Kayaking Perlerfiup Kangerlua fjord was our second kayaking excursion in Greenland (July 18, 2024). Perlerfiup Kangerlua (old spelling: Perdlerfiup Kangerdlua) is a tributary fjord of the larger Uummannaq Fjord system. The Perlerfiup Sermia glacier, flowing from the Greenland ice sheet, is at the head of Perlerfiup Kangerlua fjord. At the time of our excursion, one tongue of the glacier reached the waterline of the fjord. A smaller tongue, just to the north, was hanging.

Launch

As with our first kayaking excursion, this one was a zodiac launch. It went a little quicker than the first time around, since we all had a better idea of what to expect.

Paddling

We paddled generally eastward, on a course parallel to the north coast of the fjord. The coastline was generally much steeper than Uummannaq Fjord, with almost vertical cliffs rising from the waterline.

The geology included thousands of small ledges, perfect for nesting. So we had the opportunity to paddle past a large colony of Black-legged Kittiwakes.

We also spotted some Black Guillemots…

…a Common Eider Duck (female)…

…and some gull chicks. I haven’t been able to determine for sure whether these are Glaucous Gull or Iceland Gull chicks.

We continued paddling eastward, towards the head of the fjord. Observations included the blockiness of the cliff walls. We also practiced our paddling techniques by going into / out of a shallow cave.

As we approached the head of the fjord, we noticed that the cliffs shrank in height. Soon enough, the two tongues of Perlerfiup Sermia glacier came into view.

Abbreviated Shore Excursion

At this point, just over an hour after we climbed into our kayaks, the paddling portion of the expedition ended. The same as yesterday, we climbed into a waiting zodiac to head for shore, where groups of our fellow passengers had been hiking.

We did not have time to hike up the draw carved by a creek. Instead, our small group of kayakers did just a short walk up to a rocky outcropping overlooking the fjord.

Despite the glacier being mostly out of sight, the views were excellent. I was intrigued by the sharp demarcation line between two shades of turquoise water – one fed by the creek and one by glacier melt.

Someone (not a trained photographer) took a photo of the three Bow Valley residents in our kayaking group!

Whitey gave us all two minutes to sit down and just enjoy the view before we had to head back down. Just like the day before, I found quite a few different wildflowers to photograph. I also spotted a sea urchin skeleton in the grass.

As we descended around the shoulder of the overlook, we saw the zodiac loading operation underway.

Our zodiac pilot swung east for a last look at the Perlerfiup Sermia glacier before heading back to Ultramarine.

Perlerfiup Kangerlua Fjord Fun Facts

• Known for its dramatic, nearly 2000 meter high mountain walls lining its mouth, among the most prominent walls in Greeland
• Part of the Uummannaq Fjord system
• Has one small tributary fjord on its northern bank, called Qaumarujuk Fjord
• Due to its remote location, the area remains largely undeveloped; Ukkusissat, on the northwestern tip of the Ukkusissat Peninsula at the mouth of the fjord, is the only settlement in the area

SUMMARY

We covered almost 4 km during this 70 minute paddle. Highlights included the Black-Legged Kittiwake colony, practice maneuvering into / out of a shallow cave and a waterfall. The weather was warm and sunny. Once again, there was no need for gloves or pogies.

As with the previous day, we had a bonus landing. A short trek to an overlook granted impressive views of Perlerfiup Kangerlua Fjord. Most notable? The sharp demarcation line between two shades of turquoise water.