Wildlife of the Arctic: What You Can See Sailing to Greenland

One of the greatest reasons to visit East Greenland isn't just the glaciers or towering icebergs—it's the wildlife that calls this remote Arctic region home. From humpback whales feeding in deep fjords to curious Arctic foxes exploring the tundra, every day brings the possibility of an unforgettable encounter.

Unlike a zoo or safari park, wildlife in Greenland follows its own rhythm. Nothing is staged, and no sightings can ever be guaranteed. That's exactly what makes every moment so special. A whale surfacing beside the yacht or a seal resting peacefully on drifting ice feels like a privilege rather than an attraction.

Traveling aboard a small sailing yacht also changes the experience. Instead of rushing between ports on a fixed schedule, you'll quietly explore remote fjords where nature comes first and wildlife is often completely undisturbed.

The waters surrounding East Greenland are among the most productive in the Arctic.

Cold polar currents carry enormous amounts of nutrients that support plankton, fish and squid—the foundation of an ecosystem that attracts some of the world's largest marine mammals. Every summer, whales migrate here to feed, while thousands of seabirds return to nest along dramatic cliffs overlooking the fjords.

The region's isolation also plays an important role. There are very few settlements, almost no roads and little human activity outside a handful of coastal villages. Much of the coastline remains exactly as it has for centuries, making East Greenland one of the best places to observe Arctic wildlife in its natural habitat.

For many travelers, the highlight of the expedition is seeing whales.

Humpback whales are the species most commonly encountered during the summer months. They come to Greenland's cold, nutrient-rich waters to feed and are often seen surfacing close to the yacht before slowly lifting their enormous tails as they dive beneath the surface.

Depending on the season and location, you may also encounter fin whales, minke whales and, more occasionally, pods of orcas passing through the fjords. Rare blue whale sightings are also possible, although they should never be expected.

One of the biggest advantages of exploring by sailing yacht is the quiet approach. Without the constant engine noise of a large cruise ship, encounters often feel more natural. Sometimes whales appear unexpectedly while you're having breakfast on deck. Other times they surface beside the Zodiac during a landing or accompany the yacht for several minutes before disappearing into the deep blue water.

Every encounter is different, and that's part of the excitement.

While whales are constantly moving, seals are often easier to observe.

Several species live in East Greenland, including ringed seals, bearded seals, harp seals and hooded seals. During Zodiac cruises you'll often spot them resting on small ice floes, completely relaxed despite your presence.

Their thick layer of blubber protects them from freezing Arctic waters, while their streamlined bodies make them remarkably agile swimmers. Expedition guides will often explain how each species has adapted to survive in one of the harshest environments on Earth.

The cliffs surrounding East Greenland become incredibly lively during summer.

Thousands of seabirds return each year to raise their chicks, filling the air with constant movement and sound.

Among the species you may see are Arctic terns, northern fulmars, black-legged kittiwakes, black guillemots, common eiders and glaucous gulls.

One particularly fascinating species is the Arctic tern, famous for completing the longest migration of any bird on Earth. Every year it travels from Antarctica to the Arctic and back again—a journey of more than 70,000 kilometers.

Watching hundreds of birds soaring above glaciers and mountain cliffs is one of the unforgettable sights of an East Greenland expedition.

Although Greenland is best known for marine wildlife, the land is home to remarkable animals as well.

Arctic foxes are occasionally spotted during shore landings. Their thick coats change color with the seasons, allowing them to blend perfectly into the surrounding landscape.

In some areas, you may also encounter musk oxen—powerful Ice Age survivors that have lived in the Arctic for thousands of years. Their long shaggy coats protect them from extreme temperatures, making them one of Greenland's most iconic mammals.

Depending on the region and conditions, guests may also see Arctic hares or reindeer grazing across the tundra.

Polar bears live in Greenland, and they're undoubtedly one of the Arctic's most famous animals.

However, they are not commonly seen on East Greenland sailing expeditions.

Most polar bears spend their time much farther north, where sea ice remains throughout much of the year. While occasional sightings are possible, no responsible expedition company should promise that you'll see one.

At MoreTime Expeditions, we believe it's far more honest to focus on the incredible wildlife you're genuinely likely to encounter rather than selling unrealistic expectations.

One of the most iconic animals you'll encounter in East Greenland isn't a wild species at all—it's the Greenland sled dog. These powerful working dogs have been part of Inuit life for more than 2,000 years, helping communities travel across sea ice, transport supplies and hunt in one of the harshest environments on Earth.

The Greenland sled dog is one of the world's oldest and purest working dog breeds. To protect this unique heritage and prevent crossbreeding, other dog breeds are prohibited throughout East Greenland's sled dog districts. This law helps preserve both the breed itself and the centuries-old sled dog culture that remains an important part of daily life in many Arctic communities.

During a MoreTime Expeditions voyage, you'll often see teams of Greenland sled dogs resting outside villages such as Kulusuk or Tasiilaq. Although they may look similar to huskies, these are not pets—they are highly skilled working dogs that continue to play an important role in traditional Arctic life. Visitors should always admire them from a respectful distance and ask the owner's permission before approaching them.

The way you travel makes a huge difference.

Large cruise ships follow fixed schedules and carry hundreds of passengers, which limits how long they can remain in one place. Small sailing yachts are much more flexible.

When conditions allow, the captain can spend extra time in areas where whales are feeding, choose quieter anchorages or adjust the route to avoid heavy ice. Small groups also mean faster Zodiac operations, more personal guiding and a quieter presence around wildlife.

Rather than feeling like you're watching nature from a distance, you'll feel immersed in it.

Every expedition through East Greenland tells a different story.

Some journeys are remembered for humpback whales surfacing beside the yacht. Others for curious seals resting on drifting ice, thousands of seabirds circling above towering cliffs or an unexpected Arctic fox appearing during a hike.

That's the beauty of exploring the Arctic—nature decides what each day will bring.

With MoreTime Expeditions, you'll travel aboard a classic sailing yacht in a small group, giving you the best opportunity to experience Greenland's incredible wildlife in a quiet, respectful and unforgettable way. Instead of following a rigid schedule, you'll follow the rhythm of the Arctic itself, discovering one of the world's last truly wild places.