Access Greenland as few travelers can—from a classy yacht with mahogany wood, polished brass, colorful tile and clean Scandinavian lines. Join likeminded travelers for an intimate Arctic expedition with rare amenities such as a sauna and dedicated single cabins.
Photo by: Gunilla Lindh
West Greenland’s Disko Bay to Uummannaq: Icebergs, Whales & Inuit Culture
Explore West Greenland from the unique 12-passenger ship MS Balto for remote settlements, welcoming people, fascinating culture, massive icebergs, remote fjords and several whale species. Leave a small footprint and enjoy the flexibility afforded by an intimate group size.
Jun
Jul
FROM
$12,090
USD
PER PERSON
/
Explore West Greenland from the unique 12-passenger ship MS Balto. Visit remote settlements, meet the welcoming people living there, learn more about their fascinating culture and leave a small footprint.
Begin in the Disko Bay area, known for its diverse and astonishing landscape, including unique geological formations, deep fjords, springs and caves, magnificent towering icebergs and impressive glacier faces. Continue up the stunning Vaigat strait and onwards to the breathtakingly beautiful fjords and areas north of Uummannaq. The rich waters are likely to introduce you to several whale species, such as humpback, minke or pilot whales, as you navigate in between enormous icebergs under the midnight sun.
Travel aboard the MS Balto expedition yacht in a group of merely 12 passengers for a completely different and much more intimate experience of Greenland. This ship features a mix of classic maritime charm and modern Scandinavian design, with cozy and inviting social spaces plus a unique onboard sauna.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Greenland small ship cruises, Arctic cruises and Arctic trips.
Disko Bay to Uummannaq - Icebergs, Whales & Inuit Culture Itinerary
Ilulissat, GreenlandIlulissat, Greenland
These west Greenland cruises operate round-trip from Ilulissat, with a flexible itinerary to take advantage of weather and wildlife sightings. Highlights include visits to Inuit settlements, whale watching, and taking in rarely visited fjords and gigantic icebergs.
Arrive independently to the town by the ice fjord, Ilulissat. As soon as you arrive, the breathtaking natural scenery captivates, showcasing hills, glaciers and a bay dotted with icebergs. The remoteness from your everyday life is obvious! In the afternoon, board the ship. After a safety orientation, venture into Disko Bay, sailing in the low sun amidst a wondrous parade of icebergs of thousand shades of blue. Overnight, sail across the bay and anchor past the glacial waterfalls by Qeqertarsuaq on the south side of Disko Island. Keep in mind that this is truly an expedition voyage, and your itinerary largely depends on weather, calving activity and amounts of ice. Where possible, you will go on Zodiac excursions or make landings.
Enjoy breakfast with a view of the volcanic cliffs of Disko Island. It is unique in its geology and lush vegetation and stands out in the otherwise ice-packed bay. Greenlandic legend says it is because the island was moved here from the south by two kayaking seal hunters, and when it entered Disko bay a witch from Ilulissat cast a spell on it to ground. The island invites to beautiful hikes and the columnar basalt rocks show the island’s volcanic history.
Pay a visit to Qeqertarsuaq—the settlement on the island—to explore the beautiful nature around the town and the colorful town itself.
As you leave Qeqertarsuaq, cruise close to the eastern side caves, which is also a place where one can often witness humpback whales feeding. Occasionally you might hear the mighty thundering of a large ice calving across the bay. Continue up the picturesque Vaigat Strait and en route, pass by some magnificent glacier fronts and navigate between myriad icebergs.
There are many impressive and active glaciers in this part of Greenland. One of the glaciers you might explore is Eqip Sermia, which is one of the most active glaciers in Greenland. It is a powerful experience to hear the explosive sound of the air being released as the glacier calves.
When you proceed northwest on the Vaigat strait, striking high cliffs and enormous icebergs surround. Round the corner of the Nuussuaq peninsula, which separates Disko Bay from the Uummannaq Bay. Keep an eye out for whales in the waters around your ship.
Anchor in front of the secluded village of Niaqornat, 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, of which you need to respect and aim to learn more!
Approaching Uummannaq Island is a sight to behold in any weather, on a clear sunny day or with heart-shaped mountain or coastal cliffs rising above the strips of fog. You most likely will have the company of whales spraying near the ship. According to the myth, a piece of each visitor’s heart will remain on the Uummannaq Island, always trying to summon him or her back. Whether it’s the magic mountain that dominates the landscape of the island or the singing children ashore that are magnetizing, is left to be unsaid.
Aim to 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, approach several highly active glaciers, from which numerous blue-shifting icebergs are thrown into the sea. Very few vessels venture here and many of the fjord systems are still unnamed. The crew of your ship, who have had the fortune of travelling in this area, describes it as one of the most stunning landscapes of north Greenland.
When you start to proceed southwest, you are likely to be treated with magnificent shows of enormous icebergs and the events they do—turning, exploding and maybe dumping lakes of water in the sea. We continue via the rarely visited western side of Disko Island, visiting fjords full of geological wonders.
In the morning, disembark in Ilulissat for homebound flights.
Included
9 nights on board the vessel indicated in the itinerary, all meals on board, coffee and tea around the clock, an experienced expedition leader and a knowledgeable guide, guiding ashore and talks on board, all excursions and activities, all passenger taxes, harbor fees and AECO fees.
Exclusions
Any airfare; airport transfers; travel and cancellation insurance, and insurance of any kind; gratuity to the ship’s crew; and personal expenses such as bar charges.
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 181 days – 15% of total trip cost
180 to 90 days – 100% of deposit
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The Disko Bay to Uummannaq cruise begins and ends in Ilulissat, Greenland (JAV). Both AdventureSmith and the ship operator highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues, and AdventureSmith strongly suggests that a flexible air ticket be held for your journey there in case you need to change your travel arrangement following any weather-related flight delays. Transfers in Ilulissat are not provided. Travelers should make their own way to the port on day of embarkation and to the airport upon disembarkation.
Disembarkation is after breakfast on the final day of the itinerary. Plan flights to depart Ilulissat anytime on the final day, however, AdventureSmith again strongly suggests that a flexible air ticket be held for your journey home in case you need to change your travel arrangement following any weather-related delays for incoming flights. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Note: Most airports are very small in Greenland and airlines flying there are few and flights do not arrive daily. For these reasons it advised to add extra hotel nights in connection to outbound and/or inbound flights. Flight tickets to Greenland can be expensive. It is highly recommended to book changeable tickets and remember to book flight tickets well in advance.
Activities
There are no added-cost activities available on your Disko Bay to Uummannaq cruise. Guided shore excursions, village visits, walks, wildlife spotting and Zodiac cruises are included in the fare and will be offered to all passengers during each voyage. Every day there will be excursions on land, weather and ice permitting.
Room Configuration
MS Balto features two dedicated single cabins without a supplement. Double cabins are not available to book for single occupancy, however single travelers wishing to book on a “sharing basis” may do so at no additional cost in the Superior cabin (two twin beds) upon availability.
Families & Children
Children 12 years and older at time of travel are welcomed on this cruise. There are no child discounts.
Travel Insurance
Emergency medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip (the ship operator does not have a required minimum, so it’s recommended to discuss the appropriate coverage with your insurance company). Trip cancellation insurance is optional but highly recommended. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.
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Access Greenland as few travelers can—from a classy 12-passenger yacht, richly appointed with mahogany wood panels, polished brass, colorful splashes of tile and clean Scandinavian lines. Join likeminded travelers for an intimate arctic expedition with rare amenities such as a sauna and dedicated solo cabins.
MS Balto Ship Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ MS Balto review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Please read our MS Balto ship review below then contact our experts to compare the M/S Balto with other ice-class expedition ships offering Arctic cruises, including Greenland small ship cruises.
Named after the leading sled dog of the 1925 Nome serum run, MS Balto takes her place at the head of the pack when it comes to small yachts sailing Arctic waters. Built as a Finnish government service vessel to cruise the Baltic Sea, this ship now serves as one of the smallest Greenland passenger yachts that AdventureSmith offers.
Choose the MS Balto for her onboard sauna and dedicated solo cabins—a rarity among Arctic ships this small—as well as her cozy and inviting spaces. This Arctic yacht blends Finnish design with classic maritime charm for an atmosphere that combines history with modern comforts.
Onboard Facilities
The MS Balto invites her 12 or fewer guests to relax and recharge in warm social spaces, including a sauna, saloon, dining room and open Bridge. Outside, the Main and Top Decks feature various spaces to take in the sea breeze and spy for arctic wildlife. Indoors, the Lower Deck's Finnish-inspired wooden sauna and neighboring cold shower offers a pleasant way to warm up after chilly off-ship excursions.
An elegant saloon bar with crotch-mahogany paneling harkens back to an era of opulence and grace. Enjoy a warm drink or spirit with fellow guests from a plush wraparound couch or small wooden table, surrounded by historic photos from the ship's storied past. Warm your hands beside a cast iron stove while taking in views of the icy polar wilds outside the ship's large view windows.
The rustic dining room blends seamlessly with the saloon via a half-wall. All 12 guests are treated to international dishes in a casual atmosphere with unassigned seating. The onboard chef is prepared to dazzle, as well as accommodate many specialty diets such as vegan and vegetarian. A coffee and tea station accompanies a small library for unwinding between off-ship activities.
Activities & Expeditions
An international crew of 7 attends to daily meals, housekeeping and navigation. One guide for each 6 guests plans and executes twice-daily off-ship excursions by Zodiac boat and on land. The privileged group size of up to 12 guests means that activities from MS Balto are more flexible and can go longer—think exploring narrow fjords, remote anchorages and Inuit settlements.
Cabins & MS Balto Deck Plan
All of MS Balto's 7 cabins open to the exterior, for easy deck access. Each cabin offers a private bathroom with shower, 1-2 non-convertible lower beds, a wooden desk, leather chair and storage closet. Modern pops of color mix with muted maritime tones in the textiles, walls and tile of the ship's cabins, for a feel that's both classic and modern, charming and eclectic. Cabins offer either windows or portholes, some of which open.
Access Greenland as few travelers can—from a classy 12-passenger yacht, richly appointed with mahogany wood panels, polished brass, colorful splashes of tile and clean Scandinavian lines. Join likeminded travelers for an intimate arctic expedition with rare amenities such as a sauna and dedicated solo cabins.
MS Balto Ship Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ MS Balto review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Please read our MS Balto ship review below then contact our experts to compare the M/S Balto with other ice-class expedition ships offering Arctic cruises, including Greenland small ship cruises.
Named after the leading sled dog of the 1925 Nome serum run, MS Balto takes her place at the head of the pack when it comes to small yachts sailing Arctic waters. Built as a Finnish government service vessel to cruise the Baltic Sea, this ship now serves as one of the smallest Greenland passenger yachts that AdventureSmith offers.
Choose the MS Balto for her onboard sauna and dedicated solo cabins—a rarity among Arctic ships this small—as well as her cozy and inviting spaces. This Arctic yacht blends Finnish design with classic maritime charm for an atmosphere that combines history with modern comforts.
Onboard Facilities
The MS Balto invites her 12 or fewer guests to relax and recharge in warm social spaces, including a sauna, saloon, dining room and open Bridge. Outside, the Main and Top Decks feature various spaces to take in the sea breeze and spy for arctic wildlife. Indoors, the Lower Deck's Finnish-inspired wooden sauna and neighboring cold shower offers a pleasant way to warm up after chilly off-ship excursions.
An elegant saloon bar with crotch-mahogany paneling harkens back to an era of opulence and grace. Enjoy a warm drink or spirit with fellow guests from a plush wraparound couch or small wooden table, surrounded by historic photos from the ship's storied past. Warm your hands beside a cast iron stove while taking in views of the icy polar wilds outside the ship's large view windows.
The rustic dining room blends seamlessly with the saloon via a half-wall. All 12 guests are treated to international dishes in a casual atmosphere with unassigned seating. The onboard chef is prepared to dazzle, as well as accommodate many specialty diets such as vegan and vegetarian. A coffee and tea station accompanies a small library for unwinding between off-ship activities.
Activities & Expeditions
An international crew of 7 attends to daily meals, housekeeping and navigation. One guide for each 6 guests plans and executes twice-daily off-ship excursions by Zodiac boat and on land. The privileged group size of up to 12 guests means that activities from MS Balto are more flexible and can go longer—think exploring narrow fjords, remote anchorages and Inuit settlements.
Cabins & MS Balto Deck Plan
All of MS Balto's 7 cabins open to the exterior, for easy deck access. Each cabin offers a private bathroom with shower, 1-2 non-convertible lower beds, a wooden desk, leather chair and storage closet. Modern pops of color mix with muted maritime tones in the textiles, walls and tile of the ship's cabins, for a feel that's both classic and modern, charming and eclectic. Cabins offer either windows or portholes, some of which open.
Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary
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