Kulusuk, Tasilaq

Greenland's settlements

In the land of Ammassalik

Welcome to the magical region of Ammassalik(formerly known in Greenlandic as Angmagssalik). Greenland is famous above all for its immense scale. Everything here is vast. In most parts of the country, sailing distances are measured in days rather than miles. The icebergs are truly spectacular, born from the Greenland Ice Sheet, the second-largest ice sheet on Earth. Human settlements are sparse and scattered, especially along the east coast. Fortunately, there is one remarkable exception: the land of Ammassalik.

We have 7 to 9 days of relaxed cruising ahead of us through sheltered fjords, with plenty of time for hiking, iceberg watching, and visiting several Greenlandic settlements. These range from larger communities such as Tasiilaq, home to around 2,000 residents, to smaller villages like Kulusuk, Kuummiut, and Tiniteqilaaq, each inhabited by just over a hundred locals. The route is also dotted with fascinating remnants of the past, including the abandoned American military base Bluie East Two and a former radar station, places that seem straight out of a Mad Max movie. We will also visit an abandoned Greenlandic settlement, the site of Gustav Holm’s landing, and countless breathtaking viewpoints from mountain summits. In short, it is the perfect setting for an unhurried voyage through one of Greenland’s most spectacular regions. Yet there will be plenty of activity along the way, as the entire itinerary is planned for just seven days! What makes this region truly unique is the narrow window of time during which it can be accessed. Sea ice often keeps the bay closed until around 10 August, while autumn storms begin to dominate the area as early as September. This leaves us with only a couple of reliable weeks for coastal cruising, and a limited opportunity to reach the region and return safely. If you have the spirit of an explorer, are comfortable with a degree of uncertainty, or simply carry the soul of an ocean sailor, consider joining one of the delivery or return passages as part of the adventure.

Bookings

4400€/person

Price includes:

Accomodation onboard, profesional skipper services, sailing certificate

Additional costs:

Voyage expenses:€550 (paid locally; covers food, fuel, firearms for polar bear safety, and port fees)
Guide:€600
Flights from Copenhagen: approximately €1,200 (both ways)

Terminy

Into Wilderness and Ice- 13 day delivery passage to Greenland- In Amdrup’s footsteps- look for more

The forgotten world of Inuit- 9 day alternative delivery passage to Ammassalik- look for more

Greenland’s settlements 1

Greenland’s settlements 2

Into Wilderness and Ice- September return passage to Iceland- look for more

Discounts:

5%: Returning client
Groups: 2 people: 3,5%, 3 people: 5%, 4 people 7,5%, 5 and more people: 10%,

Contact:

info@joinus.pl,
+48 660-211-765 (Office)
+48 501-314-144 (Marcin)

– I T T I N E A R Y –

The itinerary is indicative only and may be modified depending on prevailing ice and weather conditions.

Day 1

Embarkation

Welcome in America!

Kulusuk will surprise you from the moment you land. There are no baggage carousels here. Luggage is unloaded directly onto a trailer, and there is no shuttle bus to the terminal. You simply walk. The same applies to getting into town, so leave your wheeled suitcase at home. You will not find paved sidewalks here, only gravel roads.

Your yacht awaits at anchor in the harbor. With a little luck, the fog will clear and you will catch your first glimpse of Join Us or Sealady.

One of the greatest local attractions can be something entirely unexpected: hunting seals and whales. Local hunters casually head out in small boats with rifles, creating an Arctic version of a frontier pursuit while you are attempting to reach shore in a small dinghy. Here, that is simply part of everyday life.

Sometimes they return with a seal, sometimes even a small whale.

If conditions allow, we will reposition to Tasilaq later that same day.

Day 2

45NM/ [9h] of sailing

Kulusuk-Tasilaq-Ikâsartivaq Fjord, Tiilerilaaq

Tasilaq is the most practical place to complete our provisioning. We do not linger long, as greater adventures await ahead. Sailing through the beatiful Ikasartivaq Fjord, we reach the small settlement of Tiilerilaaq (Tinitiqilaaq).Home to just over 100 residents. A shelter bay welcomes us from the east, while to the west magnificent views open onto the spectacular Sermilik Fjord.

If there is anywhere we are likely to witness giant icebergs freshly calved from the ice sheet, it is here.

Day 3

35NM/ [7h] of sailing

Tiilerilaaq- Sermilik Fjord

Massive sections of the Greenland Ice Sheet break away and drift into Sermilik Fjord.

Conditions here are never the same. Sometimes strong winds prevent us from heading out, while at other times the fjord is so packed with ice that pushing north becomes impossible. On luckier days, the ice is loose enough for us to reach Paarnakajiit, a remote fisherman's hut and one of the last traces of human presence in this wilderness.

If the weather is kind, we may spend the night in one of the fjord's sheltered anchorages, surrounded by unforgettable Arctic scenery.

Day 4

70NM, [15h] of sailing

Sermilik Fjord-Ikateq-Isortoq/ Sermiligaaq

It is decision time. Do we head west toward Isortoq, one of East Greenland's most remote settlements, or turn east instead?

There are simply too many attractions for a single week-long voyage.

We may choose to sail to Sermiligaaq, a village of just over 200 inhabitants, where we will find both a shop and hot showers. At the northern end of the fjord lie two impressive glaciers, Rasmussen Glacier and Kârale Glacier.

Whether we visit them depends on time, weather, and ice conditions.

Day 5

15-45NM, [3-9h] of sailing

Sermiligaaq- Blue East II

We pass the Knud Rasmussen and Kârale glaciers. Visiting both requires a significant detour of nearly 30 nautical miles, so the decision depends on our ambitions and conditions.

The day's main attraction, however, is Bluie East Two, an abandoned American radio and military installation dating back to World War II.

The base was built in one of the few locations suitable for an airstrip. At the time, nearly 200,000 fuel drums were left on site. After the war, the fuel disappeared surprisingly quickly, while every remaining artifact gradually acquired the area's characteristic rusty color and became part of the landscape. A large-scale cleanup operation began in 2017.

This is also an excellent area for trekking. Despite the relatively short distance to the next settlement, we are likely to arrive late in the day.

Day 6

50-75NM/ 10-15h of sailing

Kuummiit

Around 250 people live in Kuummiut. In Greenlandic, the name means "those who live by the river."

Because the nearby waters remain ice-free throughout winter, Kuummiut is home to the only fish-processing facility in East Greenland.

The surrounding mountain peaks offer absolutely stunning views and invite us to enjoy a full day of hiking. It would be a shame to miss the opportunity.

Day 7

35NM 7h of sailing

Kuummiit- Ice Walls

A short sail, a peaceful anchorage, and a brief hike bring us to the famous Ice Walls, one of the natural highlights near Kulusuk.

Along the way, we pass an abandoned settlement, a reminder of Greenland's changing history and migration patterns.

Afterwards, we begin our return toward the port of disembarkation.

Day 8

Disembarkation

Kulusuk

An extraordinary week in East Greenland has come to an end.Time to board the flight back to Europe!

– R O U T E –

– W H A T T O E X P E C T ? –

Greenland’s Settlements

A week of coastal cruising through the fjords of Southeast Greenland, visiting six Greenlandic communities along the way. Discover both small towns and remote vilages, and experience everyday life in one of the world’s most fascinating Artcic regions.

Coastal Cruising

This voyage is all about exploring Greenland’s coastline. There will be no huge waves and no long offshore passages. If seasickness is your weakness, or if several days of continuous ocean sailing sounds less apealing than exploration and adventure, this is the perfect trip for you.

If you are looking for greater sailing chalenges, consider joining one of our “Into the Wilderness and Ice” expeditions. The summer passage offers more ice and better chances of encountering a polar bear, while the September return voyage provides more demanding sailing conditions.

Artcic Cuisine

Obtaining food in Greenland is not always as straightforward as it is elsewhere in the world.

The finest delicacies are not necessarily found in supermarkets.

Sometimes you will come across refrigerators standing on the beach and if you happen to meet their owners, half the battle is won. Occasionally, a wheelbarrow serves as a mobile cold store.

At other times the refrigerator is the ocean itself, preserved by salt, cold air, and Arctic winds.

During hikes you may find an abundance of wild mushrooms.

With a little luck you might catch your own dinner while fishing.

And every now and then, local residents may offer a taste of freshly caught whale or another traditional Greenlandic delicacy.

Feel like home in the Arctic:

One of the few Polish yachts equipped for serious Arctic cruising. On board you will find a watermaker capable of operating in Arctic conditions, an onboard generator, multiple heating systems, numerous additional upgrades and comforts designed specifically for cold- weather sailing.

In short, we are very well prepared for life in the Arctic.

Wildlife

You will not see musk oxen here.

Spotting whales or orcas is remarkably easy.

Actic foxes may accompany you throughout an entire hike.

Greenland’s famous sled dogs are usually tethered near their owner’s homes, faithfully guiding the property.

Polar bears are only occasional visitors to this region. If seeing the King of the Arctic is one of your main goals, we recommend joining one of our “Into the Wilderness and Ice” voyages.

Military relics

The abandoned military installations of East Greenland leave a powerful impression.

Historic sites such as Bluie East Two and former radio stations offer a fascinating glimpse into Greenland’s strategic importance during the Second World War and the Cold War Today, they stand as haunting reminders of a bygone era, slowly being reclaimed by the Artic wilderness.