Tasiilaq to Scoresby Sound – gems of the remote east 2024

Day 1: Reykjavik

We arrive individually to Reykjavik and check into our hotel (included in the flight and hotel package described below). 

Day 2: Embarkation day

We fly from Reykjavik into Kulusuk airport. In the afternoon we board M/S Balto and begin our great exploration. On an expedition of this kind the exact route will be decided by weather and ice. 

Day 3 – 11: Expedition cruising

We visit the town of Tasiilaq. With its 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 and alive 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. If lucky we get to witness some ritual or singing.

We continue to explore the impressive Sermilik fjord system. We navigate amongst a myriad of icebergs of all shapes and sizes, in a never-ending spectrum of blue. These fjords are awe-inspiring and could be explored for days. We make several remote anchorages, visit a hunting village and are constantly on the lookout for whales, which are sometimes seen in the fjords.

As we sail north we get to experience the eastern wild, beautiful and unchartered coastline.

The strong currents are carrying a parade of icebergs south. Glacier faces goes straight into the ocean and there are many unexplored fjords. The following are just examples of places we might stop at along our way:

In the ice choked Tuttilik fjord, meaning the place where the reindeer live, we hope to go ashore and explore some abandoned Inuit winter houses.

As we continue north, we enter some of the wildest coastal landscapes in Greenland. In favourable conditions we enter Kangerlussuaq fjord and Watkins fjord with beautiful hiking possibilities.

A little bit further up the coast is Nansen fjord, which lies directly south from the impressive Gunnbjørn fjeld, Greenland’s (and the Arctic’s) highest mountain, measuring 3694 meters. We have now entered the area where we are most likely to see polar bears and we intensify our scouting! Polar bear sightings are rare and not an everyday thing in Greenland, but if you wish to see one, the leg from here to Scoresby Sound offers the best chances.

We pass Kap Vedel en route to the Barclay Bugt area and are thus officially sailing along the Blosseville Coast. This is arguably one of the most perilous coastlines in the Arctic in terms of ice, current and tide. This stretch of coast was discovered by Jules de Blosseville in 1833 aboard La Lilloise. Høst Havn provides a good anchorage and hiking opportunities. We continue and explore the area of Rømer fjord, Deichmann fjord and Steward Ø. On rare occasions Narwahls have been spotted here.

On our final day we aim to venture into  Scoresby Sound. Here we are surrounded by breath-taking nature, icebergs in all shapes and the fascinating and uniquely flowing basalt columns.

Day 12: Disembarkation

In the morning we disembark in Constable Point and fly to Reykjavik and check in to our hotel (included in the flight and hotel package described below).

Day 13: Homeward bound

Fly back home from Reykjavik.

Please note: Our exact route will depend on ice, weather conditions and wildlife. 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!