Top 5 Ilulissat Private Tours: Discover Greenland’s Icefjord

Right, if you are thinking of visiting Ilulissat, that’s almost Greenland’s jewel, and you want to experience it right, choosing a private tour is like your golden ticket. It offers flexibility, it brings you a personalized touch, and a more meaningful connection to the landscape. But, like, with so many options available, finding the perfect one can be a little hard, maybe a bit overwhelming. Very understandable.

1. Boat Tour to the Icefjord

A boat tour on the Icefjord might be the quintessential Ilulissat experience, a little bit a must-do really. So, picture this: you’re setting sail, that’s on waters speckled with icebergs of all shapes and sizes. That’s almost as if you’re gliding past, right, towering sculptures that have been crafted by nature over thousands of years. Typically, these private tours offer a smaller boat, you know, allowing you access to the calmer areas of the fjord, that are, frankly, inaccessible to larger vessels. The beauty, that’s breathtaking, I mean honestly really breathtaking.

Usually, you can book tours that range from 2-3 hours, that depends of course of what you are keen to do. Typically, the experienced guides provide insights on the geology of the fjord, on the wildlife that you might be likely to encounter, and on the culture and history of the Inuit people. Some tours even include opportunities to listen for the calving of icebergs. That sounds epic! That’s as they crash into the water in front of you. Remember that it is cold! Wrap up warm.

These tours do tend to get booked up way in advance during the peak season, by the way, so securing your spot ahead, that would make a difference and will ensure you don’t miss out on one of Greenland’s highlights, obviously. I would suggest, anyway, reading what past customers have to say to learn more about what’s awaiting you.

2. Hiking and Walking Tours in Ilulissat

Actually, Ilulissat has incredible trails, that offer the chance to stretch your legs a little bit and to soak up the scenery at your own tempo. So, unlike a group tour, with a private hiking tour you can tell the guide exactly what you want, right: a stroll along the coast to challenging climbs. Very interesting, eh? One that I know pretty well is the hike to Sermermiut, basically a location with a fantastic panoramic view of the Icefjord.

Honestly, this tour also mixes cultural heritage and pretty unique nature experiences; Sermermiut is where the Inuit culture took shape many many moons ago, something your personal guide will be able to expand a bit. Or you might decide that a full day hike is needed, where you will reach the shores of a quiet, isolated lake with lots of wild flora and fauna. That’s awesome.

A lot of companies provide options to choose half day or a full day excursion depending what level of fitness you have and how much of your precious time you want to be spending up the mountains. Guides come with the full hiking experience and a great story telling gift to make you feel at home in remote Greenland, you know? In conclusion, comfy clothing is advisable and it’s pretty recommended.

3. Helicopter Sightseeing Tour over the Icefjord

Yep, if you’re thinking about getting a view, really an unforgettable one, a helicopter tour, right, it offers unparalleled views of the Icefjord and the wider region. What happens is you fly above the majestic icebergs, massive glaciers, that creates a surreal visual experience like no other. Now, what I will tell you is that these helicopter rides, they can be short, so maybe from 20 to 45 minutes. Also they tend to be on the steeper end when we talk money.

However, seeing Greenland from above is, in many respects, priceless, mostly for avid photographers who wish to snapshot icebergs and wild, untouched areas. Often, you might get to discuss a few locations to scout with the pilot if you do have certain photographic interests. Then, of course, you are able to book a longer tour so it lands close to glaciers for that full Ice Cap experience. Now, what’s great about it, is that many include pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation.

4. Cultural and Historical Tours

Now, apart from the jaw-dropping icebergs, Ilulissat is steeped in Inuit culture. Right, I would like you to come with me and check the local museum, Zions Church and the harbor to hear great stories, right. What can you expect? A connection, yes that’s it! To the Greenlandic way. The local community thrives still around fishing and hunting, usually the guides are natives so they will tell you great things from a place you thought you would struggle to belong to. You will love it!

Another option, is going on tour to visit the old settlement of Sermermiut. It’s amazing as it combines the raw beauty of Greenland’s nature but also Inuit past history. Another must do while you are around there.

5. Northern Lights Tour

Visiting Ilulissat in the winter? Perfect! Then one thing, a Northern Lights tour must happen! And to avoid masses, I mean tourists everywhere, a private one will deliver you, right, to more remote locations that are great for unobstructed views, you know. I mean, some tours go out on foot, other using snowshoes and often others drive you somewhere. Very useful depending how cold you are and what you feel like.

A lot of tour providers offer options that include hot beverages and snacks to keep you going in the cold. Of course, they will give you tips how to use the camera, that helps loads and where to settle down to picture that once-in-a-lifetime capture. Honestly, a trip to Greenland during winter could easily be one of the best experiences in your lifetime.