When to Visit Greenland
Greenland wears very different cloaks depending on when you choose to visit: spring, summer or autumn. Each has its own enchanting characteristics making it tough to decide which …
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What will I do on a Greenland cruise?
Given the distances between landing sites, you can expect approximately one or two excursions a day lasting around two to three hours each involving exploring on foot and by zodiac.
- Weave between towering icebergs where photo opportunities abound
- Walk across the tundra, wrapped in its reddish hues, keeping a sharp eye for musk ox
- Go ashore to explore small communities and their traditional ways
- Scan for whales and other marine mammals, common to these waters
Swoop says
I love visiting small communities for the fascinating insights into a largely traditional way of life in spite of the inevitable encroachment of the modern world: ubiquitous sled dogs, racks of drying fish and cheerfully coloured houses. However, this isn’t Disneyland. Discarded rusting machinery and drying animal skins are all part of life’s rich tapestry too up there.
Alex Mudd Head of Swoop Arctic
Cruises in East Greenland
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
There are few wilder, more remote places on the planet than East Greenland. Travelling by a small, very comfortable custom-built expedition ship, this voyage aims to showcase the best of Greenland’s eye-popping scenery, vast ice and exotic wildlife. Walk the…
- 12 Days
- $19,769
Sailing in August or September, explore the massive fjords of East Greenland and their legendary icebergs, spot musk oxen and visit ancient and modern Inuit settlements. Late summer provides a great chance of spotting the Northern Lights. A choice of…
- 10 Days
- $6,000
Exploring East Greenland’s wild, dramatic coastline on board a small, custom-built polar ship, this is expedition cruising at its very best. Hike the autumnal tundra in search of musk oxen during the day, with a strong chance to see the…
- 11 Days
- $10,796
While the majority of east Greenland voyages head further north, we love the spirit of exploration and contrariness of this voyage, which takes the path less travelled by focusing instead on Greenland’s little-visited southeast corner. Zodiac cruise and kayak among…
- 10 Days
- $12,543
Start off in Akureyri, then cross the Arctic Circle as you sail north across the Denmark Strait and along Greenland's immense eastern coastline. The final leg of the voyage is across the Greenland Sea to Longyearbyen. This is a truly…
- 14 Days
- $7,850
Exploring East Greenland doesn't get any easier. A short charter flight from Iceland saves you time and a potentially rough crossing of the Denmark Strait. On arrival, embark your small, expeditionary sailing ship and spend the next nine full days…
- 11 Days
- $6,250
Focused on East Greenland’s Ammassalik region, specifically the incredible ice-choked Sermilik Fjord, this trip offers the best of this entire coastline in microcosm. Travelling slowly in a rarely visited area, maximising time off ship to hike and explore the tundra,…
- 10 Days
- $12,180
Combining the majestic landscapes of remote East Greenland and a slice of western Iceland with all the trappings of travelling aboard a state-of-the-art luxury expedition ship, this trip overdelivers on every front. Enjoy the sensory overload of Arctic landscapes during…
- 16 Days
- $25,000
Cruises in West Greenland
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
This might be a short trip but it packs a huge amount in. Sail among the ice of Disko Bay and spot humpbacks hunting herring; trek to the look out over Jakobshavn Glacier; explore the settlements of Sisimiut and Itilleq…
- 8 Days
- $6,495
Threading southwards by small ship from Ilulissat’s mighty icefjord and down Greenland’s stunning west coast to finish in a former Viking stronghold, this is a dazzlingly varied voyage of towering ice, rich Inuit culture and fascinating Norse history. Sailing alongside…
- 11 Days
- $11,390
The Disko Bay to Uummannaq coastline arguably encapsulates the best of West Greenland. Travelling slowly, maximising time off ship as much as possible, and benefitting from a maximum of only 12 guests, this trip gets under the skin of this…
- 10 Days
- $12,090
This sweeping voyage stands out for its in-depth exploration of South and West Greenland, from the Norse legends of southern Greenland to Ilulissat’s mighty icefjord and Disko Island on the west coast. Travelling by luxury expedition ship offering multiple dining…
- 14 or 15 Days
- $14,200
Circumnavigate legendary Baffin Bay as part of this extraordinary Arctic adventure which cherry picks the region’s highlights. From West Greenland’s spectacular glaciers and pretty Inuit villages to the remoteness and rich wildlife of Baffin Island, this is a journey of…
- 17 Days
- $18,977
Top Landing Sites in West Greenland
Ummanaq
An unusually beautiful place, the view is characterised by the Uummannaq fjord, decorated by icebergs produced by the numerous glaciers in the region and by the striking fells on the Nuussuaq peninsula and the islands in the area. If you’re lucky, you may spot whales that frequent the fjord.
Life this far north is to a greater degree characterised by traditional customs and ways of life than further south, with hunting and fishing as a significant source of income. It is a fantastic place for hiking and spectacular geological phenomena.
Photo by Mads Pihl - Visit Greenland
Karrat Fjord
Karrat Fjord is one of Greenland's most spectacular fjords. Ringed in by magnificent towering cliffs, whether exploring on foot or by zodiac, there are unbeaten photographic opportunities.
Plus, the fjords rich marine life means whales are commonly sighted, and migratory summer visitors make full use of the cliffs for nesting and breeding. It’s often used as the location for an outdoor BBQ on the ships stern deck.
Trekkers on Karrat island
Top Landing Sites in East Greenland
Ittoqqortoormiit
Located on a rocky knoll at the mouth of the vast Scoresby Sund fjord system, the small community of Ittoqqortoormiit is one of the most isolated places on the planet and passing ships are always warmly welcomed.
Iced in for much of the year, hunting and fishing continue to play a crucial role. As you explore the village you’ll find Greenandic sled dogs everywhere (don’t get too close!), and its not uncommon to see animal skins hanging to dry. There’s a shop selling the basics and a post office.
Blomsterbugt
Nestled between Andree Land and Ymer Island, this sheltered beach located deep inside the NE Greenland National Park offers a great view over Kaiser Franz Joseph Fjord’s colourful mountains.
Enjoy a walk along the beach, visit the small trappers hut or go for a longer hike to the upper lake for a 360 view of the area. Its lush arctic vegetation is a great place for hares and lemmings.
Payer Land
This is often the northernmost area which the ice pack allows expedition ships to explore, before being stopped by the impenetrable ice.
Separated from Clavering Island by Copeland Fjord, its a great place for a walk, enjoying the dwarf birch tree in full autumn colours and the wonderful scenery. There are also good chances of seeing Musk Ox here.
Rode (Red) Fjord
Nestled deep inside the sprawling Scoresby Sund fjord system, Rode fjord is marked out by its rich red cliffs and iceberg graveyard.
Towering grounded icebergs make it a perfect location for zodiac cruises and this site features as a ‘must see’ on almost all itineraries exploring Scoresby Sund in September when ice allows access.
Plan your trip
Getting to Greenland
For such a large country surrounded by close neighbours, it isn’t a straightforward place to get to, but this is very much part of Greenland’s charm. Whether travelling by air …
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Greenland
From Greenland’s vast size and diversity of landscape to her welcoming people and vibrant city, it’s a staggering place on so many levels. For the adventure traveller, few …
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Help Me Choose
We're all clear on where the Arctic is located and why we want to visit, but its vastness and the sheer variety of experiences on offer can be a real challenge when deciding where …
Discover MoreFind Your Arctic Ship
Making the correct choice of ship is key. With firsthand experience of all of the ships we offer, let Swoop help guide you to exactly the right one.
Ready to Book Your Arctic Adventure?
1. Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
2. Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
3. Reserve
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
