What will I do on a Greenland cruise?

Given the distances between landing sites, you can expect approx. 1 - 2 excursions a day lasting approx. 2-3 hours each involving exploring on foot and by zodiac.

  • Weaving between towering icebergs where photo opportunities abound
  • Walking the tundra, wrapped in its reddish hues, keeping a sharp eye for musk ox
  • Going ashore to explore small communities and their traditional ways
  • Scanning for whales and other marine mammals, common to these waters

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

Uummannaq

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.

People-Karrat-island

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.

Ittoqqortoormiit2

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.

Blomsterbugt

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.

SWO_3_Sarah_ALL_Payer-Land

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.

Rode-Fjord1
Swoop Says background image

Alex 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 Antarctica

Cruises in West Greenland

East Greenland Express

Saving three days at sea by flying both ways, East Greenland’s towering icebergs, vivid displays of the Aurora Borealis and autumn tinged landscapes have never been more accessible. Highlights include exploring Scoresby Sund, the world’s largest fjord system, and the…

  • 10 Days
  • $6,695
High Arctic Explorer: Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland

Beginning in Svalbard before sailing west across the Greenland Sea and exploring Greenland’s long eastern coastline to finish in Iceland, this is an audacious Arctic journey of startling diversity and contrast. Spectacular landscapes, towering glaciers and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters will…

  • 13 or 15 Days
  • $5,839
East Greenland Explorer: Icebergs & Northern Lights

Sailing in September, explore the massive fjords of East Greenland and their legendary icebergs, spot musk oxen and visit ancient and modern Inuit settlements, while late summer provides a great chance of spotting the Northern Lights. A choice of three…

  • 8 Days
  • $4,240
Northwest Passage, Ellesmere & West Greenland

Traversing west to east this voyage takes you to iconic sites such as Cambridge Bay, Lancaster and Smith Sounds and Ellesmere Island, before exploring the fjords and towns of West Greenland. Bears, narwhal, musk ox, beluga and northern lights are…

  • 17 Days
  • $11,995

Cruises in East Greenland

East Greenland Express

Saving three days at sea by flying both ways, East Greenland’s towering icebergs, vivid displays of the Aurora Borealis and autumn tinged landscapes have never been more accessible. Highlights include exploring Scoresby Sund, the world’s largest fjord system, and the…

  • 10 Days
  • $6,695
Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland Polar Quest

Introductions to the High Arctic don’t come much better. Traverse the High Arctic between wildlife-rich Svalbard, via East Greenland’s towering icebergs and autumnal tundra then onto Iceland. Aurora sightings are possible at any point. The longer trip also includes Jan…

  • 15 - 18 Days
  • $10,495
High Arctic Explorer: Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland

Beginning in Svalbard before sailing west across the Greenland Sea and exploring Greenland’s long eastern coastline to finish in Iceland, this is an audacious Arctic journey of startling diversity and contrast. Spectacular landscapes, towering glaciers and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters will…

  • 13 or 15 Days
  • $5,839
East Greenland Explorer: Icebergs & Northern Lights

Sailing in September, explore the massive fjords of East Greenland and their legendary icebergs, spot musk oxen and visit ancient and modern Inuit settlements, while late summer provides a great chance of spotting the Northern Lights. A choice of three…

  • 8 Days
  • $4,240

Plan your trip

Greenland-landscape3

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 …

Discover More
Kangerlussuaq-airport

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 …

Discover More
Greenland

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 …

Discover More
Help Me Choose

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 More

Ready to Book Your Arctic Adventure?

1
Listen

Listen

We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.

2
Match

Match

Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.

3
Reserve

Reserve

We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.

Our team of experts are ready to help you with any questions about a trip to the Arctic.