West Greenland: Exploring the Far North
A 16-day push towards 78° north, linking remote Greenlandic communities, Smith Sound, glaciers and the Ilulissat Icefjord aboard Ocean Explorer.
Why we picked it
EA already covers Greenland’s better-known south and east coast routes. This voyage fills the gap for travellers who want to go materially farther north.
The route combines expedition objectives around Kap Alexander and Smith Sound with meaningful community visits at Upernavik and Qaanaaq, then returns south through glacier country and Ilulissat.
The voyage may reach 78° north, well beyond the usual Disko Bay circuit.
Sisimiut, Upernavik, Qaanaaq, Uummannaq and Itilleq add real human context.
Autumn light, active ice and a strong likelihood of northern lights after dark.
The Expedition Advisory difference
Why book this voyage with us?
Choose your voyage and cabin with confidence. We’ll help with the rest of your journey.
Operator Pricing
You pay the expedition operator’s fare. We check applicable offers and promotions for your voyage. Our advice and booking support cost you nothing extra.
Independent Advice
Compare this voyage with other Arctic options. We match the ship, season and cabin to your priorities. We search all available itineraries from our partner operators, including voyages not listed on our website.
Field Experience
Our expedition guiding experience helps you understand the travel, time ashore and daily expedition life before you choose.
Beyond the Cruise
Your trip overview brings together recommended flight routes, buffer days, travel and packing tips. You can also book a hotel and transfer package through us.
Personal advice · No obligation · No advisory fees
Voyage overview
Fly from Reykjavík to Nuuk, travel north along Greenland’s west coast to Smith Sound, then return through Uummannaq, Eqip Sermia and Ilulissat before flying back from Kangerlussuaq.
Day-by-day plan
The following plan reflects the published route. Ice, weather and community arrangements can change the sequence.
Reykjavík, charter flight to Nuuk and embarkation
Meet at Quark’s included airport-area hotel, then fly by charter to Greenland’s capital and board Ocean Explorer.
Sisimiut, Disko Bay and Upernavik
Cross the Arctic Circle at Sisimiut, enter Disko Bay among large autumn icebergs, then continue to the remote harbour community of Upernavik.
Kap Alexander, Smith Sound and Qaanaaq
Push north through increasingly remote waters. Around Kap Alexander and Smith Sound the team may Zodiac cruise or land where conditions allow, with Greenland and Canada sometimes visible on the same horizon. Qaanaaq provides the voyage’s most northerly community visit and a close view of life shaped by sea ice.
Southbound through the high Arctic
Two sea days allow time to watch for marine mammals, follow the changing ice and hear from the expedition team.
Uummannaq, Eqip Sermia, Ilulissat and Itilleq
Return through West Greenland’s dramatic fjords and settlements. Walk in Uummannaq, explore around the active Eqip Sermia glacier, and take in the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord before a final community visit at Itilleq.
Kangerlussuaq and Reykjavík
Disembark, transfer to the airport and fly by charter to Reykjavík. An included post-expedition hotel night near Keflavík completes the programme.
Dates & departures
One departure is published in each season.
2027 season
| Dates | Programme | Ship |
|---|---|---|
| 2–17 September 2027 | 16 days · Reykjavík return | Ocean Explorer |
2028 season
| Dates | Programme | Ship |
|---|---|---|
| September 2028 | 16 days · exact date confirmed with live quote | Ocean Explorer |
Dates, cabins and your quote
Ask us for the current fare, available cabins and applicable offers for your chosen departure.
Life aboard Ocean Explorer
A modern 138-guest expedition ship with an Ulstein X-Bow, wide viewing areas, a two-storey library and a high proportion of private verandas.
Ocean Explorer
Operator film · Quark Expeditions.
The Arctic with Quark
Operator destination film · Quark Expeditions.
Choose your cabin
Ocean Explorer ranges from two dedicated solo designs to larger veranda suites. These are the complete principal categories for the 2027 ship; exact cabin dimensions vary within some categories.
Studio Single
Deck 3 · 146–186 sq ft · one guest
A purpose-designed solo cabin with a double bed, porthole and private bathroom.
Studio Veranda Single
Deck 7 · 162 sq ft · one guest
A dedicated solo cabin with a floor-to-ceiling glass door and private walkout veranda.
Veranda Stateroom
Decks 4, 6 & 7 · 173–272 sq ft
The core balcony option, with flexible twin or double beds and a private veranda.
Veranda Suite
Decks 4 & 6 · 200–205 sq ft
Adds a separate sitting area with sofa bed and a private walkout balcony.
Triple Suite
Deck 6 · 296–299 sq ft · up to three guests
A two-room layout with three single beds, sofa, double-width balcony and bath.
Penthouse Suite
Deck 7 · 269 sq ft
A two-room premium suite with a large balcony and an additional powder room.
Owner’s Suite
Deck 7 · 443 sq ft
Ocean Explorer’s largest suite, with bedroom, living and dining areas and a large private veranda.
What the voyage includes
Included
- Expedition programmeLeadership, Zodiac cruising, shore landings and scheduled presentations.
- Life aboardCabin, housekeeping, meals, snacks, soft drinks, selected alcoholic drinks and basic Wi-Fi.
- Polar equipmentParka to keep and waterproof expedition boots on loan.
- Voyage costsPort charges, service taxes and onboard luggage handling.
Budget separately
- Required packageOne Keflavík-area hotel night, transfer to the airport, charter flight to Kangerlussuaq and transfer to the ship.
- TravelInternational flights and arrival or departure transfers in Iceland.
- Personal costsInsurance, visas or eTA, gratuities, premium Wi-Fi, spa, laundry and optional activities.
Let’s find your expedition
Tell us your dates, cabin needs and priorities. We’ll check the live total and help you compare it with the strongest alternatives.
Voyage information
Details checked 6 September 2026 against Quark Expeditions’ official voyage page and dated 2027 programme. Images and films: Quark Expeditions and the photographers credited in operator filenames. Ask Expedition Advisory for the current programme, availability, fare and booking terms.