We’re heading to Greenland again! Why Greenland? Yes, it IS the birthplace of the Qajaq, but it is also like witnessing when the Earth was born. You may see and set foot on places where no one has been before you. It’s one of our favorite places to paddle and we don’t get there often enough. We like to immerse ourselves in the local culture – you’ll travel like a Greenlander…hand-lining cod or char for dinner, learning to eat seal (definitely an acquired taste) or musk-ox, hunting with your camera, paddling in sea ice and camping in sites used as traditional hunt camps for generations. Think cultural immersion by paddle….all with a safety net that comes with our over 40-year history in the kayak tripping business.
There are a few trips available to Greenland these days…some very high-end with a little paddling and a lot of insulation from local culture; usually from a Cruise Ship. Others are more “expedition style”, where you do all your own cooking, fly by the seat of your pants and hope it all turns out. Ours is completely different. Combine the logistics expertise that Uncommon Adventures is known for with great equipment, a well-chosen small-group team (max of 6-8 w/two guides plus local guide) and the added cultural element of traveling with a local and you have a simply unparalleled trip.
We will embark on a mesmerizing journey through rarely visited Uummannaq Fjord, one of West Greenland’s most expansive and picturesque. Its vast network of fjords, bays, and inlets in every direction provides an awe-inspiring setting for an unforgettable sea kayak expedition, revealing stunning and pristine landscapes at every turn.
Getting There
It is a hard place to get to, but that makes it even more worthwhile. We will assist you with travel plans to help things go smoothly. You need to book flights from home through Iceland or Denmark to Ilulissat. There are rumors that Icelandair is starting a direct flight to Nuuk from New York and Boston. Fingers crossed! Once you get to Ilulissat you will catch a domestic Air Greenland flight. The route is Ilulissat (JAV) to Uummannaq (UMD) via Qaarsut (JQA). A dash-8 plane to Qaarsut and a helicopter to Uummannaq. All can be booked on one ticket and a return trip costs around 500 USD. We will help with details.
Pace
This is a longer trip that will travel between 20-30 kilometers each day with time enough for hiking and exploration. Our itinerary will be dependent on weather, group interests, and is always flexible.
Weather / Conditions
Similar conditions to south central Alaska can be expected. Daytime highs may get to be high 50s with evening lows into the low 40s. Not a lot of rain in late June, but can be buggy, so headnets or bugshirts are in order. Remember… summer near the arctic circle means lots and lots of daylight (19 hours+). You won’t need a headlamp, but you will need sunscreen!
Qualifications
This program is built for those with a higher skill level that is appropriate for the kind of conditions we are likely to encounter. If you haven’t been through the BCU or ACA ranksto gain these skills, we will accept a paddling resume and word from those who can vouch for you. Our trips owe a great deal of their success to this participant screening process. BCU 3 star or L-3 ACA is the bar we set as a minimum for this trip.
Dates & Cost
$5800 per person (subject to change with currency fluctuations), double occupancy – 15 days total. We try to provide a good value for a large commitment trip like this. It is a very expensive place to travel to, but there is absolutely no place on earth like it. It is our all-time favorite place to paddle. We need a minimum of 5 participants and will take up to 8 total.
Dates for 2025
- **Tentatively set for June 14-28, 2025 (15 day trip)
What’s included
Guides
Sea kayak (single or double), spray skirt, PFD, paddle, pogies.
Group Safety gear: first aid, repair, Satphone, tarp
Fishing gear
Tents (personal tents plus kitchen tent):
Dry bags (limited supply)
Cooking equipment, cookware, and all expedition meals and coffee.
Unforgettable experience
Heliport pick-up and drop-off
Accommodation in (Dbl) Uummannaq
Breakfasts at Guesthouse
All meals while kayaking
What’s NOT included
Travel outside of itinerary dates
Transfer from Illulisat. The route is Ilulissat (JAV) to Uummannaq (UMD) via Qaarsut (JQA). A dash-8 plane to Qaarsut and a helicopter to Uummannaq. All can be booked on one ticket and a return trip costs around 500 USD. We will help you get correct flight numbers, etc.
Dry suits
Sleeping bags and sleeping mats
Travel Insurance
Gratuities
Meals in town
Alcohol
Personal Items: Be sure to review the packing list: It is important that you review this list early on in case you have questions or need to order gear.