The Arctic experts at Greenland Private Tours have designed an unforgettable day trip from Ilulissat, centered on one of Greenland’s most spectacular natural wonders: the Ilulissat Icefjord. This exclusive, privately guided experience offers you the chance to cruise among majestic icebergs in the UNESCO-listed fjord while learning about glaciology, Inuit culture, and Arctic wildlife from your private driver guide.

You’ll spend the day on a private boat, allowing you to travel at your own pace and comfort as you navigate the shimmering waters of Disko Bay. As you glide between colossal icebergs, carved and cast adrift by the mighty Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier, you’ll experience firsthand the raw beauty of Greenland’s shifting ice landscapes.

Below, you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your journey, but we’ll tailor every detail to match your interests, comfort level, and ideal timing.

Ilulissat Icefjord Private Tour Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary for a full-day private Icefjord cruise from Ilulissat. We can adjust this based on weather, season, and your preferences.

Hotel Pickup in Ilulissat

Your guide will meet you at your accommodation and accompany you to the harbor. As you walk or drive down to the pier, they’ll talk you through the day’s route, share a short safety briefing, and provide insight into Greenland’s ice history and its deep cultural connection to the sea.

Depart Ilulissat Harbor & Enter the Icefjord

Board your private charter boat, specially equipped for comfort, warmth, and stability. As you pull away from the colorful harbor, your captain will steer you toward the mouth of the Ilulissat Icefjord, where massive icebergs, some rising over 30 meters above the water, float slowly toward the open sea. Cruise slowly among the sculpted white and blue giants and capture some unique photos with your travel group.

Here are some of the benefits of having a private guide during the journey:  

• Your guide will tell you about the impact of the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier (one of the fastest-moving glaciers in the world) on the sea.

• Hear legends and traditional stories that Greenlandic people associate with the sea and ice.

• Your guide will help you identify ice formations and wildlife, such as Arctic seabirds, seals, and, if lucky, whales.

Pause in the Ice – Photography & Quiet Time

At the heart of the fjord, your captain will cut the motor so you can float silently among the ice. This is the perfect time for photography, sketching, or simply absorbing the natural silence—a moment often described as “otherworldly.”

Your guide may share stories of ice-calving events, environmental change, and the way local communities have adapted to living in such a dynamic landscape.

Greenlandic Light Lunch or Fika Onboard

Enjoy a traditional Greenlandic light lunch or fika on board, featuring items such as smoked Arctic char, reindeer sausage, or fresh bread with jam and coffee. You’ll dine with uninterrupted views of towering bergs and the expansive bay around you.

Sermermiut Icefjord Hike

If conditions and timing allow, return to shore and take a short hike to the Sermermiut Valley, a historic Inuit settlement site just outside Ilulissat. Walk along a wooden path with your guide to the ridge above the fjord for a spectacular land-based perspective on the same icebergs you cruised through earlier. See ancient ruins and learn about traditional Inuit life from your private guide.

Return to Ilulissat

Cruise back toward Ilulissat in the soft afternoon light. Your guide will return you to your accommodation and can offer suggestions for dinner or evening strolls.