Every voyage along Greenland’s west coast is different, shaped by wind, weather, and the ever-changing movement of sea ice. We’ll work through a maze of fjords and islands, balancing 25–35 mile sailing days with the occasional longer passage. The exact route is always guided by conditions. Remember, the adventure is real so no two journeys are ever the same.
Nuuk and the Vast Nuup Kangerlua Fjord
Greenland’s colourful capital, Nuuk, is a wonderful habitation with a deep Inuit heritage. Its waterfront is dotted with red, blue, and yellow houses and the historic buildings of the colonial harbour. From here we sail into Nuup Kangerlua, one of the largest fjord systems on Earth, stretching more than 160 kilometres inland. Sheer granite peaks rise over 1,500 metres from the water, glaciers spill down from the ice sheet, and an endless range of anchorages such as Qingaq Island offer superb opportunities for an introductory training sail followed by a hike into the hills above.
Atammik – Life on the Edge of the Sea
The small community of Atammik sits at the southern entrance to the fjordlands, its brightly painted wooden homes scattered along the rocky shore. With no road connections, life here depends on fishing and the sea.
Kangaamiut and the Southern Fjords
Further north lies Kangaamiut, a cluster of islands at the mouth of the Kangerlussuatsiaq, or “Eternity Fjord.” With its wooden church perched above brightly painted homes and dramatic mountains on every horizon, it is often described as one of the prettiest settlements in Greenland. The approach by yacht is unforgettable, weaving through narrow passages with icebergs drifting silently past. Once anchored, we can head ashore in the RIB to explore. The sea here is rich in wildlife, with humpback whales often surfacing to feed where the cold Arctic currents meet shoals of capelin.
Eternity Fjord – Glaciers and Towering Peaks
Sailing deep into Evighedsfjorden, we enter a 70-kilometre-long fjord system framed by jagged peaks rising straight from the sea, some soaring over 2,000 metres. Glacier tongues pour down between ridges, often calving with thunderous cracks that echo through the valley. The fjord’s name – “Eternity” – reflects its immense scale and the timelessness of its icy waters and you can usually see reindeer and white-tailed eagles along the cliffs.
Sarkak
On the northern fringes of this coast lies the tiny community of Sarqaq, set dramatically on a rocky peninsula overlooking Disko Bay. With only a handful of residents, it’s real, traditional Greenlandic life where fishing and hunting still underpin the community. The colourful wooden houses cluster around a small quay, and quiet paths lead to vantage points with views across the sea ice. Seals and seabirds are common in the waters, while the long Arctic twilight gives everything an extraordinary light.
Qeqertarsuaq and Disko Bay
Qeqertarsuaq, the only town on Disko Island, sits at the bottom of the dark basalt cliffs of Lyngmark Glacier. This island, shaped by ancient volcanic activity, is famous for its dramatic landscapes and green, fertile valleys that support unique flora. We can explore the shoreline on the RIB, squeezing between cathedral-sized icebergs adrift in Disko Bay and their vast walls glowing blue and white. Ashore, the colourful colonial buildings and black-sand beaches offers unforgettable views of icebergs scattered across the horizon.
Aasiaat – The Venice of Greenland
Aasiaat is a lively town scattered across a necklace of small islands at the southern edge of Disko Bay. It’s known as the “Venice of Greenland” for its many waterways. Colourful houses brighten the rocky shoreline, and we can explore the town’s museums, cafés, and history.
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