Greenland Expedition Cruises

 A phenomenal region of dramatic landscapes, vast fjords, calving glaciers and gigantic icebergs, Greenland is renowned for its epic Arctic scenery. Embark on an incredible journey as you traverse remote fjord systems, including Scoresby Sound, the world’s largest fjord system, and the UNESCO ice fjord Ilulissat Icefjord, one of the world’s most fast-moving glaciers.

Arguably the most visually stunning of all the Arctic expedition destinations, an expedition to Greenland will take you on a journey you’ll never forget. Zodiac excursions will take you to incredibly remote areas of land where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the area and guided hikes will take you near towering glaciers while kayaking excursions will allow you to navigate floating icebergs at your own pace. 

Enjoy the beauty of the midnight sun with 24-hour daylight in the summer, or the chance to witness the Northern Lights later in the season. As well as experiencing the magic of Greenland, you will also gain a deeper insight into the resident Inuit communities and their fascinating history spanning back thousands of years through an array of lectures and immersive cultural tours to the town of Nuuk.

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Greenland Map

Best Time to Travel

Polar bear

Polar bear

Mostly seen in East Greenland around Scoresby Sound, opportunities to see polar bears are best later in the season from late August with the increase in sea ice movement.
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Humpback whales

Humpback whales

July to early September sees Greenland’s waters reach optimal nutrient levels and marking peak feeding season for humpbacks. They’re most likely to be seen around the Disko Bay region in West Greenland between July and August.
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Musk ox

Musk ox

Musk oxen are easier to spot when the snow has melted around mid-to-late summer. They tend to congregate around East Greenland and the Kangerlussuaq area.
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Arctic fox

Arctic fox

The summer season is the most active period for Greenland’s arctic foxes, and pups can be seen exploring near their dens in July. Their coats change from a stark white to shades of brown and grey during the summer.
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Northern lights

Northern lights

The best opportunities to see the northern lights require darker skies, which begin to arrive following the departure of midnight sun in late August.
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Lush greenery & wildflowers

Lush greenery & wildflowers

Greenland truly transforms into a colourful, flower-filled tundra that blooms with life during its short summer. For brighter colours, late June and July is best. If you’re seeking deeper autumnal tones, late August is a better time.
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Wildlife

Destination Highlights

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Ilulissat Icefjord & Disko Bay

Marvel at colossal USESCO-listed icebergs in one of the world’s fastest moving glaciers in this breathtaking destination that’s a highlight of every expedition. Enjoy peak whale-watching opportunities and the colourful houses that are home to the resident Inuit communities.

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Uummannaq & Qeqertarsuaq (West Greenland)

Uummannaq’s heart-shaped mountain landscape is a dream for hiking lovers, and Disko Island’s dramatic cliffs and volcanic geology are a stunning sight to behold. This is another prime region for whale-watching opportunities.

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Nuuk

Nuuk is the world’s smallest capital city, with a blend of contemporary Greenlandic life and deep Inuit heritage. Enjoy a variety of cultural events and tours, from museums and art to cultural performances. This is also the gateway to one of the world’s largest fjords, the Nuuk Fjord system.

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Scoresby Sound, East Greenland

Discover the world’s largest fjord system and immerse yourself in the quiet and remoteness of this pristine location. Set against the backdrop of towering cliffs, witness the region’s iconic bright blue icebergs glimmering in the midnight sun, or deep autumnal hues and the northern lights in the later season.

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Prince Christian Sound

This unique region of Greenland is one of the country’s most scenic routes, boasting tumbling waterfalls, and spilling glaciers flowing directly into the sea. Meander through narrow, winding passages between magnificent granite mountains as you pass beautiful Norse settlements nestled amongst the vast landscapes.

Frequently asked questions

June to September are the best months to visit Greenland on an expedition cruise. The Arctic cruising season is relatively short due to weather conditions outside of these months, so cruise lines will typically only sail throughout the summer, where warmer weather improves wildlife viewing and longer daylight hours for excursions such as hiking, kayaking and cultural tours on land. The best time for opportunities to see the northern lights will be early to late September.

Greenland is a haven of spectacular wildlife, from musk oxen and whales to Arctic foxes and seabirds, and perhaps, if you’re lucky enough, a rare sighting of a polar bear.

Yes, but not during the midnight sun season. The best chance to see the northern lights is during the month of September (sometimes late August), as the evenings get darker, making it easier to spot them.

Yes, Greenland is the perfect destination to experience midnight sun. Above the Arctic Circle during the summer, the sun never sets, meaning travellers can enjoy 24 hours of sunlight a day between June and July.

Weather around Greenland can be unpredictable and varies significantly. Even during the summer, temperatures can be cool, and guests should prepare for rapid changes on their expedition cruise, including potential rain, wind and on occasion, even snow.

Greenland currency is the Danish Krone (DKK), and although contactless and credit cards are widely accepted, it is worth brining some cash with you, particularly for when you’re on shore exploring the local communities.

Expedition Cruise Lines in Greenland

OUR EXPERT CONCIERGE

Lisa M
Lisa M

Specialist Cruise Concierge and Expedition Specialist

Andrew W
Andrew W

Sales Manager for SixStarCruises

Laura W
Laura W

Senior Specialist Cruise Concierge and Expedition Specialist

Katie
Katie

Specialist Cruise Concierge and Expedition Specialist

Claire
Claire

Specialist Cruise Concierge and Expedition Specialist

Stacey
Stacey

Senior Cruise Concierge and Expedition Specialist

Rebecca
Rebecca

Specialist Cruise Concierge and Expedition Specialist

Shirley
Shirley

Specialist Cruise Concierge and Expedition Specialist

Elizabeth
Elizabeth

Specialist Cruise Concierge and Expedition Specialist

Emma
Emma

Specialist Cruise Concierge and Expedition Specialist

SixStarCruises

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OUR ACCREDITATIONS

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Member of the Expedition Cruise Network

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Partnership Achievement Award 2026

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