This is an untouched and solemnly visited area, where you will find completely unique landscapes and undisturbed wildlife. On this expedition, get a feeling of ocean sailing on our way to and from Iceland.
10 Nights: 20 - 30 August 2023
From: 52,500 NOK / £4,320 per person*
East Greenland is one of the most inaccessible places in the world, with sea ice covering the coast for up to 10 months a year blocks the way from the east, and Greenland’s enormous ice cap blocks the way from the west. This is an untouched and scarcely visited area, where you’ll find a completely unique landscape and undisturbed wildlife.
Spend several days among the fjords, mountains, and glaciers along the northeast coast. After crossing the Danish straight from Iceland, arrive at the inlet of Scoresby Sound (Kangertittivaq). Explore places like Scoresby Sound and Milne Land and pass historic places such as Hekla Harbor, and experience the unique landscapes of Øfjord and Bjørneøene. After almost a whole week, set course back towards Iceland and the port city of Ísafjörður. The crossing takes around 2 days, and weather permitting we will take a trip on land on Iceland’s Westfjords. The Arctic is a vulnerable area which is under pressure from humans and the changing climate. To create a minimal effect in Greenland, the boat follows AECO’s guidelines for encounters with wildlife, beach cleaning, and cultural heritage sites.
Vessel – Alma
“Alma af Frøya” is a very special boat: a traditional “jakt“. She was built between 2000 and 2012 by traditional boat-builders, together with youth from various schools in Karmøy, in western Norway. This is a new and modern edition of the traditional wooden sailing vessels that modern Norwegian seafarer traditions are built on. Alma is actually a smaller replica of Gjøa, the expedition ship of famous polar explorer Roald Amundsen. The handicraft, woodwork and excellent details on this vessel make being onboard an adventure in of itself!
Alma is 52 feet long, weighs 45 tons, and is very strong and sturdy! She is well equipped to handle all the weather the Arctic and our Norwegian coast have to offer. This is a boat for the outdoors – ample deck space offers plenty of room to enjoy the mountain views, the midnight sun, or the northern lights! All while you get the feeling of being in a Norwegian version of “Pirates of the Caribbean”.
Under deck, there is plenty of space, with a cosy galley midship and a big salon/orlop that ensures a social experience. Comfort is assured by a water-based central heating system, and the bunks are all comfortable, with warm duvets and pillows.
Please note: This trip is a working passage and you are expected to take turns with the cooking, crewing, and cleaning of the boat throughout the trip.
Day 1: The trip starts in Ísafjörður
Meet at 14.00 on the harbour in Ísafjörður, on the northwest coast of Iceland. Start with getting to know fellow guests before going through the schedule for the week. Get to know the boat and the equipment and finish packing provisions and equipment. Life onboard requires cooperation, so before departure, go through routines and procedures onboard, for sailing and emergency situations. Start sailing out of Isafjordur on this first evening.
Day 2 – 3: Across the Danish Strait from Iceland to Greenland
The first sea crossing stage is about 230 nautical miles and will take around 2 days, depending on the weather and the wind. Sail straight north from Iceland and aim for a bit south of the inlet to Scoresby Sound. During the crossing, truly feel the connection to nature, as there won’t be mobile coverage but just the raw forces of nature. The sea birds will follow you out to sea, and maybe be lucky enough to get a visit from some dolphins playing around the bow. Once Greenland’s steep coast is on the horizon, it will be exciting to see where landfall will be.
Day 4: Scoresby Sound, the world’s largest fjord
Quickly notice that everything in Greenland is huge. Just the entrance to this fjord is 27 kilometres wide, with a huge system of fjords and glaciers inside. After the experience of the crossing, it is nice to get into the fjord where there are generally calmer waters and weather. Start the journey into the fjord along the steep and glacier-clad southside and spend almost a full day here. Possibly get all the way to Hekla Harbor where the boat can anchor for a good night’s sleep.
Day 5 – 7: Around Milne Land
There are so many exciting places to visit once you arrive in Scoresby Sound. Here you can sail between icebergs as large as apartment blocks, huge glaciers that calve in the sea, and granite cliffs towering up to 2000 meters above sea level. Set course around the inland island Milne Land, and find places like Snesund, Øfjord, and Bjørneøene. Anchor up to allow for trips on land to explore. Have a campfire on the beach, or take the next 2 days to go on a hike.
Day 8: Ittoqqortoormiit
After some fulfilling days of exploring the inner parts of Scoresby Sound, set course east again, towards the inlet of the fjord. Here lies the east coast’s northernmost settlement, the village of Ittoqqortoormiit. There are more than 400 inhabitants here, all living in small wooden houses in the coolest colours. Arrive on the warmest days of the year, where the residents will spend most of their time outside and enjoying the sun before the tough winter returns.
Day 9 – 11: Back across the Danish Straight from Scoresby Sound to Ísafjörður
Leave the huge fjord massif of Scoresby on track to return to Iceland in good time. Along the way, expect to see more icebergs, but also whales that both sleep on the surface and swim and dive. Ísafjörður is a charming little port town where you will get the chance to rest both your bodies and souls: here, find both good swimming pools with both hot and cool water, as well as delicious restaurants and bars, to check out.
The program
The program should be seen as a rough itinerary that we can adapt to the weather and conditions. We also reserve the right to change and improve our itineraries. We will have a dinghy for beach trips and small expeditions, fishing gear for cod, and gear to hike or make bonfires on the beach on all our trips – we are ready for adventure! Are you?
Travel – in general
Sometimes flying is the only option, but not always. If you have the luxury of time, always try to travel as environmentally friendly as possible. Travelling slowly also allows you to start your holiday in a special way. Cycling, taking the train, or driving a car together can be good options! Feel free to add some extra time before and after your trip, since up north the weather can be unpredictable and might affect your plans!
Travel Iceland
From Iceland, there are many different routes. One option is the daily ferry route from Denmark via the Faroe Islands. There are also several daily departures and arrivals by plane from the Nordics, Europe, and America. If you want to sail more, you can join us on our further expeditions from Iceland, to Scotland, Norway, Faroes, and Shetland!
Safety and risk – in general
Safety is taken seriously on our trips, and staff are trained in handling different situations that can occur at sea. On board a boat and on trips, everyone must know what to do in potentially dangerous situations. It is important that as a guest and participant, you are trained quickly enough to be a participant – not a passenger. It contributes to learning, a sense of achievement, and increased safety for all. It’s also why our trips are considered to be sailing courses: you are trained to be one of the crew members on board. Feel free to contact us to discuss the risk.
Safety and risk – expeditions
On expedition trips, you often spend multiple days on sea-crossings and sail into areas far from people and with extra risk factors, such as sea ice and unreliable navigation charts. This requires the crew to have extra focus and awareness of the potential situations that might arise. Sailing in these areas only happens in the most optimal seasons with the use only our largest and most sturdy boats, which are both equipped and dimensioned to cope with this type of expedition sailing. Sailing is the safest and most accessible way to visit these very inaccessible places. However, sailing in general, and especially sailing in the Arctic and over the high seas, involves a certain risk that you must be willing to take. Feel free to contact us for a chat and guidance regarding risk.
Level of this trip
Sailing-wise, this trip is not very difficult and is open to novice and experienced sailors. If you are a beginner, you will become a seaman in no time! If you are experienced, you will be given more responsibility and greater challenges so that you can learn new things along the way. Sail is usually along the coast in protected waters, and there is often the opportunity to choose either more or less exposed routes, depending on the weather. The weather Gods decide, so you must be prepared for both windless conditions and sailing in harsher weather!
Equipment/packing
As with all activities, there is plenty of specialized equipment and clothing for sailing. You are not expected to buy lots of new equipment to join any trips, so, use what you have, borrow what you need from a friend, try to purchase used equipment, and if you have to invest in new equipment – buy quality items that will last. What you need is something waterproof and windproof on the outside, and layered clothing underneath. Some jackets may not be waterproof enough, or might not perform well in saltwater, so you might want to consider purchasing or renting a set of “oilskins” to use on the wettest days (included for borrowing onboard Alma). A pair of higher rubber boots for landings from the dinghy is very nice to have, in addition to slippers to wear below deck. Out on the high seas and in the Arctic, it is cold even in summer, so bring both swimwear and plenty of warm clothes. You will receive a detailed recommended packing list in good time before departure.
Food and cooking
Food and cooking
On board, you will be part of the crew and will get the chance to participate in all aspects of the running of the sailboat. This includes the cooking, where everyone is taking turns in the galley! Skippers and guides assist as much as they can along the way. Before the trip, set up a menu and purchase what is needed. Great menu options are offered, with healthy “boat-friendly” food. If you have allergies or preferences, let us know in the registration form and it will be taken into account. During the trip, possibly sail by a good restaurant or two to stop and eat at.
What we expect from you
Guests are encouraged to take part in the routines onboard the sailboat, whether it is sailing, docking, navigating, looking for whales and icebergs, washing up, cooking, cleaning the boat, or contributing in other ways when required. Trips require a little work from the participants – and you must be open to contributing and opening up a bit socially. There are many different people on the trip, and most people get along very well. Take the opportunity to make new friends, and create new and interesting memories!
Life on board and accommodation
Life on board a sailboat is social and pleasant, but for some, it can be perceived as quite intimate and crowded, which one should be prepared for. Everyone should participate in the operation of the sailboat and everyone is considered crew. It requires some patience, generosity, and an open mind to thrive, but the new acquaintances and completely raw nature experiences will take your focus as soon as you become comfortable with life at sea.
Accommodation on the boat is part of the fun. The accommodation is generally in shared cabins, some of which have a double bed and some of which have bunk beds. Figuring out who sleeps where can be a bit of a puzzle, but we do believe we’ve gotten quite good at it. Let us know if you have any special needs or reservations. Arrange any accommodation before and after the trip on your own. If you have any doubts about where to stay, we’re happy to give you some recommendations.
There is plenty of heating and good food on the boat, but not always an abundance of fresh water. This means it will not be possible to shower every day, but more or less every other day when in a harbour or when sailing through a place with available showers. A morning swim in the sea is also available all year round!
What kind of people join this trip – and how many will we be on board?
Many come alone, some travel as couples, and others travel as a group of friends. The common denominator for everyone is that these are fun and interesting people you will become friends with almost no matter what. Sharing great experiences creates strong ties! It doesn’t matter if you are young or old as long as you want to go on a trip and intend to do your part in making this a great trip for everyone. The number of participants varies from trip to trip. If there are many participants, there will be more boats and skippers. On most trips, sail with multiple boats in a fleet, with 7-9 people onboard each boat.
Environment and sustainability
In general, sailing is an environmentally friendly activity, with skippers sailing as much as possible and using the engine as little as possible. Crew and participants are encouraged to travel as environmentally friendly as possible, and local ingredients and resources are used as much as possible. There are also trips to collect litter and clean ocean trash from beaches.
Philosophically, sailing is an exercise in sustainability: to move with the wind and have limitations on things like water, diesel, electricity, and food. In order to run sustainably, knowledge, patience, flexibility, and hard work are required.
Please see our 'Other Practical Section' for more information
Please see our 'Other Practical Section' for more information
Vessel – Alma
“Alma af Frøya” is a very special boat: a traditional “jakt“. She was built between 2000 and 2012 by traditional boat-builders, together with youth from various schools in Karmøy, in western Norway. This is a new and modern edition of the traditional wooden sailing vessels that modern Norwegian seafarer traditions are built on. Alma is actually a smaller replica of Gjøa, the expedition ship of famous polar explorer Roald Amundsen. The handicraft, woodwork and excellent details on this vessel make being onboard an adventure in of itself!
Alma is 52 feet long, weighs 45 tons, and is very strong and sturdy! She is well equipped to handle all the weather the Arctic and our Norwegian coast have to offer. This is a boat for the outdoors – ample deck space offers plenty of room to enjoy the mountain views, the midnight sun, or the northern lights! All while you get the feeling of being in a Norwegian version of “Pirates of the Caribbean”.
Under deck, there is plenty of space, with a cosy galley midship and a big salon/orlop that ensures a social experience. Comfort is assured by a water-based central heating system, and the bunks are all comfortable, with warm duvets and pillows.
Please note: This trip is a working passage and you are expected to take turns with the cooking, crewing, and cleaning of the boat throughout the trip.
Day 1: The trip starts in Ísafjörður
Meet at 14.00 on the harbour in Ísafjörður, on the northwest coast of Iceland. Start with getting to know fellow guests before going through the schedule for the week. Get to know the boat and the equipment and finish packing provisions and equipment. Life onboard requires cooperation, so before departure, go through routines and procedures onboard, for sailing and emergency situations. Start sailing out of Isafjordur on this first evening.
Day 2 – 3: Across the Danish Strait from Iceland to Greenland
The first sea crossing stage is about 230 nautical miles and will take around 2 days, depending on the weather and the wind. Sail straight north from Iceland and aim for a bit south of the inlet to Scoresby Sound. During the crossing, truly feel the connection to nature, as there won’t be mobile coverage but just the raw forces of nature. The sea birds will follow you out to sea, and maybe be lucky enough to get a visit from some dolphins playing around the bow. Once Greenland’s steep coast is on the horizon, it will be exciting to see where landfall will be.
Day 4: Scoresby Sound, the world’s largest fjord
Quickly notice that everything in Greenland is huge. Just the entrance to this fjord is 27 kilometres wide, with a huge system of fjords and glaciers inside. After the experience of the crossing, it is nice to get into the fjord where there are generally calmer waters and weather. Start the journey into the fjord along the steep and glacier-clad southside and spend almost a full day here. Possibly get all the way to Hekla Harbor where the boat can anchor for a good night’s sleep.
Day 5 – 7: Around Milne Land
There are so many exciting places to visit once you arrive in Scoresby Sound. Here you can sail between icebergs as large as apartment blocks, huge glaciers that calve in the sea, and granite cliffs towering up to 2000 meters above sea level. Set course around the inland island Milne Land, and find places like Snesund, Øfjord, and Bjørneøene. Anchor up to allow for trips on land to explore. Have a campfire on the beach, or take the next 2 days to go on a hike.
Day 8: Ittoqqortoormiit
After some fulfilling days of exploring the inner parts of Scoresby Sound, set course east again, towards the inlet of the fjord. Here lies the east coast’s northernmost settlement, the village of Ittoqqortoormiit. There are more than 400 inhabitants here, all living in small wooden houses in the coolest colours. Arrive on the warmest days of the year, where the residents will spend most of their time outside and enjoying the sun before the tough winter returns.
Day 9 – 11: Back across the Danish Straight from Scoresby Sound to Ísafjörður
Leave the huge fjord massif of Scoresby on track to return to Iceland in good time. Along the way, expect to see more icebergs, but also whales that both sleep on the surface and swim and dive. Ísafjörður is a charming little port town where you will get the chance to rest both your bodies and souls: here, find both good swimming pools with both hot and cool water, as well as delicious restaurants and bars, to check out.
The program
The program should be seen as a rough itinerary that we can adapt to the weather and conditions. We also reserve the right to change and improve our itineraries. We will have a dinghy for beach trips and small expeditions, fishing gear for cod, and gear to hike or make bonfires on the beach on all our trips – we are ready for adventure! Are you?
PS: This is a recommended packing list. Please take into account if there are other items you may need on board.
