Destination
Duration
Price
Trip Type
Difficulty
Baffin Island Kayak and Sail Adventure
Our Baffin Island Kayak and Sail Adventure is truly one of the most unique Arctic adventure tours available—an extraordinary Baffin Island multisport expedition that combines kayaking, sailing, wildlife encounters, and rich Inuit cultural experiences. The journey begins in Disko Bay, one of the most breathtaking regions of West Greenland, renowned for its towering icebergs, vibrant communities, and connection to traditional Greenlandic culture.
Our first day is spent kayaking in Disko Bay, where we’ll paddle among colossal icebergs sculpted by time and tide, and experience life in a remote Arctic town steeped in Inuit heritage. From there, we set sail aboard our expedition vessel across Baffin Bay, bound for the rarely explored east coast of Baffin Island—a region few kayakers have ever ventured.
Over the next 7 days, our Baffin Island kayaking adventure unfolds along the jagged spine of the Arctic Cordillera, a dramatic mountain range that defines the island’s rugged landscape. You’ll paddle beneath sheer cliffs, navigate around massive tidewater glaciers, and weave through a maze of sea ice and icebergs. Along the way, we’ll be on constant lookout for polar wildlife: from polar bears spotted safely at a distance, to narwhals, bowhead whales, and seals that inhabit these remote waters.
This Nunavut exploration culminates in the small Inuit hamlet of Clyde River, a community deeply connected to the land and sea. Here, you’ll have the chance to learn more about Inuit traditions, Arctic survival, and the resilient spirit of the people who call this region home.
Whether you’re drawn by the lure of Greenland kayaking, the untouched wilds of Baffin Island, or the thrill of Arctic sailing and wildlife, this trip is a once-in-a-lifetime polar expedition through one of the most beautiful and least-traveled corners of the world.
Travel is like an endless university. You never stop learning.
Highlights
- See massive glaciers and towering rock walls
- Experience the land of the polar bear and narwhal
- A true sailing adventure by crossing Davis Strait
- Enjoy yacht comforts in an Arctic environment
- Kayak where few have kayaked before
Itinerary
Starting in the picturesque town of Ilulissat, we’ll gather in the morning for embarkation. After everyone’s secured a cabin and safely stored their gear we’ll have a yacht safety briefing, get fitted in the kayaks and set sail for a short transit into Disko Bay. Our afternoon will be spent kayaking around icebergs and enjoying views of the Greenland Icecap. B & D
Transit over to the village of Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island. In the morning we’ll go for walk through the village, meet the locals and get a sense of traditional Greenlandic life. There’s excellent hiking opportunities that start in the village allowing us to get up high in the hills with incredible views of Baffin Bay. In the afternoon we’ll go for a paddle on the south coast of Disko Island, paddle beside huge icebergs. After dinner we’ll hoist the sails and start the crossing over to Baffin Island. B,L &D
Crossing the Davis Strait. We’ll awake at sea, and spend a relaxing day enjoying the rhythms of the ocean. B,L &D
Baffin Island will greet us as we wake up. We’ll enter Sam Ford Fiord and anchor in this nice protected bay. Sam Ford Fiord has huge granite walls rising straight up out of the ocean and massive tidewater glaciers. It’s a wild place. We’ll spend two days kayaking and hiking in this amazing area. B,L &D
A smaller but equally impressive Eglinton Fiord, just to the south of Sam Ford Fiord, provides some excellent paddling and hiking opportunities. B,L &D
An early start is required for the long transit around to Isabella Bay. This area is home to a large population of bowhead whales. These were on the verge of extinction during the late whaling period but are making a come back. We hope to not only see the Bowheads but to get an opportunity to paddle with them. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
We’ll leave Isabella Bay in the morning and make our way north to Patricia Bay and into Clyde River. This tiny hamlet has a population of about 1000 residents. It’s a traditional outpost that provides a brief insight into a more traditional way of life. We’ll go for a paddle in the islands to the south of the Clyde river before anchoring out front of the town in preparation for disembarkation. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Disembarkation day. After a hearty breakfast we will get shuttled over to Clyde River. We’ll arrange for a local taxi to deliver everyone to the airport in time for their departing flight. Breakfast
Accommodations
THE YACHT – ELSI
Elsi is 38 meters long, 7 meters wide boat. The boat was built in 1986 at a German shipyard as an expedition training vessel. It went through an extensive refit in 2013 and was used for humanitarian expeditions in remote parts of the world, Elsi started it’s new life as an expedition sail boat in the Arctic and Antarctica in 2022.
Elsi is sturdy, comfortable, and perfect for reaching out of the way, unique places.
There are two cabin options for guests. The boat has 3, twin share cabins with upper and lower bunks and 3 triple cabins. There are 3 bathrooms with toilet, sink and shower. The dining area is massive and comfortable, our onboard chef will keep us well fed with hearty and tasty meals. The upper deck is huge providing plenty of space to storage equipment and to relax while enjoying the incredible scenery.
Yacht Specs
Yacht type – Schooner
Length – 38 meters
Breadth – 7 meters
Number of Guest Births – 15
Number of Bathrooms – 3
The Cabins
The yacht can accommodate 15 guests. There are 3 twin cabins and 3 triple cabins. Cabin allocation is determined by the needs of the group. Each cabin has some storage and hanging space as well as a 220 volt charging station to keep your electronics topped up.
The Living Spaces
Elsi features a large heated saloon. There’s also a heated pilot house where guests can enjoy the scenery in relative comfort. There are 3 bathrooms each with a toilet, sink and shower.
Dates & Rates
August 13 – 23 – Full
August 24 – September 3 – Full
Prices from
What's Included
- 10 days on the yacht
- All meals from Lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 10
- Expedition kayaks, paddles, life jackets and safety equipment
- Two dedicated kayak guide
- Sailing instruction
- Guided walks and land excursions
- Use of a dry suit
Not Included
- All flights
- Accommodation in Ilulissat or Clyde River pre and post trip
- Alcoholic beverages
- Breakfast on Day 1
- Travel insurance
Weather
June, July and August are the warmest months in the region although the temps are highly variable. It rarely dips below 2 deg C and can get as warm as 15 deg C. The average temperature in August is 10 deg C. During August there is on average of seven days of precipitation. You should prepare for sunshine as well as showers. Wind is generally light to moderate but can shift quickly.
The weather is generally very good in Baffin during the summer. High pressure normally dominates with sunny skies and light winds. Temperatures in Baffin during August is normally around 5 to 10 deg C, cooler at night. Rain or snow during August is unusual but possible.
Trip Map
Pictures & Videos
FAQs
The weather is generally very good
in Baffin during the summer.
High pressure normally dominates
with sunny skies and light winds.
Temperatures in Baffin during
August is normally around 5 to
10 deg C, cooler at night.
Rain or snow during August is unusual
but possible.
No, we will take measures to stay away from these beautiful animals and view them from a safe distance if spotted. All guides are trained in polar bear protocols. They all carry a gun and although we have never had to shoot a polar bear all guides are trained to do so if required.
For emergencies there is an internet and satellite phone service onboard the yacht. Guides and captain also have VHF radios for communication while on outings. There is also a SPOT device for text and email communication via GPS.
Yes, the boat has multiple 220 volt outlets. There is plenty of opportunities to charge your electronics.
Meals are hearty. The cuisine is almost entirely Russian, which means lots of carbs and delicious soups. We are happy to cater for vegetarians and other special dietary requirements. Please let us know at the time of booking. It’s a good idea to bring along some of your own dietary substitutes if you have a specialist diet.
Kayakers should be of an intermediate standard and have paddled before on outings up to 12km in length. You do not have to be an expert or know how to roll but should have an adventurous spirit and recognise that the weather will influence greatly what we can and can’t do. This is cold water kayaking and should not be your first paddling experience.
Yes, we provide everyone with high quality drysuits at no additional cost.
Participation in any trip is subject to each participant reading and signing our Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks and Indemnity Agreement and any additional waivers that are trip specific (the “Waiver(s)”). If the Waiver(s) are not completed, participation in the trip will not be permitted. PLEASE READ THE WAIVER(S) CAREFULLY! By signing, you will waive or give up certain legal rights, including the right to sue for negligence, breach of contract, or breach of any Occupiers Liability Act or claim compensation following an accident.
The Waivers are provided for review and completion at the time of booking. A sample of our Waiver can be reviewed here.
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