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East Greenland
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'Professor Molchanov/Multanovskiy' |
'Grigoriy Mikheev' |
GMK15 15 - 25 September 2007 (11 Days) aboard Grigoriy Mikheev
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A voyage to the astounding fjords of the east coast of Greenland, where the Greenland people hunt, and where we may encounter Polar Bears, as well as a good chance of the Aurora Borealis in the arctic autumn!
We shall sail into the superb fjords of East Greenland, including, if ice conditions permit, Scoresby Sund, the longest fjord in the world, or Nansen Fjord, filled with icebergs and surrounded by high mountains like Gunnbjørn Fjeld, the highest mountain in Greenland. In these fjords we have a good chance of seeing Polar Bears as well as encountering Greenlanders on hunting expeditions. The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are intensive in these areas in September. We are offering these cruises on the Professor Molchanov, Professor Multanovskiy, and Grigoriy Mikheev, expedition cruise ships that spend much of their time in the Arctic and Antarctic, commencing and finishing with flights UK/Keflavik, Iceland. Please note that the following itinerary is 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 London or Glasgow - Keflavik, Iceland. We make the short transfer to the small port of the same name to join the ship. In the early evening we leave Iceland and sail west towards the Denmark Strait. Day 2 At sea, sailing north through the Denmark Strait. The rich seas off Iceland's west coast attract Blue Whales, the largest animal ever to have lived on Earth, who feed here during the summer months. It is believed that there are just 600 or so of these magnificent whales (out of a world population of around 6,000) in the North Atlantic. We may also see Orcas (Killer Whales), and are almost certain to see Fulmars, Kittiwakes, Gannets and rafts of Common Guillemots and Razorbills. We cross the Arctic Circle and continue north, perhaps seeing White-beaked Dolphins, Humpback and Minke Whales. When East Greenland ice conditions are light, (about 70% chance each year): Scoresby Sund Day 3 In the morning our first icebergs appear as we approach the east coast of Greenland, passing the huge cliff face of Kap Brewster, at the mouth of Scoresby Sund. Since the waters at the entrance to the world's longest fjord remain ice-free almost all winter, it is an excellent place for viewing seals. The area is also home to the only large seabird colonies on the eastern coast of Greenland. We offer an optional and fairly strenuous hike and climb across the valley to the plateau of Kap Brewster, from where breathtaking views unfold over the fjord, Liverpool Land and the sea. On the way we may spot a variety of land birds, among them the majestic Gyr Falcon, Wheatears and tuneful Snow Buntings, and Arctic Hares. In the evening we sail further into Scoresby Sund, along the rugged and glaciated Volquart Boons Coast. Day 4 We continue along Scoresby Sund, taking the Zodiacs for a spectacular cruise along the glacier front in Vikingebugt, a bay surrounded by striking basalt mountains. Later we land on Danmark Ø where there are the remains of an Inuit settlement and burial ground, abandoned around 200 years ago. The circular 'tent rings' of stones indicate the summer houses, while the winter dwellings can be seen closer to a small cape. The sites are in excellent condition, allowing entrances and even bear-proof meat caches to be identified. Day 5 We go ashore at Cape Hofmann Halvø, a reliable spot for viewing Musk Oxen. Here we may also spot Rock Ptarmigan, while Great Northern Divers, with their stunning plumage and unmistakeable profile, can be observed cruising offshore. The landscape here is particularly beautiful, especially during autumn when Dwarf Willow and Dwarf Birch turn to a blaze of colour. Arctic Bilberry and Crowberry add their own colourful touch - and the berries are tasty too! Later, we cruise by Zodiac among huge icebergs calved from the 3km wide front of the Eielson Glacier, and may also see Ringed Seals as well as distant views of Musk Oxen on shore. In the evening we sail through the fjord towards Scoresby Land, enjoying the contrast between the cold blue of the icebergs, the warm autumnal colours of the tundra, and the imposing backdrop of dark mountains. Day 6 On our way to Sydkap in Scoresby Land in the morning, we encounter colossal icebergs, some over 100m high and more than a kilometre in length. As the fjord is only about 400m deep here, most of the 'bergs' are grounded and will take many years to melt down. We land near Sydkap to view the remains of some Thule culture winter dwellings. As many as 20 people lived in these tiny houses, hunting Greenland Whales and using their vertebrae to support the roof. We may also land at Gurreholm on Jameson Land, a gently undulating landscape, but with a harsh climate. Though snow sometimes lies throughout the summer, Musk Oxen manage to survive on the meagre vegetation, along with Collared Lemmings, who attract predatory Long-tailed Skua, Snowy Owl and Arctic Fox to the area. Day 7 We land in Illoqqortoormiut, the principal settlement in the Scoresby Sund region, with about 500 inhabitants. At the post office you can buy stamps for your postcards, or just wander around to see the sledge dogs tethered outside the brightly painted wooden homes, waiting patiently for the first snows of winter. Hung out to dry are the skins of Seal, Musk Ox and Polar Bear, which betray the hunting livelihood of many of the local people in this far-flung place. After lunch we will sail south, passing the amazing landscape of the Blosseville Coast where groups of Harp Seals can be spotted among the ice floes. Day 8 We continue along the Blosseville Coast with wonderful views of snow covered peaks - these are the highest mountains of Greenland, some of them reaching over 3,000 m. At the mouth of Nansen Fjord we are in view of Gunnbjørns Fjeld, at 3,700m both the highest peak in Greenland and the highest mountain north of the Arctic Circle. Next we sail into Mikis Fjord, bounded by steep cliffs and a place where we sometimes spot Polar Bear, Ringed and Harp Seals. At Södalen at the head of Mikis Fjord we land in a marshy delta. There are good populations of both Common and Arctic Redpolls, as well as a chance of seeing flocks of Barnacle Geese and Pink-footed Geese. Day 9 In the morning, we head south for Kangerlussuaq fjord where glaciers reach the sea creating a fabulous landscape of glacier fronts, icebergs and cliffs. On shore the remains of dwellings of the Thule culture people can be seen. The fjord is also a good place to see Polar Bears and Ivory Gulls. We conclude the day with a Zodiac trip to Skaergårdshalvø, a popular summer hunting ground for the people of Ammassalik. Most years a number of families arrive here in early summer and stay until the end of the hunting season and we might be able to meet them. In the afternoon we will sail south-east towards the Denmark Strait. Day 10 The whole day at sea with excellent opportunities to see large whales and seabird migration. If the sky is clear at night the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) may be seen. Day 11 Arrive in Keflavik, and transfer to the airport for the flight to London or Glasgow. Alternative when East Greenland ice conditions are heavy, (about 30% chance each year): Ammassalik Day 3 At the mouth of Nansen Fjord we are in view of Gunnbjørns Fjeld, at 3,700m both the highest peak in Greenland and the highest mountain north of the Arctic Circle. Next we sail into Mikis Fjord, bounded by steep cliffs and a place where we sometimes spot Polar Bear, Ringed and Harp Seals. In the afternoon, we land at the head of the fjord at Sødalen, whose fertile marshes attract migrating flocks of Barnacle and Pink-footed Geese. This is a rewarding area for walking and birdwatching, both near the mouth of the river and further up the valley, where both Common and Arctic Redpolls can be observed. Day 4 In the morning we sail into the Kangerlussuaq fjord where glaciers reach the sea creating a fabulous landscape of glacier fronts, icebergs and cliffs. In this beautiful but harsh setting, we come across the remains of dwellings of Thule culture people. Polar Bears are sometimes spotted patrolling the shore, top predators who are as at home in the sea as they are on land, while Ivory Gulls, a true bird of the Arctic, can be observed in flight over the fjord. After several landings we sail out of the fjord in the evening. Day 5 Today we explore the Tassilaq and Kangertigtivatsiaq Fjords, both hemmed in by towering mountains. Sangmilik is one of the few landing sites in these fjords and once ashore there is a chance to pick delicious Arctic Bilberries and Crowberries. We then take a Zodiac trip along the impressive front of the Glacier de France in Schweizerland, an area packed with giant icebergs and frequented by hunters from the Ammassalik area. Day 6 Ammassalik is the largest town in East Greenland and the centre for several small outlying hunting and fishing settlements. The population of about 3,000 live by hunting Walrus, Narwhal and Polar Bear, and fishing for Arctic Char. We will spend the whole day in and near this friendly town which offers an excellent opportunity to experience modern Greenlandic culture. Day 7 In Køge Bugt (Ikeq) the Greenland icecap reaches the sea and can be easily and safely accessed on foot. Those who have visited Antarctica will note the similarities of the landscape, with giant tabular icebergs calving from vast glacier fronts. We intend to land at Husryggen, an abandoned settlement from the sixties. Nearby at Umivik we look for the place where Nansen went ashore and started his epic traverse of the Greenland Icecap. Day 8 Some of the most the breathtaking landscapes in the whole of Greenland are the highlight today as we circumnavigate the fantastic Skjoldungen Island. Ringed Seals are frequently seen here. At the southern end we sail by a deserted Greenlandic settlement, while further into the fjord we land near the remains of a Thule culture settlement at Qoornoq. We make a landing in the Balder Fjord with its stunning geological formations. Days 9 & 10 We return across the Denmark Strait, again keeping a sharp lookout for whales, which gather to feed in the nutrient-rich waters west of Iceland. At this time of year, a clear night sky may bring the awesome spectacle of the Aurora Borealis (the Northern Lights). Day 11 Arrive and disembark in Keflavik for our return flight to London or Glasgow. Please Note: Depending on weather conditions (specifically the ice conditions and direction of the wind) on Day 1 we may decide to make this voyage in reverse, sailing first to Skjoldungen and departing from Nansen Fjord. M/V Professor Molchanov and Professor Multanovskiy
M/V Grigoriy Mikheev and Aleksey Maryshev
Accommodation : Cabins as described above subject to availability. Travel : We fly London-Keflavik. Flights to and from Glasgow can also be arranged. A taxi can be used for the short transfer from the airport to the vessel. Leaders: Guides from Oceanwide Expeditions Prices per person:
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The prices are per person, and are fully inclusive of return 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 taxi transfers Keflavik port - airport, travel insurance, passport and visa expenses, Government arrival and departure taxes, meals ashore, optional tips to leaders and crew, drinks, excess baggage charges and other personal expenses. For a price ex-flight UK/Iceland, please deduct £ 275 from the total cost. |
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