How to Travel Around Greenland: Cruises, Yacht Charters & Sailing Expeditions

Greenland is one of the world's last great wildernesses, where enormous icebergs drift through deep fjords, whales surface beside glaciers, and colorful coastal villages seem untouched by time. Many travelers dream of visiting this remarkable Arctic destination, but most only know one way to do it: by cruise ship.

While cruises are certainly popular, they're far from the only way to explore Greenland. In fact, one of the most authentic and rewarding ways to travel around the island is aboard a sailing yacht or traditional schooner. Traveling under sail allows you to experience Greenland at a slower pace, reach places that larger vessels cannot, and become part of the Arctic rather than simply observing it from a distance.

Unlike large cruise ships that follow fixed itineraries, sailing expeditions are flexible. Every day is shaped by weather, sea conditions, wildlife encounters, and the interests of the group.

One morning you may wake up anchored beside a glacier. Later that day, you could be sailing through a narrow fjord surrounded by towering cliffs while humpback whales feed nearby. Instead of rushing from one scheduled stop to another, sailing allows you to truly experience each destination.

The journey itself becomes just as memorable as the places you visit.

Greenland's coastline stretches for more than 44,000 kilometers, with thousands of fjords, islands, and bays.

Small sailing yachts can enter narrow waterways, quiet anchorages, and remote locations that are inaccessible to larger cruise ships. This means more opportunities to explore untouched landscapes, walk ashore in places few visitors ever reach, and enjoy peaceful surroundings without crowds.

If the crew spots whales nearby or discovers exceptional weather in a beautiful fjord, the itinerary can often be adjusted to make the most of the moment.

Traveling by yacht brings you closer to Greenland's incredible wildlife.

Depending on the season, you may encounter humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales, seals, puffins, Arctic foxes, musk oxen, and countless seabirds.

Because you're traveling in a small group, wildlife encounters often feel much more intimate. Watching a whale surface beside the yacht or seeing seals resting on floating ice becomes an unforgettable experience that simply can't be replicated from a crowded observation deck.

A sailing expedition is not only about nature.

Many itineraries include visits to small Greenlandic settlements, where travelers can experience local culture, meet residents, learn about Arctic traditions, and discover what everyday life is like in one of the world's most remote environments.

These authentic encounters provide a deeper understanding of Greenland beyond its spectacular scenery.

If you're traveling with family, friends, colleagues, or a photography group, you can charter an entire expedition yacht with MoreTime Expeditions.

Our yachts — Eldorado, Amazone, and Unplugged — are available for private expeditions with a professional captain and crew. Every charter can be customized to match your interests, whether you want to focus on wildlife, glaciers, photography, hiking, or simply enjoying time together under sail.

Experienced sailors may also be able to organize an expedition with their own skipper and crew, depending on qualifications and the chosen vessel.

A private charter offers complete flexibility and creates a truly personal Arctic adventure.

Cruise ships introduce thousands of visitors to Greenland every year, but sailing offers something much more personal.

Instead of following a rigid schedule with hundreds of other passengers, you become part of a small expedition where everyone shares the adventure together. Guests quickly get to know one another, meals are shared around the same table, and every day brings new opportunities for exploration.

The freedom to spend more time in beautiful places, adapt the route to wildlife sightings, and experience Greenland from the deck of a sailing yacht creates memories that last far beyond the journey itself.

At MoreTime Expeditions, we believe Greenland deserves to be explored slowly, responsibly, and under sail.

Whether you join one of our scheduled sailing expeditions or charter an entire yacht for your own group, you'll discover spectacular fjords, towering glaciers, Arctic wildlife, and welcoming local communities in a way that few travelers ever experience.

If you're looking for more than just a vacation, sailing through Greenland offers one of the most authentic Arctic adventures in the world.