck 4 and approximately 182 sq. f. (16.9 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Veranda Stateroom
Located throughout the ship and approximately 208 sq. f. (19.3 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles, and seperate sitting area furnished with two club chairs and a reading table. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. Note: 611 and 612 do not have the club chairs and a reading table.
Veranda Suite
Located throughout the ship and approximately 205 sq. ft. (19.2 sq. m,) in size, these cabins have one double bed that can be configured into two singles, and seperate sitting area furnished with a sofa-bed. There is a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a walkout balcony. There is also a desk and chair, TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Junior Suite
Located on Deck 6 and approximately 298 sq. f. (27.7 sq. m,) in size. These 2-room suites have one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom and an outer sitting room furnished with a sofa-bed, and activity table for two. From the bedroom there a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a double sized walkout balcony. There are also 2 TV's, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with bathtub, vanity and heated floor.
Studio Veranda Single
Designed for one. This unique cabin is located on Deck 7 and approximately 162 sq. f. (15.1 sq. m.). It has one twin bed with a floor to ceiling glass view that opens to a generous walkout balcony. There is also TV, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor.
Penthouse Suite
This unique 2-room suite is located on Deck 7 and is approximately 269 sq. f (25.0 sq. m.) in size. It has one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom.and the outer sitting area is furnished with a sofa-bed. Walk-out from either room to a double sized balcony . There are also 2 TV's, state of the art 'infotainment' system and private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor. And an additional powder room in the outside sitting area.
Owner's Suite
This massive 2-room suite is located on Deck 7 and is approximately 443 sq. f (41.2 sq. m.) in size. It has one double bed that can be configured into two singles in the inner bedroom. The inner bedroom has a private en-suite with a bathdub, vanity and heated floor. The outer room is furnished with a sofabed, club chair and 4-seat dining table. Walk-out from either room to a triple sized balcony . There are also 2 TV's, state of the art 'infotainment' system and an additional private bathroom with shower, vanity and heated floor for the outer room.
Ocean Explorer Deckplan
Specifications
- Infinity class vessel delivered in 2021 by SunStone Maritime Group, the largest expedition-only shipbuilding provider in the world.
- 138-passengers.
- Built for polar expeditions with an Ice Class 1A and PC6 rating.
- Staff and Crew: 105
- Length: 342 ft (104.4m)
- Draft: 17.3ft (5.3m)
- Lifeboats: 2
- Ice Class: 1A, PC6
- Registration: Bahamas
- Zodiacs: 15
- Cruising Speed: 16.5 knows, in open water
Ocean Explorer is among the most technologically-advanced ships in the industry—it features:
- Ulstein X-Bow - a unique inverted bow design to slice through rough seas, minimizing vibration for faster transits with lower fuel consumption.
- Zero-speed stabilizers that keep things smooth while sailing, but also level and steady when at rest.
- Safe Return to Port system, providing duplicate power to keep the operating and comfort systems working even in cases of engine failure
- Dynamic positioning is a computer-controlled system to automatically maintain a vessel's position and heading by using its own propellers and thrusters.
Whats included?
- Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
- Parka to keep
- All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
- All shore landings as per the daily program
- Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
- All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
- Free beer, standard wines, spirits, and cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
- Complimentary coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
- Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
- A photographic journal documenting the expedition
- A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
- Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
- Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. (Premium packages are available for more data-intensive applications.)
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
- All luggage handling aboard the ship
- Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
- Greenland voyages cruise passenger tax
What’s not included?
- Mandatory Transfer Package*
- International airfare
- Arrival transfers in Reykjavik
- Passport and visa expenses
- Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
- Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
- Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
- Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
- Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
- Laundry, bar and other personal charges unless specified
- Phone charges may vary by location
- Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
- Additional overnight accommodation
- Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
Notes
Mandatory Transfer Package*
Includes:
- One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Reykjavik
- Group transfer from hotel to Reykjavik Airport.
- Charter flight from Reykjavik to Kangerlussuaq
- Group transfer from the ship to the Kangerlussuaq airport on disembarkation day
- Charter flight from Kangerlussuaq to Reykjavik
- Group transfer from Keflavik airport to hotel
- One night’s post-expedition hotel accommodation in Reykjavik
Package Price: $1,495 USD
Adventure Options
- Sea Kayak: $1,795 USD
- Paddling Excursion: $295 USD