8-day adventure
Kayak to the Ice Sheet
Greenland
- Kayaking
- Trekking & Hiking
From $3,895
Enquire now
Contact
our UK team
Kandoo's view
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
Experiences
-
Kayaking
Discover a different perspective as you journey and explore beautiful landscapes by kayak -
Trekking & Hiking
Our core collection of treks and hikes, through some of the world's most outstanding landscapes
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 village further along the coast where we will begin our kayak. If there is time we will take a short hike up onto the nearby tundra for scenic views out over the bay before returning to the store ready to be kitted out. After an introduction to sea-kayaking techniques, navigation skills and an equipment check, we load up our boats and set off northwards. Our expedition begins with a calm day - you will be weaving in and out of Icebergs and paddling with confidence in no time!
We set up camp in a sheltered bay and enjoy the chance to live like a traditional Inuit community - learn bushcraft skills and go foraging to add to our evening meal.- Activity time: 5 - 6 hours
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
-
Days 3 to 4
KAYAKING TO PAKITSOQ BAY
The adventure continues - we pack up camp, load up our boats and head north to Pakitsoq Bay. Keep your eyes open for whales, seals and eagles as we head deeper into the wilderness...
- Activity time: 5 - 6 hours
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
-
Day 5
PAKITSOQ BAY AND THE ICE SHEET
Learn tidal navigation skills as we kayak from our campsite into the Fjord. From here, we can hike up to stunning views of the ice sheet; we explore the area on foot and by kayak. This isolated part of Greenland is home to a range of flora and fauna including reindeer, arctic fox and white tailed eagles.
- Hiking time: 4 - 5 hours
- Activity time: 2 - 3 hours
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
-
Day 6
KAYAKING THROUGH DISKO BAY
We load up our kayaks once again and begin a beautiful two day journey back down the coast to Oqaatsut. Gliding through Greenland's picturesque scenery, keep your eyes open for whales and other wildlife as we slowly make our way south. We set up our final camp on the shore as icebergs drift past.
- Activity time: 7 - 8 hours
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
-
Day 7
KAYAKING TO OQAATSUT
Our final day in kayaks is spent continuing through the maze of icebergs until we reach Oqaatsut. We then disembark from our floating homes and sort out our kit before hopping back on the boat to Ilulisaat. Here, a comfortable hotel room and hot showers await us!
- Activity time: 3 - 4 hours
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch
-
Day 8
DEPARTURE
After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our journey home.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- See more
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
This trip is accessible to everyone with
a sense of adventure and a positive attitude. 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 and kayaking 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.
Our trip to Greenland 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).
To ask about your suitability for this
trip and what you can do to prepare please feel free to give us a call.
Food & drink
This
trip includes full board while kayaking but does not include any meals in Oqaatsut 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 5 nights camping and 2
nights in 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 guesthouses accommodation will be in dormitories of between 4 and 12 people with shared bathroom facilities.
In Ilulissat and Oqaatsut your accommodation will have flushing toilets. 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! Please remember to bring toilet roll and a lighter to burn it after use.
Luggage
Please bring a small rucksack to use as a
day bag. 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. You will also need a larger bag to store your other
clothes and belongings in, please ensure that this is a soft bag like a ruckack or
duffel bag rather than a rigid suitcase. We will provide dry bags for you to
pack your luggage into.
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.
On arrival, after clearing immigration and collecting your luggage, please look out for a member of our team in the arrivals area. They will be holding a large “KANDOO” sign.
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.
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 350-450 NOK per person (equivalent to £30-40 per person). On the other hand, if you receive bad service or have not been treated well, you would not be expected to tip at all.
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
- Sleeping
mat per person
- Dining
tent with tables, stools and eating utensils
- Waterproof
bags
- Tandem
sea kayak per 2 people
- Gore-tex
dry suit and boots
- Kayak
jacket
- Life
jacket
Clothing to bring
- Walking
boots
- Waterproof
and windproof hard shell jacket and trousers
- Warm
hat and gloves
- Sun hat
- Warm
jumpers
- Thermal
base layers (top and leggings)
- Fleece
or soft shell jacket
- Suitable
underwear, t-shirts and walking trousers
- Warm
socks
- Warm
pyjamas, towel, toiletries
- Sunglasses
with high UV protection
- Swimming costume/shorts (if you want to dip in the freezing ocean)
Equipment to bring
- Sleeping
bag with a minimum comfort rating of 0°C
- Water
bottle / thermos
- Head
torch with spare batteries
- Daypack
30L to 40L
- Duffel
bag 80L to 100L or similar flexible bag for your main luggage. Not a
suitcase.
OTHER USEFUL KIT
- Camera
- Insect
repelant
- Comfortable
shoes / clothes for the evenings
- Walking
poles
- Wet
wipes
- Plastic
bags for wet/dirty clothing
Dates & prices
| From | To | Price | Availability | Book | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19/07/2024 | 26/07/2024 | $3,895 £2,999 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 02/08/2024 | 09/08/2024 | $3,895 £2,999 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 16/08/2024 | 23/08/2024 | $3,895 £2,999 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
Want to ask us a question or book a private trip? Don't hesitate to contact us!
Contact usPrice 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
You may also like
