Immerse yourself in the drama of Greenland’s west coast. On this cruise, our adventurous gay group will join a larger Quark Expeditions departure aboard their impressive Ultramarine expedition ship. You’ll see deep fjords and remote islands. Visit towns like Sisimiut and Uummannaq that provide deep cultural exchange experiences. Even admire the rugged splendor of Greenland’s glaciers from the exquisite comfort of our ship (perhaps through the sauna’s massive picture windows after treating yourself in the spa). Though we join a larger expedition aboard the Ultramarine, we’ve arranged exclusive excursions and events for you. This adventure wraps up in Reykjavik just before our Iceland Summer Gay Pride tour begins, so if you have the time, enjoy both adventures back-to-back!

Immerse yourself along the dramatic coast of West Greenland, exploring deep into fjords and stunning islands. This trip features the best sites of West Greenland and delivers an in-depth experience in just 12 days. You’ll have opportunities to visit towns such as Sisimiut and Uummannaq, both rich with culture. Find yourself coasting by massive glaciers while enjoying all the comforts Ultramarine has to offer. At the peak of summer months, you’ll enjoy the long sunny days, clear vistas, and longer opportunities to see wildlife.

Greenland West Coast Gay Cruise Highlights

• Flightseeing: one 10-15 minute helicopter supported activity thanks to two helidecks along with two twin-engine helicopters on the Ultramarine (weather permitting)

• Hikes in the unusual tree-less terrain of this polar region

• A 'polar plunge' to welcome you into this whole new world of travel

• Zodiac cruises to admire icebergs and remote bays

• Optional add-ons such as mountain biking, sea kayaking and ‘Tundra to Table’ Inuit Culinary Experience with two Greenlandic chefs.

Greenland West Coast Gay Cruise Itinerary

Day 1 - Reykjavik, Iceland
Aluu – as they say in Greenlandic (or hæ hæ – since we meet up in Iceland).

Feel free to explore a little on your own before our 6PM welcome meeting at our host hotel. After everyone has gotten acquainted, we’ll delight our tastebuds in some Icelandic cuisine at our official Welcome Dinner.

PLEASE NOTE: an arrival transfer is not included in this itinerary, however detailed instructions for transportation to the hotel will be included in your trip documents.

Accommodation: Park Inn by Radisson Reykjavik Keflavík Airport Hotel, Reykjavik

Day 2 - From Reykjavik, Iceland to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
This morning we’ll catch a charter flight to Kangerlussuaq, board the Ultramarine ship, and head north on our adventure. Expect a warm welcome and safety briefing from our Expedition Leader.

PLEASE NOTE: Unlike our typical offerings, an expedition cruise is not only more exciting, but also less predictable. We must factor in ever-changing sea, ice, wildlife and weather conditions in a remote part of the world. Therefore, the itinerary is less specific than usual. Still, the days will be full of adventure.

Accommodation: Quark Expeditions Ultramarine

Day 3 - A Day at Sea!
Today we’ll continue sailing north along the west coast.

The Expedition Team will prepare us for the adventures ahead with activity and excursion briefings.

There will also be presentations on the wildlife and history of Greenland including its geology, ecology and climate.

Accommodation: Quark Expeditions Ultramarine

Days 4 - 6 - Uummannaq Fjord, Geenland
Uummannaq Fjord is the second-largest fjord system in Greenland surpassed only by Scoresbysund in east Greenland. On these itinerary days you will have 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. You’ll embrace the expeditionary spirit as we pioneer new destinations within the labyrinth of valleys and channels in the depths of the fjord.

Accommodation: Quark Expeditions Ultramarine

Days 7 - 8 - Disko Bay, Greenland
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 we navigate into this iconic bay where whales are often spotted. Disko Bay is full of exciting destinations for us to explore. We will 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 and we will encourage you 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, we will consider utilizing our twin- engine helicopters to get you in the air to appreciate the immensity of this region.

Accommodation: Quark Expeditions Ultramarine

Days 9 - 10 - Qeqqata, Greenland
Qeqqata (meaning centre) 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 your expedition team will work with our local partners to curate a balance of community and wilderness-focused activities. We are likely to visit Sisimiut, where you can wonder 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. This is where we will also offer the (paid) mountain biking activity.

Further south, the areas surrounding Manitsoq are equally stunning. One of our favorite destinations in the area is the picturesque alpine lake of Innussuit Tasersuat, which we can hike and share a picnic with friends from Manitsoq. The fjord systems behind Manitsoq are deep and seldom visited. Our 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.

Accommodation: Quark Expeditions Ultramarine

Day 11 - Kangerlussuaq, Greenland / Reykjavik, Iceland
This morning we bid farewell to our faithful crew, and board our flight back to Iceland.

Flight times back to Reykjavik can vary greatly, so there are no planned activities this evening. We will dine together for an optional dinner if timing allows.

Accommodation: Park Inn by Radisson Reykjavik Keflavík Airport Hotel, Reykjavik

Day 12 - Reykjavik, Iceland
This morning you may opt to fly home or spend a couple of days exploring the capital. Or, even better, join our Iceland Countryside & Reykjavik Pride Tour for a few more days of fun and frolicking.

PLEASE NOTE: A departure transfer is not included, but your group leader will provide clear instructions on getting to the airport. For those looking to quickly explore Reykjavik we will be offering a one-day post-cruise extension including the main sights of this small city.