kayaking-through-icebergs-in-greenland
8-day adventure

Kayak the West Coast of Greenland

Greenland
  • Kandoo Arctic
  • Kandoo Kayaking
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Code: GRKK

8 days
Moderate
Emissions 156 kg/pers.
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Join us on an adventure of a lifetime, embark on a sea kayaking expedition into the untouched Greenlandic wilderness. This expedition connects normally inaccessible destinations that could not be any more 'off the beaten track’. An active hiking and sea kayaking trip in one of the most remote places on earth. Experience true quietness as you paddle silently through iceberg filled waters where whales roam. Discover the tiny Greenlandic settlement of Oqaatsut and wild camp in truly spectacular locations.

Trip highlights

  • View icebergs and whales from your kayak
  • Explore the Greenlandic village of Oqaatsut
  • Hike and wild camp in untouched wilderness
  • Trip fully carbon offset as standard

Experiences

Gallery

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    WELCOME TO GREENLAND!

    Your guide will meet you in Ilulisaat and take you to your hotel. You will then have a relaxed start to the trip, with time to explore this quaint settlement and find somewhere for an evening meal. Ilulisaat has a distinct 'end of the world' feeling with its traditional Inuit culture and remote surroundings.

    • Accomodation: Hotel
  • Day 2

    THE ADVENTURE BEGINS

    This morning we take a scenic boat ride to Oqaatsut, a tiny settlement to the north of Ilulisaat where we will start our journey by kayak. further along the coast where we will begin our kayak. Your guide will show the group how to pack the kayaks to make the most of the surprising amount of storage space available and give an introduction to sea-kayaking techniques, navigation skills and a final equipment check before we start paddling further up the coast. Our expedition begins with a fairly short paddle to our first camp and, within no time at all, you will be weaving in and out of icebergs and kayaking with confidence!
    Once we reach the sheltered bay that we will call home for the night, your guide will show the group how to set up the large mess tent and your own tents. Once everything is up and ready to go, it’s time to make the evening meal, where you have opportunities to learn bushcraft skills and go foraging to add to our evening meal.

    • Activity time: 5 - 6 hours
    • Accomodation: Camping
    • Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
  • Day 3

    KAYAKING TO PAKITSOQ BAY

    The adventure continues - we pack up camp, load up our boats and head north to Pakitsoq Bay. As we paddle deeper into the wilderness, keep your eyes open for whales, seals and eagles. We will spend the next two nights at the same camp.

    • Activity time: 7 - 8 hours
    • Accomodation: Camping
    • Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Please note

The details in this programme are regularly updated but unforeseeable and unpredictable circumstances may result in inaccuracies. In order to provide the adventure which is best suited to your demands, the weather and the operational conditions, changes to the itinerary may be made. For safety reasons, we reserve the rights to interrupt your participation at any time if your technical level or fitness is deemed unsuitable or if you are seen as a danger to yourself or to those around you. Under no circumstances would this give rise to a refund or compensation.

Details

Trip information

Difficulty

Although the kayaking and hiking  in Greenland is not highly demanding, we have rated this trip as challenging due to the non-stop nature of the expedition.


Our trip consists mostly of kayaking. Previous kayaking experience, although beneficial, is not required as the stable, double sea kayaks we use are extremely difficult to capsize. As they are doubles, it also means weaker members of the group can be paired with stronger, more experienced members. Expect to kayak up to 20km in a day. The kayaking is pleasant in good weather conditions, however can become more challenging if the weather is particularly windy (not uncommon in Greenland).

The hikes in Greenland are not technically difficult but may venture off-trail on loose and uneven ground so care will be needed to avoid slips and trips. Adverse weather conditions can make hiking feel much more challenging. We would recommend heading out into your local hills in the months leading up to your trip to get used to being out on rough, mountainous terrain for 6-7 hours per day.

As well as kayaking and hiking you will also be packing away and putting up tents, assisting with cooking, loading and unloading kayaks and fetching water. There are no porters, cooks or waiters on this trip, you are part of the expedition and must do your share of the work. Although this makes the adventure more demanding, it also adds to the enormous sense of satisfaction and achievement at the end of your journey. 
As it never goes dark in Greenland in the summer months, some people may also find it difficult to sleep.  

If you have any questions about your suitability for this trip or would like more specific information about what to expect, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

Food & drink

This trip includes full board while kayaking but does not include evening meals in Ilulissat on Days 1 and 7.  We are proud of the varied, fresh and frankly delicious food we provide even when camping. Meals are based on a selection of local products and you will have the opportunity to try Greenlandic delicacies such as cod, arctic char and mussels.


Each day will start with a hearty breakfast accompanied by plenty of tea and coffee. You will prepare your own picnic lunch for the day from a buffet style array of options - everyday there will definitely be sandwiches, hot drinks and cakes among other ingredients. Each evening meal will be three courses- we try to offer fresh fruit and vegetables everyday but this is not always possible in Greenland!


Your help in the kitchen is expected and much appreciated, particularly in the evenings. Cooking is most enjoyable when the whole group work as a team to prepare dinner, it creates a pleasant atmosphere as we reflect on the days adventures together.


Please let us know about any dietary requirements when you book the trip and we will work with you to cater for your needs.

Accommodation

We will spend 2 nights in hotels, 4 nights camping and 1 night in a local guesthouse accommodation.


Whilst camping we will provide a 3 man dome tent per two people and inflatable sleeping mats per person.  There will be a dining tent for taking meals and for use as a communal space, tables, stools and eating utensils are all provided. As well as kayaking and hiking you will also be packing away and putting up tents, assisting with cooking, loading and unloading kayaks and fetching water. There are no porters, cooks or waiters on this trip, you are part of the expedition and must do your share of the work. Although this makes the adventure more demanding, it also adds to the enormous sense of satisfaction and achievement at the end of your journey. 

In guesthouse accommodation, you will be in dormitories of between 4 and 12 people with shared bathroom facilities.


In Ilulissat your accommodation will have flushing toilets. The refuge in Oqaatsut will have a sit-down toilet which will either be composting or will be lined with a bag which is emptied daily. Whilst camping, the toilet situation will be a little less luxurious. It is a case of finding somewhere hidden, away from camp or the path and digging a hole. We can guarantee it will be the most scenic, exciting toilet break you've ever had! As proud members of Leave No Trace, we ask that you please remember to use a lighter to burn all toilet roll after use and place wet wipes, sanitary products in a small rubbish bag to be disposed of when you return to Ilulisaat.

Luggage

Your main luggage will be securely stored whilst you are kayaking and, whilst a 70-90L soft duffel or rucksack is the easiest to transport in Greenland, a small, soft suitcase can be brought as your main luggage for this trip. Luggage is transported several times during this trip. Please ask us if you are not sure your luggage is suitable.


During the expedition, your luggage will be repacked into a 13L waterproof bag which we provide; this includes your clothing, toiletries, torch and any other essential personal items. This is not an enormous amount of space so bringing clothing that packs down small is strongly recommended. We also recommend packing all of your clothes in plastic bags or dry bags within this as an extra precaution so that they stay dry. Your 13L bag will then be placed in one of the storage compartments within the kayaks to give additional waterproofing. Your sleeping bag will be repacked into a 22L drybag that will be shared with another participant, it is therefore worthwhile bringing a compression sack so you can make your sleeping bag as small as possible. This will either be placed in one of the kayak’s compartments or strapped onto the top of the boat.

Please bring a small rucksack 20-30L to use as a day bag. A soft backed rucksack will allow you to fold it into a small space in your kayak. You can bring this as hand luggage on the aeroplane. You will carry your lunch, water, spare layers and any personal medication with you each day in this bag.

How do I get there?

You will need to arrive at Ilulissat Airport on day 1 of this adventure. The airport code is JAV.

You can fly to Ilulissat from either Iceland or Denmark. The easiest way to get there is to fly to Keflavik Airport (KEF) in Iceland and then catch your flight to Ilulissat from there. Iceland Air provide direct flights to Ilulissat from Keflavik International Airport. We recommend going directly to the Iceland Air website to check schedules and availability. 

From the UK, there are direct flights to Keflavik from London Heathrow (LHR) with British Airways and Icelandair. Easy Jet also offer direct flights from London Luton (LTN), Manchester (MAN) and Edinburgh (EDI).

For those traveling from the USA, Icelandair have direct flights to Keflavik from New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), Washington (IAD) and Seattle (SEA). Delta offer convenient flights via New York from San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX), Phoenix (PHX) and Atlanta (ATL).

Flights from Denmark depart from Copenhagen and are operated by Air Greenland. You will stop in Kangerlussuaq before continuing to Ilulissat.

Once you have cleared immigration and collected your luggage, please exit the doors to the arrivals area and look out for a Kandoo team member who will be wearing Kandoo clothing or holding a Kandoo Adventures sign. The airport at Ilulisaat is so small you can’t miss us!

If you are changing airlines or re-checking your luggage at an airport on route, please ensure you leave a minimum of 3 hours between flights. This will account for any delays on arrival, travel time across airports (this can take longer than you think) and time taken to re-check baggage.

Travelling Responsibly

Here at Kandoo, we like to support our guests to make their travel more sustainable. As of 2025, we are offsetting the carbon on all of our trips from arrival in destination to dropping you back off at the airport. As we don't include flight travel in our trips these aren't included in our offsetting calculations, so we are providing you with the calculator below for you to do this yourselves. 

Budget & change

The currency is the Danish Krone (DKK).


In the larger towns, you can withdraw money and pay using most common credit or debit cards. We recommend carrying some cash to avoid disappointment when card facilities are not available. Please budget for drinks, tips, personal expenses and any meals not included in your trip. Expect to pay at least 200DKK (£23/$30) for a meal.

Tips

Tipping customs vary all over the world and can be very confusing when travelling to a new country. Tipping in Greenland is always appreciated, however it is not obligatory and should be left to the discretion of each individual. If you are satisfied with your guide’s services we recommend a tip between 250-350 DKK per person (equivalent to £30-40 per person). Tips can also be given in Euros.

Formalities & health

Passport

Most travellers will require a passport valid for at least 6 months after your return date. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific requirements and please be aware that proof of onward travel may be required.

Visa

Travelling to Greenland is visa free for up to 90 days, for UK and US citizens

Vaccinations

No vaccinations are required.

Insurance

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fully and adequately insured for the duration of your trip. Please ensure that all activities, excursions and destinations in your itinerary are included in your travel insurance policy, in addition to your regular cover for cancellation and medical expenses. We ask that you keep a copy of your policy summary (containing policy number and the emergency contact number for your insurer) in your day sack at all times, so that we can access this information should we need to contact the insurer on your behalf.

Medication

Your guide carries a first aid kit at all times but we recommend you carry the following items: - Painkillers - Sunscreen for lips and skin - Moisturising cream (for sunburn) - Elastic bandage, regular bandages and Blister bandages - Sanitary products

Equipment & clothing

Equipment supplied by Kandoo Adventures

  • 3 man dome tent per 2 people
  • Inflatable sleeping mat per person
  • Dining tent with tables, stools and cooking facilities
  • Waterproof bags (1 x 13L, 1 x 22L)
  • Tandem sea kayak per 2 people
  • Gore-tex dry suit and overshoes
  • Buoyancy Aid with two pockets
  • Spray deck
  • Pogies/ kayak gloves
  • Paddles

Clothing to bring

HEADGEAR
  • Warm hat
  • Neck gaiter or buff
  • Sun hat
  • Sunglasses with high UV protection
  • Overhead mosquito net
  • Head torch with spare batteries

UPPER BODY
  • Thermal base layers
  • T-shirts
  • Fleece or soft shell jacket
  • Waterproof and windproof hard shell jacket
  • Insulated jacket - down or primaloft
  • Warm gloves
  • Swimming costume/shorts (if you want to dip in the freezing ocean)

LEGS
  • Walking boots
  • Waterproof and windproof hard shell trousers
  • Thermal base layers
  • Suitable underwear
  • Trekking shorts or trousers

FEET
  • Warm socks
  • Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support
  • Comfortable shoes for evenings at camp

Equipment to bring

  • Sleeping bag (minimum comfort rating of -10°C) - must pack down into 22L drybag
  • Trekking poles - optional
  • Water bottle / thermos
  • Small towel and eco friendly toiletries
  • Toilet paper
  • Daypack 30L to 40L with soft back 
  • Duffel bag 80L to 100L or similar flexible bag for your main luggage.
  • Camera and spare batteries
  • Plug adapter 
  • Power bank/battery pack
  • Insect repellent
  • Wet wipes
  • Plastic bags for wet/dirty clothing
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Dates & prices

From To Price Availability Book Enquire
17/07/2026 24/07/2026 £3,999 $4,999
Available
Book now Enquire now
14/08/2026 21/08/2026 £3,999 $4,999
Available
Book now Enquire now

Want to ask us a question or book a private trip? Don't hesitate to contact us!

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Price includes

  • Airport transfers
  • An expert Kandoo Adventures guide
  • All transportation
  • All accommodation
  • Camping  equipment
  • Kayak and all safety equipment
  • Full board whilst kayaking (no meals included in Ilulisaat)

Price does not include

  • Flights and visas
  • Drinks, tips and personal expenses
  • Meals in Ilulisaat on days 1 and 7
  • Travel insurance

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