Best of the Western Arctic, Greenland and Baffin
Northwest Greenland, Baffin Island and Lancaster Sound with helicopters | 21 Days
Visit local communities living far above the Arctic Circle where the sun never sets and polar bears roam, exploring the northerly shores of Canada’s Baffin Island and the western coast of Greenland. Zodiac cruising gives you an awe-inspiring perspective on icebergs, glaciers and fjords, while the local people welcome you into their traditional and modern ways of life. The soaring cliffs of Sam Ford Fjord and the icebergs dotting Ilulissat Icefjord are an awesome sight and with luck you may spot whales or polar bear.
Ship: Ultramarine
When: Usually operates September/October. Ask for dates 2025 onwards
Guide price: Please ask
Trip Reports for Greenland
Map
Travel Tips
Comments
Fiona’s travel tips
WHAT TO WEAR: Dress in layers with a wind and waterproof outer layer. Fleeces are great underneath. It can still be cold sailing in the middle of summer so a hat, scarf and gloves are sensible if you feel the cold.
BRING WITH YOU: Insect repellent and antihistamine as mosquitoes are around in summer.
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Clients’ comments
“Your service was truly exceptional! We have traveled a lot and tried the services of several companies (both in the UK and the US) and you rank right up there at the top (and we have used some good ones). Your responsiveness was very much appreciated, particularly when the 2014 trip was cancelled. This level of personal service really makes a difference. This was one of the best trips we have taken – one of those that was a revelation and will always be remembered (like our first trip to see the wildlife in Southern Africa, for example). And your service was first rate – we are so glad that we chose you to organize our trip. We would be happy to be a reference/resource for you with any future travelers (particularly from North America) if you would ever want us to.”
Richard and Christine Holdrup, Arctic Explorer
“The trip went very well thank you. Our time for landings and zodiac cruises was maximised extremely well and the entire trip was very well organised and managed. We even saw the Northern Lights on the last night in Kangerlussuak and many whales. A great experience overall.”
Sheila Westwater, Greenland Explorer
“I had a wonderful holiday. We saw the expected multitude of icebergs, plenty of glaciers, a couple of distant polar bears, several foxes including a blue, and some musk oxen and we visited a couple of little auk colonies and a kittiwake cliff. The food on board was very good although there was no choice. Shore excursions usually lasted for three hours and there was a long walk and a so-called shorter walk. When we were in the far north the two guides each carried a rifle (in case of polar bears) and we were required to keep up with them and stay together. This was not always easy, the terrain was often difficult and some of us, including me, were not in the first flush of youth! As to future holidays, I will certainly recommend Arcturus and Greenland. I had been to East Greenland on three occasions and it was interesting to contrast East with West, they are certainly very different, both very interesting in their different ways.”
Elizabeth Lonkhurst, Sail West Greenland
“Ship was very comfortable, lovely food, waiters and cabin stewards did a grand job. Good selection of talks and entertainment. It was a privilege to be welcomed into the Inuit and Newfoundland communities. A unique, once in a lifetime experience that I’ll look back on with great pleasure.”
Christine Lord, Wild Labrador and Greenland
“The holiday was fantastic. Favourite aspects were the wonder of the Scoresby Sund fjord under clear blue skies, the northern lights and the icebergs. In Iceland the bus drivers, both male and female, were all very courteous. The B&B was excellent, very clean and friendly staff. I chose you as you offered en route accommodation and return flights – definitely a point in your favour.”
Sandy Lawson, Scoresby Sund
“Pre-departure the service was very helpful and friendly. The whole trip was wonderful and friendly and everything went like clockwork. We enjoyed it all.”
Pat Gellion and Margaret Moore, Scoresby Sund (Professor Molchanov)
“Thank you for arranging our trip to the Arctic. We found Fiona to be extremely helpful and very knowledgeable about the destination. We had a fantastic time and really enjoyed the Arctic experience. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to friends and would certainly use Arcturus again.”
Gillian and Neville Ham, Spitsbergen and NE Greenland
“I had a splendid holiday, I liked the Polar Star very much. Nansen Fjord was superb, at last we had sunshine. That night there was a good display of the aurora, the first time I had seen it. I had never been to the Westmann Islands and I found the harbour at Heimaey delightful. The arrangements you made for me were very good and I recommend Arcturus to all.”
Elizabeth Lonkhurst, Steam to Ice (Polar Star)