Disko Bay Kayaking Adventure
An unforgettable Greenlandic experience living like Inuits in one of the most remote and enchanting places in the world. This action packed adventure in the iconic Disko Bay area includes full board and 3 days in the wilderness kayaking and hiking from your remote campsite about as far 'off the beaten track' as you can possibly get.
Itinerary
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Day 1 Ilulissat - Oqaatsut
Your guide will meet you in Ilulissat. Morning boat transfer to the isolated settlement of Oqaatsut. A scenic journey through iceberg filled waters. This tiny village is home to only about 45 people who live in traditional coloured houses.
Transport: Boat
Accommodation: Hostel -
Days 2 to 3 Into the wilderness
This morning, we will perfect our sea kayaking skills. With help from our experienced guide, we paddle in the scenic protected bay of Oqaatsut, we can approach icebergs and enjoy the local wildlife.
We paddle to a sheltered cove and set up camp for two nights with views of the sea and its drifting icebergs. Discover the local culture and learn traditional Inuit bushcraft skills like shelter building, mushroom foraging and animal tracking... Each day we will explore the fascinating wilderness around us by going sea-kayaking or hiking. We will paddle to a nearby traditional village and depending on the conditions we may get the chance to kayak out of the bay and to observe the majestic whales which frequent here...3-5 hours of walking / 3-4 hours of sea-kayaking
Transport: Local boat trip
Accommodation: Camping -
Day 4 Oqaatsut - Ilulissat
Today we take the boat back to Ilulissat, the return journey is just as impressive as the first days cruise. This afternoon you can visit Ilulissat Museum or to buy souvenirs in this iconic Greenlandic town which is home to as many sled dogs as people!
The details in this programme are updated regularly but imponderables 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. This will in no case give rise to refunds or compensation.
Other trips you may like
Hiking and Kayaking to the Ice Cap: Join us on an adventure of a lifetime; embark on a sea kayaking expedition into the untouched Greenlandic wilderness. Discover 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 frequent.
Dates & prices
International departures:
No departure for now
Departures for French-speaking groups:
No departure for now
Trip code: GROWAK4
Included
- Accommodation - tents and hostel/guesthouse
- All transfers as detailed in itinerary
- Full board (except the final evening meal in Ilulissat)
- Full supervision by a qualified Altaï Guide
- Guided hikes in some of the most remote destinations in the world
- Sea kayaking outings with a professional guide
- All technical camping and sea kayaking equipment
Not included
- International flights
- Registration fee €18 (free for under 12s)
- The final evening meal in Ilulissat
- Airport transfers
- Insurance
Additional Options
Please let us know if you would like to reserve any of the following optional activities:
A whale watching boat tour: from €100
Notes
For many years, we put our know-how and our experience of nature and adventure travel in Greenland to the service of travelers from different horizons. You may find yourself in an international group with participants from our various partners.
Level 2/5 Moderate
This trip is accessible to anyone over the age of 15 in fair health with a sense of adventure and a positive attitude. We will do 2-5 hours of activity per day, our hikes are not technically difficult but venture over uneven terrain. For sea kayaking it is essential that you can swim at least 100m but no previous kayaking experience is needed. This trip involves camping and please note that your help with tasks like cooking, setting up camp and transporting equipment on and off boats is much appreciated and expected - we want you to be a part of our team.
Comfort 2/5 Basic
We love our back to basics no frills accommodation options which enable us to get close to nature. This trip includes wild camping and basic Greenlandic hostel accommodation without running water.
Terms and conditions
Booking conditions
Booking a trip with Altai Greenland implies acceptance of the terms and conditions of sale. Each customer is required to complete a registration form and, subject to availability at the time of registration, travellers are expected to pay a deposit of 30% of the total price to complete their booking. Payments can be made online or by bank transfer. You will receive an e-mail with your booking confirmation.
Invoice procedure
Once your booking is confirmed you will receive an invoice by e-mail. The full balance of the trip must be received at least 30 days before your departure date. We reserve the right to cancel your booking, free of charge, if this deadline is not respected.
Cancellation policy
If for any reason you have to cancel your trip, Altai Greenland requires written confirmation of your decision. The money you have paid will then be refunded according to the following deductions:
- Cancellation received more than 30 days prior to the departure date: a sum of €50 per person will be retained
- Cancellation received 30 to 21 days before the departure date: your deposit, 30% of the total trip price will be retained
- Cancellation received 20 to 14 days before the departure date: 50% of the total trip price will be retained
- Cancellation received 13 to 7 days before the departure date: 75% of the total trip price will be retained
- Cancellation received less than 7 days before the departure date: 100% of the total trip price will be retained
Special cases:
Please note that, regardless of the date of cancellation or modification if you have agreed to pay for services such as hotel reservations, flights or additional activities, these services are usually non-refundable so additional fees may apply.
Fixed airfares: if your airline ticket was issued in advance, often done to avoid significant surcharges, you will be charged 100% of any non-refundable fees if you wish to change or cancel your flight plan.
Fixed in-country costs: early charges for firm bookings will be charged if you cancel or modify your trip.Insurance costs: if you have taken out comprehensive or cancellation insurance, the cost of insurance is due and cannot be refunded.
Please note that fees apply according to the date we receive your cancellation or modification request in writing.
If we have to cancel a departure due to an insufficient number of participants, you will be informed no later than 21 days before departure and a full refund will be issued, you will not be entitled to further compensation. We reserve the rights to cancel departures due to exceptional circumstances which may impact the safety of participants. Such circumstances include those amounting to 'force majeure' in which case participants will receive a full refund but they will not be entitled to any compensation.
Changes to travel contract
If you wish to make a change to your booking please contact Altai Greenland in writing; you will be expected to pay any fee which might arise from this change. In the event of unforeseen external events, Altaï Greenland may change some aspects of the travel contract. If any changes are necessary you will be informed as quickly as possible.
Pricing
The prices on our website are updated regularly and all of the prices we advertise are accurate when published. We reserve the rights to make changes to any of these prices. Before you make a booking we will give you the up-to-date price of your chosen holiday including any supplements, upgrades or additional activities you may have requested. If the number of travellers is fewer than the indicated number of participants on the website, a small group surcharge may be applied. For all of our trips we include details of services, prices and what is/is not included but please be aware that changes to the prices may be necessary in accordance with exchange rates or price changes of various components of the journey.
Contract transfer
If you are unable to travel for any reason, you can transfer your booking to another person in which case our modification conditions apply. Both the transferor and transferee will be jointly and severally liable for payment of the total holiday price and other associated expenses. Some airline carriers treat name changes as cancellations and you may be required to pay for the cost of a new ticket.
Practical info
Staff
You will be welcomed at the airport by a representative from our friendly team and accompanied for the duration of your holiday. Armed with an abundance of experience and a wealth of expert knowledge our professional Greenland team know the country inside out. All activities are lead by our qualified guides. They are all English speaking outdoor practitioners with a passion for everything Greenlandic. Please note that this adventure takes place in an isolated polar environment which can be hostile - your guide will explain safety rules which must be followed.
Food
This trip includes full board - 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. Then you will help prepare and carry a own picnic lunch for the day featuring an array of options - everyday there will definitely be salad, sandwiches, hot drinks and cakes among the other options. Each evening meal will include three courses- we try to offer fresh fruit and vegetables everyday in spite of our Northern location.
Please note that your help in the kitchen is expected and much appreciated, particularly in the evenings. We like when the whole group work as a team to cook 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
Oqaatsut
We sleep in a rustic village refuge in the heart of the traditional Greenlandic settlement. There is no running water so we use water from a fountain. and showers are found in a village communal house for a small fee (€2). We use shared dry toilets, the only facilities in a number of small Greenlandic settlements.
Wild Camping
We provide quality 3 man dome tents, 1 per 2 people for maximum space and comfort plus a fully equipped, spacious mess tent complete with table and stools for communal moments and mealtimes.
Transportation
In Greenland we use local boats, specially adapted for ice navigation, to cross fjords.
Budget & exchange
The currency in Greenland is the Danish Krone (DKK)
Please budget for two evening meals: from €25 / 200DKK per person. Alcohol is very expensive in Greenland, if you want to enjoy an evening drink after your days adventures, we recommend buying Duty Free alcohol in the airport.
Tips
Although the custom is not widespread here, if you are satisfied with the services of your guide, tipping is always appreciated - it is not obligatory and should be left to the discretion of each individual.
Supplied equipment
We
provide you with the technical equipment you will need for this
adventure - all you need to bring are your hiking boots.
We will provide
everything else including:
- 3 man dome tents (1 per 2 people for maximum space and comfort)
- Self-inflating sleeping mat
- A mess tent with table, stools and cooking equipment
- Tandem sea kayaks with directional rudders
- A Gore-tex dry suit with integrated warm fleece liner
- A spray deck
- A life jacket
Vital equipment
- Sleeping bag (comfort 0°C)
- Walking boots (sturdy, with ankle support and vibram soles)
- Waterproof jacket (with a hood)
- Waterproof trousers
- A warm jumper or two
- Suitable underwear, sports t-shirts and walking trousers
- Thermals - tops & long johns
- A swimsuit
- Warm gloves and hat (even in the summer - evenings can be chilly)
- Sunhat and sun cream
- Sunglasses (UV 400)
- Any personal medication
- A fast drying towel & toiletries
- A water bottle(s) min. 2L
- A small rucksack to use as a day bag
- Warm pyjamas
- Head torch & spare batteries (although it is nearly always light in the summer months)
Material
We prefer that you do not wear cotton clothing, including underwear, when participating in activities. When cotton gets wet from water or sweat it ceases to insulate and it does not dry fast. The best materials for outdoor activities are fast drying materials like polyester or materials which are warm when wet like wool. The most powerful materials against the wind and rain are 'breathable' materials like Gore-Tex or Nikwax.
Our advice for keeping warm
It can be cold in Greenland, please think carefully about what clothes you bring, the layers you wear next to your skin make the biggest difference. We recommend wearing multiple layers including:
- A warm breathable base layer
- A second thermal layer
- Wind and waterproof protective outer layers
Helpful equipment
You may also consider packing
- Your camera
- Binoculars
- A notepad and pencil
- A thermos flask
- Plastic bags for wet/dirty clothing
- A comfortable evening outfit
- Walking poles
- Inflatable pillow
- Insect repellant
- Blister plasters
- Tissues
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 holdall rather than a hard cased suitcase because it is more practical. We recommend packing all of your clothes in waterproof bags so that they stay dry in the event of wet weather.
Medicine
Your guide is a trained first-aider and will carry a full first aid kit at all times during the trip. We recommend that you bring a small personal first aid kit containing any medication you may need such as inhalers, plasters, antiseptic and painkillers.
Passport
Most travellers require a passport that is valid for at least three months after the return date. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific passport requirements and please be aware that proof of onwards travel may be required.
Visa
Most travellers do not need a VISA to travel to Greenland but proof of onwards travel may be required. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific visa requirements.
Mandatory vaccines
There are no specific health risks.
Health information & recommendations
It is your responsibility to check that your personal health insurance covers everything in this trip. A consultation with your doctor is a prerequisite for any trip.
Weather
Year round the temperatures in Greenland can range from -25°C to more than 20°C (-13°F to +68°F). The air is low in humidity which means that the temperatures do not feel as cold as you might imagine and that the views are amazing - it appears that you can see further! Generally speaking Greenland is not very windy and the warmest months are June - August.
The length of the day varies significantly throughout the year. The shortest day of the year
is 21st December with no sunlight! The longest day, with 24 hours of sunlight, is 20th June. You can see the midnight sun from May - July and the Northern Lights in the darker months.
Electricity
Greenland uses Northern European electrical standards (50Hz/220 volts) and the standard Europlug socket with two round prongs.
Local time
Most of Greenland uses Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)/ Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) -3; most areas observe Daylight Saving Time (DST).
Topography
Area: 836,300 mi²
Population: 56,186 inhabitants (2016)
Capital: Nuuk
Languages: Kalaallisut or West Greenlandic, Danish is also widely used
Regime: Part of the Kingdom of Denmark but politically autonomous
Part of the continent of North America, Greenland is the largest island on Earth and it is covered by the largest ice sheet in the world outside of antarctica.
Sustainable tourism
As adventure and wilderness travel experts who run trips to some of the most remote parts of the world, we take responsible tourism very seriously.
We respect the ‘Leave No Trace’ outdoor ethical code and try to explore this beautiful location whilst causing minimal environmental damage.
The Leave No Trace policy can be summarized in 7 simple steps which we hope you will follow during ourtrip...
- Be prepared
- Stick to trails and camp overnight right
- Stash your trash and pick up waste
- Leave it as you find it
- Be careful with fire
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Over the years we have built up good relations with our local suppliers and we are keen to support local businesses as much as possible. We are a small company and we pay our local partners and suppliers directly insuring fair rates.
Our small group sizes not only provide a more intimate adventure but also cause less impact on the environment and local communities.
We expect all who travel with us to support and uphold our Sustainable Tourism philosophies.
My local agent
Elodie
- Outdoor activities enthusiast
- Adventure travel expert
- Logistics expert
- Region
- Disko Bay
- Activity
- Hiking Kayaking Summer Wild Camping
- Duration
- 4 days
- Group
- 4 to 12 people
- Code
- GROWAK4
- Price
- From €790
- Level
- 2/5
- Comfort
- 2/5
- Language(s)
- English / French
Strengths
- Kayaking among icebergs with the chance to spot whales
- Experience the Inuit way of life with a night in a traditional Greenlandic settlement
- Immersion in the nature - wild camping in Greenland