GREENLAND WEST COAST 2024
DISKO BAY EXPEDITION
Greenland is a paradise for sea kayakers, famous for its glaciated landscape filled with icebergs and wildlife. This year we are excited to announce our first ever expedition there with Kayak Summer Isles. Starting and finishing from the coastal town of Ilulissat we will undertake an expedition style journey through the wonders of Disko Bay which is famous for its giant icebergs and spectacular scenery.
Location
Ilulissat, ‘The City of Icebergs’ is the third largest city in Greenland with just 4700 people, the name directly translates to from the Kalaallisut word for “Icebergs.” Neighbouring the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and most productive calving glacier in the Northern Hemisphere, the city’s name may not come as a surprise. The city is fringed by the largest open bay in western Greenland, Disko Bay. It measures 150km north to south and 100km wide west to east.
Our plan is to venture north toward the island of Arve-Prinsens Ejland and explore it’s famous steep rocky shoreline and the glacial lined fjords to the east. A remote and beautiful region with superb wild camping options.
2024 Dates
2-13th August
12 Days with 10 Full Days Kayaking
2025 Dates
TBC
Provisional Enquiries and Bookings Welcome
Who is this trip for?
We are asking for Intermediate paddlers who have undertaken at least one previous multi-day expedition trip. What is “Intermediate?”
- Comfortable in up to force 4 winds and small waves.
- Fitness to paddle approximately 25km per day.
- Prior camping experience and comfortable without facilities.
- Positive, flexible, team player mindset.
- We will be in a group of 2 guides, six guests.
If you would like to discuss any of the above requirements, please get in touch. We can also offer training courses and 1:1 coaching through the spring and summer prior to our departure.
Route
Our route will start and finish in Ilulissat township. From here we will venture toward the north following the east coast of Disko Bay. Our aim is to reach the north eastern fjord adjacent to Arve-Prinsens Ejland to experience the tremendous glacial scenery the region provides. At this point the coast is fringed with multiple large glaciers flowing direct to the sea. Of course, the expedition nature of our journey will allow for variation to the weather, ice and our team dynamic. Our approximate paddling distance overall will be around 200km to reach our destination and return, allowing us ample time to enjoy the journey. Over the duration of our adventure the average day length is around 17 hours in 24, giving us good light to explore but also to enjoy our wild camps along the way.
Wildlife
The wildlife in Disko bay can be abundant and spectacular to share from the vantage of a sea kayak. Polar bear do not tend to frequent this region, with a less than 1% chance of a sighting. This is something that is beneficial to both us and the bears, minimising each others mutual disturbance in this wilderness setting. More likely are walrus, seal and several different whale species which frequent the area in the Summer months, along with a variety of birdlife. On shore Reindeer, Arctic fox and hare are also present along the coast.
Arrival/Departure
Participants will need to arrive at Ilulissat international airport for the 2nd of August. We strongly recommend travelling via Air Greenland from Copenhagen. Our flight will arrive mid-afternoon, allowing us time to organise, collect our food from local stores and depart on the water the day of our arrival. Our final night we will stay in or near to the village giving us the best option to depart Ilulissat international airport on the morning of our final day (13th) August.
Price
£3295
What the price includes
- Kayak Summer Isles Sea Kayak Guide
- Kayaks & Camping Equipment
- Cooking Equipment and Food
What the price does not include
- Flights & Baggage cost.
- Transfers to and from Airport – Launch site
- Travel Insurance
- Any additional costs from unforeseen circumstances.
Booking
A 40% deposit is required to secure your spot, with the remained due 2 months before the expedition start date.