Disko Bay to Uummannaq - Remote at Heart by Polar Quest

Experience a unique 8-day itinerary onboard the 12-passenger MV Balto by Polar Quest. Explore an area of Greenland known for its diverse and astonishing landscape, including unique geological formations, deep fjords, springs and caves, magnificent towering icebergs and impressive glaciers.

Travelling on the unique and elegant MV Balto offers a completely different, and much more intimate experience of Greenland compared to a larger expedition ship. Visit remote settlements, meet the welcoming people living here and learn more about their fascinating culture and explore the rich waters where you are likely to spot several whale species including humpback, minke and pilot whales, as your ship navigates between enormous icebergs. The MV Balto is specifically designed to explore even the most remote fjord systems.

Highlights

• Travel with 11 other guests and enjoy a unique and intimate experience exploring Greenland

• Visit a diverse and astonishing landscape including unique geological formations

• Be on the lookout for species of whale including humpback and minke

• Visit remote settlements and meet the local people

Quick Itinerary

Day 1: Embark in Ilulissat, Greenland
Days 2 - 9: Expedition cruising in Greenland
Day 10: Ilulissat
 

Departures and Prices

Day 1: Embarkation in Ilulissat

Arrive in Ilulissat, where you will be greeted by the natural beauty surrounding you, with hills, glaciers and a bay filled with icebergs. In the afternoon you will board the MV Balto. Overnight sail across the bay and anchor past the glacial waterfalls by Qeqertarsuaq on the south side of Disko Island. Where possible you will embark on Zodiac excursions or make landings.

Days 2 - 9: Expedition cruising in Greenland

Enjoy breakfast with a view of the volcanic cliffs of Disko Island.  Disko is unique in its geology and lush vegetation and stands out in the otherwise ice-packed bay. You will pay a visit to Qeqertarsuaq, the settlement on the island, to explore the beautiful nature around the town and the colourful town itself. 

As your ship leaves Qeqertarsuaq, it will cruise close to the eastern side caves, which is also a place to witness humpback whales feeding. Your ship will continue up the picturesque Vaitgat Strait, and en route pass by some magnificent glaciers and navigate between myriads of icebergs. There are many impressive and active glaciers in this part of Greenland, and weather permitting, you may explore Eqip Sermia, which is one of the most active glaciers in Greenland.

Your ship will proceed northwest on the Vaitgat Strait, with striking high cliffs and enormous icebergs surrounding the ship. Around the corner of Nuussuaq peninsula, which separates Disko Bay from the Uummannaq Bay is an area known to be home to numerous different species of animals, such as whales, seals, walrus, reindeer and foxes.

Your ship anchors in front of the secluded village of Niaqonat, better known as "the village at the end of the world". The village is home to a population of approximately 50 people, several of them are proud hunters, displaying narwhal horns, walrus skulls, polar bear skin and antlers around their huts. This offers a unique opportunity to get an understanding of the local culture.

Approaching Uummannaq Island is a sight to behold, with heart-shaped mountains and cliffs rising above the strips of fog. You will most likely be joined by whales spraying near the ship. You will visit the town of Uummannaq with its old settler houses, church, museum and remains of failed Arctic expeditions in the area. As you continue east, you'll approach several highly active glaciers. Very few vessels venture here and many of the fjord systems are still unnamed. The crew of MV Balto, who have had the fortune of travelling in this area, describe it as one of the most stunning landscapes of north Greenland.

Your ship continues on along the rarely visited western side of Disko Island, visiting fjords full of geological wonders.

Day 10: Ilulissat

In the morning, you will disembark in Ilulissat ready for your flight home.

This cruise is selling fast! Secure your space today by calling one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 196 1000