Greenland: Red Sails & Disko Bay Photo Workshop                
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Greenland: Red Sails & Disko Bay

Lodge-Based Photo Workshop
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Greenland: Red Sails & Disko Bay

Lodge-Based Photo Workshop
Upcoming Departures
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Trip Leader(s)
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Starting From [Block//Current Price]

Single Supplement: +$1,495.00
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  Deposit: $4,000.00  
Start/End

Ilulissat, Greenland / Ilulissat, Greenland

Length

6 Days/5 Nights

Fitness Level

Level 1 - What's This?

Group Size

Up To 16 Guests

Highlights
  • Iconic Red Sails Yachts – Work with two coordinated sailboats, designed specifically for photographers, to capture breathtaking Arctic compositions.

  • Photograph Some of the Largest Icebergs in the World – Disko Bay’s massive, cathedral-like ice formations are unmatched, even compared to Antarctica or Svalbard.

  • Expert Guidance – A second photography guide helps coordinate between both boats to ensure seamless positioning and composition.

  • Balanced Comfort & Adventure – Spend hours on the water shooting, then return each night to a comfortable hotel in Ilulissat with hot meals, showers, and a warm bed.

  • Unparalleled Arctic Scenery – Dramatic landscapes, glowing Arctic light, and ever-changing ice formations create endless photographic opportunities

If you have any questions about a trip, itinerary, or gear, our Photo Experience Coordinators are available for a personalized one-on-one consultation to provide all the details you need.
Trip Description:

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capture the legendary red-sailed boats of Greenland against some of the most dramatic Arctic landscapes on Earth. Two sailboats—each with striking red sails—work together in perfect coordination, allowing us to set up and frame incredible compositions that simply wouldn’t be possible otherwise. Unlike standard boat tours, these sailboats are dedicated exclusively to photographers. That means we go out only when the light is at its best, and the experienced crews know exactly how to position and maneuver the boats for the most breathtaking shots. They’ll sail back and forth, adjust angles, and help us get the perfect alignment with icebergs, reflections, and the golden Arctic glow.

For this workshop, we’ll have our own private yacht, giving us the flexibility to move at our own pace and focus entirely on getting the best images. Plus, two photography guides will be on board to offer instruction and coordinate shots. With expert guidance, unmatched access, and these iconic red sailboats as our subjects, this is an extraordinary photographic opportunity unlike anything else in the world.

Why West Greenland?

This expedition takes place in Disko Bay, home to some of the largest icebergs in the world. Even after traveling to places like Svalbard and Antarctica, nothing compares to the sheer scale of the ice here. Towering, cathedral-like icebergs drift through the fjords, creating surreal, ever-changing landscapes that are an absolute dream to photograph. The ice formations here are some of the most dynamic and photogenic anywhere, and the Arctic light transforms them into glowing sculptures on the water.

One of the best parts of this trip? While we’ll spend hours out on the water capturing imagery, we won’t be sleeping on a ship. Instead, we’ll return each night to our hotel in Ilulissat, where we can enjoy warm meals, hot showers, and a comfortable bed—something that’s often a rare luxury on Arctic expeditions. It’s the best of both worlds: all the photographic advantages of a small boat expedition, but with the comfort and convenience of staying on land.

If you’ve ever dreamed of photographing Greenland’s breathtaking icebergs, vibrant Arctic landscapes, and the striking red sailboats that have become an icon of the region, this is your chance. Join us for an unforgettable adventure and return home with a portfolio of truly extraordinary images.

Important Travel Information

  • Arrival Time: We recommend arriving in Ilulissat (JAV) around 1:00 PM, but as long as you arrive before 5:00 PM, you’ll be fine. A shuttle service to/from our hotel in Ilulissat is provided.

  • Getting to Ilulissat from the U.S.: There are two main routes to reach Ilulissat (JAV)—via Iceland or Copenhagen. For most U.S. travelers, flying through Iceland is the best option.

    • Iceland Route: Fly to Keflavík International Airport (KEF) and then connect on an Icelandair flight to Ilulissat (JAV).

    • Copenhagen Route: Fly to Copenhagen (CPH) and connect on an Air Greenland flight to Ilulissat (JAV).

  • Flight Schedules: Flight schedules vary depending on the day of the week, so be sure to check availability when planning your trip.

  • Booking Flights:

    • You can book flights to Keflavík (KEF) with any airline of your choice and then purchase a separate ticket from Icelandair to Ilulissat.

    • Alternatively, you can book a single ticket from your U.S. departure city to Ilulissat (JAV) through Icelandair, which simplifies the connection process.

  • Extra Hotel Nights: If you need an extra night on either the front or back end of the trip, we can assist with booking accommodations.

What's Included
  • All breakfast and dinners

  • Private red sails yacht charter

  • All lodging during the workshop

  • Airport transfers

  • All permits and park fees

  • Professional photography guiding and instruction

  • Gratuity for service staff

What's Not Included
  • Flights to and from Ilulissat Airport, Greenland (JAV)

  • Meals not listed as included on the itinerary

  • Lodging outside workshop dates

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Souvenirs and personal items

  • Gratuity for photography guide(s) & crew. Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities

  • Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance - see plans here.

 Trip Itinerary 

Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 1: Arrival in Ilulissat (D)  
Upon arrival in Ilulissat, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner where you’ll meet your fellow travelers and guides. Afterward, we’ll embark on our first photographic adventure, cruising into the renowned Ilulissat Icefjord. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to some of the most awe-inspiring icebergs on Earth, bathed in the soft, ethereal light of the Arctic evening. We’ll spend several hours capturing these magnificent natural sculptures. The next morning, if you’re feeling energetic after breakfast, you’re welcome to stroll through Ilulissat to witness the town coming to life.

Day 2: Icefjord & Colorful Villages (B,D)
Following breakfast, we’ll convene for a post-processing session led by our expert photography guides. This is a great opportunity to review and refine the stunning images you captured the previous night. The afternoon offers some leisure time to relax and recharge. In the evening, we’ll set out earlier to explore the picturesque settlements of Kangia, Qasigiannguit, or Ilimanaq, depending on ice conditions. These charming villages are known for their colorful colonial-era buildings and rich cultural heritage. On our return journey, we’ll navigate through the fjord, photographing icebergs that resemble natural castles, archways, and towers under the midnight sun. We’ll arrive back in Ilulissat around 2-3 AM.

Day 3: Villages & Icefjords (B,D)
After a leisurely morning and breakfast, we’ll enjoy lunch before heading out by boat to the small northern villages of Oqaatsut or Rodebay. Rodebay, with a population of fewer than 50 residents, still boasts a church, a small shop, and a school, offering a glimpse into traditional Greenlandic life. In the evening, we’ll travel to Sermermiut, an ancient Inuit settlement, and the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, the source of the colossal icebergs in Disko Bay. A short hike is possible here for those that are interested. We’ll photograph the Icefjord under the golden glow of the midnight sun, capturing breathtaking long-exposure shots.

Days 4-5: More Icefjord Magic (B,D)
After another late night, we’ll enjoy a relaxed morning and breakfast. Our guides will lead another post-processing session to help you enhance your photographic techniques. In the evening, we’ll return to the water for more iceberg photography. The Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers endless opportunities to capture its dynamic and ever-changing ice formations. We’ll cruise until the early hours, immersing ourselves in the Arctic’s serene beauty.

Day 6: Farewell Greenland (B)
On our final morning, we’ll gather for a farewell meeting over breakfast, sharing stories and reflecting on the unforgettable experiences and photographs we’ve collected. The hotel shuttle will provide transfers to the airport. Regardless of your next destination, you’ll leave with cherished memories and a portfolio of extraordinary images that showcase the Arctic’s unique beauty.

Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures, and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and landscape photography, we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions.
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Every trip with BCJ has been an outstanding experience. The guides are professional photographers who put the experience of the guests first. They are willing to provide as much hands on help as you need/want. The guides are also extremely knowledgeable and well trained in wilderness safety as well as the areas they guide.

BCJ trips are well run from the time of reservation through the entire trip. They will take you to great places and find great photographic opportunities."
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I have now been on 5 trips and each one seems better than the last. I find the guides to be very helpful and personable. The guides provide the level of hands-on assistance each participant wants.

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"I have now been on 8 trips with Backcountry Journeys. I love traveling with this company, as I am a woman traveling alone, and all I have to do is show up and they take care of everything else.

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We stay in great places and there is always too much wonderful food! I have met other travelers on their trips who will be friends for life, plus the guides are more than guides--they become friends too. I know I will be doing more traveling with them in the future."
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We’re so confident that the Photography Trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.

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All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
CONTACT US
Monday-Friday
8am to 4pm Mountain Time
928-478-1521
adventure@backcountryjourneys.com

TRIP CATALOG

Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.

BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.

- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
CONTACT US
Monday-Friday
8am to 4pm Mountain Time
928-478-1521
adventure@backcountryjourneys.com

TRIP CATALOG

Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.

All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024
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