Ready to trade city lights for the glow of the midnight sun? Hop aboard the schooner Elsi and embark on an unforgettable voyage through West Greenland’s icy playground. Paddle alongside icebergs, hike valleys straight out of a fairytale, and marvel at Disko Island’s black beaches and towering basalt cliffs. With only 16 adventurers on board, every moment feels personal—whether spotting whales from the deck or exploring Greenlandic communities off the beaten path. This is where silence, ice, fun, and the unexpected meet—come and see for yourself!
Embark on a 9-day expedition through the icy majesty of West Greenland, where kayaking, hiking, and sailing meet in a breathtaking Arctic adventure. Aboard the intimate 16-passenger schooner, Elsi, we’ll explore Disko Bay’s volcanic shores, paddle among towering icebergs, and hike to remote valleys under the midnight sun. With stops at Uummannaq and Disko Island, plus opportunities to visit Greenlandic communities, this small-group trip offers a unique chance to connect with nature and culture. Perfect for adventurers seeking pristine landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unforgettable moments in one of the world’s last wild frontiers.
Meet your guides at the airport in Reykjavik—from there, we’ll fly to Ilulissat and overnight at the group hotel there. Get some rest, as tomorrow we’ll board the ship and the adventure starts!
Accommodation: Hotel in Ilulissat
Board the schooner Elsi. Once there, you’ll meet the crew, settle into your cabin, and prepare for the upcoming journey. We may have time before departure to sort and fit the kayaking equipment or even enjoy a short stroll or paddle around Ilulissat.
After dinner on board, we will set sail for Disko Island, located in Baffin Bay. While out on deck, we’ll keep an eye out for whales. We’ll experience the endless light of the polar north summer, where the sun remains visible 24 hours a day, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and sightseeing, even in the late hours of the night.
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Schooner Elsi
Disko Island, Qeqertarsuaq in Greenlandic, is volcanic in origin and the steep basalt mountains and hot springs differentiate the island from anywhere else in Greenland. We begin our day with a paddle or hiking excursion on the southern coast of Disko Island, exploring stunning black beaches and hidden coves. We’ll hike to the breathtaking waterfalls of Blaesedalen (Valley of the Winds) and discover the diverse and abundant flora of the island. As we trek or paddle along the coast, we’ll enjoy spectacular views of gigantic icebergs floating both up close and beyond. After a hearty lunch, we will set sail for the fjords of western Disko Island.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Schooner Elsi
On Day 4, we explore the western expanse of Disko Island, hiking along open valleys and paddling the remote coastline. Our sturdy vessel, Elsi, will accompany us as we journey through the fjords. Disko Island is world renowned as a significant breeding ground for two species of birds, the white-fronted goose and the king eider. This afternoon we will set sail for Uummannaq, a journey that will see us sailing through the polar night.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Schooner Elsi
Located 600 km / 373 mi north of the Arctic Circle is Uummannaq Island and town, both sharing the same name. The town is located at the foot of a heart-shaped mountain and is perfect to explore. Part of the town’s charm is the enormous red post box where letters to Santa are received from all over the world, located between the church and museum. The panoramic view of the fjord from the shore is truly breathtaking, offering an incredible backdrop for our hikes and paddles. This afternoon, we will sail to the east, delving deeper into the Islands of Uummannaq Fjord.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Schooner Elsi
To the east of Uummannaq lies a selection of Islands set against the Greenland icecap. Depending on the wind and ice, we intend to explore the Islands with the chance to hike, paddle, and sail in this most spectacular and remote part of West Greenland. We will endeavour to visit Appat Island, one of the larger islands in the Uummannaq Fjord system. The island is very mountainous, with precipitous walls falling from the glaciated summit plateau in all directions, a stunning backdrop for our kayak outings.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Schooner Elsi
Most of today will be spent sailing southward from Uummannaq fjord to Arve-prinsens Ejland. Enjoy the open ocean, expansive landscapes, spectacular icebergs and keep an eye out for whales from the deck of the ship during our transit.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Schooner Elsi
On Day 8, we awake in the fjords near Arve-prinsens Ejland (named Alluttoq in Greenlandish), in the north of Disko Bay. This area is ideal for hiking, kayaking among the ice, and searching for Greenland’s elusive wildlife. We will paddle and cruise deep into the fjords, and we may have the chance to hike a short section of tundra to a glacial lake. After lunch, we head further south to Oqaatsut, also known as Rodebay.
Here, we will explore the coastline by tender or kayak, navigating the waters and observing remnants of whales on the seabed. We will enjoy our final meal together tonight. Later this evening, we set sail for Ilulissat.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Schooner Elsi
Our expedition concludes in Ilulissat today. You can choose to continue exploring more of Greenland by land or catch a flight to your next destination.
Thank you SSV for a very memorable, exciting, relaxing, fun four days … accommodation was 7 stars and the food … brilliant … came back home feeling so content that this adventure was everything I thought it would be … and it was
Superb trip, beautiful scenery is expected and is delivered but the accomodation, equipment, breakfast, evening wine and dine etc is first class too. Exceptionally well guided with a flexible and accommodating itinerary which was exciting, interesting and beautiful. Thanks T and S
Included:
Add-ons:
Not included:
While there’s a range of activities available, from easy shore landings and zodiac cruises to active hikes and paddles, it is most important that you have an adventurous disposition, are in good health, and are relatively fit and active to participate in this trip.
Shore landings and zodiac cruises are suitable for all those with the ability to enter the tender from the yacht with assistance from the expedition team. The active hikes will often be over several miles/kilometres of varied terrain, from gentle tundra to steep slopes on a mix of uneven, rocky ground, and may involve some scrambling. The paddling program is focused on those looking for active outings.
For more hiking, kayaking, and sailing adventures in Greenland, click here!
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
ZODIACS & LANDINGS
Thermal base layer:
Insulation mid layer 1:
Insulation mid layer 2:
Waterproof outer layer:
Footwear:
Gloves:
Headgear and neck warmers:
ONBOARD
Clothing:
Footwear:
OTHER ITEMS
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and pricing
West Greenland kayak, hike, and sail adventure can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has adventurers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your West Greenland kayak, hike, and sailing adventure is Keflavik Airport (KEF) in Reykjavik, Iceland. You’ll meet your guides there and fly to Ilulissat on Day 1.
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
Flexible
Super Flexible
Early Bird booking
Want to be the first one to know when we publish new dates or secure your spot well in advance? Select a future month that suits you best and lock in your Early Bird spot in time with just a 10% deposit.
As soon as our guides publish new tour dates, you’ll be the first one to know. We’ll hold your spot for 2 weeks until you choose the date that suits you best.
More about how Early Bird bookings work below:
Excellent trip, Well organised , great guides, Wonderful experience. The local were very friendly and helpful