Gems of West Greenland: Fjords, Icebergs, and Culture - Ocean Explorer

Positioning yourself in the seat of a kayak is one of the most intimate ways travelers can connect with the polar regions—at water level, up close, where you can touch and feel every polar sensation imaginable. The Sea Kayak Program enables a small group of like-minded individuals to forge bonds as they explore fjords, glacial faces or mazes of sea ice.

Quark Expeditions Sea Kayak Program is a voyage-length program available in the Arctic, in which kayakers (those who have minimal experience as well as seasoned paddlers) will enjoy the polar regions from a unique perspective.

Conditions and logistics permitting, your kayak guide(s) will endeavor to have you paddling as often as possible throughout the voyage. Typically, sea kayakers are shuttled by Zodiac from the ship to an ideal starting point, where the kayak excursion begins. Guests return to the ship by Zodiac at the end of their paddling experience. Some kayak excursions are designed so guests can go ashore and explore.

In addition to the kayak guides, a safety driver in a Zodiac will always stay nearby to offer assistance if required. Excursions typically last one and a half to three hours.

Note: Due to its popularity and limited space, if you want to ensure a space in the Sea Kayak program, please register when you book your expedition. While the program routinely fills up well before the voyage, if there are vacant spaces when you board the vessel you may sign up. Quark Expedition guides attempt to lead guests on as many sea kayak excursions as possible, but the number of excursions will depend on weather and sea conditions as well as logistical factors. Be prepared to paddle in a double or single kayak depending on availability.

Is Kayaking Experience Necessary?

The Sea Kayak program was developed to accommodate kayakers with a range of experience. Please don’t hesitate to consult with our polar travel advisors if you have any questions.

Provided gear

• Sea kayaks (single or double)

• Paddle

• Spray-skirt

• Drysuit

• Insulated rubber gloves and pogies*

• PFD (personal flotation device)

• Neoprene booties

• 10L dry bag

• Water bottle (provided in rooms upon embarkation)

Other recommended gear/clothing

• Thermal base layer top and bottom (synthetic or wool, no cotton)

• Thin fleece 200 weight top or wool sweater

• Fleece pants

• Liner socks

• Thick wool socks

• Neckwarmer

• Thin fleece or wool liner glove to wear under rubber gloves (if you wish)

• Warm hat

• Sunglasses

• Waterproof and sweatproof sunscreen

• Camera (either waterproof, in exterior waterproof housing, or stored in a drybag)

• Waterproof backpack or a drybag

Hiking in the polar regions differs from your typical trail experience. Here, in a tree-less terrain, you are the tallest figure on the landscape as you walk over spongy tundra, crusty snow or sandy beaches in remotes parts of the Arctic and Antarctica. Stepping ashore anywhere in the polar regions means you’re not a distant observer.

Our organized hikes range from short jaunts to the top of lookouts or visits to see wildlife or longer walks of several kilometers over ice and rock and snow. Hiking excursions may last from two to three hours with plenty of time for photographs of wildlife, learning moments from your experienced guides, or just time to stand back and admire the incredible polar surroundings.

No experience is necessary but participants should be able to get in and out of a Zodiac and walk on uneven terrain. Hiking options are tailored to all interests and abilities, from those who want to contemplate the landscape in silence to photographers who want that perfect image to energetic travelers who want to summit a peak in the hopes of seeing wildlife in their natural habitat.

Equipment you’ll be provided with for hiking outings

• Trekking poles are available upon request

• Bring your Quark Parka and collapsible water bottle provided at embarkation (they’re yours to keep)

• Muck boots (loaned to you for the duration of your expedition)

Other recommended gear/clothing

• Base and mid-layer clothing

• Waterproof breathable pants

• Wool or synthetic hiking socks

• Warm hat

• Brimmed hat

• Sunglasses

• Waterproof and sunscreen and lip balm (minimum SPF 30)

• Backpack, preferably water-resistant (or with a rain cover)

• Warm gloves

• Camera and accessories

Feeling like a more active adventure? Our team has joined with local partners to identify incredible mountain biking routes through the stunning scenery just beyond the town boundaries of Sisimiut, Greenland. While others explore the community our expert guides and local partners will take you to the best terrain to start your adventure and be with you throughout the activity.

Participants must be fit, and intermediate to intermediate-strong mountain bikers. Riders should expect a combination of single track and remote gravel roads. Riders should be able to roll over small obstacles (like roots or rocks), and shift gears comfortably when anticipating and responding to changing terrain.