Named after the Greenlandic word for 'icebergs', the town of Ilulissat is one of the most beautiful locations in the world. The brightly coloured buildings are situated with a backdrop of huge icebergs drifting silently around Disko Bay. The only way to truly experience these natural wonders is to take one of the many boat tours, giving visitors the opportunity to get closer to the icebergs, glaciers and wildlife in the region.
Sailing Among Icebergs at the Ilulissat Icefjord
Whilst the fjord itself is best viewed from the banks of the icefjord, no trip to Ilulissat is complete without a boat trip around the gigantic icebergs.
Departing from the docks on the edge of town, the small fishing boats make their way out to sea and are immediately confronted with a lake of icebergs of every imaginable size.
As the boats approach the icefjord, the icebergs increase in size. No longer is a couple of metres of ice emerging from water impressive. The icebergs tower over the small fishing boat and tourists suddenly feel like they're gazing up at the skyscrapers of New York. Floating silently amongst the giant icebergs in a sea of tranquillity is a truly unforgettable, humbling experience and the only way to fully appreciate the size of Ilulissat's icebergs.
During the months of June and July, World of Greenland offer Midnight sailing among the icebergs for an extra DKK 500. Departing at 10pm and returning at 1:30am, guests will witness the icebergs changing colour from blue to orange as the sun drops to its lowest point, just above the horizon. A similar tour is offered earlier in the evening during August and September.
Whale Watching in Disko Bay
The waters around Disko Bay are inhabited by humpback, fin and minke whales. Whilst all boat tours around the area offer the possibility of glimpsing whales, for a complete whale watching tour, World of Greenland operates a Whale Safari tour.
At a cost of DKK 1,000, the 5 hour tour runs from June to September and, with the help of local fishermen and hunters, it scours Disko Bay in search of humpback whales.
Eqi Sermia - the Calving Glacier
The Eqi Glacier, 80km north of Ilulissat, is considered one of the most beautiful places in Greenland. The face of the huge glacier is 3.4km wide and a massive 200m high, with 80m above sea level. The glacier is renowned for its exceptional calving and, even on a one-day trip, tourists are guaranteed to see ice calving into the waters below.
The boat trips depart Ilulissat at 7am and reach the glacier at 11:30. Lunch is served on the boat as it floats in close proximity to the glacier's face, offering spectacular photo opportunities of calving in action. Ice and weather conditions will dictate how close the captain can steer the boat to ensure spectacular views, whilst at no point jeopardising the safety of its passengers.
After lunch the boat returns to Ilulissat with a brief stop at Port Victor to unload passengers and supplies to Camp Eqi. For visitors wishing to spend longer at the glacier, one and two night stays are available at Camp Eqi, a small community of huts within sight of the Eqi Glacier. Overnight guests will return to Ilulissat on the same boat the following day.
The 12 hour day trip operates from June to September and costs DKK 1,600 per adult, with an extra DKK 1,300 for an overnight stay. Accommodation at Camp Eqi includes bed linen, towels and full board.
Ilulissat Boat Trips
The location of Ilulissat and the enormity of the icebergs lead many locals to claim an Ilulissat Iceberg was responsible for the sinking of the Titantic. It is an assertion unlikely to ever be proven right or wrong however, given the enormity of many icebergs floating in the waters around Ilulissat today, it's certainly not inconceivable.
The only way to get close enough to these icebergs and truly see them at their most magnificent is to participate in at least one boat trip around Disko Bay. No matter which tour visitors chose, the experience is certain to be a memorable one.
Related Articles:
- Visitors Guide to Ilulissat, West Greenland
- Visiting the Ilulissat Icefjord in Disko Bay, Greenland
- Things to do in Ilulissat, Greenland
Katie Giles - Katie lives and works in the United Kingdom. She graduated from university with a BSc in Computer Science and has since worked in both ...
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