Baffin Bay Secrets

From 1941 to 1992, Kangerlussuaq in Greenland functioned as an American military base. Today, its international airport has transformed it into a hub for travelers venturing into the Far North. Positioned north of the Arctic Circle, Kangerlussuaq is the gateway to incredible adventures in unspoiled nature. Just a short distance away lies the Greenland ice sheet, the largest ice formation in the Northern Hemisphere. From this town, marvel at the breathtaking tundra scenery, especially vibrant in autumn, and spot wildlife such as Arctic hares, musk oxen, Arctic foxes, reindeer, falcons, and eagles.

Embarkation: from 16:00 to 17:00

On your cruise, you'll visit Sisimiut, the second-largest town in Greenland, founded in 1756. This quaint town exemplifies Greenlandic charm with its vibrant stilt houses scattered across rolling hills and a picturesque fishing port that serves as the gateway to an icy wonderland. The town center features historic buildings, a quaint church, and a museum detailing the rich history of the Inuit people, along with a variety of craft shops. As your ship anchors, you'll have the opportunity to experience the authentic Arctic ambiance and engage with the welcoming locals.

Disko Bay, located on the western coast of Greenland, is a natural wonder known for its breathtaking beauty and immense icebergs. This expansive bay, part of the Baffin Bay, is famous for its dramatic icescapes, where colossal icebergs calve from the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bay’s waters are a deep, icy blue, providing a stunning contrast to the white and translucent ice formations that float majestically.

The area is also rich in wildlife, offering a habitat for humpback whales, orcas, and seals, which are often seen navigating the chilly waters. Birdwatchers can spot Arctic terns, gulls, and other seabirds that thrive in this pristine environment.

Paul-Émile Victor once described Greenland as "the most beautiful place in the Arctic," and it's easy to see why. This land is renowned for its enormous icebergs and the majestic ice formations created by the colossal glaciers of the polar ice cap. Among these wonders, the Eqi Glacier stands out as one of the most awe-inspiring. The silence here is often interrupted by the thunderous roar of cracking ice, creating an atmosphere both chilling and exhilarating.

Picture the immense glacier, its translucent crystals shimmering with an icy blue glow under the sunlight. Nearby, you’ll find Paul-Émile Victor’s historic shelter, the starting point for the French Polar Expeditions’ anthropological and geographic explorations in the 1950s. This place is a testament to the spirit of adventure and the timeless allure of the Arctic.

Akulleq is a picturesque location in Greenland, known for its stunning natural beauty and serene Arctic landscapes. Situated amidst vast ice fields and towering glaciers, Akulleq offers breathtaking views of pristine wilderness, where the icy expanse meets the clear blue skies. The area is characterized by its rugged terrain, dotted with rocky outcrops and occasionally covered in a blanket of snow, creating a stark yet beautiful contrast with the surrounding ice.

In the northwestern reaches of Greenland, along the shores of Baffin Bay, lies Orpit, nestled in an extraordinary setting. This region, characterized by a mosaic of fjords and islets, offers a diverse and rolling landscape perfect for hiking and discovering the unique tundra ecosystem of the high Arctic. If weather conditions are favorable, a Zodiac dinghy excursion will enable you to explore this distant land from the sea, allowing for an intimate encounter with its stunning natural beauty and rich wildlife.

Far beyond the Arctic Circle, nestled in the stunning landscapes of Greenland’s Northwest, lies the village of Kullorsuaq, the last stronghold of Greenland’s traditional hunters. This is where the authentic spirit of Greenland thrives. Expansive mineral-rich terrains, majestic mountains, and awe-inspiring glaciers surround the village, where the local community still practices traditional fishing and hunts seals and bears.

Hospitality and a deep respect for nature are integral to the daily life of these residents, who lead a rugged and austere existence. When we anchor in this isolated region, you'll have the opportunity to meet these welcoming people, who are also skilled artisans, adept at crafting with the furs and skins of marine mammals.

Your ship glides slowly toward the west coast of Greenland, entering the expansive Evighedsfjorden, located just a few kilometers south of Kangerlussuaq. The name Evighedsfjorden, meaning "the fjord of Eternity," is fitting. This over 100-kilometer-long fjord seems to stretch endlessly, revealing more stunning vistas at every turn. The landscape transitions from majestic glaciers to tundra teeming with diverse flora, and jagged cliffs that provide nesting grounds for a variety of bird species. Take the opportunity to watch white-tailed eagles, seagulls, and black-legged kittiwakes as they soar gracefully above this pristine Arctic environment.

From 1941 to 1992, the town of Kangerlussuaq in Greenland hosted an American military base. Today, it serves as a vital transit point for adventurers thanks to its international airport. Situated north of the Arctic Circle, Kangerlussuaq is a gateway to remarkable natural wonders. Just a short distance away lies the Greenland ice sheet, the largest ice mass in the Northern Hemisphere. From this town, you can also marvel at the stunning tundra landscapes, especially vibrant with autumnal colors, where you might spot Arctic hares, musk oxen, Arctic foxes, reindeer, falcons, and eagles.

Disembarkation : 7am