Sailing Holidays in Greenland
Join us for the ultimate expedition sailing adventure into this untouched wilderness. Sail next to towering glaciers as whales glide beneath you and the Northern Lights dance into the night.
Despite its name, Greenland is predominantly an ice sheet, second only in size to Antarctica, with long, deep fjords along the south east and west of the coast. Two thirds of Greenland lie within the Arctic circle with the northernmost extremity less than 500km from the North Pole.
This incredible geography has enticed outdoor lovers with holidays to Greenland increasing in popularity as travellers seek out lesser-known destinations. There are no roads to travel beyond the towns and settlements which means sailing in Greenland is really the only way to explore the breath-taking coastline.
With Inuit settlements, majestic glaciers, incredible marine wildlife and the world’s largest fjord system, our sailing holidays to Greenland are perfect for the adventure traveller seeking undiscovered lands.
Deep Fjords and Towering Glaciers
The west coast of Greenland is dramatic to say the least. The deep blue fjords are invariably dotted with spectacular angular pieces of ice which glide past whilst steep glaciers tower thousands of feet above. The landscape is remarkable, so vast and remote that exploring here often feels like you are the only adventurous soul in the world, participating in an expedition to a land that time forgot. Exploring the fjords and glaciers with a smaller boat means we can travel further into the fjords and this Arctic wilderness than larger cruise ships. With engines off, you can listen to the cries of sea birds, the crunch of ice and take in the sometimes deafening silence from the tundra.
Discover the Inuit Culture
Greenland is a North American autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark yet 88% of its population are Inuit. Believed to have crossed via the Canadian Arctic, they are thought to have arrived here 5,000 years ago with six different Inuit cultures immigrating over the years. The Inuit population in Greenland today is mainly descended from the Thule culture, believed to have arrived in 9AD. Subsistence hunters, the Inuit live primarily on walrus, caribou, musk oxen, Arctic fox, polar bear and seals. This reliance on hunting has seen the Inuit population remain in the more accessible south western corners of Greenland. During each venture, we aim to introduce guests to the Inuit culture and traditions, allowing the chance to appreciate these extraordinary people who have adapted to living in this remote, vast wilderness.
The Land of the Midnight Sun
From May 25th to July 25th the sun doesn’t set in Greenland. Instead, it remains visible twenty four hours a day. Whilst it can be disorientating, it is also a pretty cool natural phenomenon and makes for endless hours of exploration – some say it’s the best time to visit Greenland. On June 21st, the longest day of the year, the locals celebrate the summer solstice, which they mark as a national holiday. During this time you’ll often find locals out basking in the endless sun, enjoying a barbecue or gathering with friends, it’s a once in a lifetime experience!
Wildlife in Greenland
Home to the world’s largest national park, the wildlife in Greenland is a real treat with polar bears, Arctic foxes, walruses, seals, caribou and herds of musk oxen to be spotted amongst jaw-dropping scenery. The seas here are also teeming with marine life. Rich in plankton they are home to over 15 different whale species throughout the year. Whale watching in Greenland is unrivalled, it is also one of the few areas where you can spot narwhals if you are really lucky! Other species to look for are beluga, humpback, and minke whales are also easy sightings, depending on the time of year.
The Ultimate in Adventure Sailing
With much of the planet exposed to tourism, Greenland feels like one of the last untouched havens. A pocket of wilderness and solitude only available to those brave enough to venture into its untamed wilderness. A place of magnificent fjords, crystal clear ice cold waters, remarkable people, astonishing wildlife and untouched scenery, it’s one of the last true wildernesses on the planet. We’re really lucky to have a few boats making this sailing voyage possible and easily accessible for those adventure-seekers.
Destinations
Our range of vessels enables us to offer several destinations all over the globe. Which adventure will you choose?
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With vessels of all sizes and each with a unique history and construction, there is no shortage of choice for your sailing holiday.
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