Epic West Greenland and Baffin Island
Next DepartureAug. 23, 2024See all departures |
Duration14 daysSee the itinerary |
Activities
, Boat, Kayaking, Lectures, Northern Light, Photography, Trekking, Wildlife observations, Zodiac |
Join Albatros Expeditions for a unique expedition voyage exploring the wild west coast of Greenland, and the vast wilderness of Baffin Island, Canada.
Albatros Expeditions is thrilled to present a new and exciting voyage for Summer 2024 – an expedition voyage onboard Ocean Albatros exploring west Greenland and Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada. This thrilling itinerary offers guests the opportunity to see the vibrant capital cities of Greenland and Nunavut, meet the friendly locals in picturesque towns and villages, as well as exploring breathtaking Arctic nature including glaciers and icebergs, plunging fjords and precipitous mountain ranges.
The voyage begins in Kangerlussuaq, West Greenland, before sailing to to Nuuk, Greenland’s bustling capital. From Nuuk, we will visit Kangaamiut, a small welcoming settlement rich in tradition and culture. From here we will visit the spectacular glaciers of Evighedsfjord, before setting out across the Davis Strait to Iqaluit, the capital and largest city of Nunavut. Meet the locals and soak up the vibrant Inuit culture of the city before visiting Lower Savage, Monumental and Lady Franklin Islands, all hotspots for Arctic wildlife. We will then venture onwards to Pangnirtung, one of Nunavut’s best known communities, situated in spectacular natural surroundings.
After Pangnirtung, we will return to Greenland, arriving in the second largest city of Sisimiut, after which we will proceed northwards to the eternally icy Disko Bay region, visiting the sweeping mountains of Qeqertarsuaq, and the spectacular UNESCO world heritage site of Ilulissat Icefjord. We return to Kangerlussuaq via the small village of Itilleq, where visitors can experience life in a traditional Greenlandic settlement. Visiting two spectacular Arctic nations, this voyage offers the chance to experience Inuit culture on both sides of the Davis Strait, witness the majesty of Arctic wildlife, and explore the breathtaking wilderness of the North.
Facts about Epic West Greenland and Baffin Island
- Arctic
- Canada
- Greenland
Day 1
Fly Copenhagen/Reykjavik to Kangerlussuaq, embarkation
On the first day of our voyage, we board our chartered flight in Copenhagen, Denmark, or Reykjavik, Iceland, bound for Kangerlussuaq in Greenland.
Upon arrival to Kangerlussuaq (Søndre Strømfjord), we will be driven to the small port located west of the airport, where Ocean Albatros will be anchored offshore. Zodiacs will transfer us the short distance to the ship, where your stateroom awaits after check-in. After the mandatory safety drill, dine in comfort with spectacular views as we set sail through the 160-kilometer Kangerlussuaq Fjord.
Day 2
Nuuk, Greenland
A mixture of skyscrapers and traditional wooden houses, the quaint and the cosmopolitan, Nuuk is a city of contrasts. The vibrant bustling capital of Greenland, Nuuk feels much larger than it’s 19,000 inhabitants, and offers a wealth of experiences to visitors. The calm fjords around Nuuk have been inhabited by Paleo-Inuit cultures since at least 2200BCE, and archaeological evidnece indicates waves of migration through the area as ancient hunters followed migrating prey. Around the year 100CE, Norse colonist from Iceland etablished the Western Settlement in the green meadows of Nuuk Fjord; these settlers mysteriously disappeared several hundred years later, and the next Scandinavian to visit the area was Hans Egede, the Danish missionary who 'rediscovered' Greenland, founding Nuuk as Godthåb ("Good Hope") in 1728. Danish initiatives to modernise Greenland in the 1950s left a significant mark on Nuuk. While they brought significant improvements to the city's infrastructure, the many large apartment blocks in the city attest to rapid (and sometimes haphazard) urbanisation; as Greenland's capital, the city's population continues to rapidly grow, with new suburbs being constructed beneath Ukkusissat, the mountain which looms to the east of the city.
Nuuk offers a huge amount to the discerning visitor; larger than any other city in Greenland, Nuuk has a bustling cosmopolitan vibe, and hosts some of Greenland's best attractions. Swing by Kolonihavn district to visit the Greenlandic National Museum, a treasure trove of history stretching back to the first inhabitants of this icy island - including artefacts from the Paleo-Inuit and Norse periods, as well as the spellbinding Qilakistoq mummies. Explore Greenlandic culture at Katuaq, the city's cultural centre, and an architectural marvel; shop for authentic Greenlandic artworks in the city's many boutique shops, or simply relax at a hip curbside café with a Greenlandic coffee and watch this vibrant city in action. Nuuk York (as proud locals call it) is unlike any other city in Greenland, or indeed the world.
Day 3
Kangaamiut and Evighedsfjorden, Greenland
On the next day of our expedition, we will arrive at the small village of Kangaamiut, an incredibly picturesque settlement in Greenland’s central Qeqqata region. Surrounded by cold rich waters and a vast back country brimming with game, life in Kangaamiut moves at a slower pace, and locals still live a largely traditional lifestyle, surviving by hunting and fishing. Hike to the heliport atop the hill for stunning views over the town and the surrounding fjordlands, or meet the friendly local people during a display of traditional clothing, foods, and seal-flensing. The artists of Kangaamiut are well-known throughout Greenland, and some of the locals' most splendid work can be viewed in the town's small museum.
In the afternoon, we will sail inland into Evighedsfjorden/Kangerlussuatsiaq, one of the many deep fjords carved between the steep mountains of this region. The Danish name 'Evighedsfjorden' means 'The Eternity Fjord', referring to the vast size of the inlet, while the Greenlandic name 'Kangerlussuatsiaq' translates as 'The Rather Large Fjord' - something of an understatement! Evighedsfjorden stretches around 100km into the glacier-clad mountains, bisecting the large ice cap which overlies much of the land between Nuuk and Sisimiut - Greenland's two largest cities. We will aim to explore on a Zodiac cruise in front of the Evigheds Glacier, which flows into the fjord from the Maniitsoq Ice Cap above. Watch for calvings from the glacier, and guillemots and kittiwakes on the nearby bird cliffs.
Day 4
Day at sea, crossing the Davis Strait westbound
Separating southwestern Greenland from eastern Nunavut, the Davis Strait was named for John Davis, one of the many European explorers who ventureed into this region in search of the Northwest Passage. The area was formerly a hotspot for European whalers, who came to harvest the vast numbers of northern right whales which once frequented the area. The coasts of the Davis Strait are sparsely inhabited, with Nuuk and Iqaluit being by far the largest. Extreme tidal ranges and heavy winter ice once made access to the region a serious challenge, although modern expedition vessels such as the Ocean Albatros can now navigate such waters with ease.
Days at sea are never dull. We will arrange a variety of activities onboard for our guests to enjoy to engage the mind, body and soul. Join your knowledgeable Expedition Team lecturers in the Theatre to hear specially-crafted lectures on local history, wildlife, geology, culture and more, unwind with a massage in the Albatros Polar Spa, or simply watch the seabirds gliding along the ship from our hot tubs as the Ocean Albatros flies across the Davis Strait.
Day 5
Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada
Iqaluit/ᐃᖃᓗᐃᑦ (meaning 'Many Fish' in Inuktitut) is the bustling capital city of Nunavut. While situated at a similar latitude to Nuuk, the city couldn’t be more different. The western side of the Davis Strait is significantly colder than the east, and the landscape around Iqaluit is subsequently much more stark than comparatively warm Greenland. Nonetheless, this wild region has a rugged beauty all its own. Much like Nuuk, the area was used as a rich fishing ground by nomadic Inuit groups for thousands of years (hence it's Inuktitut name) prior to the arrival of the first Europeans, who passed through during their search for the fabled Northwest Passage. The settlement of Iqaluit itself was founded as Frobisher Bay by the Hudson's Bay Company, and expanded during the Second World War, as the USA built the Frobisher Bay Air Base - a vital stopover for transatlantic aircraft. The provision of services and population in the area expanded as the USA invested in the area as part of the Distant Early Warning Line radar system, and many Inuit moved to the area as the Canadian Government invested in permanent services in the town, which was renamed Iqaluit in 1987.
Iqaluit is the largest city in Nunavut, home to roughly 8,000 people. As the administrative, educational and transport hub of Nunavut, the city is rich in history and culture. Watch out in particular for the old Hudsons Bay Company buildings near the shore in nearby Apex/Niaqunngut, which date back to the city’s foundation, the igloo-shaped Arctic Cathedral, the space age Iqaluit high school (built to withstand the brutal winter conditions in the city), and the various breathtaking sculptures, murals and other works by Inuit artists around town. With a unique blend of Canadian and Inuit culture, Iqaluit is a fascinating city to explore – poutine is served alongside fresh Arctic char, politicians sit on sealskin chairs in the territory's legislature, and narwhal tusks form the cross in the city's igloo-shaped cathedral. Highlights for visitors include the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum and the Unikkaarvik Visitors Centre, which detail the fascinating history and culture of the region, and the nearby Sylvia Grinnell National Park offers a peaceful riverside refrane from the busy city.
Day 6
Lower Savage Islands, Nunavut, Canada
The Lower Savage Islands are a group of rugged low-lying islands at the mouth of Frobisher Bay, the vast inlet leading to Iqaluit. Eons of time, and the passage of ice, wind and sea have carved two deep channels into these islands, which almost seem made for exploring by Zodiac. While the landscape is barren and stark, the southern Baffin region experiences some of the largest tidal variations on Earth, and these strong currents keep the waters in and around the islands fresh and rich in nutrients. Thus, these waters are a hotspot for Arctic wildlife, which we hope to see during a day spent Zodiac cruising in the area.
Day 7
Monumental Island and Lady Franklin Island, Nunavut, Canada
Two barren and isolated rocks pierce the sea off the southeast coast of Baffin Island – these are Monumental and Lady Franklin Islands, two of the most wildlife-rich areas in Nunavut.
Monumental Island was named in English in honour of the ill-fated Franklin Expedition - however the Inuktitut name ᐅᒥᐊᙳᐊᖅ/Umiannguaq references the island's shape, translating as 'The Little Boat'. Lady Franklin Island was named in honour of Franklin's wife, who sponsored seven expeditions in search of her missing husband - a sadly fruitless endeavour.
Situated well offshore, well away from the nearest human settlements and icebound for most of the year, these undistrubed islands are a haven for polar bears and walrus, which are commonly seen in the area along with the vast flocks of seabirds which nest on these remote islands. Although wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, these are two of the best sites in Nunavut to see Arctic wildlife; keep binoculars and cameras at the ready!
Day 8
Pangnirtung, Nunavut, Canada
Situated in the calm waters of the vast Kuugarjuaq fjord off Cumberland Sound, Pangnirtung surely occupies one of the most scenic locations in the Arctic. A small town nestled amid sweeping glacier-capped mountains and miles of pristine tundra, Pangnirtung represents what most people think of when considering Inuit hamlets in Canada. Even the place names here drip with description; Kuugarjuaq roughly means 'Becoming a Large River', while Pangniqtuq, the Inuktitut name of the town means 'The Place of Bull Caribou' - although the town is often known throughout Canada simply as 'Pang'.
The local Inuit in the region have only had contact with Europeans in the last 100 years; the settlement was established as a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post, around which the modern town grew as government services were established in the area. Today home to around 1,500 people. The town is today known both for its outstanding natural beauty which have earned it the epithet 'the Switzerland of the Arctic', and the enterprise of the local residents. Government initiatives have promoted the growth of Inuit Art in Pangnirtung, and artworks from the town such as carvings, prints and woven goods are sought after worldwide - expecially the famous Pang Hat, the closely knitted iconic headware of Nunavut.
Day 9
Day at sea, crossing the Davis Strait eastbound
As Ocean Abatros returns across the Davis Strait to Greenland, enjoy the superlative amentities onboard your expedition vessel. We will arrange a variety of activities onboard for our guests to enjoy, engaging the mind, body and soul. Join your knowledgeable Expedition Team lecturers in the Theatre to hear specially-crafted lectures on local history, wildlife, geology, culture and more, unwind with a massage in the Albatros Polar Spa, or simply watch the seabirds gliding along the ship from our hot tubs.
Day 10
Sisimiut, Greenland
After breakfast, Ocean Abatros will arrive in the colourful city of Sisimiut. With around 5,400 inhabitants, it is Greenland’s second largest city, and one of the most interesting to explore. People have lived around Sisimiut on and off since 2,500 BC, arriving in waves of migration from Arctic Canada. Remnants from this time such as the remains of turf huts and tent camps can be found thorughout the vast back country which surrounds Sisimiut, including on Tele Island, a short pleasant walk from the harbour.
In 1756, Count Johan Ludvig Holstein established a colony here and called it “Holsteinsborg”. The oldest part of Sisimiut features town houses from this era, and the oldest dates back to 1756. One of the most culturally significant buildings is the Blue Church, built in 1775, now a landmark in the city’s historical museum district, arguably the best preserved in Greenland, and the perfect place to discover the Greenland of old.
Nowadays, Sisimiut is an important hub of education and industry, and local factories process the bulk of fish caught in the country (Greenland’s largest export). The fish processing plant in the harbour is one of the largest in Greenland, and among the most modern in the world. Just beyond the harbour sits the headquarters of KNI, the government-operated company which resupplies the many small settlements throughout Greenland - a vital service in a country with so many remote communties.
The busy city centre of Sisimiut offers a glimpse of what daily life is like in 21st-century Greenland, where seal hunts and smartphones collide. Take a refreshing stroll around Spedjesø and take in an exhibition at the city's cultural centre, explore the region's fascinating heritage at the city museum, or visit the Artists Workshop, where savvy shoppers can purchase traditional artworks direct from the artist. As evening falls, we will leave Sisimiut and set a course for the iceberg studded waters of Disko Bay (Qeqertarsuup Tunua) as Ocean Albatros sails for Qeqertarsuaq.
Day 11
Qeqertarsuaq, Greenland
Nestled below Disko Island’s 1,000-metre mountains, we pull into port in a beautifully sheltered natural harbour. The place was aptly named Godhavn (“Good Harbour”) in Danish, while its Greenlandic name “Qeqertarsuaq” simply means “The Big Island”.
For most of Greenland’s modern history, Godhavn was the political and economic capital of North Greenland (while Godthåb, now Nuuk, served this role in South Greenland). Its importance was due to the vast economic activity generated by whaling in Disko Bay, the preeminent Arctic industry since the 16th Century. As the whaling industry collapsed in the early 1900s, Godhavn lost its political status as all government functions moved south to Godthåb/Nuuk, and the town was forced to reinvent itself, changing its name to Qeqertarsuaq in 1979 . Today, hunting and fishing are the main industries in Qeqertarsuaq, while tourism is becoming increasingly important. Ferries arrive in the town daily in summer from around Disko Bay, while in winter, access is only by helicopter.
Qeqertarsuaq’s sweeping red-and-black basalt mountains are radically different to the rolling granite hills which characterize much of Greenland, and provide a much richer soil. Despite being situated well above the Arctic Circle, this rich volcanic soil and the area’s mild microclimate make it much more green and lush compared to the rest of the country. Locals from all over Disko Bay come to the island in summer to hunt and collect angelica, herbs and mushrooms, and the stunning rock formations and black sand beaches attract visitors from all over the world. The town itself is typically Greenlandic, with quaint multicoloured homes, a splendid museum, and the unique octagonal church (built in the Norwegian stave style). With excellent hiking opportunities, friendly locals, and a fascinating place in regional history, Qeqertarsuaq has a lot to offer. From here, we set sail towards Ilulissat, the largest city in Disko Bay and the Iceberg Capital of the World.
Day 12
Ilulissat, Iceberg capital of the world
This is it. This is why visitors from all over the world come to Greenland. Translated from Kalaallisut simply as ‘icebergs’, Ilulissat is rightly known the world over as ‘the Iceberg Capital of the World’. Surely no other city on Earth occupies such a spectacular natural setting.
Situated within a short walk of the harbour lies Ilulissat Icefjord, Greenland’s most famous site. Choked with city-sized icebergs so closely packed one could almost walk across to the other side, Ilulissat Icefjord stretches 70 km from its outlet in Disko Bay back to the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier. This is the single largest glacier on Earth outside Antarctica, draining 13% of the Greenland Ice Sheet, and producing 10% of all the ice in the Northern Hemisphere (enough water to supply the annual needs of the entire United States). These mind-blowing statistics, together with the indescribably beautiful scenery, have secured the Ilulissat Icefjord designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
While archaeological finds detail the long Inuit habitation of the area, the modern town has steadily flourished in the 280 years since its establishment; legendary Arctic explorer, Knud Rasmussen was born in Ilulissat, and his childhood home now houses the city museum. Today, Ilulissat is Greenland’s third largest town, with more than 4,500 inhabitants, and is undoubtedly Greenland’s tourism capital, with more hotel rooms than even Nuuk. The city offers excellent amenities to visitors, with fresh locally caught seafood served in the city’s cafes and restaurants, and excellent shopping – look out especially for the Artist’s Workshop above the harbour, where you can buy handmade artworks direct from the artist. The city typically experiences dry sunny weather throughout the summer, and there are a variety of well-marked hiking routes around the Icefjord, with options to suit all abilities.
During the visit you will have the opportunity to join a boat trip with a local captain to the Icefjord (optional excursion – charge applies). The journey takes about two and a half hours and is considered the best way to experience the magic of Ilulissat Icefjord up close. If a hike or a trip by boat does not present enough excitement, there is also an opportunity to join a flightseeing excursion in fixed-wing aircraft over the Icefjord (optional excursion – charge applies).
Please note the boat and flight excursions to the Ice fjord are not included in the general tour price. Refer to Price Information for more details.
In the evening, we will cruise southward in front of the city-sized icebergs at the mouth of the Icefjord as we leave Disko Bay en route to Kangerlussuaq.
Day 13
Itilleq, Greenland
Situated just north of the Arctic Circle, Itilleq is one of the many tiny villages dotting the coast of Greenland. The settlement is situated in the heart of the Aassivisuit-Nipisat UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was inscribed due to its ancient Inuit hunting heritage, documenting the entire habitation history of Greenland. While the turf houses and hide tents have been replaced by colourful modern houses, the lifestyle here has changes little since the Inuit first arrived in Greenland. The local highways are the water and the ice, and the sea continues to nourish the locals, as it has for thousands of years.
Despite this ancient heritage, locals in Itilleq are still firmly in the modern world, with smartphones, speedy wifi and satellite TV. Depending on how many residents are in town during our visit (many are frequently away on extended hunting trips), we hope to be able to play a game of football with the locals. Although we may outnumber them, they will be playing on home turf. Good luck!
Day 14
Disembarkation, fly Kangerlussuaq to Reykjavik/Copenhagen
During the night, we will sail up the 160-kilometer/100 mile Kangerlussuaq Fjord. After breakfast aboard the ship, we will bid farewell to the ship's crew shuttling ashore by Zodiac.
Due to Kangerlussuaq’s military history and present-day role as an important air travel hub, Kangerlussuaq remains fairly isolated from Greenland’s rich cultural traditions, in comparison to other regions. While you still find cultural experiences when visiting Kangerlussuaq, the most impressive attraction is the surrounding nature, which is just beckoning to be explored. The town itself was largely constructed by the American military in the 1950s, and this small airport town has retained something of its Cold War atmosphere. Your Arctic adventure and time in Greenland concludes as we board the flight from Kangerlussuaq back to Reykjavik, Iceland or Copenhagen, Denmark.
Inclusions
- Charter flight Copenhagen/Reykjavik to Kangerlussuaq, and Kangerlussuaq to Reykjavik/Copenhagen
- Transfer to/from the port of Kangerlussuaq
- 14-day/13-night cruiseonboard Ocean Albatros in a shared double stateroom with private bathroom in the chosen category
- English-speaking expedition team
- Nature hikes and Zodiac cruises per itinerary
- In-port town and settlement walks with the Expedition Team
- Information briefings and lectures by Expedition Team
- Full board onboard Ocean Albatros
- Free coffee, tea and afternoon snacks onboard
- Welcome and farewell cocktails
- Taxes, tariffs and AECO fees
- Special photo workshops
- Digital visual journal link after the voyage, including voyage log, gallery, species list and more!
Exclusions
- Hotel accommodations pre- and post-cruise
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Extra/optional excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Single room supplement
- Meals not on board the ship
- Beverages (other than coffee and tea)
- Tips for the crew (we recommend USD 16 per person per day)
- Personal expenses
- Anything not mentioned under 'Inclusions'.
After leaving the airport town of Kangerlussuaq, your expedition vessel will proceed onwards into Greenland and Canada to explore the unknown. The goal for the days spent exploring is to offer activities which will allow everyone to explore off the ship as much as possible, and experience the nature, settlements and culture of the Arctic in person.
Our activities in Greenland and Canada will vary widely according to the nature of the locations we visit – some larger settlements need an entire day to explore, whereas some smaller villages can be seen in a few hours. Greenland and Nunavut are vast, and on any itinerary in this region travel time between destinations can be significant. Activities we offer include landings, Zodiac cruises and ship cruises. Regulations in the Arctic limit the number of people ashore at any time at certain natural and historical sites, so we will usually aim to offer a Zodiac cruise while our first group of guests are ashore, and reverse this for the second group ashore to maximise exploration time where numerical limits apply. In towns and cities where the environment is less sensitive, there are no limits on numbers of people ashore. No matter the day’s planned activities, the onboard Expedition Team and Expedition Leader will work as hard as possible in conjunction with the Captain and Crew to maximize exploration opportunities.
A “typical” expedition day may look like this (subject to weather and sea conditions and sailing schedule):
- 06:45: Wake-up call
- 07:00-08:00: Breakfast
- 08:30-11:30: Morning activity – arrival in port at anchor, Zodiac ashore to explore settlements, natural sites etc. Depending on the location, we may spend the whole day in port.
- 12:30-13:30: Lunch onboard
- 14:30-17:30: Afternoon Activity – Either in connection with the morning, or at a different site, depending on itinerary
- 18:30-19:30: Evening Recap with Expedition Team
- 19:30: Dinner
Landings are a great opportunity to stretch your legs and set foot on shore to visit the towns and cities of Greenland and experience Arctic nature first-hand. Our experienced Expedition Team will be on shore to help you spot any wildlife, identify the different species of birds and mammals, guide you through Greenlandic settlements, as well as keep our guests safe on shore from any potential hazards.
We remind our guests that Greenland and Nunavut are truly wild destinations, and to consider their physical capability when travelling here. In smaller towns and villages, infrastructure for tourism may be less well developed than in other destinations. Most smaller towns and villages lack step-free access, and roads and paths can often be steep and uneven. Wilderness sites lack any kind of access infrastructure.
Some sites do not offer landing opportunities, but are locations where exploring on the water offers the best opportunities for sightseeing, wildlife and photography. These Zodiac cruise sites are often known for their concentration of ice, wildlife and even historical landmarks such as Inuit ruins, where our fleet of Zodiacs offer the best vantage point. This would be the only scenario you may have to wait on the ship (other than in adverse weather conditions), but we will always aim to offer an onboard program during this time, such as seminars given by our knowledgeable and experienced Lecturer team. Zodiac cruises are great for observing icebergs, glaciers, whales, and other marine wildlife. Your skilled driver will navigate around the area looking for wildlife and beautiful landscapes. By the end of the voyage, Zodiac cruises tend to become a firm favourite among our guests because of the vast diversity of scenery and marine life it is possible to experience.
In the event we encounter bad weather or are in a particularly spectacular location, often our purpose-built expedition vessels are the best viewing platform. The Captain and Expedition Leader will search for locations best accessed with the vessel to seek out the best wildlife and scenery. We encourage everyone to bundle up and either head onto the outer decks with the Expedition Team or relax in superlative comfort in our specially-designed lounges to experience the majesty of the Arctic from the best vantage point. During this time, our Expedition Team specialists will offer skillfully-crafted lectures related to the wildlife, history, culture and conservation of the region, and more!
Other activities onboard include our ship Gym, where you can burn some calories on our fitness bicycles or treadmills; most of our ships even have other cardio machines and strength/lifting options. Most voyages throughout the season also offer kayaking (booked and paid onboard – weather permitting), and we will often aim to offer hiking excursions onshore when possible. Our new purpose-built ships have a Spa, in which guests can enjoy massages, facials, and other relaxing treatments (additional cost applies). Our Library is a great place to rest between outings, with expansive views and a wide selection of Arctic-related reading material. During your voyage you will also be able to enjoy our tea time in the late afternoon, or indulge in some retail therapy in our onboard shop, which sells personal necessities as well as specially-selected Arctic souvenirs.
In between our landings and activities we offer three hearty daily main meals. Albatros Expeditions always have allergy flexible options, healthy selections as well as a variety of vegetarian and vegan options.
Our hardworking galley crew deliver multiple Breakfast options, served in a buffet style along with a cooking station where eggs are made to order. At Lunch we are also met with a smorgasbord of mouthwatering choices. Safe to say you will have the energy for your next outing!
When it is Dinner time, you can choose to eat at the main restaurant or book a table at the Specialty Restaurant. Your evening meal is served a la carte, with fresh new options daily and always a selection of fixed items. There is always a vegetarian and pescetarian option available. Albatros Expeditions are known for our delicious menus and a variety of exquisite wine pairings.
Onboard you will also have the option to join Afternoon Tea with sweets, cakes or snacks served each afternoon. Albatros Expeditions have tea and coffee freely available all day throughout the vessel, while specialty coffee, alcoholic beverages and hand-crafted cocktails are available at the ship’s bars.
Spring comes late to Greenland and Nunavut, due to their challenging polar climate. During June, migratory wildlife begins to return to the North. Geese, wading birds, and seabirds arrive for their breeding season, constructing nests and defending their tiny but all-important territories. While this region experiences near-midnight sun from May to August, during June, many of the fjords are still frozen, and snow reaches down to the sea. This cold and unpredictable weather can hamper exploration at times.
By July, Greenland and Nunavut begin to come to life. The tundra begins to come to life, as saxifrages, Arctic willows and heathers start to green the otherwise stark Arctic landscape. Flowers bloom in the brief Arctic summer, rotating through the day to follow the precious sunlight. In wilderness areas, muskox and reindeer can be seen grazing on the fresh greenery, while inhabited locations burst to life. Locals in the Arctic take advantage of the brief summer to harvest the ocean’s riches, and summer is prime fishing season. Conditions during July tend to be settled, with calm sunny days the norm (although beware of the mosquitos in windless areas)! Expect to meet plenty of locals – July is the middle of the summer holiday, so expect to see children enjoying their freedom on their bikes and skateboards. Many locals pivot to working in tourism during the brief summer season; even small towns can be bustling when a vessel visits!
August is the peak of the Arctic summer, with long sunny days – although the evenings start to draw in with several hours of darkness by the end of the month. August is prime hunting season in Greenland and Nunavut – depending on the day, some settlements can be almost empty, with almost all locals heading into the wilderness to hunt reindeer, seals and muskox. Expect to see the fruits of these hunts for sale in local markets, usually proudly sold by local hunters. August is also peak trout season, so expect to see fish hung up to dry around towns and villages, or being smoked in small turf ovens. Most chicks have begun to fledge by this point, and are starting to leave the nest; for cliff-nesting species, this involves a terrifying leap off their nest into the sea – often known as ‘jumping season’. On land, the tundra plants are moving rapidly through their life cycle, and tart crowberries and delicious blueberries are almost everywhere – expect to see locals young and old alike gathering this delectable bounty; some is eaten as-is or used in baking, and the rest frozen to enjoy during the long winter.
The tundra is at its brightest during September, as the willows, then the saxifrages and heathers begin to show their colours; an autumn forest in miniature! During September, the weather in the North Atlantic can become more challenging and wild, giving an even more rugged cast to this spectacular region. September marks the return of true dark nights as autumn sets in. Frosts and even snow showers can occur this time of year, although the longer nights also offer a tantalising chance to see the Northern Lights. This time of year, most migratory birds are starting to head south or out to the open ocean for the winter, so expect to see a variety of birds of all ages heading to sea for winter.
Greenland and Nunavut are vast, stretching almost 3000km from north to south. The climate throughout these regions is subsequently hugely varied, reflecting the variation in latitude.
Greenland’s west coast (including the Disko Bay region) tend to have a cooler but more stable climate than the south of the country. Expect temperatures between 8-12°C (46-54°F). These temperatures can be exceeded in sheltered areas, especially far up fjords – Kangerlussuaq, situated 160km inland for instance regularly records summer temperatures in excess of 20°C/68°F. The weather is generally calm and sunny, although cool rainy or foggy days do occur. It is very rare for snowfall or sub-zero temperatures to occur in summer, although this does occasionally happen.
Nunavut does not benefit from the same warm ocean currents as Greenland, and even southern Baffin Island is cooler and much more stark than similar latitudes in Greenland. While summer days are still long and bright, expect temperatures to be slightly colder on the western side of the Davis Strait.
We therefore remind our guests to be prepared for all weather conditions! We highly recommend to our guests to dress in layers (ideally in woolen or synthetic fibers) and a backpack so that layers can be adjusted as the weather dictates. Warm/waterproof layers, hats, waterproof gloves and scarves are recommended for all excursions off the vessel, even on the sunniest days – the weather can deteriorate rapidly at any time. Sun protection (hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm) is also essential – the low angle of the Arctic sun combined with cool ambient temperatures can cause sunburn to easily go unnoticed until it is too late!
Despite it's high latitude and cold weather, mosquitos and other insects can cause a real nuisance in Greenland during summer. Head nets, long sleeved clothing and repellant are essential for a comfortable experience in Greenland, and we highly advise guests joining this voyage to ensure they prepare for encounters with these tiny irritating Arctic animals!