Epic West Greenland: Nuuk to Uummannaq
8 Days / 7 Nights On Board
Kangerlussuaq to Kangerlussuaq
Immerse yourself in the best of Greenland on this west coast Arctic adventure. Join an epic adventure to Greenland’s Disko Bay and beyond! Marvel at towering icebergs at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ilulissat Icefjord, meet the locals, and experience Inuit culture. From colorful villages to glaciers, fjords, and dramatic mountains, this voyage brings together the highlights of this storied land. Even in Greenland’s larger towns, Arctic nature is never far, and life moves to the rhythm of the sea, tides, and midnight sun. Our journey begins in Kangerlussuaq, visiting Sisimiut, Greenland’s lively second city, then the basalt mountains of Qeqertarsuaq, and Uummannaq on the ‘Greenlandic Riviera.’ We continue to the stunning Eqip Sermia Glacier and iconic Ilulissat Icefjord before returning to Kangerlussuaq via Itilleq, where traditional hunting and fishing thrive. With Ocean Albatros’ fleet of Zodiacs, we explore remote villages and Arctic nature in supreme comfort and safety.
Activities: Kayaking, Photography, Citizen Science
Expedition Dates
Itinerary Overview
- Day 1: All aboard in Kangerlussuaq!
- Day 2: Sisimiut – Greenland’s Second Cityd
- Day 3: Qeqertarsuaq (Disko Island)
- Day 4: Akulleq and Uummannaq Fjord
- Day 5: Uummannaq – The Greenlandic Riviera
- Day 6: Eqip Sermia Glacier
- Day 7: Ilulissat – Iceberg Capital of the World
- Day 8: Itilleq Villag
- Day 9: Kangaamiut and Evighedsfjorden
- Day 10: Disembarkation
Day 1, All aboard in Kangerlussuaq!
Arrive in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland’s only inland town and a former Cold War hub. After transferring by Zodiac to the Ocean Albatros, settle into your cabin, complete safety drills, and toast the voyage and dine with new friends as we sail through scenic Kangerlussuaq Fjord.
Day 2, Sisimiut – Greenland’s Second City
With a population of around 5,400, Sisimiut blends Inuit tradition with modern Arctic life. Inhabited for over 4,500 years, ancient sites like Tele Island (reachable on a pleasant hike from the harbour) offer glimpses into Greenland’s past. Explore historic buildings including the 18th-century Blue Church in the beautifully preserved museum quarter, browse the cultural centre Taseralik, visit local workshops, and sample Greenlandic delicacies.
Day 3, Qeqertarsuaq (Disko Island)
Nestled beneath towering basalt mountains, Qeqertarsuaq is renowned for its colourful houses, Arctic flora, and excellent hiking. Once a whaling hub, the town now focuses on fishing and tourism. We explore the dramatic Kuannit coastline by Zodiac— famed for waterfalls, rock formations, tundra, and drifting icebergs—before sailing north towards Uummannaq.
Day 4, Akulleq and Uummannaq Fjord
The uninhabited island of Akulleq showcases vivid yellow tortured rocks, formed billions of years ago, when only single-cellular life existed on Earth. Explore Arctic flora and quiet beauty as icebergs drift by. Later, cruise the iceberg-filled Uummannaq Fjord by Zodiac, surrounded by towering icebergs and dramatic mountains.
Day 5, Uummannaq – The Greenlandic Riviera
Uummannaq lies beneath its iconic, heart-shaped mountain – a Greenlandic landmark. Founded in 1763, this lively settlement blends Inuit traditions with modern life, where seal hunts meet smartphones. Visit the museum, shop for local crafts, or hike to Santa’s House, a famous local landmark. We depart beneath the midnight sun, surrounded by icebergs and mountains.
Day 6, Eqip Sermia Glacier
Eqip Sermia – “the Glacier at the End of the Fjord” – flows directly from the Ice Sheet and is one of Greenland’s most active glaciers. If conditions allow, approach by Zodiac to witness massive ice calving events (from a safe distance), a thrilling encounter with nature’s power.
Day 7, Ilulissat – Iceberg Capital of the World
Ilulissat, meaning simply “icebergs” in Greenlandic, lives up to its name. A short walk from town leads to the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a 70km ice-choked fjord fed by Sermeq Kujalleq, the fastestmoving glacier outside Antarctica. This glacier produces 10% of the Northern Hemisphere’s icebergs and drains a whopping 13% of the Greenland Ice Sheet – producing more water than the USA’s annual usage. Explore vibrant markets and artists’ workshops, beautiful galleries, and hike the vast network of local trails, or opt for an extra boat or flightseeing tour to marvel at colossal icebergs up close. This is the essence of Greenland, home to warm Greenlandic culture and staggering natural beauty.
Day 8, Itilleq Village
Itilleq—“the Crossing Place from the Sea”—is a remote Arctic Circle village on the edge of the Aasivissuit Nipisat UNESCO World Heritage area, a hunting landscape for over four thousand years. Though turf huts have been replaced by colourful houses, residents still rely on Arctic char, reindeer, and muskox, blending tradition with modern life. Experience Greenlandic hospitality in this homely hamlet.
Day 9, Kangaamiut and Evighedsfjorden
Kangaamiut is a traditional hunting and fishing village with panoramic hiking trails and vibrant local culture around every corner. In the afternoon, we Zodiac cruise through Evighedsfjorden—“Eternity Fjord”— where dramatic cliffs, glaciers, and birdlife create an unforgettable final Arctic adventure.
Days 10, Nuuk disembarkation
On the final day of our voyage, we arrive in Nuuk, Greenland’s small but perfectly formed capital city. A mixture of skyscrapers and traditional wooden houses, the quaint and the cosmopolitan, Nuuk is a city of contrasts. Nuuk feels much larger than its 20,000 inhabitants, and offers a wealth of experiences to visitors, holding the national parliament, Greenland National Museum, the captivating Katuaq Cultural Centre, and the country’s new international airport. After a hearty breakfast, it is time to bid a fond farewell to the Crew and Expedition Team, and descend the gangway back to civilization.
Activities
Sign up at time of booking - 20% non-refundable deposit required. Please see Rates & Dates for pricing.
Sign up on board. Available to all guests on all voyages.
Important Details
Prices based on twin occupancy except for Singles (1), Triples (3), and the Brynhilde Suite (4). A limited number of twin cabins may be sold for single occupancy at 1.7 times the twin rate.
Traveling With a Group?
Reach out to our Sales team to inquire about groups of 10 or more.
Rates vary by cabin.
A Next-Generation Ship, Decades in the Making
Beneath the sleek exterior of the Ocean Albatros lies decades of learning and adaptation to the harsh Antarctic environment. It’s patented X-BOW offers unprecedented stability and comfort; its many onboard amenities are designed to maximize your Antarctic experience; and its spacious heated mudroom with four exterior doors makes zodiac boarding quick, safe and effortless.
All Voyages Include
- One Hotel Night
- Certified Emergency MD and Clinic
- World Class Cuisine and Live Entertainment
- Complimentary Coffee/Tea station
- Beer and wine included with dinner
- Professional Photography Coach
- Dedicated Passenger Service Manager
- Expedition jacket on loan; custom down jacket to keep
Ship Facilities
Albatros:
- Two Outdoor Jacuzzis with panoramic views
- Fitness Center & Polar Spa
- Fine cuisine in two restaurants
- Multiple observation decks
