Kayaking among icebergs is truly an experience of a lifetime. One can never stop gazing at the amazing shapes, some so powerful, others so graceful; ever changing as the angle alters when you paddle by. The colors are enchanting - hues of blue and green glistening in the sun, or the pure white looming mysteriously against a gray morning fog. A dark round shadow bobbing in waves is a seal watching you visit its waters. If you are lucky you may sight whales such as minkes, humpbacks and fins.
The fjords around Tasiilaq and its surrounding villages offer many fine kayaking opportunities. The countryside is ideal to stretch your legs on a hike, to enjoy Arctic flowers and a view from a nearby hilltop. Day hikes of more challenging peaks are also abundant.
The season for kayaking is usually from mid or late July to mid September. Ice conditions vary by year, but by the end of July there should be enough ice-free waters to enjoy extensive trips in the fjords. A boat can be hired for drop off and pick up, to take you into the fjord. This is recommended if you prefer to avoid paddling the open sea where swells can be large, and it is a good idea because this will enable you to spend more time paddling close to the spectacular glaciers in the protected fjords.
A boat charter to support your entire trip to carry equipment and provisions is also possible if you prefer. This will enable you to discuss good camping spots and ice conditions with the highly experienced local hunter.
Satellite phones are recommended and can be rented at Destination East Greenland’s office in Tasiilaq, in case you need to change pick up arrangements due to ice conditions. (Please make reservations in advance.) Kayaking guides can be arranged - please contact well in advance for guide service.
DEG also provide kayaks and all equipment. Email
King Oscar Fjord
The name of the town Tasiilaq means "a fjord like a lake", and this is just what King Oscar Fjord is like. A paddle across to the other side from town is 4km (2.5miles), a round trip of the fjord exploring the shores is 20 to 30km (12 to 18miles) depending on your course. There are islands and inlets to be explored, and you can land anywhere for a short hike up a hill to get nice view, so this fjord alone can keep you entertained for a couple of days.
Sermilik Fjord
To the west of Ammassalik Island is the Sermilik Fjord, 100km long and 5 to 13km wide (60miles long and 3 to 8miles wide). There are 3 enormous glaciers calving icebergs into the waters at its head. Archeological sites can be seen along the fjiords. Stone structures of houses, remains of turf huts, abandoned villages from more recent times, and hunting huts used currently by the local hunters are dotted along the coast. Archeological sites should not be disturbed, and it is required that you camp a short distance away from them.
The west coast has a number of fjords and active glaciers that you may want to explore. Some spots are lush with green, and you will enjoy a perfect Arctic summer camp with icebergs floating by. The east coast also offers interesting stops, and if you plan to explore other fjords in the area, you may want to hug the east coast to enter the protected fjord connecting you the fjord system east of Ammassalik Island.
Ammassalik Fjord and Sermiligaq Fjord
Ammassalik Fjord and the many smaller fjords branching from it will take you into an Arctic archipelago. Paddling through protected waters, you have a vast choice of routes and activities. 24 hours of daylight will enable you to enjoy both sea and land to the full. You may want to visit the village of Kuummiut, climb a peak for a superb view of the many fjords, or a hike up a valley to one of the glaciers near Karale Glacier.
If itinerary allows, a trip into the Sermiligaq Fjord through protected fjords from Ammassalik Fjord will take you close to large glaciers calving icebergs and a better chance to sight whales.
