08
water surface. In some places, sharp edges like
oversized axes rise from the ice and in others the
ice is traversed by fine cracks that run through
it like veins. Almost everywhere is a thin, only
centimetres thick, transparent layer of ice over
a solid white core that looks like snow. In these
fantastic visibility, a safety line is no longer
necessary, because at any time the boat can
be seen from the depths, which follows the
divers between the ice floes on the surface.
The extraordinary visibility results from less
melt water out at the coast and the algal bloom
starts a few weeks later in the year. “I visited
Greenland in the summer when there was much
less visibility. Now I am finally able to check off the
09
experience in these spectacular
A small lion’s
conditions,” says Thomas from 07
mane jellyfish
Heidelberg. “In summer, the
(Cyanea capillata)
whales are the biggest highlight 08 Sunlight breaks
through the clouds
and in spring the icebergs
and strikes an iceberg
are the stars of the show,”
surrounded by ice
shelves
he continues enthusiastically.
Fortunately, the farewell is not 09 A diver sits in the
hole that has been
so bad, because it is topped by
drilled as an entry
a helicopter flight over the sea
point for the dive
ice. “It’s only possible to reach
the airport with a helicopter. For the boats the ice
is still too thick at this time of the year,” explains
the smiling Sven Gust, sitting in the bright red
helicopter as the turbines roar to life. SDOP
PRACTICALITIES
WHEN
April is excellent if you want to see
icebergs in great visibility of 30–50
metres. August is nice and warm with
many whales along the coastline, but
fjord visibility is very limited.
GREENLAND
TASIILAQ
KULUSUK
ICELAND
REYKJAVIK
HOW
Reykjavik in Iceland is served by all
major cities in Europe, North America
and Canada by Icelandair. From the
international airport, transfer to the
domestic one and catch a propeller
aircraft to Kulusuk in East Greenland,
a flight time of about two hours. From
Kulusuk, transfer to Tasiilaq village by
helicopter. This will all be arranged by
the operator when you book.
STAY/DIVE
Northern Explorers is the only
dive operator in East Greenland
(www.northern-explorers.com).
Accommodations are in small
huts in Tasiilaq, the capital of
East Greenland.
TOPSIDE
During springtime dog-sledge
tours are available as well as
snowmobile tours. In spring
and summer hiking tours are
also possible.
ENTRY
All passports need to be valid for
at least six months.