Ten days in East Greenland, including 9 nights aboard Hondius, with sea-kayaking sessions in Scoresby Sund, Greenland’s largest fjord system and one of the most spectacular Arctic landscapes on Earth. Giant icebergs, mountains, glaciers and isolated communities shape an expedition where every day is different.
Scoresby Sund, a world apart
In partnership with Oceanwide Expeditions, Voyage Kayak takes you into East Greenland, deep inside Scoresby Sund: immense fjords, glacier fronts, dark mountains and huge drifting icebergs.
From the ship, we set out by kayak to explore shorelines, sheltered bays and ice-filled waters whenever conditions allow. It is a privileged way to enter this extraordinary landscape.
Trip at a glance
East Greenland · Scoresby Sund · Ittoqqortoormiit · Oceanwide Expeditions · Hondius
This expedition depends on vessel availability, cabin space and places in the kayak group. Contact us to discuss current possibilities.
- Duration
- 10 days
- Nights
- 9 nights aboard
- Level
- Level 3 — Experienced
- Kayak group
- 8 participants
- Kayaking
- Variable according to ice, weather and landings
- Typical rhythm
- Sessions of around 2 hours; sometimes morning + afternoon
- Accommodation
- Cabin aboard Hondius
- Price
- From €5,150 / person, depending on cabin category
As with every polar expedition, the programme is indicative and remains subject to ice, weather, sea conditions, wildlife and the decisions of the expedition team.
Hondius as a floating base camp
Hondius allows us to move between different parts of Scoresby Sund and make the most of the best windows of weather, ice and light. We paddle without expedition luggage: the ship carries the logistics, and between outings we return to warmth, meals and comfort.
Kayaking is organised in sessions, often around two hours on the water. When conditions are favourable, one activity may take place in the morning and another in the afternoon, but in Greenland the environment always sets the programme.
Understanding how the expedition works
How are the kayaking outings organised?
The group reaches the selected area by Zodiac with the kayaks, then paddles under the guide’s supervision before being collected again. A safety Zodiac remains nearby and the kayak guide stays in contact with the vessel.
This system gives us considerable freedom to change location if weather, visibility or ice conditions evolve.
How is polar-bear safety managed?
Potential polar-bear presence is part of expedition planning. Activity areas are assessed before outings, and a site can be abandoned immediately if wildlife or conditions make it unsuitable.
The complete procedures are explained during onboard briefings and in the Road Book.
What environmental framework is followed?
The expedition follows the good-practice guidelines of AECO — the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators: respecting wildlife distances, responsible landings, protecting fragile environments and applying a leave no trace approach.
Ittoqqortoormiit, one of the world’s most isolated villages
A stop at Ittoqqortoormiit may be part of the journey. At the entrance to Scoresby Sund, this small community of a few hundred people is one of the most isolated settlements on the planet.
Colourful houses, sled dogs and everyday Arctic life create a striking contrast with the almost uninhabited fjords surrounding the village.
Indicative itinerary
The programme below reflects the general logic of the expedition. The order of sites, landing opportunities and kayaking sessions may change according to conditions.
Day 1 — Akureyri, Iceland: embarkation
Transfer from Reykjavik to Akureyri, embark aboard Hondius, then sail towards the Denmark Strait.
Day 2 — Crossing towards East Greenland
Sea crossing towards Greenland. Seabirds, possible cetacean sightings and the first icebergs announce our arrival in the Greenlandic Arctic.
Day 3 — Entering Scoresby Sund
First explorations inside the immense fjord system, with kayaking along glaciated coastlines and among icebergs whenever conditions allow.
Day 4 — Sorte Ø, Røde Fjord and Harefjord
Sea kayaking among huge icebergs, with dark mountains, glaciers and ice-filled waters all around. The vessel then repositions towards another part of the fjord system.
Day 5 — Hall Bredning and Sydkap
Immense icebergs drift across Hall Bredning, with a possible landing near Sydkap in a landscape shaped by ice and traces of earlier human presence.
Day 6 — Ittoqqortoormiit and the Blosseville Coast
Possible stop at Ittoqqortoormiit, followed by continued exploration along the Blosseville Coast.
Day 7 — Stewart Ø
Exploration around Stewart Ø in a remote environment where sea, ice and wildlife determine what is possible.
Day 8 — Turner Sound and Rømer Fjord
Exploration of spectacular inner fjords, with steep mountains, large icebergs and Arctic light.
Day 9 — Return towards Iceland
Sailing back towards Iceland, with observation from the outer decks and, depending on season and conditions, a possible glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Day 10 — Disembarkation in Akureyri
Arrival in Iceland, disembarkation in Akureyri and onward transfer according to your travel arrangements.
Route map
Why choose this expedition?
- One of the great Arctic landscapes, deep inside Greenland’s largest fjord system.
- Sea kayaking among icebergs, shorelines and glaciated scenery.
- The flexibility of a polar expedition vessel combined with the intimacy of a small kayak group.
- A rare and remote destination, far from conventional tourism.
- A possible visit to Ittoqqortoormiit, one of the most isolated settlements in the world.
- A partnership with Oceanwide Expeditions, a specialist in polar expedition travel.
Hondius: your floating base camp
Hondius is a genuine polar expedition vessel, designed for remote regions while providing a high level of comfort. For a sea-kayaking journey, that mobility is a major advantage: we can move between sectors and adapt quickly to changing ice and weather.
Life aboard alternates between navigation, kayaking preparation, observation from the outer decks and time in the cabins or communal areas.
More about Hondius
Why is this vessel so well suited to polar sea kayaking?
Hondius can reach very remote areas, allows the kayak team to change launch sites quickly and offers cabins, meals, warmth and drying space after the outings.
What is life aboard like?
Operational briefings, wildlife watching from the decks and talks on subjects such as glaciology, wildlife and polar history complement the outdoor activities. The main working language aboard is English, and the passengers are international.
A few facts about the ship
Hondius is a 107.6-metre Polar Class 6 expedition vessel designed for polar regions, with cabins, communal spaces, observation decks and the logistics required for Zodiac and sea-kayaking operations.
Sea kayaking & polar equipment
What kayaking equipment is provided?
P&H sea kayaks, drysuits, spraydecks, neoprene boots, pogies, PFDs and the main safety equipment are provided for the activity.
How should I dress for the cold?
You should bring suitable thermal layers to wear beneath the drysuit, together with warm, windproof and waterproof clothing for landings and time spent on the outer decks.
The complete personal equipment list is provided in the Road Book.
Accommodation
Accommodation is in a cabin aboard Hondius. The price varies according to the cabin category selected. Each evening you return to a heated vessel, meals aboard and genuine comfort while remaining fully immersed in a polar expedition.
The journey includes 9 nights aboard.
This journey is for you if…
- you already have real sea-kayaking experience and match Level 3 — Experienced;
- you are looking for a polar journey focused more on exploration than daily mileage;
- you accept that the programme must remain flexible and condition-dependent;
- you want to discover East Greenland from a privileged perspective, between sea, ice and Arctic light;
- you like the idea of an expedition vessel as a floating base camp;
- icebergs, fjords, wildlife and remote communities matter as much to you as the kayaking itself.
The Road Book: everything you need to prepare
This page gives you the spirit of the journey and its main features. The Road Book then goes further, covering polar safety, kayaking organisation, equipment, transfers and life aboard.
Request it if the expedition interests you: it is the document that lets you assess the journey in detail before booking.
Dates, price & services
Reference price: from €5,150 / person, depending on cabin category. Contact us to receive the Road Book and check current options.
The price depends in particular on:
- the cabin category selected;
- availability aboard the vessel and in the kayak group;
- the specific departure and period.
The expedition generally includes:
- accommodation aboard in the selected cabin category;
- meals aboard according to the conditions of the departure;
- expedition logistics and vessel navigation;
- the activities included in the expedition programme;
- the organisation of the sea-kayaking group within the Oceanwide Expeditions partnership.
Unless specifically stated otherwise, the price does not include:
- flights to and from Iceland;
- transfers not included in the selected package;
- personal expenses, drinks and gratuities;
- personal travel insurance;
- anything not explicitly stated as included.
FAQ — Essential information
How long is the journey?
The journey lasts 10 days and 9 nights aboard Hondius, with sea-kayaking sessions organised along the route in Scoresby Sund.
What level is required?
The journey is rated Level 3 — Experienced. You should already have real sea-kayaking experience and feel comfortable in a cold, changing environment.
How many kayakers are in the group?
The sea-kayaking group is limited to 8 participants.
How long does a kayaking session last?
A session generally lasts around two hours. When conditions allow, an activity may take place in the morning and another in the afternoon.
Is the day-by-day programme guaranteed?
No. On a polar expedition, ice, weather, wildlife and landing opportunities determine the actual programme. The itinerary is therefore indicative.
How is polar-bear safety managed?
Potential polar-bear presence is built into the planning of activities and landings. Sites are assessed before outings and the programme is changed whenever necessary. Detailed procedures are explained to participants.
What is AECO?
AECO is the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators. Its guidelines cover wildlife protection, responsible landings and respect for fragile Arctic environments.
Where do we sleep during the expedition?
Accommodation is in a cabin aboard Hondius for 9 nights. The price varies according to the cabin category selected.
What kayaking equipment is provided?
The kayak programme includes sea kayaks, drysuits and the main technical equipment needed for the activity. The detailed equipment list is provided in the Road Book.
How can I get the full practical information?
Request the Road Book. It contains the detailed preparation, safety, equipment, logistics and life-on-board information.
Would you like to sea kayak in Greenland?
This expedition is available on request.
Send us your preferred period, your sea-kayaking experience and the cabin category you are interested in.