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Ilulissat and Disko Bay Getaway

Ilulissat and Disko Bay Getaway - Photo 1
Ilulissat and Disko Bay Getaway - Photo 2
Ilulissat and Disko Bay Getaway - Photo 3
Ilulissat and Disko Bay Getaway - Photo 4
Ilulissat and Disko Bay Getaway - Photo 5
Ilulissat and Disko Bay Getaway - Photo 6

Three hundred kilometres above the Arctic Circle, the icefjord Ilulissat holds the most productive glacier in the northern hemisphere – and this 4-day tour puts you right in the middle of it. On the first evening, you board a sunset cruise into a floating sculpture park of icebergs that glow and shift colour under the midnight sun. Day two takes you by boat 80 kilometres north to Eqi Glacier, close enough to hear the thunderous crack of ice breaking off and watch house-sized chunks crash into the fjord – with lunch served while you watch. On day three, a guided walk leads to Sermermiut, an ancient Inuit settlement on the UNESCO-listed icefjord shore, inhabited continuously for 4,000 years before Europeans arrived. Ilulissat icefjord tours 2026/2027 fill quickly – and once you've seen the icebergs lit by Arctic light, it's easy to understand why.

Tour Itinerary

From Keflavik International Airport, you travel directly to Ilulissat.The flight itself is rather exciting as you prepare to land in Ilulissat while cruising at a low altitude over the Inland Ice Cap. You will be picked up at the airport, and transfered to the hotel in Ilulissat.

  • Hotel Arctic or similar iconHotel Arctic or similar
  • Transfer to the Hotel iconTransfer to the Hotel

Whale Safari (included)

Getting near giant whales is a beautiful experience. There are 15 whale species in Greenland. We typically observe the humpback, the common minke whale, and the fin whale during the summer. At that season, the whales swim across Disko Bay, sometimes near the town, sometimes in the ice fjord, and occasionally north of the island Arveprinsens Ejland. We frequent radio contact with the fishermen and hunters regarding the whales' locations. The humpback, with its distinctive fin, is the species we encounter most frequently. Later, you have to prepare for the evening excursion. 

The midnight sun lengthens the days, and you will feel energized to explore and take advantage of the entire day.In the summer solistice, the sun never sets in the Arctic Circle, resulting in perpetually bright nights. Ilulissat's midnight sun is present from 22 May to 24 July, but there are also exceptionally bright nights in August.

Ilulissat City Walk (included)

Together with a professional guide, you will visit the most charming places in the city. You will have a chance to explore the city while hearing fascinating facts and legends. In direct translation, Ilulissat is the Kalaallisut word for "Icebergs". The nearby Ilulissat Icefjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has made Ilulissat the most popular tourist destination in Greenland. You will be surprised how many stories are hidden in the streets, buildings, and corners of Ilulissat. Your charming guide will tell you what is special and unique about living in this city. 

  • Breakfast iconBreakfast
  • Hotel Arctic or similar iconHotel Arctic or similar

Hike to the Ice Fjord and the Abandoned Settlement of Sermermiut (included)

Beautiful icebergs provide the setting for the old settlement of Sermermiut, 1.5 kilometers south of Ilulissat. For 4,000 years, different Inuit cultures lived in the settlement and, today, you can still see the remains, which indicate their former presence.

Hear the story about the life of the Inuit and their traditions before the Europeans came to Greenland. Visitors often ask if they can walk these treks themselves? The answer is yes. But it is our experience that most people prefer having a guide with them on their first hike in Greenlandic nature.

Furthermore, historic places will be pointed out on the way, and these can be difficult to find on your own.  You will have a coffee or tea break at “Kællingekløften” with a beautiful view of the Ice Fjord before you head back.

In the evening, enjoy an Icefjord Cruise under the midnight sun.

Sailing Between the Icebergs (included)

At least once, almost every tourist to Ilulissat chooses to take this boat tour among the icebergs. More than 40 million tonnes of ice flood into the fjord every day. The floating icebergs are enormous, often exceeding 100 meters in width and reaching 100 meters above the water's surface. At the end of the fjord, these giants amass, giving you a fantastic opportunity to sail among them.

When visiting Ilulissat, you should not miss out on this beautiful experience. The icebergs are a stunning sight regardless of the weather; when the sun is shining, the contrasts are pretty distinct, while the blue hues are strikingly gorgeous when it is gloomy, and the midnight sun puts a unique light on the icebergs at night. The boat ride during the dazzling night is an extraordinary experience. Remember to bring warm clothing.

  • Breakfast iconBreakfast
  • Hotel Arctic or similar iconHotel Arctic or similar

Full Day Eqi Glacier Excursion (included)

Today, you will sail to the famous calving Eqi Glacier. 80 kilometers north of Ilulissat, Eqi Glacier flows into the fjord. It is possible to approach the glacier by boat and witness enormous chunks of ice breaking off. The sound is loud, and the sight of ice shards crashing into the sea is astounding.

During the tour to Eqi Glacier, we sail aboard modern, comfortable boats. The path follows the coast to the north, passing Bredebugt, the settlement of Oqaatsut, and the Pakitsoq fjord system, where whales and seals are frequently observed. 

Lunchtime and Watch the Ice Calve

Further along the route, we pass through the Ataa Strait, which is surrounded by steep mountains with bird life and waterfalls. Our boats, which are reinforced for sailing in icy waters, will remain in front of the glacier for approximately 2 hours and wait for the ice to calve. 

This full-day expedition during which you will have the time to immerse yourself in the experience and appreciate the boat ride through the ice-filled waters.

Remember to bring warm clothing.

  •  Breakfast / Lunch icon Breakfast / Lunch
  • Hotel Arctic or similar iconHotel Arctic or similar

In the morning, transfer to the airport, and flight to Reykjavik.

  • Breakfast iconBreakfast
  • Transfer to the airport iconTransfer to the airport

Customer reviews

Steve Cummings 28 August 2023
Dora:
I want to thank you for arranging our (last minute) trip to Ilulissat Aug. 12th to 15th.
Everything you promised was delivered and then some. Greenland hosts had everything arranged and communicated to us thoroughly and in a timely manner. They had even pre-arranged pickup at Hotel Arctic for our tours. The room and meals at Hotel Arctic were better than hoped for. The midnight cruise through the icebergs was our highlight. We got everything we wanted. Many thanks!
Laura Blaise, France 13 January 2018
Hello Dora, Thank you very much for recommending the trip to Greenland visiting Ilulissat. . After exploring Iceland for a week it was a very good idea to take a short trip to Greenland. The Arctic hotel we stayed at was not superb but good enough for the Arctic adventure. Stayed on the third floor and had an excellent view of the bay and icebergs. The room was large enough and clean. The breakfast was excellent. There was also free WIFI. Nothing else to be wished. The excursions were very well organized and very very interesting. The guides friendly and very knowledgeable. They arranged everything you need to do and see in Ilulissat. We enjoyed all of it. The landscapes were fantastic and unforgettable. Brought hope tons of fantastic photos.
Thanks again for your good service.
Laura Blaise, France
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