Greenland’s east coast is just a short voyage from Reykjavík. Breathtaking fjords define this seldom-seen region. Whales and seabirds are abundant here. Photographers, birders, and hikers will be in awe. Villages around Greenland’s southern tip offer glimpses of the island's remarkable culture. Bask in the Unartoq geothermal springs. Explore the ruins of Brattelid—a settlement founded by Erik the Red! Kangaamiut is a quaint fishing village. Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, offers shopping and dining. You’ll sail mighty Sondre Stromfjord to your final destination, Kangerlussuaq.
Highlights
Search for whales while following the Viking route across Denmark Strait
Discover east Greenland’s pristine, stunning fjords
Get close to glaciers and calving icebergs
Wander the streets of Nuuk, Greenland’s dynamic capital
Experience village life in tiny Greenlandic fishing hamlets
Iceland’s cosmopolitan capital, Reykjavík (“steamy bay”) was established in 874 AD. Powered by geothermal energy, Reykjavík is widely considered one of the cleanest, greenest cities on Earth.
Despite centuries of relative isolation, today Reykjavík is a contemporary city with plenty to see and do. The National Culture House preserves treasures like the Poetic Edda, and the Norse Sagas in their original manuscripts. Depart Reykjavík in the evening aboard the Ocean Endeavour.
Sailing west from Iceland, we are truly in the wake of the Vikings. We’ll be watching for whales and seabirds as we sail the Denmark Strait. Our onboard program will prepare you for the archaeology, history, culture, and wildlife that awaits us in Greenland!
Our first view of Greenland’s east coast will reveal a coastline traced with innumerable fjords and potentially dotted with pack ice. Our spotters will be watching for bears, seals, and humpback whales. We’ll explore the remote reaches of glaciated fjords by Zodiac.
Joining the Irminger and Labrador Seas through the islands of the Cape Farewell Archipelago, Ikerasassuaq (Prince Christian Sound) is among the world’s most majestic waterways. Craggy mountain peaks tower over still waters fed by calving glaciers. We’ll make the most of our deck time, scouting for landing opportunities on the skirts of the mountains.
South Greenland lives up to its namesake; the land is fertile and agriculture thrives. Farms and vegetable husbandry contrast with the barren ice that covers so much of the country. Jagged mountains rise from beyond green pastures, with sheep farms directly bordering ice fjords. Here we find the Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Norse settlement history intersects with contemporary Greenland life.
The settlement at Hvalsey was a major Norse center in the early centuries of the last Millenium. Hvalsey Church is the best-preserved Norse ruin in Greenland. The last known record from the original Norse colony is of a wedding held here in September 1408!
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Brattahlíð is in the most fertile part of Greenland and was the home of Viking explorer Erik the Red and his descendants until the 1400s. A reconstructed Norse church and Viking longhouse are featured here. Greenlandic Inuit now run the sheep farms originally worked by Norse settlers
The Sermersooq region of Greenland has a stunning myriad of mountain peaks, glaciers, and deep fjords. Our time will be spent on the western coast of the region, where records of human habitation stretch back over 1,500 years. We’ll explore by Zodiac or by foot, as landing conditions permit. We’ll keep a look out for nattoralik (white-tailed eagles), seabirds, marine mammals, and enjoy the lush vegetation of southwest Greenland.
Greenland’s capital bridges old and new. The old harbor region of town includes many buildings dating from the Danish colonial days. The modern downtown core includes shopping, cafes and restaurants, and public institutions with a European flair.
The Greenland National Museum is one of Nuuk’s outstanding features; the world-famous Greenland mummies are housed here. The museum’s exhibits also offer in-depth information about colonial, Norse, and Inuit presence in Greenland—a must-see.
Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, bridges old and new. The old harbor region of town includes many buildings dating from the Danish colonial days. Nuuk is known for art, shopping, and cafes. The Greenland National Museum is one of Nuuk’s many outstanding features: the world-famous Qilakitsoq mummies rest here.
Defined by jagged mountain peaks, sheer bird cliffs, cascading streams, and calving glaciers, Kangerlussuatsiaq lives up to its Danish name, Erighedsfjorden which means “the fjord of eternity.” Whether by ship, Zodiac cruise, or kayak, a visit to the face of the glacier is truly a sublime experience.
Day 13: KANGERLUSSUAQ, GREENLAND
1 Breakfast
Kangerlussuaq Fjord (Søndre Strømfjord) offers 190 kilometres of superb scenery. Kangerlussuaq, the settlement at the head of the fjord, is a former U.S. Air Force base and Greenland’s main flight hub. Here we will disembark the Ocean Endeavour and transfer to the airport for our charter flight to Toronto.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$4,695
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Quadruple - Category 1
Deck four: Interior cabin, four lower berths, private bath (separate shower room and powder room) - approx. 240 sq. ft.
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Triple - Category 2
Deck four: Interior cabin, three lower berths, two private baths - approx. 200 sq. ft.
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Interior Twin - Category 3
Deck five: Interior cabin, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 125 sq. ft. (twin)/110 sq. ft. (single)
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Exterior Twin - Category 4
Deck four: Porthole window, unobstructed view, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 100 sq. ft. (twin)/90 sq. ft. (single)
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Main Twin - Category 5
Deck five: Picture window, unobstructed view, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 115 sq. ft.
Deck seven. Forward-facing picture windows, unobstructed view, matrimonial bed, private bath with full tub, refrigerator - approx. 310 sq. ft.
Notes
We have a limited quantity of cabins in category 3 through to
category 7 with no single supplement!
Once these cabins are sold, the single supplement fee is 1.5
times the berth cost.
Single occupancy in categories 8–10 is available at full double-occupancy rates.
Expedition costs include:
Pre-departure materials
The expertise and company of our expedition staff
Onboard educational programming
Interactive workshops
Evening entertainment
All shipboard meals, including on deck barbecues & afternoon tea, 24-hour coffee, tea and snacks
Hors d’ouevres & snacks during evening recaps
24-hour documentary and film programming
Fully stocked library
Nikon Camera Trial Program
$250 USD Discovery Fund Fee
Introductions to local people and customs
Sightseeing
Museum entries, park accesses, port taxes
Access to pristine wilderness areas
Zodiac tours and cruises
On-site archaeology workshops
Community programming: local performances, presentations, and demonstrations
Expedition costs Do Not Include:
Commercial and charter flight costs
Gratuities (suggested at $15 USD per person per day)
Bicycle rentals
Personal expenses
Mandatory medical evacuation insurance
Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
Initial deposit is $2000, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
