Arctic Expedition: Sail, Kayak, and Hike in West Greenland

Things to know

• What’s included?

  Included:

  • • Experienced guides with extensive knowledge of the area
    • 9-day West Greenland multisport adventure
    • Return transfers from the airport to the group hotel in Reykjavik
    • One way flight from Reykjavik to Illulissat
    • Return transfer from Illulissat airport to vessel
    • Accommodation: Hotel (twin share) in Reykjavik and 7 nights on a ship
    • All meals on board ship
    • Port taxes and port charges imposed by government authorities

  Add-ons:

  • • Twin cabin

  Not included:

  • • Flights to and from Iceland
    • Outward flight from Ilulissat at the end of the trip
    • Visa, passport and vaccination charges and airport departure taxes
    • Optional excursions not included in the itinerary
    • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
    • Emergency evacuation charges
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Laundry and medical expenses
    • Optional activities such as kayaking unless the activity supplement has been paid
    • Entry tickets/parking
    • Guide and crew gratuities — optional
    • Travel and medical insurance — optional
• How fit do I need to be?

  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!

• What do I need to bring?

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

  ZODIACS & LANDINGS

  Thermal base layer:

  • • Long sleeve top and leggings made of Merino wool or Polypropylene material is
      ideal. We recommend packing 3-4 long sleeve tops and 2-3 leggings for the
      expedition.

  Insulation mid layer 1:

  • • Polar Fleece top or lightweight wool jumper.
    •  Polar Fleece or warm (tracksuit) bottom.

  Insulation mid layer 2:

  • • Polar Fleece or Down zip up jacket or vest

  Waterproof outer layer:

  • • Waterproof jacket and waterproof pants (essential to go ashore). The pants need to
      be durable and wide enough to fit over your rubber boots.

  Footwear:

  • • You will need to pack your own long rubber boots with insulation for the expedition.Please ensure they are roomy enough to fit thick socks, or 2 layers of thinner socks.
    • We recommend packing sheep wool inner soles for extra warmth and comfort in
      your rubber boots.
    • Bring several pairs of socks so you can layer and work out the best combination for
      you. We recommend thick warm socks made of wool or synthetic fibres.

  Gloves:

  • • A pair of polypropylene or woollen gloves with a waterproof glove on top. We suggest packing 2 pairs in case one gets wet.

  Headgear and neck warmers:

  • • A neck gaiter is the easiest way to keep your neck warm from the cold. Make sure it
      is large enough to also pull up to cover your mouth.
    • A fleece or woollen beanie that also covers your ears

  ONBOARD

  Clothing:

  • • Comfortable casual clothes

  Footwear:

  • • Warm comfortable flat shoes with good grip, such as sneakers or moccasins

  OTHER ITEMS

  • • Sunscreen
    • Polarised sunglasses
    • Personal medication
    • Sea sickness medication
    • Moisturiser for face and hands
    • Lip balm/chapstick
    • Personal toiletries
    • A towel
    • Waterproof bag for landings
    • Dry bag or Ziploc plastic bag for camera
    • Camera and accessories
    • Spare batteries and memory cards for camera
    • Adapter (the plugs aboard are European 2-prong)
    • Binoculars
    • Earplugs and eye mask
    • Extra prescription glasses or contact lenses
    • Personal first-aid kit with individual medicines
    • Glasses cord for glasses/sunglasses
    • Water bottle
    • Hot tea thermos
    • Collapsible adjustable walking poles
    • Swimsuit for the Polar Plunge

  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.

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• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and pricing

  • • For this West Greenland kayak, hike, and sailing adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 15:2.
    • It takes a minimum of 15 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 15 participants.

  West Greenland kayak, hike, and sail 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 from 16 to 18 may be permitted to join the West Greenland kayak, hike, and sailing adventure on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

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

• Getting there and meeting location

  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.

• 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
  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 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
    • For cancellations 0-59 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 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
    • For cancellations 30-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
    • For cancellations 0-29 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 30 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
    • For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.