Why Choose a Small Ship for Your Greenland Adventure?
Greenland’s vast ice sheet, covering 80% of the island, makes overland travel nearly impossible across its interior.0This frozen expanse, while awe-inspiring from the air, is impassable by conventional means, leaving the edges of the island as the best places for exploration.
Even along the coastlines, traveling by land is limited—there are no connecting roads between Greenland’s towns and villages, and railways and rivers are non-existent. Snowmobiles and dog sleds offer local transportation but are slow and impractical for long-distance travel.
While air travel is an option, it provides a much more detached experience of Greenland's rugged beauty. Seeing the landscapes from above is spectacular, but to truly immerse yourself in the Arctic wilderness, you need to get close to the ice, wildlife, and coastline that define Greenland’s character. This is where small-ship cruising offers an unparalleled advantage.
Wildlife
Greenland's wildlife and wilderness come alive when explored by sea. Sailing close to shore on these small ships allows for incredible encounters with Arctic wildlife. From the deck, you can spot fin whales, bowhead whales, and sometimes even polar bears wandering along the icy coasts. As you cruise past towering cliffs, you’ll witness seabird colonies featuring guillemots, puffins, and Arctic terns.
Smaller ships also enable more flexible itineraries. Captains can take advantage of favorable weather or wildlife sightings, altering the course to give passengers a closer look. Plus, the ships’ ability to stop at secluded landing sites means you can disembark to hike through Greenland’s tundra, explore Viking ruins, or simply revel in the sheer isolation and beauty of the landscape.
For those seeking an authentic, immersive, and active Arctic experience without sacrificing comfort, Greenland’s small ship expeditions are the ideal way to travel. You’ll have the rare chance to explore one of the world’s most remote and pristine environments while enjoying a luxurious, intimate, and environmentally conscious journey.