Top 10 Unforgettable Experiences in Greenland on a Small Ship Expedition
For travelers seeking a truly once-in-a-lifetime adventure, few destinations rival the raw beauty and remoteness of Greenland. As one of the last true wildernesses on Earth, Greenland offers dramatic scenery, fascinating cultural heritage, and wildlife encounters that are nothing short of spectacular.
This vast, sparsely populated island spans over 857,000 square miles. With only a handful of coastal settlements and scientific outposts—most accessible only by sea during summer or overland by snowmobile in winter—Greenland remains a rare and privileged place to explore. Whether you’re drawn by its natural wonders or its resilient cultures, traveling here by small expedition ship gives you front-row access to some of the Arctic’s most profound experiences.
Here are ten must-do activities for an unforgettable voyage through Greenland:
1. Cruise Among Glaciers and Icebergs
One of Greenland’s biggest draws is its jaw-dropping icy landscapes. The east coast in particular showcases towering glaciers spilling into the sea, many of which calve icebergs with thunderous drama. Highlights include sailing through the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord, where icebergs break off the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, and visiting the mighty Eqi Glacier, just north of Ilulissat, accessible by Zodiac or kayak for a closer look. This is where you’ll feel the true scale of Greenland’s wilderness.
2. Encounter Arctic Wildlife in Disko Bay
Disko Bay is one of Greenland’s most iconic regions—and for good reason. In summer, this iceberg-strewn area becomes a hub for marine life. Humpback, minke, and fin whales are regularly spotted, and the occasional orca may appear. Puffins, Arctic terns, guillemots, and other seabirds nest along the cliffs, while Arctic foxes, musk oxen, and even polar bears roam the tundra. It’s an incredible place to witness the interconnected life of the Arctic in a single day.
3. Go Whale Watching by Zodiac or Kayak
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of seeing a whale breach next to your small boat. On expedition cruises, Zodiac and kayak excursions let you approach these magnificent animals respectfully and up close. Disko Bay is one of the best spots for this, but sightings are possible all around Greenland’s western coast during summer months.
4. Discover Inuit Culture and Remote Communities
Small ship expeditions allow access to remote settlements where Inuit communities still live off the land and sea. With a local guide, visit villages like Qeqertarsuaq or Kangerlussuaq to learn about traditional hunting, fishing, and crafts such as bone carving and storytelling. You might even witness local festivals, dancing in traditional dress, or sample dishes like suaasat (seal stew) or fermented kiviak.
5. Witness the Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun
Depending on the season, Greenland offers two extraordinary celestial displays. In summer, the midnight sun bathes the landscape in 24-hour daylight. Come autumn or winter, the skies come alive with the northern lights. East Greenland is particularly ideal for witnessing the aurora borealis during crisp, dark nights.
6. Explore the Capital, Nuuk
Though small, Nuuk is a cultural hub rich in history. Visit its excellent National Museum, home to the famous Qilakitsoq mummies, or enjoy Greenlandic cuisine and contemporary Inuit art at local cafés and galleries. As the northernmost capital in the world, Nuuk offers a fascinating mix of ancient and modern Arctic life.
7. Take a Boat Trip to Uummannaq Fjord
Sailing into Uummannaq Fjord in central-western Greenland is a visual masterpiece. The region’s cliffs, glaciers, and multicolored desert rocks (rich in iron and sulfur) create a dramatic canvas. The fjord is also near where the oldest Inuit mummies were found, offering a direct link to Greenland’s human history stretching back 500 years.
8. Go Dog Sledding Across Arctic Terrain
Dog sledding is not just a tradition in Greenland—it’s a way of life. Join local mushers for a thrilling ride through snow-covered tundra, guided by teams of enthusiastic Greenlandic huskies. While summer voyages focus on coastal exploration, some wintertime departures or early spring cruises include opportunities for dog sledding in towns like Kangerlussuaq or Tasiilaq.
9. Relax in Uunartoq’s Natural Hot Springs
After days of icy exploration, the hot springs of Uunartoq near Qaqortoq offer the perfect contrast. Unlike most geothermal springs in Greenland, these are warm enough to bathe in. Picture yourself soaking in soothing water while icebergs drift by in the distance—a surreal, only-in-Greenland moment.
10. Experience Qaqortoq’s Arts and Ice Age Heritage
Located in southern Greenland, Qaqortoq is known for its colorful architecture and thriving artistic scene. Street sculptures and rock carvings decorate the town, and nearby excursions include kayaking, glacier hikes, and visits to Norse ruins, including Hvalsey Church—the best-preserved Viking ruin in Greenland.
Final Thoughts
From breathtaking ice fjords to vibrant local culture, Greenland is an ideal destination for small ship expedition travelers. Its raw beauty and remoteness ensure a deep connection to the planet, its past, and its uncertain future. As warming temperatures continue to transform this Arctic frontier, there has never been a more urgent—and rewarding—time to witness it.