Kayak to the Ice Sheet
- Kayaking
- Trekking & Hiking
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our UK team
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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!
After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our journey home.
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.
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.
To ask about your suitability for this
trip and what you can do to prepare please feel free to give us a call.
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.
We will spend 5 nights camping and 2
nights in local guesthouse accommodation.
In guesthouses accommodation will be in dormitories of between 4 and 12 people with shared bathroom facilities.
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.
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.
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.
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 us