South Greenland Adventure: The Majestic Alpine Arctic (Ultramarine) Itinerary

Starting in

Reykjavik, Iceland

Physical Difficulty

2 / 5

Breakfasts included

12

Lunches included

11

Dinners included

12

Ending in

Reykjavik, Iceland

Accommodation

Expedition Ship (12 nights), comfortable hotel (1 nights)

Transport

Ship , Zodiac

Immerse yourself in Greenland’s otherworldly beauty and remote communities on this 14-day Artic voyage. Hop aboard the Ultramarine and sail south from Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, admiring the spectacular east and west coast. Stop into the Greenland Ice Sheet, explore its surroundings and take the chance to step foot on the impressive body of ice. Meet the locals of Aappilattoq, swapping stories and sharing a meal, then keep an eye out for humpback whales and polar bears along the east coast. For a remote wilderness as vast as this, a team of experts by your side and helicopter and Zodiac landings, you won’t be short of places to explore!

Day 1: Reykjavik, Iceland

Welcome to Iceland! When you arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, make your way to your hotel for a free afternoon and evening. You can arrive at any time, as you have the full day at leisure to settle in and explore the city at your own pace.

Day 2: Embarkation in Reykjavik

This afternoon, board your vessel in Reykjavik and begin your expedition. Get ready for a great adventure ahead on your technologically advanced ship – the Ultramarine, which is equipped with two twin-engine helicopters and a fleet of 20 quick-launching Zodiacs to deliver unique off-ship experiences in South Greenland. Settle in and make yourself at home!

Day 3-4: At Sea

As you cruise north across the Denmark Strait, soak up the views of Greenland in the distance. Your Expedition Team will prepare you for the adventures ahead while you’re at sea. Learn about the storied history of the Arctic, the fascinating wildlife, geology, glaciology, ecology and climate, as well as the incredible sights you’ll soon explore. The team will also help you search for seabirds soaring around the ship, as you look out for the whales that frequent the surrounding waters.

Day 5-6: The Wild East

As you arrive in Greenland, the first natural features you’ll see will be the towering steep-walled fjords and hanging glaciers. This area is great for wildlife sightings, including the possibility of polar bears and humpback whales. Your activities over the next two days will include heli-landings, hiking, paddle excursions, Zodiac cruises and shore landings in this remote, ice-laden landscape of glaciers and alpine landscapes. Set out for the wild fjords of the uninhabited east coast – including Lindenow Fjord, also known by its Greenlandic name, Kangerlussuaq. Thousands of years ago, groups of PaleoInuit hunters and fishermen made their home in these isolated fjords, living off the land and surviving mostly on the resources provided by the sea. Traces of these early inhabitants can be found today against the backdrop of glaciers and mountains.

The fjords are where you can observe wildlife, especially marine mammals. Rare sightings of polar bears are also possible as they drift down from the north on sea ice floes propelled by the East-Greenland current. Humpback whales are often sighted when entering fjords as the shallowing seas bring an upwelling of nutrients to the surface. While you keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, the alpine terrain will invite you to explore by sea, land and air to immerse yourself in the remote icescapes of the region. The wild east is ideal for heli landings, paddle excursions, hiking, Zodiac cruises and shore landings.

Day 7-8: The Westlands

Over the next couple of days, you’ll head south along the spectacular west coast of Greenland on the way to the Westlands. Following in the footsteps of the Greenlandic Norse into the Western fjords, it’s easy to appreciate why Erik the Red chose this land as his home and gave Greenland its name – every direction has vistas of blue, ice-strewn waters against a backdrop of lush valleys and pastures bursting with blooms. Unique to Greenland and the Arctic, warm microclimates deep in the fjords have created a surprisingly fertile Arctic Garden of Eden. South Greenlandic farming traditions dating back to Viking days are still alive and many families work their remote sheep farms along the shores of the fjords.

You’ll also find access points to the Greenland Ice Sheet, which you’ll reach by helicopter. Soak in the incredible views of the largest mass of ice in the northern hemisphere (and second largest in the world), flowing from the heights of the polar plateau to sea level. Become one of the very few people to ever set foot on this body of ice. Over these two days, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the Ice Sheet, hike the surrounding foothills, cruising or paddling through the ice-filled waters and engaging with local friends and partners during in-depth community experiences.

Learn more about the history and culture of this region at the Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage Site – a living history lesson in Viking farming. Visit Qassiarsuk – a small sheep farming settlement across the fjord from Narsarsuaq, where you can experience true South Greenland hospitality and gain insight into the lives of sheep farmers living at the edge of the Ice Sheet. Take time to explore the remains and replicas of Brattahlio – Erik the Red’s estate, once the epicentre of the Greenland Norse Eastern Settlement.

Day 9-11: South Greenland (Arctic Patagonia)

Visit Aappilattoq on the shores of Prins Christian Sund (Ikerasassuaq) and listen to the stories of locals, hear their music, taste their food, learn about their hunting traditions and perhaps join a game of soccer.

The maze of fjords, sounds, islets, inlets and skerries (rocky islands) in and around Cape Farewell (Nunap Isua) at Greenland’s most southern tip will be your focus over the next few days. Transiting the 100 km long Prins Christian Sund (Ikerasassuaq) – one of the world’s most scenic fjords – will be truly unforgettable. Look for the dramatic mountain and seascapes, with glaciers tumbling down to down to the sea. Inhabiting this domain are Southern Greenlanders living on the frontier – a people as unique as the landscape they call home. This is where the migrating hunting peoples from the east finally settled around the European trading posts.

Reach the Tasermiut Fjord in the heart of what’s known as ‘Arctic Patagonia,’ where you can sign up for overnight camping (with local hosts) along the 70 km fjord. Marvel at the impressive Sermeq glacier at its head with rivers of ice tumbling almost down to sea level, and the imposing peaks of Nalumasortoq and Ulamertorsuaq dominating the skyline, making for the most scenic backdrops to your hike or helicopter excursions.

Day 12-13: Sailing Southbound across Denmark Strait

As your Arctic adventure winds down, you can take in a polar presentation by your onboard experts, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a movie. This is a great opportunity to ask members of Expedition Team any remaining questions you have about your voyage.

Day 14: Disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland

When you arrive back in Iceland’s Reykjavik, you’ll disembark, marking the end of your journey. If you have booked post-expedition accommodation, you’ll be transferred to a central downtown location. If you need help extending your booking, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Essential Trip Information

Joining point

Reykjavik, , Reykjavik, ICELAND

Finish point

Reykjavik, , Reykjavik, ICELAND

Important information

This trip starts and finishes in Reykjavik, Iceland and is onboard the Ultramarine ship.

CHANGED ITINERARY IN 2026
In 2026 the duration of this trip is 14 days (previously 13 days in 2025) and you will now sail to and from Greenland.
In 2025 the duration of the trip is 13 days and includes flights to/from Nuuk, Greenland

Your voyage is operated by our polar partner, Quark Expeditions. All accommodation and transfer arrangements as listed in the itinerary are also operated by Quark Expeditions or their local representatives.

BOOKING CONDITIONS
To confirm your reservation, a deposit of 25% (unless indicated otherwise at time of booking) of the total invoice amount is required at time of booking. Balances are due 120 days prior to departure.
Please refer to the "Booking terms and conditions" page on our website for all Quark Expedition terms and conditions, https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-intrepid/booking-conditions

ADVENTURE OPTIONS
This trip comes with many included activities including, Heli-hiking, flight seeing, day paddle and an Ice-sheet experience. You can also prebook a camping excursion and a Tundra to Table: Inuit Culinary Experience. These activities are optional and incur an additional cost. Spaces are limited so please enquire at time of booking.

Emergency contact

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your expedition team or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general enquiries or questions about your booking, please contact your agent or adventure specialist, or visit us at http://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local operator on the number below.

Quark Expeditions: +1 647 449 5303

Is this trip right for you

As you’d expect, temperatures in the Arctic are very cold. A warm parka will be provided along with waterproof boots and unlimited hot drinks, but you should also bring base layers and lots of warm clothing. Please see the Essential Trip Information for further important details about what to bring.

Weather depending, you will be making regular excursions in a Zodiac boat to explore the local area and look for wildlife. It can get very cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you are dressed appropriately and that you keep your camera safe and dry. Sturdy sea legs are needed as you make wet and dry landings from the boat, and on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. Some ships also have a lot of stairs.

The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned for. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially to such a remote area.

Why we love it

Meet locals in remote towns and see what it’s like to live in traditional Inuit settlements along the shores of Greenland., Explore Igaliku – part of the newly established UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kujataa. Home to only 25 inhabitants, this is Greenland’s oldest sheep-farming settlement., Cruise past epic Arctic scenery out in the wilderness, where few dare to venture. Aboard your Ultramarine ship and on daily Zodiac excursions, you’ll see huge icebergs, soaring glaciers, gorgeous fjords and a vast seascape., Look out for marine mammals like polar bears and humpback whales as you explore the depths of the fjord systems that are home to an abundance of wildlife., Enjoy a Greenland Ice Sheet Experience and become one of the few people to set foot on this incredible body of ice as you explore the Ice Sheet, hike the foothills and cruise or paddle the surrounding waters.

Group leader

Your voyage will be led by an experienced Expedition Leader. In addition, a number of experts will be on board to add knowledge of their field to your experience. This will include a Marine Biologist, Ornithologist, Glaciologist or Geologist, Polar Historian, Kayaking guide and Naturalist guides. Voyages offering other adventure activities will have additional specialist guides on board.

Safety

Safety is paramount on a your voyage. Due to new International Security Regulations, you will not be able to approach the ship on your own. You will have to arrive with the rest of the group, accompanied by a Quark representative. Full details of embarkation/disembarkation procedures will be supplied with your final documentation. On board you will be asked to participate in the obligatory lifeboat drill. We will also conduct important briefings on landing procedures and Zodiac operations.

Travelling in the Arctic, encounters with Polar Bears are not uncommon in some areas (and one of the best reasons to go there). You will be given a briefing on Polar Bear safety on board the ship before your first shore landing. Your guides will carry fire arms and bear deterrents on all excursions. Always follow the instructions of your guide while on shore.

All ships operating in Polar waters must comply with a variety of regulations, codes and industry standards. All our ships adhere to regulations set by IMO (International Maritime Organisation) including ISM Code (Safety Management System), ISPS Code (for ship and port security), SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and MARPOL (Maritime Pollution Prevention). In addition, Quark Expeditions is a full member of IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) and a full member of AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators).

Quark Expeditions have also been externally audited for its' health and safety programme and have been awarded the British Standard BS8848, the only expedition cruise company to have this accreditation.

Visas

PASSPORT
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.

We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.

VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

Last modified (date)

Information not available.

Validity

Validity: 17 Aug 2026 to 11 Sep 2026

Additional Information

Health

Vaccination requirements do change, but generally you do not need vaccinations for this voyage but some may be required or recommended for countries you are visiting enroute to the Arctic.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you obtain any vaccinations or preventative medicines for the countries you are visiting – or any which may be required by your home country upon your return. To find out which, if any, vaccinations are mandatory or recommended for your destination contact your local doctor, immunisation centre or medical centre for up-to-date information. You should be issued with an International Certificate of Vaccination booklet that records each vaccination. Always carry this with you on your travels; it could provide essential information for doctors in the event that you fall ill whilst travelling.


MOTION SICKNESS
Although our vessels are among the most stable ships in their class, we will still inevitably encounter motion. Unless you are certain you are impervious to the problem, you should take precautions against seasickness. Your doctor can advise you as to the best methods for avoiding this uncomfortable condition.

There will be a licensed English-speaking physician on board. Your vessel will have a medical clinic with a limited supply of prescription medicines and basic first aid equipment. The clinic will not be stocked with every drug or piece of equipment required for every medical problem. If you are under regular treatment for any ailment, you must bring a sufficient supply of medicines for yourself. We cannot accept responsibility for not having a specific brand or type of drug on board. It is wise to carry an extra week’s supply of prescription medications just in case of flight delays or other unforeseen circumstances. If you have particular health needs, please bring with you a signed and dated letter from your physician explaining your health problems and/or the dosage required for the prescribed medication. The letter will assist our doctor on board, and any emergency medical personnel to care for you should you become ill. Please hand the letter to the expedition doctor once you are on board.

Food and dietary requirements

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the dining room. Hours of operation will be posted and are subject to change to accommodate the expedition. Coffee, tea and cocoa are available around the clock. The tap water on board is safe to drink.
We're able to meet most special dietary requests, as long as you have clearly indicated your requirements far in advance of your voyage. Kosher food cannot be prepared.

Money matters

All services onboard your ship such as communication charges, laundry, and bar charges will be added to your onboard account and are charged in US dollars. Your account can be paid with US dollars cash, traveller’s cheques or by Visa or MasterCard.

Outside of the start or end point of your expedition, cash will be of most use in the Arctic. In Svalbard, Greenland and the Canadian Arctic, credit cards are not readily accepted and ATM’s are virtually non-existent. On voyages that visit local towns and villages, there is the opportunity to buy souvenirs and some villages have thriving art scenes with local artisans selling their wares. In addition, some museums and sites charge entry fees and in some locations, you may wish to buy food and drink (although the meals on the ship are very good and plentiful).


TIPPING
The voyage fare does not include the customary, optional gratuity which is divided between the ships' crew, and hospitality staff. We suggest US$13 - US$15 per day as a guide. Any tip for the Expedition Team is extra to this and is at your discretion. Gratuities can be added to your onboard account at the end of the voyage or paid in cash on board. Full details will be provided before you settle your onboard account.


The main bank, Grønlandsbanken readily exchange traveller's cheques for a commission of around US$5 and offer cash advances on Visa and MasterCard. Major credit cards are accepted in tourist resorts and restaurants and hotels. Larger towns in West Greenland now have ATMs that recognise all major foreign plastic. In small towns and remote communities, it will be essential to have cash as there will be no ATM's and credit cards are less likely to be accepted.

GREENLAND
The currency in Greenland is the Danish Krone

MEALS NOT INCLUDED
We recommend you allow US$100 per person for meals not included in the itinerary

When it comes to money matters on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget a sensible amount for things like meals not included, drinks, shopping, optional activities, tipping and laundry. It's always better to bring a little more than you think you'll need.

Also make sure you've read your trip details thoroughly so you know what's included in the trip price and what isn't. this shoud make budgeting a little easier. You'll find this info in the Inclusions section of your Essential Trip Information (that's this document).

What to take

The Arctic usually has - relatively - mild weather conditions in high summer. Temperatures below -5ºC are not common (although wind-chill factor can significantly add to the effect.) As a result, you should not need to make many expensive specialist gear purchases, although you do need good wet weather pants and you do need warm clothing. Wet weather jacket and boots are supplied on board the ship. On shore we do aim to provide hiking and walking opportunities whenever possible, so a reasonable pair of walking shoes or boots is suggested.


The dress code on board is relaxed and casual; you will not need to dress formally for meals. The inside of the ship is well heated, so you will not require special clothing on board. Indeed, you could spend most of your time in light trousers and a t-shirt! However, it is not unusual for you to want to go out on deck suddenly - a whale sighting, or seals on a nearby ice-floe or hopefully a polar bear - nearly always produce a major exodus, so you need to keep warm clothing handy at all times, even when a shore excursion is not imminent. When you do go ashore you will require warm clothing - a few layers of light and medium-weight items which can be easily adjusted rather than one or two large and bulky items - and wet weather gear to protect you from the spray which can sometimes be encountered on the Zodiacs.

Below is a list of equipment and documentation that we suggest you take with you. Please use this checklist as a guide when packing for your holiday. Laundry facilities are available on board the ship.

Travel documents: passport, visa (if required), travel insurance, air tickets or e-ticket receipts, Trip Notes
Photocopy of main passport pages, visa (if required), travel insurance and air tickets
Spare passport photos
Money: cash/credit card/EFTPOS card
Money belt (for travelling en route)
Small first-aid kit
Ecologically friendly laundry soap
Daypack (lightweight and waterproof)
Watch/alarm clock and torch/flashlight (and spare batteries)
Electrical adapter plug
Toiletries/travel wipes
Sunscreen, lip balm, moisturising cream, sunhat and sunglasses (with UV protection)
Swimsuit (in case you wish to take the Polar Plunge)
Earplugs and eye mask (for light sleepers)
Extra pair of prescription glasses (if required)
2 strong plastic garbage bags (for laundry and in case of rain)
Refillable water bottle
Phrase book (if travelling en route to ship)
Gloves (2 pairs minimum)
Hat that covers ears
Scarf or other face protection
Wind and waterproof pants (a few sizes larger)
Warm pants
Comfortable shoes
Long wool or cotton socks (for expeditions)
Silk or polypropylene socks (for inside the ship)
Jumpers/sweaters/fleeces
Cotton turtlenecks and t-shirts
Camera and spare film (or recharge for digital cameras)
Plastic bags with zippers for carrying film, etc
Binoculars

Your prescritpion medication, seasickness medication and painkillers

Climate and seasonal

Information not available.

A couple of rules

Information not available.

Accommodation notes

Information not available.

Transport notes

Information not available.

Travel insurance

Your voyage fare includes Emergency Evacuation Insurance to a maximum benefit of US$100,000 per person. However, it is essential that you have comprehensive personal travel insurance in addition to this to cover all other eventualities.

Your fellow travellers

Single occupancy is available in most cabin categories for 1.7 or 2 times the twin berth price (dependent on which cabin category). Single travellers wishing to share will be matched with another solo traveller of the same sex. Please note that it is not possible to share with a stranger in all cabin types. Please speak to a consultant for full details.

Itinerary disclaimer

Polar travel requires an amount of flexibility as weather, ice conditions and wildlife can all affect where your ship is able to access, and where your Expedition Team think you will get the best experience possible from your trip. On board, daily updates are given to advise what the specific itinerary will be for the next day based on local conditions. Published itineraries are subject to change when local conditions dictate.