Mighty glaciers crumble, Viking settlements lie in ruins, and Inuit culture flourishes on Greenlandâs west coast.
This exceptional voyage departs from ReykjavĂk, Iceland and finishes in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland (or goes the other way around). Our explorations span the countless fjords of Greenlandâs west coast from Cape Farewell, at the southern tip of the country, to Disko Bay, deep inside the Arctic Circle.
Inside Greenlandâs southern fjords we discover well-preserved Viking ruins and the countryâs most fertile landscapes. Along Greenlandâs west coast we find colorful Inuit villages, as well as the capital city of Nuuk. In Disko Bay we find spectacular natural wonders including the famous Ilulissat Icefjord.
Why travel with Poseidon Expeditions?
Why travel with us?
M/V Sea Spirit â Tiny but Mighty
With a maximum capacity of just 114 passengers, we usually operate with 100 guests off the ship. It maximizes our travelers' time ashore because there is no need for splitting passengers into groups for landing rotations as required on larger ships.
A real polar expedition
Experience active exploration of the polar regions through a variety of activities. Weather permitting, we schedule up to 3 excursions per day and offer optional kayaking and, in Antarctica, camping. Enrich your polar knowledge in an engaging and interactive way through Poseidonâs edutainment program.
24 years of polar cruising
Polar cruising is our passion and expertise and over the past 24 years, weâve gained tremendous experience building a strong team of enthusiastic polar professionals who are all experts in their field. Each cruise is a thoughtfully crafted expedition voyage.
Highlights
VIKING HISTORY
Vikings started to arrive in southwestern Greenland in A.D. 986. They established numerous settlements on the coast between Cape Farewell and present-day Nuuk, where they engaged in farming and animal husbandry. By A.D. 1500 there were only artefacts, ruins, and the still-unsolved mystery of their disappearance.
At Hvalsey, the site of a farmstead established the late 10th century by Erik the Redâs uncle, we find the large and impressive ruins of an exceptionally well-built stone church. Other archeological sites, including some of Greenlandâs oldest, are located near the village of Narsaq, also on our route.
INUIT CULTURE
Indigenous people, including modern Inuit and their ancestors and predecessors, have been living a subsistence, semi-nomadic lifestyle on the west coast of Greenland for thousands of years. Today, a contemporary lifestyle is blended with rich cultural traditions in settlements all along the coast. Brightly colored houses are a modern reflection of the pride and felicity of these robust people and their ancient lineage.
Communities on our route, each with their own unique histories and characters, include Qaqortoq, Narsaq, Paamiut, Nuuk, Itilleq, Sisimiut, Ilulissat, and Qeqertarsuaq.
DISKO BAY
Disko Bay is where we find the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for the endless parade of icebergs issuing from Sermeq Kujalleq, one of the fastest and most active glaciers in the world. Here we also have the chance to hike at Eqip Sermia, a calving tidewater glacier located in a wild and scenic fjord.
The bountiful waters of Disko Bay are home to a variety of whale species including humpback, minke, fin, and bowhead (also known as the Greenland right whale). A ubiquity of icebergs makes whale watching in Disko Bay a particularly special experience.
Itinerary
Through the Viewfinder
Activities
PHOTOGRAPHY
On Greenlandâs south and west coasts, your inner photographer will be filled with inspiration from a wide range of sources. Our free photography program gives you the chance to learn and practice your skills alongside an experienced expert.
Photogenic attractions on this voyage include serpentine fjords, towering mountains, cathedral-like icebergs, tidewater glaciers, and whales, in addition to colorful houses and charismatic sled dogs in villages throughout the area.
Our expert photographer will be available to help you make the most of this bounty in your viewfinder. Be sure to clear your calendar after the voyage, as you will have a lot of photos to post and âlikesâ to receive.
SEA KAYAK CLUB
Greenland has been rewarding kayakers ever since this versatile craft was invented here thousands of years ago. The west coast of Greenland invites you to paddle through its fjords, around its skerries, and amidst its enormous icebergs.
Join us for an unscripted, genuine small-group adventure as we discover calving glaciers, enormous icebergs, rugged coastlines, and uninhabited islands while paddling through waters inhabited by whales.
Sea Kayak Club is a fun and exciting way to experience the extraordinary beauty of Greenland. If you enjoy sea kayaking, then do not miss your chance to participate in this optional adventure activity.
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