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
Things to consider
- A ship’s capabilities in the ice is a key attribute, particularly in East Greenland where the pack ice can sweep down without warning
- Glance at a regional map and you realise that distances are large - ship speed is a worthy consideration
- The size, skill and knowledge of the expedition staff makes all the difference - particularly during tricky landings
- Optional kayaking is a popular add-on, however it’s not offered on all Greenland ships, so choose carefully
East Greenland trips on these selected ships
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
- $8,326
This extraordinarily varied two-centre combination Arctic voyage not only consistently overdelivers, but it's also sensibly priced for all you will experience. Travelling onboard an elegant, sturdy older ship, any shortcomings it may have in the luxury amenities department are more…
- 15 Days
- $9,449
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
Beginning deep inside the High Arctic and finishing in subarctic Iceland, we like this voyage for its diversity, sense of journey and extended time exploring East Greenland. Zodiac cruising among towering icebergs, glimpsing the Northern Lights and tracking musk oxen…
- 20 Days
- $10,000
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
East Greenland in May is still frozen and inaccessible, unless you’re travelling aboard this extraordinary icebreaker which is the only ship capable of pushing through the pack ice to explore this wild, pristine land in springtime. This is true polar…
- 11 Days
- $21,640
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
West Greenland trips on these selected ships
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
Spending time exploring Canada’s historic Northwest Passage and West Greenland, we like this voyage’s balance and variety as much as exploring little visited spots such as Thule, one of the northernmost towns in the world, and Smith Sound. Big ice,…
- 17 Days
- $20,521
Combining little-visited southeast Baffin Island with the towering icebergs and charming communities of West Greenland, this is an unusual and fascinating exploration of two very different Arctic regions divided by Baffin Bay. Sailing on an all-inclusive luxury polar ship, with…
- 17 Days
- $21,250
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
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
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
- $18,721
Featuring Greenland’s vast icebergs and humpback whales as the main stars, this voyage packs real punch. Highlights include the impressive Ilulissat Icefjord UNESCO site with its kilometre high icebergs, zodiac cruises, Inuit village visits and walking the rugged tundra. Combines…
- 16 Days
- $16,197
Swoop says
While there isn’t a plethora of expedition ships operating in Greenland, it's a strong shortlist. In Greenland it's often the actual itinerary which is the primary consideration, with ship being second.
Greenland Ships
Ocean Nova (68 passengers)
Scandinavian style and a stunning panoramic lounge, means this small expeditionary-style ship is a real gem in Arctic waters. The intimate nature of sailing on the Ocean Nova is not just down to her capacity to take under 70 passengers, but also thanks to fantastic crew that are so friendly you feel like you’re among family.
We also like that this is one of the few small ships sailing to the Arctic that offers dedicated single cabins. And though she may be small, that works in her favour; with excellent manoeuvrability and a high ice-class rating, meaning she can reach places other ships simply can’t.
Ocean Adventurer (134 passengers)
For travel in Greenland it’s Ocean Adventurers’ fast speed (17.5 knots) courtesy of new engines, spacious decks - so everyone’s got plenty of room for taking in the majestic surroundings - and good stability which recommends her. We also like her elegant lines and the big windows in the restaurant, so you never miss out.
An extensive upgrade in the spring of 2017 to all bathrooms, new Deluxe cabins and a remodelling of the dining room have further enhanced her.
Your vessel
MS Expedition (134 passengers)
What we like about this ship is her generous space throughout including the cabins, 360 degree Observation Lounge - a great place to stay warm while admiring the view - and huge mudroom, where you leave your outdoor gear instead of having to store it in your cabin, as is the case on most other expedition ships.
Also, her high ice class rating of 1B definitely makes a difference in East Greenland for muscling through heavy ice.
Your Arctic vessel
Ocean Endeavour (199 passengers)
While many of the ships plying Greenland’s waters began as working ships and have since been re-modelled for expedition travel, Ocean Endeavour is cut from a different cloth. Her profile is more akin to a small cruise ship. But don’t let this put you off - we really like the comfort and extra space this larger ship provides, while delivering a first rate expedition experience.
Plus, no other ship has such a large and experienced expedition team (up to 34 experts), or offers mountain biking.
Other Greenland ships
- Plancius
- Ortelius
- Le Lyrial & Le Soleal
- Sea Spirit
- National Geographic Explorer & Orion
Admiring pancake ice from the bow
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 …
Discover More
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
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 MoreReady 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.
