Zodiac with west Greenland travelers motors past massive pointed iceberg rising out of calm water on a sunny day.
Man stirs cream beside plate with foraged Arctic food sitting atop a tree stump table during a Gems of West Greenland cruise.
Arctic traveler in yellow parka stands on rocky shore as Zodiacs with others cruise around an icy bay on a west Greenland cruise.
2 women Arctic travelers in yellow parkas sit atop a mountain of rock & tundra overlooking a large glacier in west Greenland.
2 Gems of West Greenland cruise travelers in yellow coats ride mountain bikes over arctic tundra by mountains on a sunny day.
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Polar Regions Arctic Cruise

Gems of West Greenland: Fjords, Icebergs & Culture Cruise

Come aboard 199-guest Ultramarine to immerse yourself along the dramatic coast of West Greenland, exploring deep into fjords and stunning islands, and coasting by massive glaciers. This trip features the best sites of West Greenland and delivers an in-depth experience in just 12 days. Enjoy opportunities to visit towns such as Sisimiut and Uummannaq, both rich with culture. At the peak of summer months, you’ll enjoy the long sunny days, clear vistas and abundant opportunities to see wildlife.

Experience the gems of West Greenland. Head deep into Uummaanaaq and Eternity Fjords. Experience the beauty of these landscapes by helicopter. Take in Greenlandic culture by exploring with local partners. Visit three of Greenland’s most picturesque, iconic regions in a single voyage. Consider pre-booking unique and immersive optional activities, such as an exclusive heli-landing or mountain biking adventures.

Aboard the technologically-advanced Ultramarine, take advantage of two twin-engine helicopters and 20 quick-launching Zodiacs to create the quintessential Arctic experience. This modern, purpose-built polar expedition vessel comes equipped with specialized, cutting-edge safety features to provide added security in remote environments.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Arctic cruisesArctic trips and Greenland cruises.



Itinerary

Gems of West Greenland: Fjords, Icebergs & Culture Itinerary

The Gems of West Greenland cruise begins and ends in Toronto, Canada with charter flights to embark and disembark in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland.

Route map of Gems of West Greenland cruise, operating round-trip from Kangerlussuaq via charter flights from & to Toronto, Canada.
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Day 1
Arrive Toronto, Canada

Arrive at Toronto Pearson International Airport and make your way to your included hotel in Toronto. The rest of the day is yours to explore the multicultural city of Toronto.

Accommodations

Hotel TBA

Meals

n/a

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Day 2
Fly to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland & Embark

This morning catch the charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, where you’ll board the vessel and begin the expedition. Get ready for a great adventure ahead! Expect a welcome and safety briefing from the expedition leader.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 3
At Sea

While the ship sails north along the west coast to the first area of exploration, the expedition team will prepare you for the adventures that lie ahead. Once activity and excursion briefings are completed, the education team will schedule presentations on the wildlife and fascinating history of Greenland, its geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 4 - 6
Uummanaq Fjord

Uummannaq Fjord is the second largest fjord system in Greenland, surpassed only by Scoresbysund in east Greenland. On these itinerary days, enjoy the opportunity to become one of few people ever to explore this area in depth and travel beyond the predictable tourist destinations. The fjord is full of cultural and natural wonders. Potential excursions include visits to the town of Uummanaq, venturing into Qilakitsoq (the site where the famous Greenland Mummies were discovered) and excursions focused around Store Glacier and its immense discharge zone. Embrace the expeditionary spirit while pioneering new destinations within the labyrinth of valleys and channels in the depths of the fjord. Expert local partners enhance every experience, in addition to the onboard team’s collective knowledge and expertise.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 7 - 8
Disko Bay

Disko Bay Is a wide, southeastern inlet of Baffin Bay and is the largest open bay in western Greenland. Try to get out on deck as the ship navigates into this iconic bay where whales are often spotted. Disko Bay is full of exciting destinations to explore. Almost certainly visit the community of Illulissat, which is situated at the head of outlet fjord for Sermeq Kujalleq (Jakobshavn Glacier), known for discharging 35 billion tons of ice each year. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, the fjord is immensely beautiful you are encouraged to explore it via one of the many marked hiking trails.

Another area we will consider for this itinerary is the wild beauty of Equip Sermia or Torsukatak Fjords, located in the northeast corner of Disko Bay. Both of these remote areas offer fantastic vistas of large active glacial faces and provide plenty of opportunities for hiking, paddling and Zodiac cruising. This is also an area where, if conditions allow, the onboard twin-engine helicopters may be put into operation, to get you in the air to appreciate the immensity of this region.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 9 - 10
Qeqqata

Qeqqata (meaning “center”) municipality is Greenland’s second smallest administrative region. Situated in the middle of the country’s western coast, Qeqqata is home to almost 20% of Greenland’s populace, most of whom reside in Sisimiut and Manitsoq. During these two days the expedition team will work with local partners to curate a balance of community and wilderness-focused activities. Likely visit Sisimiut, where you can wander through the open-air museum, participate in local tastings or join a hiking group to venture beyond the town limits along one of many incredible hiking trails on Sisimiut’s doorstep.

Further south, the areas surrounding Manitsoq are equally stunning. A favorite destination in the area is the picturesque alpine lake of Innussuit Tasersuat, to which you can hike and share a picnic with friends from Manitsoq. The fjord systems behind Manitsoq are deep and seldom visited. The expedition team will seek to take you beyond the ordinary and into these fjords for magical one-of-a-kind experiences, one of which is Eternity Fjord, which is home to the tallest mountains in all of West Greenland.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 11
Disembark Kangerlussuaq, Greenland & Fly to Toronto, Canada

Today, disembark in Kangerlussuaq and transfer to your charter flight to Toronto, where you’ll spend the night in your included hotel.

Accommodations

Hotel TBA

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 12
Depart Toronto, Canada

Today, make your way to Toronto Pearson International Airport to catch your homeward flights, or spend more time exploring this fascinating Toronto, known for its many multicultural neighborhoods and attractions.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Mandatory Transfer Package ($1,495 for 2025; includes one night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Toronto; group transfer from the Toronto hotel to the airport on Day 2; charter flight from Toronto to Kangerlussuaq; group transfer from the Kangerlussuaq airport to the ship; group transfer from the ship to the Kangerlussuaq airport on disembarkation day; charter flight from Kangerlussuaq to Toronto; group transfer from Toronto Pearson Airport to group hotel on Day 11; one night’s post-expedition hotel accommodation in Toronto); shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; all meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board; beer, wine, standard spirits and cocktails during dinner and bar service hours; complimentary WiFi; all shore landings per the daily program; leadership throughout the voyage by experienced expedition leader; all Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program; formal and informal presentations by expedition team and special guests as scheduled; photographic journal documenting the voyage; a pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings; official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep; coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock; hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; all luggage handling aboard ship; Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person; Greenland voyages cruise passenger tax.

Exclusions

International airfare; arrival and departure transfers, except where listed in the Mandatory Transfer Package; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above; meals ashore unless otherwise specified; baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended; excess-baggage fees on international flights; mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned; laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified; phone charges; voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew; additional overnight accommodation; any adventure options.

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 120 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 180 days – $1,250 fee
179 to 120 days – 100% of deposit
119 to 90 days – 50% of total trip cost
89 to 60 days – 75% of total trip cost
59 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 Gems of West Greenland voyage begins and ends in Toronto, Canada (YYZ). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Toronto anytime on Day 1 of the itinerary and make your way to the included hotel. Embarkation is on Day 2 in Kangerlussuaq with an included transfer from the airport to the ship. Disembarkation is between 7:00 and 8:00am on Day 11 of the itinerary in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, followed by a return charter flight to Toronto. Plan flights to depart Toronto on Day 12 of the itinerary anytime after breakfast; however, AdventureSmith strongly suggests that a flexible air ticket be held for your journey home in case you need to change your travel arrangement following a delay of the return flight from the Arctic. Airport transfers in Toronto are not included and cannot be pre-arranged through the cruise operator. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

Group charter flights between Kangerlussuaq and Toronto are required on this trip’s itinerary; see the Mandatory Transfer Package information listed in this trip’s Inclusions. There is a luggage limit which will be detailed in your final documents. Should you have additional luggage, it can be stored at the hotel in Toronto. There is no option to pay for additional luggage. On Day 11 of the itinerary, the ship is scheduled to arrive at the pier between 7:00am and 8:00am local time. Disembarkation follows breakfast, with a transfer to the airport for the return charter flight to Toronto.

Activities

Various optional activities may be available on your Gems of West Greenland cruise, for guests aged 16 and older. The sea kayaking program must be reserved in advance. One-time paddling excursions are available for those who want something less in-depth than the full sea kayaking program; no experience is necessary. Each departure’s first paddling excursion may be pre-booked and all subsequent outings are booked on the ship. Please contact AdventureSmith to reserve activity space with your booking. Sea kayaking is $695(2024) or $795(2025); one-time paddling excursion is $195(2024) or $295(2025); mountain biking is $195(2024 & 2025); an exclusive Heli-Landing is available for $395(2024 & 2025); the culinary Tundra to Table experience is $125(2024 & 2025); hiking is included and flightseeing is included.

Room Configuration

Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. Solo travelers willing to share can reserve a triple or twin-shared cabin, where you will be matched with a person of the same gender. If the other cabin berth goes unsold, you will be guaranteed the double rate. Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x (2x for Premium cabins) the per-person listed rate in select cabins based upon availability. Premium Cabins are as follows:
Ultramarine: Deluxe Balcony Suite, Terrace Suite, Penthouse Suite, Owner’s Suite & Ultra Suite

Families & Children

At date of embarkation, a minimum age restriction of 8 years and minimum height and weight requirements (weight of 64lbs or 29kg and 48 in. or 1.2 m. tall) must be met. Children under 16 years of age must be supervised by a parent/guardian at all times, and may not participate in adventure options.

Travel Insurance

Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of up to $500,000 USD per paying traveler provides coverage between the first and last day of ship-based travel and is included in the cost of this trip. For ship- and land-based trips, additional days of travel pre- and post-expedition are not covered. Travelers are responsible for having adequate international medical coverage prior to embarkation, with a minimum benefit of $50,000 USD. In addition, we highly recommend our travelers also protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. 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.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Rates are variable per remaining availability and are subject to change.

Aug 17 - Aug 28, 2025
Ultramarine • 12 days
brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity A brown kayak paddle icon depicting a one-time paddle activity option brown bicycle activity icon brown helicopter icon depicting flightseeing activity
From $9329USD
Per Person
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brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity Kayaking
A brown kayak paddle icon depicting a one-time paddle activity option One-Time Paddling
brown bicycle activity icon Biking
brown helicopter icon depicting flightseeing activity Helicopter Activity
Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
Ultramarine

The new Ultramarine 199-passenger polar ship is purpose-built for safety and far-off exploration in Antarctica and the Arctic. Dual helicopter pads and an incredible 70-day cruising range allow access to the hardest-to-reach places.

Expert Review

Reviews From Our Experts So You Know What to Expect

Andrew Browning • December 1st, 2023
Expert Aboard: Ultramarine Ship Review

Read a detailed ship review from our expert who was aboard Ultramarine, plus see traveler ratings on everything from the food & helicopters to his Greenland itinerary highlights.

Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

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