After gathering from Reykjavik, unified boarding the chartered flightAfterwards, we will go to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. After arriving at Kangerlussuaq, we will be transferred to the small port west of the airport, where the Ocean Albatross will be berthed, and the Zodiac will take us to the ship. After mandatory safety drills, we will sail the 160 km long Kangerlussuaq fjord and dine in comfort amid spectacular scenery.
On the first day of our adventure we will arrive atCongamet, which is aQeqqata region in central Greenlandpicturesque settlement. Surrounded by cold and fertile waters and vast game, Congamete has a slower pace of life and the locals still live a traditional lifestyle of hunting and fishing. Hike to the hilltop heliport for stunning views of the town and surrounding fjords, or meet friendly locals at displays of traditional clothing, food and sealskins. Kangamiet's artists are famous throughout Greenland, and some of the locals' most wonderful works can be viewed in the town's small museum.
In the afternoon we will sail inland intoEvighedsfjorden (Eternal Fjord), one of the region’s many deep fjords set between steep mountains. The Danish name "Evighedsfjorden" means "Eternal Fjord" and refers to the massive size of the inlet, while the Greenlandic name "Kangerlussuatsiaq" translates to "Quite Large Fjord" - which is an understatement! The Evighedsfjorden stretches about 100 kilometers into the glacier-covered mountains and bisects the ice sheet for much of the land between Nuuk and Sissimit (Greenland's two largest cities). Our goal was to explore by Zodiac in front of the Evigheds Glacier, which flows into the fjord from the Maniitsoq Ice Cap above. See the ice sculptures on the glacier and the guillemots and kittiwakes on the nearby bird cliffs.
Modern mansions and traditional wooden houses, quaint and cosmopolitan,Nuuk (nuuk）It is a city of contrasts. Nuuk is Greenland’s vibrant and bustling capital with more than19,000 residents and offers visitors a wealth of experiences. The ancient Inuit culture inhabited the peaceful fjords around Nuuk since at least 2200 B.C., and archaeological evidence shows that migratory waves moved through the area as ancient hunters followed their migrating prey. Around AD 100, Norse colonists from Iceland established western settlements on the green meadows of Nuukfjord; these settlers mysteriously disappeared a few hundred years later, and the next Scandinavian to visit the area was the Danish missionary Hans Egede, who "rediscovered" Greenland and founded Nuuk as a godth (meaning "good hope") in 1728. Denmark's initiative to modernize Greenland in the 1950s left an important mark on Nuuk. As Greenland's capital, the city's population continues to grow rapidly, and new suburbs are being built beneath the Ukkusissat mountain, which looms over the city's east.
Nuuk has plenty to offer the discerning traveler, with a bustling cosmopolitan atmosphere and some of Greenland's best attractions. go throughKolonihavn District,visitNational Museum of Greenland ((Greenland National Museum））, a historical treasure dating back to the first inhabitants of this icy island, including artifacts from the ancient Inuit and Norse periods, as well as the fascinating Chilakistoke mummies. Discover Greenlandic culture at Katawak, the city’s cultural heart and architectural wonderShop for authentic Greenlandic art at the city's many boutiques, or just relax with a cup of Greenlandic coffee at a trendy sidewalk cafe and see this vibrant city. Nuuk/York (as the locals are proudly called) is unlike any other city in Greenland, or even any other city in the world.
Davis Strait (Davis Strait）Separating southwestern Greenland from eastern Nunavut, it is named after John Davis, one of the many European explorers who ventured into the region in search of the Northwest Passage. The area was formerly a hotspot for European whalers who came to harvest the large numbers of northern right whales that once frequented the area. The shores of Davis Strait are sparsely populated, with Nuuk and Iqaluit being by far the largest cities. Although modern expedition ships like the Ocean Albatross can now navigate such waters with ease, its extreme tides and thick winter sea ice once made accessing the area a serious challenge.
There's never a dull day at sea. We arrange a variety of activities on board for our guests to enjoy the interaction of mind, body and soul. Join your knowledgeable expedition instructors in the theater for specially produced lectures on local history, wildlife, geology, culture and more, relax with a massage at the Albatross Polar Spa, or watch seabirds glide along the ship from our hot tub as the Marine Albatross flies over Davis Strait.
Iqaluit is the largest city in Nunavut, with approximatelyHome to 8,000 people, Nunavut's administrative, educational, and transportation hub, the city is rich in history and culture, with special attention to the old Hudson Bay Company buildings just off the coast near Apex/Nyakungut, which date back to the city's foundations, the igloo-shaped Arctic Cathedral, the space-age Iqaluit High School (built to withstand the city's brutal winter conditions), and a variety of stunning sculptures, murals, and other works by Inuit artists in town. A unique blend of Canadian and Inuit culture, Iqaluit is a fascinating city to explore—pork is served alongside fresh Arctic charcoal, politicians sit on sealskin chairs in the region's legislative chambers, and narwhal tusks form a cross in the city's igloo-shaped cathedral. Highlights for visitors includeNunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum and Unikkaarvik Visitor Center, which details the region’s fascinating history and culture, nearbySylvia Grinnell National Park(Sylvia Grinnell National Park)Offering a peaceful riverfront retreat from the busy city.
lower savage islandsis a group of rugged, low-lying islands located inThe mouth of Frobisher Bay, the huge bay leading to Iqaiit. Eons of time, and the action of ice, wind and sea, have carved two deep trenches into the islands, almost made for Zodiac exploration. Although the land is barren, the southern Baffin region experiences some of the largest tidal changes on Earth, and these powerful ocean currents keep the waters on and around the islands fresh and rich in nutrients. As a result, these waters are a popular habitat for Arctic wildlife, which we hope to see during a day of Zodiac cruising in the area.
Monument and Lady Franklin Islands, two barren and isolated rocks in the sea off the southeastern coast of Baffin Island, are two of the richest areas for wildlife in Nunavut.
monument islandThe English name commemorates the ill-fated Franklin expedition, but the Inuit nameᙳ/Umiannguaq references the shape of the island and translates to "small boat". "Lady Franklin Island" was named in honor of Franklin's wife, who sponsored seven unsuccessful expeditions to find her missing husband.
Far from human settlements and covered in ice for much of the year, these undisturbed islands are a haven for polar bears and walruses, which are common in the area, as well as numerous seabirds that nest on these remote islands. While wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, these are two of the best places in Nunavut to see Arctic wildlife;Get your binoculars and camera ready!
PannedonLocated on the vast expanse of Cumberland BayThe calm waters of Kuugarjuaq Fjord are undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the Arctic. A small town nestled between glacier-capped mountains and miles of pristine tundra, Panedon meets most people’s imagination of a Canadian Inuit village. Even the place names here are filled with descriptions of the village; Kuugarjuaq roughly means "to be a great river," and Pangniqtuq, the town's Inuit name, means "place of the bull caribou"—although the town is often referred to simply as "Pang" in Canada.
The local Inuit people in the pastThere was no European contact for 100 years; the settlement was founded as a trading post for the Hudson's Bay Company, and modern towns grew around it as government services were established in the area. About 1,500 people live here today. Today, the town is renowned for its outstanding natural beauty, which has earned it the title "Arctic Switzerland", and for the undertakings of its residents. Government initiatives have promoted the development of Inuit art in Panedong, and the town's artworks such as carvings, prints and weavings are sought after around the world - especially the famous bonnet, Nunavut's iconic tightly woven headdress.
When Ocean Abatros returns to Greenland through the Davis Strait, you can enjoy intimate cruise service on the expedition ship. We will arrange a variety of onboard activities for our guests to keep them physically and mentally entertained. Listen to carefully crafted lectures on local history, wildlife, geology, culture and more with knowledgeable expedition instructors in the theater, enjoy a massage at the Albatross Polar Spa, or just watch seabirds gliding around the ship from our hot tub.
After breakfast, the ocean yacht will arrive at the colorfulWest Simmit City (The city of Sisimet）, which has approximatelyWith 5,400 inhabitants, it is Greenland’s second largest city and one of the most interesting to explore. People have lived near Sicimit since 2500 BC, immigrating from the Canadian Arctic. Remains of this period, such as turf huts and the remains of tented camps, can be found in the vast remote areas around Sissimit, including the island of Tele, a short walk from the port.
in busySisimit city center（Downtown Sisimit）, we can get a glimpse ofDaily life in 21st century Greenland, where seal hunting and smartphones collide. existSpedjesø wandering around, visit exhibitions at the City Cultural Center, explore the area’s fascinating heritage at the City Museum, orVisit an artist's studio, savvy shoppers can purchase traditional art directly from the artist. As night falls, we will leave Sicimit and sail towards Disco Bay(Qeqertarsuup Tunua) Iceberg-filled waters as the Ocean Albatros sails toward Chertavak.
Altitude at Disco IslandBeneath 1000 meters of mountains we sail into a beautiful natural harbor, a place aptly named in DanishGothavn("Good Harbor"), while its Greenlandic name“Chertavak”just means"Big Island".
Chertavak's red and black basalt mountains provide richer soil, as opposed to the rolling granite hills of much of Greenland. Despite being located above the Arctic Circle, this rich volcanic soil and mild climate make it greener and lusher than the rest of the country. In the summer, locals from all over Disco Bay come to the island to hunt and gather angelica, herbs and mushrooms, and the stunning rock formations and black sand beaches attract tourists from all over the world. The town itself is quintessentially Greenlandic, with quaint colorful houses, a magnificent museum, and the unique octagonal church(Built in Norwegian plank style). With great hiking opportunities, friendly locals, and a fascinating take on area history, Chertavak has a lot to offer. From here, we sail to Ilulissat, the largest city in Disco Bay and the iceberg capital of the world.
Ilulissat (Ilulissat）, this is the iceberg capital of the world. This is why tourists from all over the world come to Greenland. Ilulissat fromKalaallisut translates as “iceberg” and is rightly called the “iceberg capital of the world.” There is no doubt that no other city on earth has such spectacular natural surroundings.
Ilulissat Icefjord (Ilulissat Icefjord）It is Greenland's most famous attraction, just steps away from the harbour. The Ilulissat Ice Bay stretches from the outlet of Disko Bay to the Selmek Kuyaryk Glacier.For 70 kilometers, there are city-sized icebergs everywhere, so packed together that you can almost walk to the other side. It is the largest glacier on Earth outside Antarctica, consuming 13% of the Greenland ice sheet and producing 10% of all ice in the Northern Hemisphere (enough to supply the entire United States' annual water needs). These mind-blowing statistics, combined with the indescribably beautiful scenery, ensured Ilulissat Glacier's designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
During your visit you will have the opportunity to take a boat trip with a local captainice fjord(Tour at your own expense). This journey takes approximately two and a half hours and is considered the best way to experience the magic of the Ilulissat Icefjord up close. If hiking or boating aren't exciting enough, there's also the opportunity to take a fixed-wing flight over the Glacier Fjord.(Tour at your own expense).
Please note that boat and flight excursions to the Icefjords are not included in the general tour price.
In the evening we will depart from Disko Bay to Kangerlussuaq, sailing south in front of city-sized icebergs at the mouth of the icefjord
Savangert (Savanget）Located just north of the Arctic Circle, it is one of the many small villages that dot the coast of Greenland. The settlement is located inAassivisuit-NipisatThe heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the site is listed for its ancient Inuit hunting heritage and documents Greenland's entire history of habitation. While thatched huts and leather tents have been replaced by colorful modern houses, the way of life here has changed little since the Inuit first arrived in Greenland. The local highway is water and ice, and the sea continues to nourish the locals, just as it has for thousands of years.
Despite these ancient legacies, the locals of Savanget remain firmly in the modern world, with smartphones, highwayswifi and satellite tv. Based on how many residents there were in the town during our visit (many people were often out on long hunting trips), we were hoping to play a game of football with the locals. While we may outnumber them, they will play on their own turf. Good luck!
In the evening we will go along160 kilometersKangerlussuaq Fjord (Kangerlussuaq Fjord）Sailing. After breakfast on board, we will say goodbye to the crew on board and sailZodiac shuttles ashore.
Due to Kangerlussuaq's military history and today's role as an important aviation hub, Kangerlussuaq remains relatively isolated from Greenland's rich cultural traditions compared to other regions. While you can still find cultural experiences when visiting Kangerlussuaq, the most impressive attraction is the surrounding nature, which is just beckoning you to explore. The town itself is mainly located inBuilt by the U.S. Army in the 1950s, this small airport town retains some of its Cold War-era atmosphere. Your Arctic adventure and Greenland trip comes to an end when we board your flight from Kangerlussuaq back to Reykjavik, Iceland.
