Disko Bay Sailing Adventure

 ‘All aboard!’ Join us on a unique kayaking and hiking adventure in one of the most isolated places in the world and enjoy the comforts of our classic sailing boat. Sail silently through the magical untouched Greenlandic wilderness with its many whales and icebergs. Go hiking and/or kayaking in the land of ice whales and reindeer...

Itinerary

  • Day 1 Ilulissat - Qasigiannguit (traditional village)

    Ilulissat - Qasigiannguit (traditional village) Welcome to Ilulissat, Greenland and welcome on board Lifesong, our delightful sailboat which will be our home for the next few days. Today we will sail through the entrance of the stunning Icefjord and all its huge icebergs. Then follow the south coast to the small village of Qasigiannguit. Today will mark the start of one of the many unforgettable days to come during this trip.

    Approximately 5h of sailing.

    Suggestion:
    If you arrive the day before, we suggest you to spend the night in Ilulissat. You can follow this trail, that passes over the Ilulissat glacier - cradle of the giant icebergs of Disko Bay, to get a view of the fjord.

    Accommodation: On board Lifesong

  • Day 2 Qasigiannguit - Akunnaaq

    Qasigiannguit - Akunnaaq After having spent a quite night amidst the huge icefjord and the icebergs, today we visit this lovely village of Qasigiannguit with its coloured houses perched on the rocks overlooking the sea and its floating icebergs. We then continue to sail towards the south of Disko Bay to the village of Akunnaaq.

    Approximately 5h of sailing.

    Activities: 2 hours walking
    Accommodation: On board Lifesong

  • Day 3 Akunnaaq to Aasiaat on Kayak

    Akunnaaq to Aasiaat on Kayak Get ready for your first day of kayak experience in Greenland. Today the Lifesong will sail without us as we paddle among the icebergs. As we paddle through the calm waters almost without effort, we get to see the landscape from another perspective. On our way we can also observe the birds, we also get closer to the Icebergs (but not too close!) and paddle between several islands. We then do a little picnic on an islet while also keeping our eyes open for whales. We will then paddle towards a wild creek near Aasiaat where our sailboat Lifesong will appear as if by magic to bring us back to comfort , heat and the delicious meals on board.

    Activities: Kayaking 5 hours
    Accommodation: On board Lifesong

  • Day 4 Aasiaat - Kronprinsens

    Aasiaat - Kronprinsens Today we start our day with a hike to the surrounding hills. Then we sail towards the west of Disko Bay for 4 hours to the Kronprinsens archipelago. We then set out to discover one of the abandoned villages of these islands. Here we will also be able to get some breathtaking views of the icebergs .

    Approximately 4h of sailing.

    Activities: Hiking 3 hours
    Accommodation: On board Lifesong

  • Day 5 Kronprinsens - Qeqertarsuaq

    Kronprinsens - Qeqertarsuaq We start our day with a little tour around the island in our kayak and pass through the natural canals. Depending on the conditions, if we are lucky enough, we might be able to do a tour of one of the huge icebergs. The adventure continues as we sail to the magnificent Disko Island, an area completely off the beaten track with fantastic hiking and whale watching opportunities. The island is characterized by its strangely coloured mountains and overhanging glaciers, reindeer roam here in the summer months.

    At the end of the day we disembark to discover the atmosphere of this small town, its church and a view point on the bay.


    Approximately 3h of sailing.

    Activities: Hiking 1 hour & Kayaking 2 hours
    Accommodation: On board Lifesong

  • Day 6 Hiking in the Disko Island

    Hiking in the Disko Island The beautiful region of Disko Island offers multiple hiking possibilities. We start our day with a visit to a very interesting little museum in the village. We then follow the path along the coast to discover an extraordinary atmosphere created by the presence of many basaltic organs like structures and high altitude glaciers. As we continue to the top, a breathtaking view of the bay and the sight of hundreds of icebergs awaits us.

    Activities: Hiking 6 hours
    Accommodation: On board Lifesong

  • Day 7 Qeqertarsuaq - Pakitsoq

    Qeqertarsuaq - Pakitsoq Today we will do the longest sail of the journey through Diskobay (approximately 60 miles) . We will sail along the south part of the Disko Island. An amazing day to observe seagulls and if we are lucky even some whales as we reach the bay of Pakitsoq.

    Approximately 10h of sailing.

    Accommodation: On board Lifesong

  • Day 8 Pakitsoq - Ataa

    Pakitsoq - Ataa Today we will be sailing to the village of Ataa. The village is not very far but depending on the density of the ice, it can take some time as we zigzag our way through the ice. Finally we arrive to the village which is located at the edge of a lake rich in trout and sits on the foot of the mountains.

    The famous "The men of seals" by Paul-Émile Victor was shot here in 1958. The film presents perfectly the daily life of the inhabitants of this village. The film is a must-see before coming !


    Approximately 4 to 6h of sailing depending on the ice conditions.

    Accommodation: On board Lifesong

  • Day 9 Ataa - Ikerasak

    Ataa - Ikerasak The adventure continues. If the ice condition is favorable, we will sail up the fjord to arrive in front of the Ikerasak Glacier. Here you will be welcomed by the thunderous crackling sounds of the glacier. Then we will set out on foot to discover the path used by Paul-Émile Victor's expeditions to reach the ice cap.


    Approximately 2 to 4 hours of sailing depending on the ice conditions.

    Activities: Hiking 2 hours
    Accommodation: On board Lifesong

  • Day 10 Ataa - Oqaatsut

    Today we descend from the beautiful Ataa Sund fjord to the village of Oqaatsut. With many beautiful memories from the past few days still lingering on our minds, we arrive to the sweet and pleasant atmosphere of the village of Oqaatsut. Take some time to stop by large wooden bench overlooking the bay to watch the drifting icebergs. Here, you can also have the possibility to enjoy a tour on kayak to have another perceptive of the village.


    Approximately 2 to 4 hours of sailing depending on the ice conditions.

    Activities: Kayaking: 2 hours
    Accommodation: On board Lifesong

  • Day 11 Hiking in Oqaatsut

    Hiking in Oqaatsut Strap your boots and get ready for a full day hike in the magnificent Oqaatsut region . Today we will hike up to one of the summits and enjoy our picnic at the top. The view from the summit is worth the effort. If the weather allows, we can see Ilulissat and its glacier in the distance.

    Activities: Hiking 6 hours & Kayaking 4 hours
    Accommodation: On board Lifesong

  • Day 12 Oqaatsut - Ilulissat

    Oqaatsut - Ilulissat After 11 days of continuous adventure and magical moments, it's time to return to Ilulissat to conclude this magnificent journey in the land of ice. We bring you back directly to the airport or city if your flight is the next day.

    Approximately 2 hours of navigation.

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 East Greenland with stunning iceberg views
Hiking East Greenland: East Greenland is one of the most isolated and unspoilt regions in the world. This trip is a an opportunity to gain unique insights into Inuit culture and local traditions as we explore the hidden gems of the coastal wilderness. This adventure includes daily guided hikes, dramatic mountains and icebergs plus huge glaciers, local wildlife and beautiful valleys.

Dates & prices

Departures for French-speaking groups:

No departure for now

Trip code: EGROWKV

Included

  • All in-country transfers as detailed in itinerary
  • Accommodation on board - cabins with private bathrooms
  • Full board
  • Full supervision by a qualified expert Altaï Guide
  • All technical equipment provided

Not included

  • Registration fee: €18 (free for under 12s)
  • International flights
  • Insurance


Accommodation Option
The cabins can accommodate 3 people comfortably. When the boat is full, it is possible that you might need to share your cabin with two other people.
Please let us know in advance if you would like to privatize the cabin. There is a  possibility to privatize a cabin for an extra cost of 2000 €  (1000 € / person if you are two).

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.

Comfort - 4/5 Comfortable

Accommodation on board our sailing boat Life Song - well-equiped with private bathroom. Please note that this adventure takes place in the wilderness - we are priviliged to have simple luxuries like running water.
cabin


 

Level - 1/5 Easy

This trip is suitable for anyone with a sense of adventure and a positive attitude. You do not need to have sea kayaked before but physically you should be able to climb a 3m verticle ladder and swim 100m. This voyage involves an average of 2-4 hours of activity per day and is a participatory trip, we want you to be a part of our team and have the adventure of a lifetime.

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. Experienced skipper Christophe Votat will be your captain on board Lifesong accompanied by Emmanuelle. 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 Emmanuelle, our qualified professional guide - she has a passion for everything Greenlandic. Christophe and Emmanuelle have a child together, Raphael, who will live on the boat completing the family team! 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, free unlimited tea and coffee...
We are proud of the varied, fresh and frankly delicious food we provide on board. Meals are based on a selection of local products including fish, sheep and musk-ox. We also have some less local foods on the menu like fruits and vegetables - not easy to find in the Polar Regions!
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.

Menu example:
Breakfast: pancakes with maple syrup and fresh fruits, tea, coffee, grilled bread
Lunch: Sandwiches, soup, cake, tea and coffee during activities and more elaborated on the boat as shrimps with coco milk and pinapple served with rice. Cake
Dinner: Grilled fresh fish, homemade cake

Dietary Requirements
Please let us know about any dietary requirements when you book the trip and we will work with you to cater for your needs. Please be aware that our options are limited in this isolated polar region; we do not risk catering for people with extreme allergies on board Life Song - contact us if you have any questions.

Accommodation

Life Song
Our aluminium boat is a true floating refuge designed by Garcia industry, a famous french sailing boat constructor. It was specially designed for the exploration of these isolated lands and their harsh climate. Its interior was designed with comfort in mind and she is suitable for up to night passengers. 3 mixed cabins of 3 people, 3 bathroom with a hot shower and toilets.







Characteristics
Captain: Christophe Votat
Second in command: Emmanuelle Dumas
Length: 20,7 metres
Width: 5,3 metres
Draft: 3.05 m
Displacement: 32T
Material: Aluminium
First launched: 1997
Gas-oil reserve: 1800 litres
Generator: 10 Kva
Heating: As well as heating powered by the engine, we have a heating system in each rooms that can work day and night
Drying facilities: hanging clothes dryer with air circulation
Water tank: 1000 litres + two watermakers
Hot water: Yes - heated by two sources, the engine or the group
Washing/Drying machine that can be use once in the trip.
Fridge and freezer: 250 litre capacity
4m semi-rigid landing vessel (6 man) with 20Cv HB engine
Other facilities: Other facilities: Stereo compatable smartphones
220 electricity in all cabins

Budget & exchange

The currency in Greenland is the Danish Krone (DKK)
Please budget for a meal in Ilulissat (200-500DKK). 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 our staff, 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:
  • Tandem inflatable sea kayak (Advanced Element Convertible)
  • A spray deck and shirt
  • A life jacket

Our sea kayaks were chosen for their stability and comfortable, they are suitable for first time kayakers. Average speed 2-3 miles per hour, up to 6 miles per hour. Suitable for all sea conditions and in the unlikely event of capsize they are surprisingly easy to right, even at sea you would be back on board and paddling in no time.

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:
  1. A warm breathable base layer
  2. A second thermal layer
  3. Wind and waterproof protective outer layers

Helpful equipment

You may also consider packing
  • A pair of warm comfortable shoes for evenings in town
  • A swimsuit if you want to test Icelands hot springs/pools during your stopover or the saunas of Ilulissat
  • Extra gloves/overgloves
  • An extra jumper/fleece jacket
  • A warm sleeping bag liner
  • Energy bars
  • Wetwipes
  • Blister plasters 
  • A suitable camera
  • Plastic bags for wet/dirty clothing
  • A small inflatable pillow
  • 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. Life Song is equipped with 220v plus sockets.

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...
  1. Be prepared
  2. Stick to trails and camp overnight right
  3. Stash your trash and pick up waste
  4. Leave it as you find it
  5. Be careful with fire
  6. Respect wildlife
  7. 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.
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Region
Disko Bay
Activity
Hiking Kayaking Sailing Summer
Duration
12 days
Group
2 to 9 people
Code
EGROWKV
Price
From €3,195
Level
1/5
Comfort
4/5
Language(s)
French

Strengths

  • Whales, reindeer and icebergs
  • Hiking and sea kayaking in and around the iconic sites of Disko Bay
  • Our professional guide and experienced skipper will keep you safe and learning
  • The comforts and peace of LifeSong, our traditional sailing boat built for Greenlands waters

Required level

This trip is suitable for anyone with a sense of adventure and a positive attitude. You do not need to have sea kayaked before but physically you should be able to climb a 3m verticle ladder and swim 100m. This voyage involves an average of 2-4 hours of activity per day and is a participatory trip, we want you to be a part of our team and have the adventure of a lifetime.

Download trip details

Request a quote