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Gems of West Greenland: Fjords, Icebergs, and Culture

Gems of West Greenland: Fjords, Icebergs, and Culture

From AUD $17,300

Description

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.

Trip Name
Gems of West Greenland: Fjords, Icebergs, and Culture
Days
12
Overview
Vessel Type: Polar Expedition Length: 342 ft (104.4 m) Passenger Capacity: 138 Built: 2021 Ocean Explorer, the newest addition to our fleet, 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.   Spacious cabins feature a modern, bespoke Scandinavian design and almost all have verandas. Guests can relax and find comfort in the spacious gym, sauna with large windows, and two outdoor Jacuzzis.   Ocean Explorer features ample outdoor viewing areas and multi-height outer decks, which are ideal for long-view photography and wildlife viewing. The vessel is equipped with a fleet of 15 Zodiacs that enable guests to get off the ship quickly and safely for off-ship adventures. In addition to the well-appointed and spacious public areas, Ocean Explorer has an industry-leading mix of sustainability systems, including fuel-efficient Rolls Royce engines.  Two Story Library Light-filled interior library—at the bow of the ship— allows guests to sit and relax indoors while taking in the surrounding polar landscapes from their choice of two levels. Leading Edge Sustainability With the latest sustainability technology in polar expedition, the ship features fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines and the ground-breaking MAGS gasification system that converts waste into energy, eliminating the environmental impact of waste transportation. ULSTEIN X-Bow In addition to forming the double-story library, the innovative X-Bow design ensures calm, energy-efficient sailing in rough waters. High Observation Outdoor Decks Observation areas on Decks 7 and 8 allow for higher, longer-view landscape photography while contending with less sea spray. Quiet and Comfortable Spacious and luxurious cabins ensure your quiet ambience with no sound disturbance from adjoining cabins—and almost all cabins feature a balcony for outdoor viewing. Stunning Interior Design 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. Main Dining Room Contemporary meets cozy in this modern dining room with its stylish lighting and contemporary art. Located on Deck 5, the Main Dining Room seats 144 guests, and features expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto the spectacular polar wilderness. Private Dining Room Tasteful and intimate. This stylish, private dining room on deck 5 provides a relaxed dining experience—with views of the polar landscape—for up to 36 guests. The Latitude Bar A popular social hub on Deck 5, the beautifully-lit Latitude Bar—with its lush sofas and faux marble-topped end tables—is large enough to seat 46 and is ideal for enjoying a quiet drink on your own or hanging out with friends. Library Located on Deck 6 at the top of the gorgeous atrium staircase, this beautiful Library with floor-to-ceiling glass, accommodates up to 47 people Dry Sauna After a day of exciting off-ship adventure, guests can relax on the sauna’s traditional wood benches while gazing at the polar wilderness just outside the large sauna windows. Accommodates 15 people on Deck 7. Fitness Center Stay fit with the latest work-out equipment in the Fitness Center on Deck 7. Jacuzzis Two outdoor Jacuzzis on deck 7, at the ship’s stern, mean you can relax alfresco while soaking up the breath-taking polar views. Observation Lounge This stylish lounge at the top of the ship guarantees incredible views. Guests also frequent this spacious lookout on Deck 8 to enjoy cocktails and conversation with fellow travelers. Seats 63.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland
Arrive in the Icelandic capital and make your way to your included hotel. You will have the rest of the day to explore this fascinating and incredibly walkable city on your own.
Day 2 - 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 - 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 - Days 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. 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 5 - Days 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 6 - Days 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 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 favorite 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 7 - 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 8 - Day 12 Reykjavik, Iceland
Today, make your way to the airport to catch your homeward flights, or spend more time exploring this fascinating Icelandic city.
Day 9 - Please Note:
Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
17-08-202528-08-2025AUD $17,300Explorer Triple. From
17-08-202528-08-2025AUD $25,200Balcony Suite. From
17-08-202528-08-2025AUD $31,000Terrace Suite. From
17-08-202528-08-2025AUD $31,900Penthouse Suite. From
17-08-202528-08-2025AUD $31,900Solo Panorama. From
17-08-202528-08-2025AUD $39,100Explorer Suite. From
17-08-202528-08-2025AUD $45,600Ultra Suite. From
17-08-202528-08-2025AUD $59,400Deluxe Balcony Suite. From
17-08-202528-08-2025AUD $82,400Owner's Suite. From
04-09-202615-09-2026AUD $30,695Studio Single
04-09-202615-09-2026AUD $30,695Junior Suite
04-09-202615-09-2026AUD $33,195Studio Veranda Single
04-09-202615-09-2026AUD $37,995Owners Suite
04-09-202615-09-2026AUD $41,642Veranda Stateroom
04-09-202615-09-2026AUD $44,362Veranda Suite
04-09-202615-09-2026AUD $70,990Penthouse Suite
04-09-202615-09-2026AUD $23,295Deluxe Veranda Forward

Inclusions

    • We’ll take you deeper into Uummaanaaq and Eternity Fjords than any other operator.
    • Experience the beauty of these landscapes from the air thanks to Ultramarine’s twin-engine H145 helicopters.
    • Experience Greenlandic culture by exploring with local partners.
    • Visit three of Greenland’s most picturesque, iconic regions in a single voyage.
    • Join unique and immersive optional activities, such as our exclusive heli-landing and mountain biking adventures

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