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Greenland to Baffin Island Expedition: Sail, Kayak & Hike

The granite walls of Baffin Island guard waters that might never have seen a kayak—until now. For eleven days, we’ll paddle around towering icebergs and into pristine bays while bowhead whales and narwhals feed in the distance. Getting there is half the adventure—we’ll sail from Greenland across the historic Davis Strait, watching marine life break the horizon and ice drift on ancient currents. After each day of exploration, our expedition yacht will welcome us with hot meals and warm bunks. Out here, at the edge of the mapped world, every paddle stroke feels like the first ever—and it probably is.

Adventure highlights

  • Break the ice
    Kayak in remote waters next to massive icebergs—and maybe even a friendly whale!
  • Arctic highway
    Sail across the Davis Strait passing stunning icebergs and diverse marine wildlife
  • Creature comforts
    Unwind in a cozy cabin and enjoy tasty meals on your expedition yacht

Itinerary

Ready to explore the Earth's least traveled waters? Between Greenland and Baffin Island lies an Arctic playground of untouched fjords and pristine bays. For eleven days, two expert guides will take us paddling and hiking through this raw wilderness in search of bowhead whales and hidden passages. We’ll call our expedition yacht home, sleeping in comfortable cabins and enjoying a full board of chef-prepared meals. Everything we need is taken care of: expedition kayaks, dry suits, safety gear, and sailing lessons for those interested. All you bring is your sense of adventure. The granite walls of Baffin Island are calling—and they don't call often.

  • Starting in the picturesque town of Ilulissat, we’ll gather in the morning and embark on our yacht. After everyone’s secured a cabin and safely stored their gear, we’ll have a yacht safety briefing, get fitted in the kayaks, and set sail for a short transit into Disko Bay. We’ll spend the afternoon kayaking around icebergs and enjoying views of the Greenland Icecap.

    Meals: Lunch and dinner
    Accommodation: Schooner Elsi

    Chairs and Ilulissat Icefjord on the horizon
  • We’ll transit over to the village of Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island. In the morning, we’ll go for a walk through the village, meet the locals, and get a sense of traditional Greenlandic life. Some excellent hiking opportunities start in the village, allowing us to get up high in the hills with incredible views of Baffin Bay. In the afternoon, we’ll go for a paddle on the south coast of Disko Island and paddle beside huge icebergs. After dinner we’ll hoist the sails and start the crossing over to Baffin Island.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Accommodation: Schooner Elsi

    An iceberg in Baffin Bay
  • Today we’ll experience a true sailing adventure! We’ll awake at sea and spend a relaxing day enjoying the rhythms of the ocean.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Accommodation: Schooner Elsi

    A sailboat sailing across the vast sea between Greenland and Baffin Island
  • We’ll wake up to a view of Baffin Island, enter the Sam Ford Fjord, and anchor in this nice protected bay. The Sam Ford Fjord has huge granite walls rising straight up out of the ocean and massive tidewater glaciers. We’ll spend two days kayaking and hiking in this amazing area.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Accommodation: Schooner Elsi

    Hiking in the Sam Ford Fjord area on Baffin Island
  • We’ll move just south of the Sam Ford Fjord and explore Eglinton Fjord. This fjord is smaller, but equally impressive, offering some excellent paddling and hiking opportunities.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Accommodation: Schooner Elsi

    Kayaking near the rugged landscape of Baffin Island
  • We’ll get an early start for the long transit to Isabella Bay, home to a large population of bowhead whales. These whales were on the verge of extinction during the late whaling period, but they are making a comeback. If we’re lucky, we won’t just see the bowheads—we’ll paddle with them!

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Accommodation: Schooner Elsi

    Two people kayaking near a large glacier on a calm sea
  • We’ll leave Isabella Bay in the morning and make our way north to Patricia Bay and into Clyde River, a tiny hamlet with a population of about 1,000 residents. Clyde River is a traditional outpost that provides a brief insight into a more traditional way of life. We’ll go for a paddle in the islands to the south of Clyde River before anchoring out in front of the town in preparation for our disembarkation.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Accommodation: Schooner Elsi

    Kayaking through sea ice near Baffin Island
  • After a hearty breakfast, we will be shuttled over to Clyde River. A local taxi will deliver everyone to the airport in time for their departing flight.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Sunset view from the boat in the fjords
Adventure brochure
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If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guides

Angela Bueckert
5.00
Angela Bueckert
ACMG Ski Guide, SKGABC Level 4 Kayak Guide, Whitewater kayak instructor
ACMG Ski Guide, SKGABC Level 4 Kayak Guide, Whitewater kayak instructor
Angela’s enthusiasm for sharing new experiences with her guests is ever-present. She has been guiding water-based expeditions for over 15 years, and she’s guided sea kayaking expeditions in Iceland, Greenland, Palawan, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Antarctica, South Georgia, The Falkland Islands, Alaska, Svalbard, Myanmar, Kamchatka… She has also led ski touring trips throughout British Columbia. Angela has a passion for multi-day expeditions around the globe.
Matt Edwards
5.00
Matt Edwards
ACMG Ski Guide, SKGABC Sea Kayak Guide, ISA Surf Instructor
ACMG Ski Guide, SKGABC Sea Kayak Guide, ISA Surf Instructor
Finding out what’s around the corner or at the top of the next mountain has taken Matt to some of the remotest places on the planet. He’s been organizing and guiding custom adventures for guests all over the world, for over a decade. Matt has been to Antarctica, Fiji, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Greenland, Iceland, Kamchatka, Alaska, and Northern Canada. He has a genuine passion for adventure, a wicked sense of humor and a love of life.
Expedition Engineering
5.00
Expedition Engineering
Expedition Engineering
Expedition Engineering offers custom-designed tours that blend the best of local cultures with adventure travel, exploration, and being in tune with nature. Apart from their focus largely being on fun and discovery, they care even more about their clients’ safety—Expedition Engineering staff has the highest level of certifications available in the guiding industry. They’ve pioneered expeditions to some of the farthest flung corners of the world, including Raja Ampat, East Greenland, Myanmar, and Anctartica.

Accommodation

5.00 (4 reviews)
Anthony Carter (source: Facebook Reviews)

What can I say accept we hve now followed Matt & Ang to both ends of the earth. Just do it.

Allan Ghiassi (source: Facebook Reviews)

Without doubt the best and coolest guides taking you to the most memorable places on the planet. Matt, Angela and the rest of team are rockstars. 5 stars!

Adrienne Kirby (source: Facebook Reviews)

Ange and Matt are fun but professional. You will have a great experience with them.

Reg Voll (source: Facebook Reviews)

excellent support and planning.

Things to know

  • Included:

      • Two experienced kayaking guides with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 11-day Greenland to Baffin Island sail & kayak adventure
      • Accommodation for 10 nights on a yacht
      • All meals from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 10
      • Expedition kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and safety equipment
      • Sailing instruction
      • Guided walks and land excursions
      • Use of a dry suit

    Not included:

      • Flights
      • Accommodation in Ilulissat or Clyde River before and after the trip
      • Breakfast on Day 1
      • Alcoholic beverages
      • Guide gratuities — optional
      • Travel and medical insurance — optional
  • To enjoy this Greenland to Baffin Island sail & kayak adventure, you’ll need good fitness levels and a sense of adventure. You’ll paddle anywhere from 10 to 20 km (6 to 12 miles) daily, so you should feel comfortable spending several hours paddling in Arctic waters. The hikes will range from 5 to 10 km (3 to 6 miles) daily on uneven terrain.

    For more adventures in Greenland, click here!

  • Here’s a suggested list of the equipment you need to bring:

      • Small backpack (30-40L)
      • Thermal underwear — at least two sets
      • Wool or fleece thermal mid-layer — bring a few thin layers instead of thick ones
      • Hiking pants — no cotton
      • Thermal jacket — down or synthetic
      • Waterproof and breathable pants and jacket.
      • Wool or fleece hat
      • Two pairs of gloves and one pair of mittens
      • Three to four pairs of thick wool or synthetic socks
      • Two to three pairs of thinner socks
      • Casual clothes for the boat
      • Paddle booties such as neoprene — a size larger than normally worn
      • Boat shoes or slippers with rubber soles for below decks
      • Hiking boots or cross trainers
      • Soft travel bag — no hard suitcases
      • Dark sunglasses with a cord to prevent them from falling into the water
      • Sunscreen and sunhat
      • Medical kit for personal medications, band-aids, throat lozenges, lip salves, and sea sickness tablets (don’t forget your regular medication, e.g. asthma inhalers, even if you only occasionally use one)
      • Water bottle and/or thermos (1L capacity)
      • Camera

    Expedition kayaks, paddles, lifejackets, dry suits, and safety equipment will be provided by your guide. Linen is provided on the ship.

  • Group sizes and pricing

      • Two experienced kayaking guides will accompany you on this Greenland to Baffin Island sail & kayak adventure.
      • The maximum group size is set at 15 participants.
      • This adventure can be organized as a private tour, where your guides will tailor the experience to your group’s abilities and expectations. If you’d like to book a private tour, contact us to make arrangements.

    A Greenland to Baffin Island sail & kayak adventure can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join this Greenland to Baffin Island sail & kayak adventure on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    If your group has kayakers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • The starting point of your Greenland to Baffin Island sail & kayak adventure is Ilulissat, Greenland. To get there, most people fly into Ilulissat Airport (JAV) from Reykjavik Keflavik Airport (KEF). From there, you can take a shuttle service, taxi, or walk approx. 3 km (2 mi) to reach Ilulissat.

    Once you’re there, you will meet your guides in the morning of Day 1 in a convenient location in Ilulissat. More details will be provided after booking.

    Since your adventure starts in the morning of Day 1, it’s best to arrive in Ilulissat a day before.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

    Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

    Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

  • Deposits
    You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

    Cancellations
    Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

    Basic

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-89 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Flexible

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 60-89 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Super Flexible

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
  • 57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.
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