West Greenland Sail & Kayak Liveaboard Expedition

Overview

Located in the Arctic Circle, West Greenland is a land of rugged beauty and breathtaking wilderness. It is home to the world’s largest fjord system, with dramatic coastlines dominated by towering icebergs, active glaciers, and pristine waters. This remote region offers a unique blend of Inuit villages, untracked tundra, and an abundance of Arctic wildlife. From polar bears and reindeer to seals and whales, West Greenland is a haven for nature enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable adventure in one of the planet’s wildest places.

Join SSV for a week of sailing, kayaking, and hiking through the ice and fjords of West Greenland. Using our 16-passenger schooner, Elsi, we journey north from Ilulissat through Disko Bay to Disko Island and Uummannaq Fjord. Each day offers opportunities to paddle among icebergs, trek through picturesque valleys, visit remote communities, and search for whales under the midnight sun.

This trip is designed for paddlers, hikers, and those seeking an in-depth experience of the west coast of Greenland with a small group of like-minded travelers.

At a Glance
  • Dates: July & August
  • Duration: 9 days
  • Accommodation: Liveaboard
  • Difficulty: Beginner - Intermediate

Upcoming Trips

Upcoming Trips
<span style="color: #000000;"><b>2025</b></span>
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July 16th to 24th - <span style="color: black;"><i><b>1 triple cabin left</b></i></span><BR>
July 25th to August 2nd <BR>

Gallery

What's Unique About This Adventure?

Highlights
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.75; padding-bottom: 28px; margin-bottom: 0; color: #51526e !important;"><span style="color: #333333;">Here’s what makes this adventure exceptional:</span></p>

<span style="color: #000000;"><b>Explore the World’s Largest Fjord System</b></span>
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Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of West Greenland’s vast fjords. Sail through icebergs and explore the pristine wilderness of this Arctic wonderland.

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<span style="color: #000000;"><b>Wildlife Opportunities</b></span>
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From polar bears and Arctic foxes to reindeer, musk oxen, several types of whales and seals, the possibilities for wildlife encounters are endless in west Greenland.
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<span style="color: #000000;"><b>Adventure Under the Midnight Sun</b></span>
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Experience the surreal beauty of endless daylight, where every moment is filled with opportunities to explore, discover, and connect with the stunning Arctic wilderness.

What's Included

What's Included
<li>Return transfers from the airport to the group hotel in Reykjavik</li>
<li>Hotel accommodation (twin share) in Reykjavik</li>
<li>One way flight from Reykjavik to Illulissat</li>
<li>Return transfer from Illulissat airport to vessel</li>
<li>Seven nights ship accommodation</li>
<li>All meals on board ship</li>
<li>Expedition guide services</li>
<li>Port taxes and port charges imposed by government authorities</li>

What's Not Included

What's Not Included
<li>Outward flight from Ilulissat at the end of the trip</li>
<li>Single supplements</li>
<li>Visa, passport and vaccination charges and airport departure taxes.</li>
<li>Hotels and meals not included in the voyage itinerary</li>
<li>Optional excursions not included in voyage itinerary</li>
<li>Laundry, personal clothing, medical expenses, personal travel insurance and items of a personal nature such as bar charges and phone/email charges</li>
<li>Emergency evacuation charges</li>
<li>Alcohol unless specified</li>
<li>Optional activities such as kayaking unless the activity supplement has been paid</li>
<li>Tips on board for crew and service personnel.</li>

Location

Itinerary

DAY 1 - Arrive to Reykjavik (Iceland)

Upon arrival into Reykjavik, you will be met at the airport and transferred to the group hotel for your overnight stay. This evening you’ll meet your expedition leaders for the trip briefing.

DAY 2 - Fly to Ilulissat. Embark Elsi & Set Sail for Disko Island

Today we head back to the airport for the 3.5 hour flight to Ilulissat, located on Greenland’s west coast. Ilulissat means ‘iceberg’ in Greenlandic and it’s an apt name as the town is the iceberg capital of the world with Ilulissat Icefjord a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On arrival into Ilulissat we transfer direct to our schooner Elsi, moored just a 10-minute drive from the airport.

On boarding, 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 and the largest island along Greenland’s main coast. While out on deck, we’ll keep an eye out for whales, frequent summer visitors to Disko Bay include humpback, minke and fin. We 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.

DAY 3 - Disko Island

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.

DAY 4 - Disko Island - Western Fjord

Today 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 and for three Ramsar sites, wetlands designated to be of international importance. This afternoon we will set sail for Uummannaq, a journey that will see us sailing through the polar night.

DAY 5 - Uummannaq

Located 600 kilometres north of the Arctic Circie 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 and replied to by volunteers in Santa’s ‘office’, 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.

DAY 6 - Uummannaq Fjord & Appat Island

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.

DAY 7 - Transit Day

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.

DAY 8 - Arve-Prinsens Ejland

Today 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, watching for ice broken away from the Greenland Icecap. For those inclined to stroll, 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 and named after Dutch whalers. Here, we will explore the coastline by tender or kayak, navigating the waters and observing remnants of whales on the seabed. This area offers a fascinating insight into the region’s whaling history. We will enjoy our final meal together tonight and re-live the incredible experiences and natural wonders encountered during our journey. Later this evening we set sail for Ilulissat.

DAY 9 - Ilulissat

The expedition concludes in Ilulissat today. You can choose to continue exploring more of Greenland by land or catch a flight to your next destination.

Meet Your Guide

Company
This tour is offered by <b>Southern Sea Ventures</b>.
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Southern Sea Ventures is a globally renowned sea kayaking company based in Hobart Tasmania. specialising in high quality, guided multi-day sea kayaking trips to remote and iconic destinations around the world.
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Southern Sea Ventures was established in 1988 and has grown from running a single tour on Hinchinbrook Island to offering a current total of 25 different trips around the world. Born of the spirit of adventure and exploration, we are constantly seeking new trips and destinations. Our guides’ expertise ensures safe and comfortable adventure whether you choose a ship or yacht-based expedition, a hotel-based kayak adventure or a kayak/camping trip.

The Liveaboard

The Boat
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<h5><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Elsi</strong></span></h5>
<p>Built in 1986 at the German Blumenthaler shipyard, the schooner Elsi began her working life as a training expedition vessel. After extensive renovations in 2013, Elsi embarked on medical humanitarian missions to remote corners of the world. </p>
<p>In 2022, she began operating in the Polar regions. She is well fitted for polar travel with heating, satellite communication and comfortable living quarters. With her rich legacy and modern comforts, Elsi offers a cozy and safe haven making her the perfect vessel for our Greenland sailing and kayaking adventure.</p>
<p>There are eight cabins on board for clients and crew. Cabins are a mixture of double and triple berths. There are three heads and showers and a dining area. Elsi’s large deck ensures passengers can comfortably move around and enjoy the fantastic surroundings. The enclosed and heated pilot house provides a refuge from the cold, with huge windows ensuring those that like to warm up won’t miss a thing.</p>
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Accommodation

Cabin Types
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<h5><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Double Cabins (x3) & Triple Cabins (x3)</strong></span></h5>
<p>There are two cabin options for guests. The boat has 3 twin share cabins with upper and lower bunks and 3 triple cabins. There are 3 bathrooms with toilet, sink and shower. The dining area is massive and comfortable, our onboard chef will keep us well fed with hearty and tasty meals. </p>
<p>The upper deck is huge providing plenty of space to storage equipment and to relax while enjoying the incredible scenery. If you’d prefer to stay warm but don’t want to miss anything there is also a large pilothouse which stays toasty warm.</p>
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Rates, Share and Sole Use Policy

Rates, Share and Sole Use Policy
<b>Rates</b>
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The price of the tour is $7,035.00 USD per person (twin share) and $6,164.00 USD per person (triple share).
For those travelers wanting to participate in kayaking activities, there is a $602.00 USD kayak supplement that needs to be selected at the time of booking.
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<b>Single Travelers</b>
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If single travelers are happy to share a cabin, we can try and match people up. However, if this is not possible, you can either get a refund or pay for the whole cabin (two spots).
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Payment Terms

Deposits
A non-refundable deposit of 30% is required to secure your booking and may be paid by major credit card (no credit card fees applied). The remaining balance is due 90 days before the tour starts.

Upon receipt of your reservation deposit, you will receive a preparatory package with a receipt denoting your deposit paid and balance due date, trip confirmation, detailed itinerary, medical and liability release forms, trip insurance requirements, equipment list and other pre-trip information.
Final Payments
Balances are due 90 days prior to departure. Balances may be paid by credit card (no credit card fees applied).

Cancellations

Cancellations
All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Adventure Fix GO.
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Cancellations received <b> more than 90 days prior to the trip departure date </b> means a loss of your deposit (30% of the trip cost). However, your deposit may be transferred towards a different trip run by SSV for a fee of $250, in applicable trip currency (AU/NZ/US/EU). Transfers are only valid on trips scheduled to commence within 18 months of your original departure date and you are permitted one transfer only. In addition, any increase in trip costs as a result of your transferring to an alternative trip or departure date will be payable by you.
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If cancellation takes place <b>less than 90 days prior to trip departure </b>, you will be required to pay the full cost of the trip. There is no refund for arriving late or leaving a trip early.
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We strongly recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance.

Booking Terms

Booking Terms
Please read carefully the <a href="https://adventurefixgo.com/terms/" target="_blank"><u>Terms of Service for Adventure Fix GO</u></a>. This trip is operated by Southern Sea Ventures and you additionally travel under <a href="https://adventurefixgo.com/terms-southern-sea-ventures/" target="_blank"><u>their terms and conditions</u></a>.

Reviews

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5
1 review
  • Mary

    Best kayak trip ever.

    Every day of this trip was wonderful – excellent equipment, great location choices by our guides, fantastic views from the water, stunning food, great company – what more could you want?

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Paddling | Greenland

West Greenland Sail & Kayak Liveaboard Expedition

Listing Image

Season:

July & August

Difficulty:

Beginner - Intermediate

Duration:

9 Days


From $6,164.00 USD