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South Greenland
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© Pete Coe/Nature Portfolio Humpback Whale |
A voyage to the fjords and icebergs of southern Greenland to witness the northward migration of seabirds and whales.Greenland and its surrounding waters are home to more than eight species of whales, two million seals, Walruses, Polar Bears, Reindeer, Musk Oxen, Arctic Hares, Arctic Wolves and a spectacular variety of seabirds. It is the largest island in the world, 90% covered by glaciers, and inhabited by less then 100,000 people, with a fascinating history.Our cruise begins in Iceland and as we sail towards Greenland we will start to encounter sea-ice. We will follow the edge of the sea-ice, working our way towards the spectacular fjords of South Greenland, passing large icebergs on the way. For seabirds such as Puffins, Brünnich's Guillemots and Kittiwakes it will be the breeding season and visits will be made to some of the large nesting colonies. At this time of year the great whales such as Humpback, Minke and Blue will be making their way northwards and we will certainly be on the look out for these giants of the sea. We are offering this cruise on the Aleksey Maryshev, an expedition cruise ship that spends much of its time in the Arctic and Antarctic, commencing with a flight from UK-Keflavik, Iceland, and finishing with a flight from Søndre Strømfjord to Copenhagen. We can arrange travel back to the UK from Copenhagen at extra cost. All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions and in order to take advantage of opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. Itineraries Day 1 Morning flight from London or Glasgow to Keflavik, Iceland. On arrival we transfer to the attractive harbour, where we embark the ship. Day 2-3 At sea in the Denmark Strait en route to Greenland. At this time of the year we witness the northward migration of seabirds and whales. Closer to Greenland we sail along the edge of the East Greenland sea-ice, which is drifting around Kap Farvel (Cape Farewell) and then north along the west coast of Greenland. Day 4 Today we spend the whole day in the sea-ice, working our way towards the fjords of South Greenland. Day 5 Today we hope to reach Unartoq, where it is possible to take a bath in a hot spring surrounded by ice bergs. Later we sail on to Alliutsepa (Sudprøven), a lovely Greenlandic village, with a great series of stranded ice-bergs. Day 6 At Hvalsey we visit the best preserved Viking church in Greenland. Records show that there were Norsemen living here for about 500 years. If time allows we may also visit Qaqartoq (Julianahåb), where Arctic sculptors have created an open-air sculpture park. In the afternoon we sail to a beautiful glacier front, north-east of Qassimiut. Day 7 This morning in the Arsuk Fjord, we sail along the waterfall of Fox Fald, then use the Zodiacs to visit a large colony of Brünnich's Guillemots and Kittiwakes. In Ivittuut we walk along the remains of a Cryolite mine and around a small cemetery connected with it. Later we sail into Ikat Fjord famous for the curious underwater structures formed by mineral precipitation. In this area we see Musk Oxen, which were introduced into the area in the last century. Day 8 We sail the whole day, and keep a lookout for Humpback and Minke Whales We may make a short excursion into one of the many fjords near Pamiuut (Frederikshåb) and walk up to the coastal plateau, where we have good chances of seeing Ptarmigans. Day 9 Today we land at Nuuk (Godthåb), the capital of Greenland which has a population of about 13,000. The trip ashore should include a visit to the museum which has a remarkable collection of Inuit mummies, dating from the 15th century, which were found near Umanaq, further to the north. The Cultural Centre of Nuuk, which each year has an exhibition of the work of a Greenlandic artist, is also worth visiting. The oldest exposed rocks on our planet are found near Nuuk. The waters to the west of the town are a good place to see Humpback and Blue Whales. For sea bird enthusiast there is a colony of Puffins on Ravneöer, Brünnich's Guillemots at Nungarrussuit and other auks on Simiuttat. Day 10 We sail past Manitsoq and head east of Hamborgerland to reach the fantastic landscapes of the Sermilinguaq Fjord. Our zodiac excursions in this area will include landings close to large colonies of Brünnich's Guillemots and Kittiwakes. Later we call at Kangamiut, a picturesque Greenlandic settlement. Day 11 In Evighedsfjorden we visit some large seabird colonies at Taaterat and sail along some glacier fronts. This is a splendid area for walking, the local valleys being hemmed in by picturesque mountains. In the evening we sail through the long and narrow Søndre Strømfjord, where we may be exposed to currents with a speed of about 10 knots. Day 12 After arrival in Søndre Strømfjord, and before we board the plane to Copenhagen, we will have an excursion by bus to an area, where Musk Oxen were introduced some decades ago. Itinerary AMR07 Sunday 19 June 2005: Fly UK/Keflavik. Sunday 19 - Thursday 30 June 2005: 12 days/ 11 nights cruise aboard the Aleksey Maryshev. Thursday 30 June 2005: Arrive Sondre Stromfjord for flight to Copenhagen. 'Aleksey Maryshev' The 'Aleksey Maryshev' is a modern and comfortable research vessel of the Hydro-graphic Institute in St. Petersburg. She was built in 1990 in Finland, and was designed as an ice-strength-ened vessel, and is now under long term contract by Oceanwide Expeditions. She has been converted in the Netherlands for passenger use and is ideally suited for expedition cruising. The vessel measures 66 metres (210 feet) in length, 12.8 metres (42 feet) in breadth, and has a draft of ap-proximately 3.5 metres (12 feet), and a displacement of 2,000 tonnes. Powered by two 1,700 horsepower diesel engines, she is capable of speeds of 14 knots. She has a good anti-roll system, a range of 70 days independent operation and is ISM certified. The vessel is strongly built of steel with an ice-strengthened hull, perfect for the polar seas. The 'Aleksey Maryshev is manned by an en-thusiastic Rus-sian crew of around 20, all highly experienced in ice navigation. Russian captains are recognised experts in polar navigation. All the international expedition leaders and lecturers are highly knowledgeable, helpful and dedicated to the protection of the environment.
Accommodation : Cabins as described above subject to availability. Travel : The trip begins with a flight UK-Iceland. A taxi can be used for the short transfer from the airport to the vessel. The trip ends with a flight Sondre Stromfjord - Copenhagen. Flights from Copenhagen can be arranged, either to London, or some regional airports - please enquire for details. Overnight accommodation in Copenhagen can also be arranged. Leaders: Guides from Oceanwide Expeditions Prices per person:
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The prices are per person, and are fully inclusive of flights UK/Keflavik, the cruise, meals during the voyage, shore excursions by Zodiac and activities throughout the voyage, lectures and leadership by expedition staff, taxes and port charges and pre-departure information.
The prices exclude travel from Copenhagen after the cruise, overnight accommodation if required and airport transfers in Copenhagen and Keflavik, passport and visa expenses, Government arrival and departure taxes, travel insurance, meals ashore, optional tips to leaders and crew, drinks, excess baggage charges and other personal expenses. |