East Greenland Discovery: Sail, Hike, and Kayak

Things to know

• What’s included?

  Included:

  • • Two certified, experienced guides with extensive knowledge of the area
    • 11-day sailing, hiking, and kayaking tour in East Greenland (9 days of activities)
    • All domestic transfers (including airport transfers) with a private cehicle
    • Under-deck accommodation in an expedition sailboat in 4-people bunkbed rooms
    • Professional and experienced crew
    • All meals during the hiking & sailing days & cooking equipment (picnic meals on hikes)
      
    • Expedition kayaks, paddles, lifejackets, and safety equipment
    • Agency support 24/7

  Not included:

  • • International flights
    • Accommodation prior to and after the tour (if needed)
    • Alcoholic beverages and any beverages not mentioned
    • Everything not specified under “what you get on this adventure”
    • Guide gratuities — optional
    • Travel and medical insurance
• How fit do I need to be and what can I expect from this trip?

  This adventure in East Greenland is physically demanding and it requires very good fitness levels. To fully enjoy it, you should be able to….

  • • Tackle over 1,000 m (3,280 ft) of elevation gain per day
    • Spend 11 days aboard an expedition sailboat with other travelers & share 4-people under deck cabins
    • Hike more than 20 km (12.4 miles) for several days
    • Hike in very uneven terrain with boulders & scree

  If you have a fear of heights, please contact us before booking the trip.

  You may encounter various challenges, both physically and mentally, and having a strong sense of determination is crucial to overcome obstacles and push through difficult moments. It is essential to maintain a positive mindset, stay motivated, and embrace the spirit of adventure. If you’re ready for all this, you’re in for an adventure of a lifetime!

  As for river crossings, they’re a fundamental part of trips in the Arctic. You’ll likely encounter glacial-fed rivers multiple times throughout the trip. Some will be wider and very gentle, others will be deep and/or have strong currents, with cold temperatures (0 to 5°C), making them very challenging. Some days, you’ll maybe need to cross multiple rivers.

  Depending on the river’s size and currents, you’ll either need to navigate the crossing on your own or team up with your travel companions—it’s essential that you follow your guide’s instructions to ensure a safe passage.

• What do I need to bring?

  Suitcases are not allowed on this tour. Please bring a duffel back and a backpack for daily hikes.

  Ensure that all items fit securely within your duffel bag without anything protruding, keeping everything dry during the hike. Your duffel bag should not weigh more than 15 kg (33 lbs), as planes flying to Greenland are typically smaller in size and could impose restrictions on your baggage if it exceeds weight limits. The quantities listed for specific items are indicative and based on guides’ recommendations.

  Here’s a general list of personal gear you need to bring:

  • • Duffel bag (no suitcases allowed!)
    • Backpack for daily adventures
    • Waterproof bag for clothes — recommended
    • Rain cover for your backpack
    • Swimsuit and towel — swimsuit only if you dare to try the Polar plunge
    • Personal toiletries
    • Personal first-aid kit (make sure to take all you need with you)
    • Sunscreen and sunglasses
    • Earplugs — recommended
    • Headlamp + batteries
    • Camera — optional
    • Power bank
    • Hiking poles — highly recommended
    • Water bottle and thermos

  Here’s a list of clothing you need to bring:

  • • Waterproof hiking boots with a sturdy sole
    • Warm clothes
      • First layer: bottom / upper base layer (Merino wool recommended, 1-2 units)
      • Second layer: fleece jacket (1-2)
      • Third layer: down jacket (1)
    • Waterproof jacket & pants (GoreTex recommended, 1)
    • Hiking pants (1-2)
    • Short sleeve t-shirts (3-5)
    • Long sleeve t-shirts (1-2)
    • Underwear and hiking socks
    • Warm beanie
    • Gloves / mittens
    • Hiking buff
    • Sandals or crocs (for river crossing)

  Prior to the start of the route, the guide will do a comprehensive gear check with each traveler to ensure that everything necessary is brought.

  While your guide carries a first-aid kit, each traveler should carry their own necessities based on personal requirements, including any specific pathologies or risks.

  Please note that drones are strictly prohibited.

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• What about the weather & will I see Northern Lights?

  The weather in East Greenland can be unpredictable and challenging, particularly in the remote areas where we sail. Strong winds, sea ice, and sudden storms with katabatic winds (Piteraq, in Greenlandic) can affect the planned route and schedule.

  In some cases, this may result in delays or changes to our itinerary. Safety is your guides’ top priority, and you may need to wait for improved conditions or alter the course to ensure a safe journey for both the group and the crew. While your guides aim to stick to the planned schedule, it’s important to embrace the adventure and understand that flexibility is part of exploring this wild and beautiful region. It’s recommended that you leave a buffer in your travel plans to account for any potential delays due to weather.

  Flights to and from East Greenland are also subject to weather-related delays or cancellations, especially in the Arctic region where conditions can change quickly. Your guides strongly recommend arriving in Kulusuk at least one day earlier to ensure you don’t miss the start of the expedition due to unexpected flight disruptions. Additionally, while it’s rare, extreme weather may also require you to leave earlier than planned for your return flight home. Having this buffer time allows for a more relaxed start to your adventure and can help you avoid stress if any delays occur.

  Hiking and sailing at 65°N—on the southern edge of the Arctic Circle—you’ll have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Although never guaranteed, this natural light phenomena is most common throughout the months of September through March.

• What's it like sailing, do I need any experience?

  As you sail between hiking destinations, the crew will try to spend as little time as possible in the exposed ocean. Fjords are nicely protected—sometimes you’ll have clear blue skies and navigate calm waters while gale force winds blow just outside the entrance. You’ll cruise by stadium-sized icebergs, outlet glaciers spewing ice into the sea, and occasionally electrically blue bergs—so stunning against the dark skies. Each night, you’ll anchor either close to a remote Greenlandic village or in an isolated bay.

  Still, note that once you venture into the open sea, the character of the ocean changes, and there may be a noticeable swell. It is during these moments that some travelers may experience seasickness, but the experienced crew is well-prepared to offer support and remedies to alleviate any discomfort.

  No sailing experience is necessary, but you’ll certainly be able to participate and give it a go. Sailing a traditional rigging like this boat gives you an authentic experience of hauling up sails manually, together with your crew mates. The professional crew ensures Byr is sailed safely, no matter your experience level.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • For this group adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 4:1. 
    • If you are an individual traveler, you can join the group. The guide will be adding travelers until the minimum group size to confirm the trip of 8 participants can be guaranteed. There are no supplements to individual travelers, as they will share a room

  Hiking, sailing, and kayaking in Greenland 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 aren’t permitted to participate in this tour.
• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to Kulusuk, Greenland, the starting point of this tour, most people fly into Keflavik International Airport (KEF) in Iceland. From there, take a direct flight to Kulusuk Airport in Kulusuk, southeast Greenland.

  Alternatively, you can start from Copenhagen Airport, fly into Nuuk Airport, and take a final direct flight to Kulusuk.

  Arrive in Kulusuk either on Day 1 or fly in a few days before the start of the trip. Those landing after Day 1 of the trip will not be accepted and they won’t be able to join the expedition. Return flights should not depart before 10am in the morning of Day 11.

• Safety measures and insurance

  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 and cancellation policy

  Deposits 

  Secure your spot either by paying in full or with a 50% deposit! The remaining 50% of the trip price must be paid 120 days prior to departure, at the latest. If booking within 120 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

  Cancellations

  • • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
    • If cancelled 120 or more days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If cancelled within 119 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
    • Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period.