Charter a private boat across the Ilulissat Icefjord to Ilimanaq — a tiny, centuries-old Greenlandic settlement of just 50 souls — for an utterly authentic encounter with Arctic life, framed by some of the world's most spectacular iceberg scenery.
What to expect
The 30-minute private boat crossing alone is extraordinary — the icefjord passage threads between colossal icebergs grounded in the shallows, with unobstructed views back to the icefjord mouth. Arriving in Ilimanaq, the settlement's ochre and red wooden houses cluster around a tiny harbour used by subsistence hunters and fishermen. A local guide walks you through the history of the settlement, the rhythms of Greenlandic life today, and the impact of a changing Arctic. There is time to simply sit, photograph, and absorb the profound stillness of one of the world's most remote communities.
Good to know
The crossing takes approximately 30 minutes each way; allow 3–4 hours total. Private charters must be arranged well in advance — contact the operator directly to confirm availability on your port day. Bring layered clothing; wind on the water can be fierce.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Ilulissat — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.