Gems of Western Greenland: MS Balto
Greenland
Join a voyage filled with fascinating stories of ancient history, cultural legends and natural wonders! We will enjoy humpback feeding grounds, Norse history, Inuit culture and geological wonders. Our trip stretches from the ice-crowned north to the jagged mountains and green pastures of the south, resulting in a large variety of nature and culture! The ice, land and nature we sail through will be given another dimension when seen through the prism of myths, legends and history of Inuit and Norse settlers, all shaped by its harsh bounty and beauty
Höjdpunkter
- Small group of 12 passengers
- Inuit culture & Norse history
- Beautiful fjords
- Humpback feeding grounds
- Small settlements & the capital Nuuk
- The elegant M/S Balto
Översikt
Join a voyage filled with fascinating stories of ancient history, cultural legends and natural wonders! We will enjoy humpback feeding grounds, Norse history, Inuit culture and geological wonders. Our trip stretches from the ice-crowned north to the jagged mountains and green pastures of the south, resulting in a large variety of nature and culture! The ice, land and nature we sail through will be given another dimension when seen through the prism of myths, legends and history of Inuit and Norse settlers, all shaped by its harsh bounty and beauty.Färdplan
Day 1: Ilulissat, Greenland We arrive independently to the town by the ice fjord, Ilulissat. As soon as we arrive, the breathtaking natural scenery captivates us, showcasing hills, glaciers, and a bay dotted with icebergs. The remoteness from our everyday life is obvious! In the afternoon we board M/S Balto. We are now on a voyage in true expedition style and our exact route is depending on weather and ice and the itinerary must be kept flexible! Days 2 – 11: Expedition cruising Western Greenland Disko Bay We continue to explore the ice-choked Disko Bay area, before we head south. We are constantly on the lookout, since we are very likely to sail through humpback feeding grounds. We also pass the small and colourful houses of Aasiaat. As we continue via an inland passage towards Sisimiut, we sail amongst small islands, fjords and cliffs. We might pay a short visit to wander the streets, or we might opt for the surrounding wild fjords with an abundance of cod and various whale species. During hikes we might see the iconic muskox. Eternity Fjord As we now leave the ice-filled fjords behind, only random icebergs will pass our way. We pass by Sermersuut Island and might enter the magical Kangerlussuatsiaq fjord (the fjord of eternity), where huge mountains up to 2000 metres rise straight from the ocean. Nuuk We then reach Nuuk. The capital’s setting is stunning, and the bay is sometimes visited by minke and pilot whales. We pay a visit to the National Museum, Greenland’s largest museum of cultural history. The collections come from all over the country, brought from various archaeological and small museum displays over recent years and the visit gives us great insight into the many different cultures of Greenland. Southwestern Fjords Our journey continues south towards the fjords around Qaqortoq. En route we hope to stop by the abandoned mining town of Ivittuut – one of the few places in the world to have discovered naturally occurring cryolite. During a hike here we have good chances of seeing muskox. Nearby is the Ikka fjord. The legend says that the Inuit people drove invaders out onto the thin ice and when the ice gave way, the invaders died in the ice-cold water. If you look closely, you can catch a glimpse of their petrified remains on the bottom. The figures on the bottom are made of ikaite, an unusual form of chalk or limestone that is formed under an enormous pressure. Only about five other findings of ikaite have been observed around the world. Exploring through history The places we are travelling through on this voyage have many stories to tell. One is of the Inuit's great respect of and symbiotic relationship with environment and animals. During periods of weather change and animal numbers declining, amulets and fishing or hunting artefact became objects of great beauty and artistry. Of respect and love for the animals, who give themselves to sustain the Inuit life and culture, offerings are made to the Sea Goddess Sedna, to release the animals’ souls. Still today, Inuit carry a small jug of fresh water when hunting seal. After a seal is killed it is given fresh water, so its spirit will not go thirsty. We will have many opportunities to learn about stories and legends, different eras and people that migrated to Greenland, conflicts and the ultimate demise of the once powerful Norse civilisation. Day 11: Qaqortoq We reach Qaqortoq, the largest city in Southern Greenland, beautifully situated on the mountain slopes and surrounded by fjords. We venture into Eriksfjord, named after Erik the Red, a Norse explorer believed to have founded the first settlement in Greenland. During a landing we visit Brattahlid, the estate he established at the end of the 10th century. We also hope to explore the hot springs of Uunarteq and enjoy a bath in these warm-tempered natural bathtubs, with breath-taking views of mountain peaks and drifting icebergs. Day 12: Narsarsuaq At the end of Eriksfjord is Narsarsuaq, a small village with approx. 150 inhabitants. Here where we disembark, continue to the airport and begin our journey home. Note: the 2026 itinerary finishes on Day 11 from Qaqortoq airport. Please note: Our exact route will depend on ice, weather conditions and wildlife as well as permissions and restrictions from local authorities. The places mentioned are just examples of some of the many sites this region of Greenland has to offer. We always strive to maximize your experience. Please remember that flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!Booking Information
Viktig information
Deposits
Reservations require a deposit of 25% at the time you receive a booking confirmation from Expeditions Online. A payment link will be sent to you and this may be paid by major credit card alternatively bank transfer. Bookings within 90 days of departure require full payment.
Final Payments
Balances are due 90 days prior to departure. Final payment can be made by bank transfer or major credit card (however subject to a 2% surcharge).
Cancellations
All requests for cancellation must be received in writing to Expeditions Online. Cancellation received more More than 180 days prior to departure: 15 % of the expedition cost; 180 through 90 days prior to departure: 25 % of the expedition cost; less than 90 days prior to departure: 100 % of trip cost. If cancellation occurs within the 90-day period and full payment has not yet been received, the full penalty will still apply, and unpaid monies are due immediately. We strongly recommend that you obtain adequate trip cancellation insurance.
Booking Terms
Please read carefully the General Booking Conditions for Expeditions Online. This voyage is operated by Polar Quest Expeditions and you additionally travel under their terms and conditions as the operator as well as of the Shipping Company/transport carrier. Details will be forwarded to you at the time of booking.
Trip cancellation and Travel/Interruption Insurance
It is required that all travellers purchase interruption insurance as protection against an emergency which may force you to leave from a trip while it is in progress.
Inkluderad
- Cruise as per itinerary on board M/S Balto
- All meals on board
- Coffee and tea 24 hours
- 1 Expedition Leader and 1 guide
- Guiding ashore and talks on board
- All excursions and activities
- All passenger taxes and harbour fees
Exkluderad
- Flights to and from Greenland*
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Gratuity to the ship’s crew
- Personal expenses such as bar charges
Tour Dossier
Gems of Western Greenland: MS Balto
Experience the best of southwest Greenland, sailing from Illulisat to Narsarsuaq with the unique 12-passenger ship M/S Balto!
File Creation date: 2025-12-14 - for updated information and dates and prices see the following page:
http://expeditionsonline.com/tour/gems-of-western-greenland-ms-balto_321
Gems of Western Greenland: MS Balto
Duration: 11-12 days
Location: Greenland
Available: July-August
Start: Ilulissat, Greenland
Finish: Narsarsuaq, Greenland (Qaqortoq in 2026)
Highlights
- Small group of 12 passengers
- Inuit culture & Norse history
- Beautiful fjords
- Humpback feeding grounds
- Small settlements & the capital Nuuk
- The elegant M/S Balto
Itinerary
Join a voyage filled with fascinating stories of ancient history, cultural legends and natural wonders! We will enjoy humpback feeding grounds, Norse history, Inuit culture and geological wonders. Our trip stretches from the ice-crowned north to the jagged mountains and green pastures of the south, resulting in a large variety of nature and culture! The ice, land and nature we sail through will be given another dimension when seen through the prism of myths, legends and history of Inuit and Norse settlers, all shaped by its harsh bounty and beauty
Ship Information
Micro Expedition Vessel: M/S Balto
M/S Balto is named after the leading sled dog of 1925 Nome serum run. She was built for the highest ice class in Rauma, Finland, to serve as a government service vessel in the Baltic sea. During 2019-2022, she has been totally refurbished and is now one of the roomiest and most elegant small polar expedition yachts in service. M/S Balto offers a relaxed luxury accommodation for 12 guests in 7 outside cabins, all with private facilities and lower beds. The spacious cabins include 1 Owner’s cabin, 1 superior cabin, 3 double cabins and 2 single cabins. The Owner’s cabin is 30m2, has 6 windows and a queen bed, the superior cabin has two twin beds while the three double cabins has a queen bed. The Owner's and superior cabin also offer a separate seating area. In all cabins you find a desk with a chair and a closet for storage.
On the guest deck you also find a small sauna with a cold shower. The richly appointed saloon and the beautiful dining messroom feature crotch-mahogany panelling, a bar, a library, coffee and tea stations. There are several open and semi enclosed deck spaces from where you can enjoy the stunning Arctic sceneries.
You are welcomed by an international crew and the bridge is open for visitors. With our two Zodiacs, we will explore the wilderness and go ashore in the settlements and in the middle of the breathtaking nature. M/S Balto is truly one of a kind when it comes to small polar expedition ships. Travelling with this unique 12-passenger ship offers a completely different and much more intimate experience of Greenland compared to a larger ship. A small group of merely 12 passengers gives us more flexibility, unique itineraries and more time ashore. Also, the footprints we leave behind are a lot smaller!
The M/S Balto is designed to explore the most remote fjord systems, visit Inuit settlements, take you to remote anchorages and maximise each guest’s experience in the unspoiled wilderness.
For full information about this vessel click here:
Gems of Western Greenland: MS Balto
For the latest, up-to-date departure dates and prices please refer to the tour page:
http://expeditionsonline.com/tour/gems-of-western-greenland-ms-balto_321
Included
- Cruise as per itinerary on board M/S Balto
- All meals on board
- Coffee and tea 24 hours
- 1 Expedition Leader and 1 guide
- Guiding ashore and talks on board
- All excursions and activities
- All passenger taxes and harbour fees
Exkluderad
- Flights to and from Greenland*
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Gratuity to the ship’s crew
- Personal expenses such as bar charges
General Terms and Conditions
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