Fly-In Safari to East Greenland
On this 11-day expedition you’ll join our team of expedition leaders as you discover the vast beauty of Greenland aboard The Explorer.
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When to visit Greenland
Greenland offers a unique travel experience year-round, with each season showcasing its rugged landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant culture. Summer brings long, bright days ideal for exploring fjords, hiking verdant valleys, and watching whales near the shore. The midnight sun provides ample daylight for adventures, while late summer offers some of the best whale-watching opportunities.
As autumn arrives, the tundra transforms into a stunning display of reds and gold, creating a picturesque backdrop for photography and nature walks. The Northern Lights begin to make their appearance, offering travellers a glimpse of winter’s beauty while still enjoying mild weather. Winter, on the other hand, turns Greenland into a true Arctic wonderland, perfect for those who enjoy snow sports and want to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights in clear, crisp conditions.
Spring in Greenland is a time of renewal, with melting ice and longer days signalling the arrival of new life. The landscape begins to thaw, and wildlife becomes more active, making it an ideal time for travellers seeking a peaceful and reflective experience. Each season in Greenland offers a distinct and unforgettable way to connect with the island's untamed beauty and natural wonders.
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The best time to visit Greenland
Northern lights illuminate the dark sky. Mid January, the sun appears for the first time in Disko Bay. We do not run Greenland trip during this time.
Days are still short and very cold and we do not run Greenland trip during this time.
A transition month, as the hours of daylight and temperature steadily increase, the days begin to lengthen and the snow melts around the coast. March sees crisp temperatures and a blue sky. Fjords may still be full of ice and nights can be lit up by the Northern Lights. The return of sun, land, warmth and pristine snow is ideal for activities such as snowmobiling and dog sledding. Most birds return to Greenland in March.
Spring sees the first shoots of the native vegetation emerging from the land, in this short transition season you can watch the snow melting fast.
The spring thaw is underway and the days are mostly sunny and longer with temperatures above freezing.
The summer months sees long and bright days and you can cruise along the coast or take a hike on land, enjoy the tundra in flower and watching the seabird colonies.
The long, bright, balmy days of summer are the best time to visit Greenland for those who actually want to see a bit of green land! Most of the country’s coasts will become snow-free during these months and, especially in the south, animals like reindeer, Arctic hare and muskox can be seen grazing on the thawed-out vegetation. The sun rarely sets and the towns and villages are buzzing with light.
Visitors can see the Northern Lights as early as August depending on how far south they are, while the midnight sun further north provides plenty of light for travellers wishing to hike into the interior, sail down fjords and explore the local towns. Late summer is the best time for whale watching, with many species passing close to shore.
As the pack ice moves north in September, east Greenland offers a chance to explore this remote, unvisited coast by expedition ship , including the Scoresby Sund. September is the start of northern lights season.
Peak whale-watching season extends into early autumn, with observers able to spot blue, bowhead, fin, humpback, minke, pilot and sperm whales off the coasts, as well as belugas and narwhals. Autumn is when the Northern Lights start to become visible for most of Greenland, although it’s not until the depths of winter when conditions become ideal.
Peak whale-watching season extends into early autumn, with observers able to spot blue, bowhead, fin, humpback, minke, pilot and sperm whales off the coasts, as well as belugas and narwhals. Autumn is when the Northern Lights start to become visible for most of Greenland, although it’s not until the depths of winter when conditions become ideal.
June to September - Summer
The long, bright, balmy days of summer are the best time to visit Greenland as most of the country’s coasts will become snow-free during these months and, especially in the south, animals like reindeer, Arctic hare and muskox can be seen grazing on the thawed-out vegetation. Visitors can see the Northern Lights as early as August depending on how far south they are, while the midnight sun further north provides plenty of light for travelers wishing to hike into the interior, sail down fjords and explore the local towns. Late summer is the best time for whale watching, with many species passing close to shore.
December to March - Winter
As well as the Northern Lights, when conditions are dark and clear with a decent amount of snowfall lying on the ground, the winter months also provide fantastic conditions for dogsledding expeditions. Although you’ll have to endure short days in freezing conditions, you’ll be thankful to make it out under the open sky thanks to the crisp air and the few precious hours of beaming sunlight, which will turn the snow-covered mountains and ice-bound fjords into a truly magical landscape.
Greenland Safaris
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From 12000 per personThings to do in Greenland
See the Northern Lights
Viewing the Northern Lights is a bucket-list experience for many visitors to Greenland. The best time to see this natural phenomenon is during the winter months, but the lights can sometimes be spotted as early as late August. Northern towns like Ilulissat and Kangerlussuaq are prime locations for aurora viewing, often combined with other winter activities.
Go Hiking and Trekking In Greenland
Greenland’s vast wilderness is a paradise for hikers. Trails range from easy walks to challenging multi-day treks. The Arctic Circle Trail, stretching over 160 kilometres from Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut, is one of the most popular and offers stunning vistas of mountains, valleys, and fjords. Other notable hikes include the Sermermiut Valley near Ilulissat, where you can see icebergs calving off the glacier into the sea.
Kayaking In Greenland
Kayaking is a traditional mode of transport in Greenland and offers a unique way to explore the fjords and coastal waters. Paddle through ice-filled waters, past towering icebergs, and along rugged coastlines. Guided tours are available for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced paddlers.
Wildlife & Whale Watching In Greenland
Greenland is home to a variety of wildlife, including musk oxen, Arctic foxes, reindeer, and various bird species. Consider wildlife-watching excursions Observe the incredible marine life that inhabits Greenland's coastal waters, including humpback whales, minke whales, and orcas. Discover more of Greenland's wildlife here
What to expect from a trip to Greenland
Why Natural World Safaris for your Greenland Safari?
Small Ship Safari
Our small expedition ship gives us the flexibility to explore anywhere in the region. We have no set itinerary and a vast area to explore. This is not a typical tourist destination and we are unlikely to encounter other ships as we explore.
Your Expedition Team
With a range of backgrounds, all of our expedition leaders have years of experience working aboard ships in the polar regions. Whether they focus on photography, wildlife, history, culture or a mixture of all these things, they are fascinating people who will greatly add to your Arctic experience.
Onboard Lectures
Your expedition leaders will host informative lectures on various local topics. These informal lectures will range from the history of the region, to the effects of climate change on the habitats of Arctic wildlife, offering you a greater understanding of the areas you will visit throughout your trip.