The tour planners at Greenland Private Tours have designed an unforgettable day trip from Ilulissat, designed for you to experience Greenland’s west coast. On this exclusive private tour, you’ll travel by private boat with a local guide who will bring Greenland’s stunning ice landscapes and unique traditions to life.
Cruise through the iceberg-filled waters of Disko Bay, one of Greenland’s most iconic natural wonders. Drift past massive icebergs calved from the world-famous Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier (Jakobshavn Glacier), then journey toward the glacier itself—one of the most active in the world. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to enjoy traditional Greenlandic refreshments, spot Arctic wildlife, and stop in the small fishing settlement of Oqaatsut, where you can experience life in a remote Greenlandic village.
Below, you’ll find a sample itinerary for this one-of-a-kind excursion—though, as with all our tours, we’ll tailor the day to your interests, pace, and seasonal conditions.
Disko Bay Glacier Private Tour Itinerary
Below is a sample itinerary for a private day tour of Disko Bay and its glaciers. Our tour planners can create a personalized itinerary for you to suit your travel style and interests.
Collection from your Ilulissat accommodation
Your private guide will collect you from your hotel in Ilulissat in the morning. As you head to the harbor, your guide will provide a safety briefing and an introduction to the day ahead, including an overview of Disko Bay, the glacier system, and the region’s unique relationship with sea ice.
Set Sail Through the Icefjord
Board your private boat and begin cruising through the majestic waters of Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you glide past towering icebergs, some the size of buildings, your guide will share insights into how glaciers calve these icebergs and the role of the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier in global sea level changes. There will be plenty of time for photography and quiet moments as you admire these massive icebergs.
Approach the Glacier Front
Continue toward the calving front of the Jakobshavn Glacier (weather and ice conditions permitting). This glacier is among the fastest-moving in the world and is a jaw-dropping sight to behold. Listen for the thunder-like sound of ice cracking and watch for glacial calving when enormous chunks of ice fall dramatically into the sea.
Here, your guide may cut the engine so you can drift silently with the current, a deeply moving way to experience the glacier’s raw power.
Greenlandic Fika or Light Lunch Onboard
Take a break from the icy spectacle with a traditional Greenlandic-style fika or light lunch served on board. Enjoy warm coffee or tea paired with snacks or a light meal prepared with local ingredients. You can enjoy dried fish, smoked reindeer, or a fresh pastry—while surrounded by drifting ice.
Visit Oqaatsut
In the afternoon, make a stop in Oqaatsut, a small settlement of around 40 residents. Once a whaling station, this colorful village offers a rare look at everyday life in coastal Greenland. Stroll past brightly painted houses as your guide shares stories about subsistence fishing and local hunting traditions.
Return Journey Through the Icebergs
As the light softens in the afternoon, begin the return cruise through Disko Bay. The changing light conditions often transform the icebergs into glowing sculptures of white, blue, and gold, perfect for unforgettable photographs with your travel group.
Watch for Arctic wildlife, such as seals, seabirds, and even whales, as you make your way back to the harbor.
Return to Ilulissat
Arrive back at Ilulissat Harbor in the late afternoon. Your guide will return you to your hotel and can offer recommendations for dining, evening walks along the boardwalk, or even optional add-ons such as a Northern Lights outing if visiting in winter.
