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Disko Bay to Uummannaq – icebergs, whales and Inuit culture 2025

Experience an adventure in West Greenland with the unique 12-passenger ship M/S Balto! We begin our voyage 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 glaciers faces. We 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 us to several whale species, such as humpback, minke or pilot whales, as we navigate in between enormous icebergs under the midnight sun. 

Travelling with this small expedition ship in a group of merely 12 passengers offers a completely different and much more intimate experience of Greenland compared to a larger expedition ship. We get to visit remote settlements, meet the welcoming people living here and in a personal way learn more about their fascinating culture. Also, the footprints we leave behind are a lot smaller!

  • Small group of 12 passengers
  • Countless gigantic icebergs
  • Rarely visited fjord systems
  • Inuit settlements
  • Whale watching areas
  • The unique ship M/S Balto
Accommodation: Cabin on board the expedition ship M/S Balto. Transport: Expedition ship, Zodiac. Ship: M/S Balto. Passengers: 12 passengers. Languages: English & Swedish. Length: 10 days, 9 nights on ship. Price: From USD 12 290. Departures: 10 June 2025, 19 June 2025, 28 June 2025, 16 July 2025

Itinerary

Day 1: Embarkation

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. After the safety orientation, we venture into Disko Bay, sailing in the low sun, midst a wondrous parade of icebergs of thousand shades of blue. Overnight we 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 our itinerary largely depends on weather, calving activity and amounts of ice. Where possible we go on zodiac excursions or make landings.

Day 2 – 9: Expedition cruising

We 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.

We pay a visit to Qeqertarsuaq – the settlement on the island – to explore the beautiful nature around the town and the colourful town itself.

As we leave Qeqertarsuaq, we cruise close to the eastern side caves, which is also a place where we often witness humpback whales feeding. Occasionally we might hear the mighty thundering of a large ice calving across the bay. We continue up the picturesque Vaigat Strait and en route, we pass by some magnificent glacier fronts and navigate between myriads of icebergs.

There are many impressive and active glaciers in this part of Greenland. One of the glaciers we 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 we proceed northwest on the Vaigat strait, striking high cliffs and enormous icebergs surround us. We round the corner of the Nuussuaq peninsula, which separates Disko Bay from the Uummannaq Bay. This area is known to be home to numerous different species of animals, such as whales, seals, walrus, reindeer and foxes.

We 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 approx. 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 we 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. We most likely will have the company of whales spraying near the ship. According to the myth, a piece of the visitors’ hearts will remain on the Uummannaq Island, always trying to summon them back. Whether it is the magic mountain that dominates the landscape of the island or if it is the singing children ashore that are magnetizing, is left to be unsaid.

We aim to visit the town of Uummannaq with its old settler houses, church, museum and remains of failed Arctic expeditions in the area. 

As we continue east, we approach several highly active glaciers, from which numerous of 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 M/S Balto, who have had the fortune of travelling in this area, describes it as one of the most stunning landscapes of the north Greenland.

When we start to proceed southwest, we 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.

Day 10: Ilulissat

In the morning we disembark in Ilulissat for homebound flights.

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!

 

Flying to Greenland

Greenland is an enormous island. It is wild and remote and offers fascinating culture and history. Most airports are very small, the airlines flying there are few and flights do not arrive daily. For these reasons you will most likely find it necessary to add extra hotel nights in connection to your outbound and/or inbound flights.

Flight tickets to Greenland are also rather high-priced, comparing to many other destinations. But even if flying here is a little bit of a challenge, the grand nature experience that awaits you is incomparable and worth every effort. 

It is highly recommended to book changeable tickets and remember to book your flight tickets well in advance.

The ship M/S Balto

  • Gunilla Lindh
  • Ida Ohlsson
  • Sebastian Lehrke
  • Gunilla Lindh
  • Bar
  • Dining room
  • Salon
  • Sauna
  • Bathroom
  • Double cabin
  • Owner's cabin
  • Owner's cabin
  • Superior cabin
  • Single cabin
  • Crew mess
  • Kitchen
  • Sebastian Lehrke

M/S Balto is named after the lead sled dog of the 1925 Nome serum run. Built to the highest ice class standards in Rauma, Finland, she originally served as a government service ship in the Baltic Sea. Between 2019 and 2022, she underwent a complete refurbishment and is now one of the most spacious and elegant small polar expedition yachts in service. M/S Balto offers 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, features 6 windows and a queen bed, while the Superior Cabin has two twin beds. The three Double Cabins each feature a queen bed. Both the Owner’s Cabin and the Superior Cabin also offer a separate seating area. All cabins are equipped with a desk, a chair, and a wardrobe for storage.

On the guest deck, there is a small sauna with a cold shower. The richly appointed saloon and beautiful dining messroom feature crotch-mahogany panelling, a bar, a library, and coffee and tea stations.

There are several open and semi-enclosed deck spaces where you can enjoy the stunning Arctic scenery. You are welcomed by an international crew, and the bridge is open to visitors.

With our two Zodiacs, we will explore the wilderness and go ashore in settlements and breathtaking natural landscapes.
M/S Balto is truly one of a kind among small polar expedition ships. Travelling aboard 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 just 12 passengers allows for greater flexibility, unique itineraries, and more time ashore. Moreover, the environmental footprint we leave behind is significantly smaller.

M/S Balto is designed to explore the most remote fjord systems, visit Inuit settlements, reach secluded anchorages, and maximise each guest’s experience in the pristine wilderness.

Cabins & prices

Cabin category Price per person
Double cabin Double bed USD 12 290
Superior cabin Twin beds USD 13 290
Owner's cabin Double bed USD 14 890
Single cabin Single bed USD 15 390

Price includes

  • 9 nights 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

Not included

  • Flights to and from Greenland
  • Travel and cancellation insurance
  • Gratuity to the ship’s crew
  • Personal expenses such as bar charges

Departures & booking

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or wish to make a reservation.

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Departure Return
10 June 2025 19 June 2025
19 June 2025 28 June 2025
28 June 2025 7 July 2025
16 July 2025 25 July 2025

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"Great small party trip. Well organised and run by enthusiastic capable guides on a comfortable ship with an expert crew." Anne Livingstone & David Park