West Greenland: Discovering Massive Icebergs and Inuit Communities, Northbound
All departures of this tripCRUISE ID # QUARKOEX20270817
Reykjavík TO Reykjavík












$13,651.2
WITH SPECIAL SAVINGS APPLIED
FARES SHOWN ARE PER GUEST
Suites & Fares
CHOOSE START DATE
: August 17, 2027
Itinerary

Arrive in the Icelandic capital and make your way to the group hotel near Keflavik Airport. You will have the rest of the day to explore this fascinating city, known for its Norse history,and stunning architecture. If you plan to visit the city of Reykjavik, allow for a one-hour transfer between Keflavik and Reykjavík.
After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Nuuk, Greenland. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to a central downtown location to enjoy time on your own to explore this quaint port town—which is the capital of Greenland—before making your way to the pier for a lateafternoon embarkation.
Eternity Fjord lives up to its name—its beauty feels endless. You will be surrounded by precipitous mountains rising straight out of the sea and glaciers spilling down deepcut valleys. Within the fjord, you may explore by Zodiac or foot—or both—with the potential to cruise the coastlines and floating glacial ice. You can anticipate a range of hiking or on-shore walks—always accompanied by our seasoned team, whose expertise bring the world’s largest island into focus. Transiting the fjord by ship will provide excellent opportunities for you to soak in the scenery from the outer decks of the vessel.
Congratulations, you’ve crossed 66°33° north latitude. On our firstoff ship excursion in the Arctic, we’ll visit Sisimiut, a community rich in Greenlandic history and culture. As we approach via the inner harbor, you’ll spot locals coming and going from the marina, bringing halibut, shrimp and other seafood freshly harvested from Baffin Bay. Upon reaching shore, we’ll walk winding roads past colorful homes and Arctic cotton grass blooming under the summer sun. While the waterfront may be lively with boat traffic, life uphill moves at a relaxed pace. You may hear children laughing, sled dogs barking, and locals exchanging greetings—sounds that often bring smiles to both visitors and residents. Greenlandic dogs, often seen in kennels throughout town, reflect the deep bond between owners and their canine teams. As in any Arctic community, always ask before petting or approaching these working dogs. During our visit, we aim to team up with our local mountain-biking partners in Sisimiut, exploring trails that lead outside the town limits. Our expedition team and local partners will lead guided walks and provide insight into daily life in Greenland—and you will be able to share your own story with locals, who will be eager to learn about your part of the world. One scenic walk leads to the Taseralik Cultural House, beside Nalunnguarfiup Tasia, a small tranquil lake at the base of a 780-meter (2,560 mile) Nasaasaaq mountain. You’ll walk the same paths locals use every day, experiencing not just the look of Sisimiut, but its rhythm, sounds and genuine sense of place.
Today you’ll visit Eqip Sermia, also known as Eqi Glacier. This wide-faced tidewater glacier is renowned for its frequent calving, sending chunks of ice crashing into the sea. You’ll likely see icebergs drifting in the bay, accompanied by smaller chunks called brash ice. On quiet days, listen for the soft crackle of those floating shards, and, if you’re lucky, the thunderous roar of calving ice from the glacier’s face. While the glacier is the main attraction, the surrounding landscape is perfect for shore excursions. You can wander the tundra, photographing the summer vegetation and stunning Arctic scenery, or hike farther (and a little uphill) for an elevated view of the glacier and bay. The terrain, a mix of rock and vegetation, allows for various hiking options. We’ll take care not to disturb the delicate plant life that flourishes during Greenland’s brief summer. Following an invigorating morning ashore—perhaps hiking across ancient tundra—you’ll return to the ship, where warmth, a freshly prepared lunch, and a chance to reset await. But the wild Arctic experience isn’t over for the day. From the outer decks, you can watch as icebergs drift by like sculpted monuments, seabirds trace circles overhead, and the vast silence of the Arctic settles around you Humpback whales are known to frequent the area on their annual return to the Arctic, lured by rich feeding opportunities, so you may spot them through your binoculars as they swim among the drifting icebergs. This is what we call the quiet middle—where comfort meets wilderness—as the ship carries you steadily toward your next experience.
We arrive in Uummannaq Fjord in the morning and cruise toward the community of Uummannaq. In Greenlandic, Uummannaq translates to “heart-shaped,” inspired by the dramatic mountain that rises above the town. Visiting this remote community is a rare privilege. We reach town by Zodiac and may be greeted by locals— and the ever-smiling chief of police. It’s said that smiles here are as common as drifting icebergs. Winding roads take you past colorful homes before reaching a meadow of turf houses beside a stone church. You can visit the local museum and artisan market for a glimpse of life in northern Greenland. Another nearby museum honors artist Rockwell Kent, who was inspired by the landscapes of Uummannaq Fjord and Disko Bay. You may choose to join a guided walk or explore on your own. Several homes may open for kaffemik—a social gathering with warm drinks, light snacks, and a chance for locals and visitors to connect. Rest assured, the people of Uummannaq will be curious about your part of the world. Shy smiles and translated conversations are natural parts of these authentic cultural exchanges—and often become some of the most memorable moments of visiting this remote Greenlandic community. A parting gift from one local fisherman: “Keep life simple—simple is beautiful.”
Ilulissat, located in Disko Bay, is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ilulissat Icefjord, which serves as the thoroughfare for countless icebergs calved from the world’s fastest-moving glacier, Sermeq Kujalleq. A small boardwalk leads to an elevated overlook, where you can view bergs of all sizes spread out before you. From this vantage point, it feels as though you’re standing where the town ends and the wilderness begins—where the sweeping view of ice evokes a humbling sense of scale. You will also notice the Arctic cotton grass and summer wildflowers thriving in the long daylight hours. The inner harbor often holds evidence of the icefjord’s reach, with drifting icebergs mingling among fishing boats and skiffs. The town itself is well worth exploring, and has become one of Greenland’s top destinations. Recent years have brought growth— colorful homes now sit beside new restaurants, boutique hotels and small businesses. History buffs will be excited to know Ilulissat is the birthplace of Arctic explorer Knud Rasmussen, who traveled by dog sled from Greenland to Alaska (and briefly Siberia) during the Fifth Thule Expedition (1921–1924). Fluent in Kalaallisut, he learned from and documented the Circumpolar Inuit he met—considered one of the Arctic’s greatest expeditions. The dramatic landscapes around Ilulissat inspired Rasmussen’s life of exploration. As we approach town, watch out for whales, which occasionally frequent the icebergladen waters.
We will spend the afternoon in Itilleq Fjord, a place that feels both beautifully raw and peaceful at the same time. Elevation rises in all directions, and from the right vantage point, the mountain ranges seem to continue in layers, endlessly into the horizon. A visitor to Itilleq Fjord once said, “I’m not quite sure where Earth stops and heaven begins, but it seems to be somewhere right out there.” Conditions permitting, your Expedition Team will help you explore the shorelines by Zodiac, on foot—or perhaps both. Rivers wind between jagged peaks, descending picturesque mountain valleys and providing several hiking options. In summer, the shorelines and valleys come alive with grasses, wildflowers, succulents, lichens, and even mushrooms. Small glaciers and snowfields linger year-round at higher elevations, completing this striking mountainous coastal landscape. You may spot the occasional small boat in the fjord—likely belonging to a local f isherman from the nearby town of Itilleq. Moments like these often leave our guests reflecting on this life—one shaped by the tides, weather, and the rhythms of land and sea.
The small settlement of Itilleq has always been a favorite among guests and Expedition Team members, thanks to the warm welcome we’ve received over the years. The 100 residents live among brightly painted homes—greens, pinks, purples, baby blues, mustard yellows, and chocolate browns—and many people earn their living at sea, as evidenced by the small seafood processing building near the pier. Despite its size, the village is full of life, from respected elders to playful children. You may be invited to a kaffemik, where people socialize over coffee and cake, or follow a short dirt road to a viewpoint overlooking the f jord and surrounding mountains. Watch your step—lichens, succulents, and mushrooms thrive underfoot. A longstanding tradition features a friendly football (soccer) match with locals, including guests, staff, crew and residents. It’s a fun, memorable experience—whether you’re on the field or cheering from the sidelines.
Today, we disembark in Kangerlussuaq, formerly known as Søndre Strømfjord, and transfer you to your charter flight to Reykjavik, where you’ll spend the night in your included hotel, both of which are included in your Charter Flight & Hotel Package.
Today, after breakfast, make your way independently to the airport for your f light home, or continue your personal travel plans as prearranged.
About the Ship
Name
Ocean Explorer
Operator
Quark Expeditions


Ocean Explorer is modern, elegant and purpose-built for polar exploration. The 138-passenger vessel has been designed with the latest in expedition ship technology. One of the ship’s key features is the ULSTEIN X-BOW®, a marine engineering innovation that ensures a comfortable and smooth sailing experience thanks to the inverted bow. Located at the bow is the two-story, light-filled library, which introduces a welcome airiness to the expedition ship.
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Each interior element was carefully hand-picked by designers for you to enjoy, from the dramatic two-story forward lounge, the floor-to-ceiling glass refuge in the library, to the grand fixtures and luxe furnishings throughout the ship.
Observation areas on Decks 7 and 8 allow for higher, longer-view landscape photography while contending with less sea spray.
Every vessel in our fleet becomes an expedition base camp. Unpack once. Visit an exciting range of places, because the ship moves from place to place. The ships are equipped with inflatable landing crafts known as Zodiacs. They are used for shore landings and ocean-level cruising.
Activities off the ship are called shore landings or Zodiac cruising. These are daily activities. In the Arctic, you may visit Inuit in their home communities. In the Antarctic, you may visit research stations manned by scientists who brave the extreme environment to add to our knowledge of wildlife, climate and ice. You will hike carpeted tundra valleys or glistening ice fields. Optional activities include kayaking, cross-country, camping, skiing and mountaineering.
The capacity of the vessel determines where you go ashore and how often in Antarctica.
In Antarctica, we operate under International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) guidelines that limit the number of travelers and Expedition Staff ashore during a landing. No more than 100 people can be ashore at any one time, and in some locations that number is 50. Quark operates small expedition vessels, and none of our Antarctic vessels carry more than 199 travelers.
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Zodiacs are used for transferring you ashore, transporting your luggage when necessary and for taking you ocean-level cruising among icebergs, whales and seabirds. During the expedition, you will visit remote and isolated sites that are accessible only by Zodiac.
These large, heavy-duty inflatable vessels are extremely safe and were specially designed for expedition work. Zodiacs are the workhorses of Polar expeditions. Separate air comp....
The kayak adventure option is open to all levels of experience. However, it is highly recommended that you have some sea kayaking related experience prior to kayaking in the polar regions with Quark Expeditions. Our sea kayaks are the ideal means by which to slow down and connect with the pristine natural environments and surroundings.
Positioning yourself in the seat of a kayak is one of the most intimate ways travelers can conn....
Stand-up Paddleboarding, popularly known as SUPing, originated in Hawaii. Quark Expeditions is the first company to bring this watersport all the way to Antarctica.
SUPing combines the immersive experience of kayaking but in a standing position. Participants, if they prefer, can kneel, sit or even lie down and stare up at the azure Antarctic sky. Because of their wide base and tail fins, SUP boards are quite stable, enabling participan....
The Polar Plunge is scheduled once during each voyage. Throughout the journey, the Expedition Leader and Captain constantly monitor conditions in order to choose the optimal time and location. The Polar Plunge sometimes takes place onshore or, in many cases, from the gangway or Zodiac. All participants wear a tethered harness and plunge into the polar waters from the side of Zodiac or safety of the gangplank cheered on, of course, by fellow pa....
Hiking in the polar regions differs from your typical trail experience. Here, in a tree-less terrain, you are the tallest figure on the landscape as you walk over spongy tundra, crusty snow or sandy beaches in remotes parts of the Arctic and Antarctica. Stepping ashore anywhere in the polar regions means you’re not a distant observer.
Our organized hikes range from short jaunts to the top of lookouts or visits to see wildlife or longer w....
Explore the ocean from a more intimate vantage point on a sit-on-top kayak. No experience is required to manoeuvre these very stable kayaks, allowing you to enjoy an unforgettable experience on the water, taking in breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. Whether it’s your first time in a kayak or you want greater flexibility to try other Adventure options, this shorter excursion is for you.
Paddling in the Polar Regions is highly weather-d....
Imagine for a moment, staring at the stars in the indigo glow of an Antarctic night as you bed down for the night outside in the elements. The buzz of your daily life becomes a distant memory as you listen to the bray of penguin, the ethereal calls of the Weddell sea – even the exhalation of a humpback whale. And then you fall asleep.
Antarctic Camping with Quark Expeditions is an unforgettable experience. After dinner onboard, you'll be....
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Quark Expeditions provides an English-speaking doctor on board who manages a medical clinic stocked with a supply of common prescription medicines and basic first aid equipment.
If you are under regular treatment for any ailment, you must bring a sufficient supply of medicine. We recommend that you pack an extra two weeks’ supply of medication in case of emergency. We cannot accept responsibility for not having a specific brand or type o....
To Wear on Board
- Comfortable casual clothing like lighter shirts, pants or jeans, etc. (in case the ship gets warm)
- Comfortable non-slip closed-toed, heelless shoes (flip flops, sandals or slip-on shoes should not be worn on board due to safety concerns)
- Workout attire (for the fitness center and other indoor activities)
- Swimsuit (for the Polar Plunge! Some vessels may also have a pool, hot tub, sauna ....
All guests—including vegetarians, meat-eaters, as well as those who follow a gluten-free diet—will be equally impressed with the dining options on our ships. Quark Expeditions® is able to cater to most special dietary requests, as long as you clearly indicate your needs on the required expedition forms when you book your voyage. Menus will be clearly labeled for vegetarian and gluten free options, but please do notify your server of the dietar....
When you are not busy exploring the natural beauty of the Polar Regions, you may wish to connect with family and friends back home to share some of your voyage highlights. Guests on Quark Expeditions can now enjoy free Wi-Fi as part of our “Raise a Glass and Stay Connected Free” program. This complementary Wi-Fi service permits basic Internet browsing and voice applications.
Please note that we travel to some of the most remote parts of ....























































































































