Wildlife Encounters: Sailing The Arctic Fjords, Greenland

Explore the amazing fjords of the Scoresbysund

Small ship, big ice and expert guides - can there be more sensitive or captivating way to discover the breathtaking Arctic canvas of Scoresbysund?

Sailing through the largest fjord complex in the world, the schooner Hildur, a superb 12 berth ship, affords the opportunity to witness the sheer beauty and some of its amazing wildlife close up: Musk ox, Arctic fox, beluga, narwhal, seals and walrus.

The name 'Scoresbysund' comes from William Scoresby, a Scottish whaler who visited the area in 1822. The village of Ittoqqortoormiit, at the mouth of the fjord, is the northernmost settlement in East Greenland, established in 1925 by people from Ammassalik. The locals live like their ancestors, hunting for their subsistence. During our trip we also get to learn about this unique local culture and their traditions.

Please note: This trip has had a Trip Code change for 2013 season, the trip code was formerly known as: ABG

What makes this trip responsible?

We take extremely seriously our responsibility to minimise our impact on these pristine areas. Exodus is an Associate Member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and has agreed to abide by one of the tourism world's most conscientious codes of conduct. Our ship operators in Spitsbergen are also members of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), which covers operations in Spitsbergen.
However, perhaps the single most important thing any polar travel company can do, is educate their clients to travel sensitively and compassionately. Our expedition team on each ship takes this part of their role very seriously, and looks forward to explaining how everyone can play their part.

Itinerary

[detailed itinerary...]

Countries visited: Greenland (Arctic), Iceland

Day 1

Fly to Keflavik, transfer to our hotel in Reykjavik.

Day 2

In the morning we fly to Constable point (via Akureyri), where we embark on the schooner Hildur. Our first day in the Scoresby Sound takes us to Hekla Havn, where we anchor.

Day 3

After a walk around Hekla Havn, we sail West to Ankervig through the narrow Føhnfjord. When we approach the Red Island we turn into the Ankervig Bay where we anchor.

Day 4

This morning we can walk above Ankervig for some fantastic views over to the various mountains and peaks, or relax on board the schooner. We then sail north through Rødefjord and arrive late afternoon to Harefjord.

Day 5

We spend the day ashore in Harefjord scouting for Muskoxen, snow hares, and other wildlife which normally graze on the south facing slopes. Optional walk to the top of the ridge between Harefjord and Rypefjord for breathtaking views the Inland Ice.

Day 6

We continue sailing, now eastwards through Øfjord. This is one of the most spectacular parts of our journey: the mountain peaks and granite walls tower 200 metres up from the sea. We arrive Bjørneøe late afternoon and anchor at Jyttes Havn

Day 7

After a relatively short visit on shore in Bjørneøer, we leave early morning for the crossing of Hall Basin to Ittoqqortoormiit Village.

Day 8

Today we visit the small village of Ittoqqortoormiit, founded in the 1925s by people from Ammassalik. There will be the opportunity to visit the village's general store to purchase some local handicrafts of bone, soap stone and hides.

Day 9

We sail to Constable Point, where we disembark for the return flight to Reykjavík, Iceland.

Day 10

Transfer to Keflavik airport and flight back to London

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