Aerial view of small group of hikers standing atop a rocky mountain overlooking a fjord with teal water in East Greenland.
Small coastal town with colorful buildings, green tundra & bare rock under cloudy skies in southeast Greenland.
Zodiac boat with East Greenland cruise guests idles in glassy teal water beside large, chunky blue glacier & dark cliffs.
3 East Greenland Sermilik fjord cruise guests stand on bow of small ship in warm clothes, photographing large icebergs.
Northern lights of green & purple light up the sky above dark mountains overlooking a fjord in southeast Greenland.
View Photos
Polar Regions Arctic Cruise

East Greenland & the Mighty Fjords Around Sermilik

In the heart of the Greenlandic wilderness lies a hidden gem waiting to be explored—the grand Sermilik fjord and its surrounding areas, full of beautiful hiking opportunities. Come aboard 12-guest MS Balto to explore east Greenland with one of the smallest group sizes available.

Be greeted by towering mountain chains, calving glaciers, icebergs of all shapes and crystal-clear waters. The nutritious waters provide feeding ground for both humpbacks and fin whales and with luck, you will encounter these giants of the sea. From the end of August, you also have the chance to see the magical Northern Lights dancing across the sky. Also soak in insights into the Inuit culture, their way of life, traditional practices and cultural heritage.

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 northern lights cruisesGreenland small ship cruisesArctic cruises and Arctic trips.



Itinerary

East Greenland & the Mighty Fjords Around Sermilik Itinerary

These east Greenland cruises begin and end with an overnight in Reykjavik, Iceland, and cruise round-trip from Kulusuk, Greenland, with round-trip charter flights linking Reykjavik with Kulusuk. Highlights include the impressive Sermilik fjord, icebergs, possible whales, Inuit culture and the chance of seeing the northern lights.

Route map of East Greenland & the Mighty Fjords Around Sermilik cruise in the southeast with the region & fjord systems shown.
Read More
Day 1
Arrive Reykjavik, Iceland

Arrive individually to Reykjavik and check in to the group hotel (included in the flight and hotel package).

Accommodations

Hotel TBA

Meals

lunch

Read More
Day 2
Fly to Kulusuk, Greenland & Embark

Explore the lovely city of Reykjavik on your own. In the afternoon, transfer to Keflavik and your flight to Kulusuk, and the airport built by the US Air Force in 1956. Kulusuk means “the village with the mountain that looks like the breast of a bird” in Greenlandic, referring to the Isikajia Mountain located directly behind the airport. In the evening, board your expedition ship and begin this great exploration.

Accommodations

MS Balto

Meals

dinner

Read More
Days 3 - 8
Expedition Cruising

On this expedition cruise, the exact route will be decided by weather and ice. Some areas can be filled with ice and are therefore not always reachable. Following are examples of places you may visit:

Visit the town of Tasiilaq. With just under 2,000 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 than in other parts of Greenland. During your expedition here, learn more of local myths and legends, such 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. Tasiilaq is also known for a its art scene, where local artists create prints, sculptures and textiles mostly portraying the animals, landscapes and traditional stories of the area.

Venture into the serenity of the Ammassalik fjord system and the small settlement of Kuummiut. This is a relatively unknown pearl of east Greenland, nestled within the Ammassalik Island group. The surrounding fjordslined by tall mountain topsoffer perfect hiking opportunities, with hidden waterfalls and spectacular views. Kuummiut has a rich Inuit heritagehope to get the opportunity to learn about the traditional practices.

Further up north is the Ikateq fjord, where you might make a landing at the abandoned military base from World War II, Bluie East Two. It played an important role in serving as a refueling and maintenance stop for aircrafts travelling between north America and Europe. Today it is no longer in operation, but some remnants still exist, such as abandoned fuel drums, buildings and vehicles.

Further east are two impressive glaciers: Karale and Knud Rasmussen. Sailing in this area, you are likely to hear and see the thunderous calving of these two very active glaciers.

Continue into the mighty Sermilik fjord. It stretches over 55 miles (90km) and cuts through a rugged landscape of towering glaciers and jagged peaks. Find yourself amongst a myriad of icebergs of all shapes and sizes. Most of them originating from the impressive Helheim glacier at the deep end of the fjord, which produces some of the largest icebergs in all of Greenland. The beauty all around is stunning!

On the southern shores of Sermilik fjord is the tiny village of Tiilerilaaq. The wooden houses are beautifully situated on a hill, with the grand Sermilik fjord in the background. The local Inuit culture and the traditional hunting and fishing activities play a significant role in the way of life here. Before you wave goodbye, head out on a nice hike to a lookout over the surrounding landscapes and the many icebergs!

If the ice allows, enter Johan Peterson fjord. On the northern side of the entrance of the fjord is Qeertartivatsiaq Island, where you’ll find Inuit ruins on the southern shore of the island. At the head of the fjord are some outlet glaciers from the inland ice coming straight down to the sea. This is one of few places you can catch sight of the actual inland ice, although please know that it is often blocked by beautiful icebergs.

Along the way, continuously look for arctic foxes, seals and different species of whale.

Accommodations

MS Balto

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 9
Disembark Kulusk, Greenland, Fly to Reykjavik, Iceland & Overnight

After a good breakfast, disembark at Kulusuk. Enjoy one last tour before it is time for the airport and the flight to Keflavik. Once in Iceland, check into the group hotel (included in flight and hotel package) for a good night’s sleep.

Accommodations

Hotel TBA

Meals

breakfast and boxed lunch

Read More
Day 10
Depart Reykjavik, Iceland

Today, bid your farewells and return home or onwards for new adventures.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

7 nights on board the vessel indicated in the itinerary, lunch on Day 1, all meals on board, boxed lunch on disembarkation day, coffee and tea on board, breakfast on final day, 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

Mandatory Flight & Hotel Package ($2,250 for 2025; includes one night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Reykjavik; group transfer from the Reykjavik hotel to the airport on Day 2; ticket for the regularly scheduled flight from Reykjavik to Kulusuk; group transfer from the Kulusuk airport to the ship; group transfer from the ship to the Kulusuk airport on disembarkation day; ticket for the regularly scheduled flight from Kulusuk to Reykjavik; group transfer from Keflavik Airport to group hotel hotel on Day 9; one night’s post-expedition hotel accommodation in Reykjavik); international flights to and from Iceland to start and end the trip; airport transfers on the first and final day; 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 – full refund, minus a 15% administration fee
180 to 90 days – 100% of deposit
89 t0 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 East Greenland & the Mighty Fjords Around Sermilik cruise begins and ends in Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF). 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 Reykjavik anytime on Day 1 of the itinerary; the group will meet the morning of Day 2. Transfers in Reykjavik are not provided so travelers should make their own way to the group hotel on Day 1 and to the airport on the final day. Plan flights to depart Reykjavik (KEF) anytime on the final day. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

Group flights (on regularly scheduled flights) between Reykjavik and Kulusuk are required on this trip’s itinerary; see the Mandatory Transfer Package information listed above under Exclusions. Ask your Adventure Specialist for any luggage limits on the flights to and from Kulusuk, and possible Reykjavik storage options. On Day 9 of the itinerary, disembarkation follows breakfast, with a transfer to the airport for the return charter flight to Reykjavik.

Activities

There are no added-cost activities available on your East Greenland & the Mighty Fjords Around Sermilik 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. 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 conditionswildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Aug 21 - Aug 30, 2025
MS Balto • 10 days
From $9590USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
Aug 28 - Sep 06, 2025
MS Balto • 10 days
From $9590USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
Sep 12 - Sep 21, 2025
MS Balto • 10 days
From $9590USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Yacht
MS Balto

Access Greenland as few travelers can—from a classy 12-passenger 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.

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.

Extend Your Trip

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

Add to Wishlist
10 Day Cruise
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.

From $12290USD
Jun Jul
Add to Wishlist
9 Day Cruise
Svalbard Adventure Cruise

Explore Svalbard in May or June, when the midnight sun reigns supreme, bird colonies teem with life and the dramatic mountain ranges are beautifully snow-capped. Enjoy an intimate voyage aboard one of the smallest ships cruising in the Arctic: 50-guest Quest, 12-guest MS Sjoveien or 12-guest MS Stockholm.

From $6590USD
May Jun
Add to Wishlist
8 - 10 Day Cruise
A Circumnavigation of Iceland

Iceland's world-class geology and unique cultural heritage come alive in this 8- or 10-day Circumnavigation of Iceland aboard 138-guest Nat Geo Endurance or 148-guest Nat Geo Explorer. Cruise round-trip from Reykjavik; see glaciers, geysers and immense cliffs with world-class guides leading the way!

From $8946USD
Jul
More to Explore

Trips You Might Also Like

Exit Created with Sketch.

East Greenland & the Mighty Fjords Around Sermilik

test message
View Wishlist