Port information & tips for Sullorsuaq Strait (Viagat Sound)
The Sullorsuaq Strait, also known as the Vaigat Strait, is one of Greenland's most spectacular waterways, separating the majestic Disko Island from the Nuussuaq Peninsula. In this Arctic wilderness, travelers experience an untouched natural backdrop of deep blue waters, gigantic icebergs, and striking basalt mountains that glow in golden colors under the midnight sun. The region is renowned for its world-class whale watching opportunities and offers fascinating views of archaic rock formations as well as the historic settlement of Saqqaq. Since no classic pier exists in this natural paradise, cruise ships anchor safely in the deep sound. Transfers to the shore are conducted using agile expedition zodiacs, which take guests directly to the coast, providing immediate access to the pristine Arctic and authentic settlements.
Arrival at and departure from cruise destinations in the Sullorsuaq Strait (Vaigat Sound) area of Greenland is primarily by air, as there are no road or rail links between settlements. Cruise ships usually anchor in the bay and bring their guests ashore by tender boat or Zodiac, usually in the nearest larger town such as Ilulissat, which is also home to the regional airport.
Airplane
Arrival from the DACH region usually takes you via international hubs such as Copenhagen (CPH) or Reykjavik (Keflavik, KEF). From there, flight connections to Greenland exist. Air Greenland offers direct flights from Copenhagen to Nuuk (GOH) or Kangerlussuaq (SFJ). Icelandair also provides direct flights from Reykjavik (KEF) to Ilulissat (JAV), Nuuk (GOH), Qaqortoq, and Kulusuk. Specifically for the Disko Bay region, Ilulissat Airport (JAV) is the nearest point of arrival. From Nuuk or Kangerlussuaq, you can reach Ilulissat on a domestic flight, usually with smaller propeller aircraft. Please note that stricter baggage regulations may apply for domestic flights within Greenland. Ilulissat Airport is located only about 4 kilometers from the city center, allowing for short transfer times. An expansion of Ilulissat Airport with a longer runway is planned by 2026, which could enable further direct flight options in the future.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Ilulissat Airport (JAV), you can easily reach the city center and the tender pier by taxi or private transfer services. The journey time is only about 10 to 15 minutes. Many cruise lines organize corresponding shuttles from the airport to the ship's anchorage upon arrival or departure as part of a Fly & Cruise package. Within Ilulissat, most areas are easily accessible on foot from the tender pier. For more distant destinations, such as the access points to the Ilulissat Icefjord Centre, taxis or the local bus are a good choice.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from the DACH region and the possibility of weather-related flight delays, it is strongly recommended to arrive in Ilulissat at least one day before your scheduled embarkation. This ensures a relaxed start to your cruise and simultaneously offers you the opportunity to explore the unique surroundings of Ilulissat in advance. Various hotels are available in Ilulissat.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Arrival at and departure from cruise destinations in the Sullorsuaq Strait (Vaigat Sound) area of Greenland is primarily by air, as there are no road or rail links between settlements. Cruise ships usually anchor in the bay and bring their guests ashore by tender boat or Zodiac, usually in the nearest larger town such as Ilulissat, which is also home to the regional airport.
Airplane
Arrival from the DACH region usually takes you via international hubs such as Copenhagen (CPH) or Reykjavik (Keflavik, KEF). From there, flight connections to Greenland exist. Air Greenland offers direct flights from Copenhagen to Nuuk (GOH) or Kangerlussuaq (SFJ). Icelandair also provides direct flights from Reykjavik (KEF) to Ilulissat (JAV), Nuuk (GOH), Qaqortoq, and Kulusuk. Specifically for the Disko Bay region, Ilulissat Airport (JAV) is the nearest point of arrival. From Nuuk or Kangerlussuaq, you can reach Ilulissat on a domestic flight, usually with smaller propeller aircraft. Please note that stricter baggage regulations may apply for domestic flights within Greenland. Ilulissat Airport is located only about 4 kilometers from the city center, allowing for short transfer times. An expansion of Ilulissat Airport with a longer runway is planned by 2026, which could enable further direct flight options in the future.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Ilulissat Airport (JAV), you can easily reach the city center and the tender pier by taxi or private transfer services. The journey time is only about 10 to 15 minutes. Many cruise lines organize corresponding shuttles from the airport to the ship's anchorage upon arrival or departure as part of a Fly & Cruise package. Within Ilulissat, most areas are easily accessible on foot from the tender pier. For more distant destinations, such as the access points to the Ilulissat Icefjord Centre, taxis or the local bus are a good choice.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from the DACH region and the possibility of weather-related flight delays, it is strongly recommended to arrive in Ilulissat at least one day before your scheduled embarkation. This ensures a relaxed start to your cruise and simultaneously offers you the opportunity to explore the unique surroundings of Ilulissat in advance. Various hotels are available in Ilulissat.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The arrival in the Sullorsuaq Strait is characterized by the impressive Arctic wilderness and, thanks to the ship's own logistics, takes place directly in the picturesque surroundings. From the anchorages, you can easily reach the settlements and natural sites of the region.
Expedition Tenders and Zodiacs
The way from the ship to the land is reliably covered by tender boats or Zodiacs. These flexible means of transport allow for a direct landing at the small piers of settlements such as Saqqaq or on the pebble beaches, while you can simultaneously admire the drifting icebergs.
On Foot
The settlements along the Vaigat Sound can be ideally explored on foot thanks to their manageable size. The paths lead you comfortably to the colorful houses and viewpoints, from which a magnificent view over the water and the imposing Nuussuaq Peninsula is offered.
Local Fishing Boats
In the small harbors of the region, local fishermen often offer individual trips with their boats. This authentic transport option allows for deep insights into local life and also enables a comfortable journey along the coastlines to remote glaciers and ice formations.
To experience the majestic wilderness of the Sullorsuaq Strait at its best, a combination of spectacular nature observations directly from the water and visits to historical sites along the rugged coastline is recommended.
Iceberg Panoramas of the Vaigat Sound
A journey through this legendary waterway offers breathtaking views of gigantic icebergs and steep basalt cliffs, while the Arctic light reflections on the water create a perfect backdrop for unforgettable nature photography.
Qullissat
This former mining town on Disko Island is now a fascinating ghost town, offering an impressive journey back into Greenland's industrial history thanks to its well-preserved remains and wild surroundings.
Saqqaq
The picturesque village on the mainland shore charms visitors with its colorful wooden houses and authentic atmosphere; at the same time, the surrounding area is ideal for easy hikes with sweeping panoramic views over the sea dotted with ice floes.
Qullissat
The abandoned mining settlement of Qullissat on the north coast of Disko Island is easily accessible by Zodiac and offers an impressive insight into Greenlandic pioneer history amidst a majestic backdrop of basalt mountains and ice giants. This place, steeped in history, impresses with its unique silence and also provides fascinating photo opportunities of the abandoned houses directly on the shores of the Sullorsuaq Strait. Thanks to the vast nature and clear Arctic air, you can enjoy a relaxed stay here, perfectly complemented by the observation of passing icebergs. Ideally, use the early morning hours for your shore excursion to capture the special atmosphere and soft light, and plan to return to the ship about sixty minutes before the last Zodiac transfer.
In the untouched wilderness of Greenland, the return to the ship is safe and coordinated via the central landing stage for your expedition tenders. Thanks to the manageable distances in this region, you will reach your retreat punctually and comfortably.
Expedition Tenders and Zodiacs
The ship's own Zodiacs commute regularly between the shore and your cruise ship, bringing you comfortably back on board. Please pay attention to the times of the last return trip at the beach or the small pier, so that you can enjoy the fascinating ice landscape in a relaxed manner until the very end.
On Foot through the Settlement
Since settlements in this region, such as Saqqaq, are laid out very compactly, you can simply walk back to the landing site at any time. The paths along the shore are clearly visible and, thanks to the direct line of sight to the ship anchored offshore, will reliably lead you to the meeting point by the water.
Coordination on Shore
The expedition team awaits you at prominent assembly points directly at the landing site and assists you with boarding the boats. The way back is thus designed to be safe, and thanks to the professional accompaniment by the crew members, you will return to your ship quickly and as planned.
