East Greenland and Sermilik Fjord: MS Balto
Greenland
In the heart of the Greenlandic wilderness lies a hidden gem waiting to be explored – the grand Sermilik fjord and its surrounding areas, full of beautiful hiking opportunities. In many terms these parts of the world are still undiscovered. We are greeted by towering mountain chains, calving glaciers, icebergs of all shapes and crystal-clear waters. Nutritious waters provide feeding ground for both humpbacks and fin whales and if lucky we will encounter these giants of the sea. We also get unique insight into the Inuit culture, their way of life, traditional practices, and cultural heritage
Highlights
- Small group of 12 passengers
- The impressive Sermilik fjord
- Remote and unexplored
- Magnificent icebergs
- Chance of seeing whales
- Fascinating Inuit culture
Stewart's Take
Explore a seldom-seen and remote world of ice, mountains and fascinating culture
Overview
In the heart of the Greenlandic wilderness lies a hidden gem waiting to be explored – the grand Sermilik fjord and its surrounding areas, full of beautiful hiking opportunities. In many terms these parts of the world are still undiscovered. We are greeted by towering mountain chains, calving glaciers, icebergs of all shapes and crystal-clear waters. Nutritious waters provide feeding ground for both humpbacks and fin whales and if lucky we will encounter these giants of the sea. We also get unique insight into the Inuit culture, their way of life, traditional practices, and cultural heritage.Itinerary
Day 1: Reykjavik We arrive individually to Reykjavik and check in to our hotel (included in the flight and hotel package described below). Day 2: Reykjavik & flight to Kulusuk, Greenland Explore the lovely city of Reykjavik on your own. In the afternoon we transfer to Keflavik and our flight to Kulusuk, and the airport built by the US Air Force in 1956. Kulusuk means “the village with the mountain that looks like the breast of a bird” in the Greenlandic, referring to the Isikajia Mountain located directly behind the airport. In the evening we board our expedition ship and begin our great exploration. Day 3 – 8: Expedition cruising We are now on an expedition cruise and our exact route will be decided by weather and ice. Some areas can be filled with ice and therefore not always reachable. Please note that the places mentioned below are just examples of places we can visit on this true expedition cruise. Tasiilaq We visit the town of Tasiilaq. With just under 2000 inhabitants, it is the largest settlement in East Greenland. It is home to an older and different Inuit culture, where shamanism and native culture is much more vibrant than in other parts of Greenland. During our expedition here, we will learn more of local myths and legends, as the one about tupilaqs. In Greenlandic Inuit religion, a tupilaq was an avenging monster fabricated by a practitioner of witchcraft or shamanism by using various objects such as animal bone, skin, hair, or sinew. Tasiilaq is also known for a its art scene, where local artists create prints, sculptures and textiles mostly portraying the animals, landscapes and traditional stories of the area. Ammassalik We venture into the serenity of the Ammassalik fjord system and the small settlement of Kuummiut. This is a relatively unknown pearl of east Greenland, nestled within the Ammassalik Island group. The surrounding fjords – lined by tall mountain tops offer perfect hiking opportunities, with hidden waterfalls and spectacular views. Kuummiut has a rich Inuit heritage, and we hope to get the opportunity to learn about the traditional practices. Ikateq Further up north is the Ikateq fjord, where we might make a landing at the abandoned military base from World War II, Bluie East Two. It played an important role in serving as a refuelling and maintenance stop for aircrafts travelling between north America and Europe. Today it is no longer in operation, but some remnants still exist, such as abandoned fuel drums, buildings and vehicles. Further east are two impressive glaciers: Karale and Knud Rasmussen. Sailing in this area, we are likely to hear and see the thunderous calving of these two very active glaciers. Sermilik fjord region We continue into the mighty Sermilik fjord. It stretches over 90 kilometres and cuts through a rugged landscape of towering glaciers and jagged peaks, and we find ourselves amongst a myriad of icebergs of all shapes and sizes. Most of them originating from the impressive Helheim glacier at the deep end of the fjord, which produces some of the largest icebergs in all of Greenland. The beauty around us is stunning! On the southern shores of Sermilik fjord is the tiny village of Tiilerilaaq. The wooden houses are beautifully situated on a hill, with the grand Sermilik fjord in the background. The local Inuit culture and the traditional hunting and fishing activities play a significant role in the way of life here. Before we wave goodbye, we head out on a nice hike to overview the surrounding landscapes and the many icebergs! If the ice allows, we enter Johan Peterson fjord. On the northern side of the entrance of the fjord is Qeertartivatsiaq Island, where we find Inuit ruins on the southern shore of the island. At the head of the fjord are some outlet glaciers from the inland ice coming straight down to the sea. This is one of few places you can catch sight of the actual inland ice, although please know that it is often blocked by beautiful icebergs. We are continuously looking for Arctic foxes, seals and different species of whale. Day 9: Kulusuk – Reykjavik After a long, nice breakfast, we disembark in Kulusuk. We head out on one final Greenland excursion: a glacier hike to an ice cave - it is a truly unique experience to lose yourself in this surreal world of blue and to take in all of the cave's incredible details. After an early dinner in Kulusuk, we head to the airport and our flight to Reykjavik, where we check into our hotel for a good night sleep. (Included in the flight and hotel package.) Day 10: Homeward bound Today we bid our farewells and return home or onwards for new adventures. Please note: Our exact route will depend on ice, weather conditions and wildlife. The places mentioned are just examples of some of the 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! MANDATORY FLIGHT & HOTEL PACKAGE East Greenland is a true and remote wilderness. To get here with a small ship from Iceland means at least three days on the Denmark strait, a passage that can be quite rough for a small ship like M/S Balto. To be able to offer you a more comfortable experience with focus on Greenland’s spectacular nature, we have therefore chosen to book flights between Reykjavik (Iceland) to Kulusuk (Greenland). We have also included two hotel nights in Reykjavik, one before the expedition and one after. This is to allow for potential flight delays.- Flight from Keflavik (Iceland) to Kulusuk (Greenland) roundtrip
- Two hotel nights in Reykjavik, one night prior to the expedition and one night after
- Transfers in connection with flight mentioned above, between hotel and airport in Keflavik
- Price: USD 2 250 per person.
Vessel
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:
Booking Information
Essential 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.
Included
- 7 nights on board M/S Balto
- All meals on board
- Coffee and tea on board
- 1 Expedition Leader and 1 guide
- Guiding ashore and talks on board
- All excursions and activities
Excluded
- Mandatory flight & hotel package (See details above)
- International flights to and from Iceland
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Gratuity to the ship’s crew
- Personal expenses such as bar charges
Tour Dossier
East Greenland and Sermilik Fjord: MS Balto
A 10 day expedition to East Greenland where you explore incredible fjords with the small ship Balto
File Creation date: 2025-12-15 - for updated information and dates and prices see the following page:
http://expeditionsonline.com/tour/east-greenland-and-sermilik-fjord_441
East Greenland and Sermilik Fjord: MS Balto
Duration: 10 days
Location: Greenland
Available: August-September
Start: Reykjavik, Iceland
Finish: Reykjavik, Iceland
Highlights
- Small group of 12 passengers
- The impressive Sermilik fjord
- Remote and unexplored
- Magnificent icebergs
- Chance of seeing whales
- Fascinating Inuit culture
Itinerary
In the heart of the Greenlandic wilderness lies a hidden gem waiting to be explored – the grand Sermilik fjord and its surrounding areas, full of beautiful hiking opportunities. In many terms these parts of the world are still undiscovered. We are greeted by towering mountain chains, calving glaciers, icebergs of all shapes and crystal-clear waters. Nutritious waters provide feeding ground for both humpbacks and fin whales and if lucky we will encounter these giants of the sea. We also get unique insight into the Inuit culture, their way of life, traditional practices, and cultural heritage
- Flight from Keflavik (Iceland) to Kulusuk (Greenland) roundtrip
- Two hotel nights in Reykjavik, one night prior to the expedition and one night after
- Transfers in connection with flight mentioned above, between hotel and airport in Keflavik
- Price: USD 2 250 per person.
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:
East Greenland and Sermilik Fjord: MS Balto
For the latest, up-to-date departure dates and prices please refer to the tour page:
http://expeditionsonline.com/tour/east-greenland-and-sermilik-fjord_441
Included
- 7 nights on board M/S Balto
- All meals on board
- Coffee and tea on board
- 1 Expedition Leader and 1 guide
- Guiding ashore and talks on board
- All excursions and activities
Excluded
- Mandatory flight & hotel package (See details above)
- International flights to and from Iceland
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Gratuity to the ship’s crew
- Personal expenses such as bar charges
General Terms and Conditions
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