Charter an expedition yacht on your very own adventure to the land of the midnight sun
The east coast of Greenland: A country of vast, untouched beauty.
Traditional charter holidays see most yachts flocking to the Mediterranean or Caribbean in search of warm weather and pristine diving spots, neglecting the wonders of the far north.
Expedition yachts are opening up the farthest reaches of the globe for those whom have always wanted adventure and a unique experience. From the stunning glaciers to the comical puffins and curious wales, Greenland and Svalbard are rich in scenery and wildlife not seen in any other part of the world.
Awarded the Lonely Planet recommendation of ‘Best in Travel 2016 – Top 10 Country’, Greenland is a once in a lifetime opportunity to combine the best in exploration and relaxation. With current temperatures peaking around 10°C/ 50°F, July is a perfect time to catch the last of the midnight sun on a luxury charter.
Whale watching
See some of some of the world’s most endangered species in their vanishing natural habitat. As you cruise through a land that can be both vibrant and monochrome, the sea life will occasionally break the surface to greet you. Expect fantastic displays from orcas, or humpback whales sending columns of water skywards before sliding out of sight under the mirror-like surface.
Whale watching need not be a passive activity: many visitors to west Greenland get great up close views as they kayak around the coastline or scuba dive in the bays.
Kayaking amongst the glaciers
Kayaking began in the Arctic and was used my successive waves of immigrants to arrive at and hunt in Greenland. To this day, it is still a powerful symbol of national identity and there are plenty of opportunities to take to the water on a tour.
You may encounter seals, whales and puffins along the craggy shoreline before you discover colourful Greenlandic settlements or old ruins right around the bend.
Dog sledding
Dog sledding is still used as transport across Greenland toady.
Head inland and you will have the unique opportunity of travelling across the icy tundra by traditional dog sled. Still used as a method of travel today when hunting, dog sledding is found along the entire east coast of Greenland and north of the Arctic Circle on the west coast. Dog sledding tours can last anything from a few hours to days at a time.
The Ilulissat Icefjord
In 2004, the Ilulissat Icefjord became one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites – and it isn’t hard to see why. The stunning scenery and ever-changing glaciers make this location on the west coast of Greenland a dream for photographers and adventurers.
The sea mouth at Sermeq Kujalleq is one of the most active glaciers in the world, changing at a rate of 19 metres per day. It has been a topic of study for over 250 years and has helped form understanding of climate change.
Scuba diving
Scuba diving at Disko Bay in Greenland
The clear waters of Greenland make it an ideal spot for cold water diving. Divers that hold PADI OWA certification can go with a guide to get up close to the shipwrecks along the coast of Greenland, touch the glass-like ice sheets hidden under the surface and interact with the unusual wildlife. The sheltered conditions around the Davis Strait prevent the water temperature from fluctuating too much throughout the year, making it an excellent dive location.
At Tasilaq on the east coast, you can dive amongst blue icebergs, ice caves and coral, not to mention the tiny lumpsucker fish, sea cucumbers and Greenland sharks. Sheltered cold water areas are abundant wildlife and are second only to coral reefs for their diversity.
Hot springs
The Uunartoq hot springs is a favourite with locals and visitors. Image © Alessandra Meniconzt.
Warm up amongst the thousands of natural hot springs scattered throughout Greenland, the most famous of which is on the island of Uunartoq. Three springs feed into a pool that remains around a stable and tempting 38°C throughout the year. Dip into the warm waters surrounded by the icebergs and fields of wildflowers on an island as yet untouched by commercialisation.
There are many springs on Disko Island and some along the east coast, although not all are a comfortable temperature for bathing.
The Northern Lights
The Northern Lights over Greenland
Whenever Greenland is mentioned, imagination tends to head towards towering, icy glaciers, cold temperatures, and the spectacular northern lights. Appearing in the sky from autumn until late winter, this natural phenomenon awes even the locals who live under it year after year.
Greenland is one of the best countries in the world to see the Aurora Borealis at its most vivid: Check whether all your activities are available during your travel dates, then charter a yacht to Greenland and experience the beauty for yourself.
Explore in comfort and style
Discover Greenland today aboard one of the many sumptuous expedition yachts available from CharterWorld. Combining power and luxury, your journey through the icebergs and frozen seas will be one that is safe, warm and memorable. Here are three expedition yachts ready for your Greenland charter.
67m expedition yacht GLOBAL (ex Allure)
Want to explore beyond the waters? 67m/220ft expedition yacht GLOBAL is fitted for exploration, with a helicopter landing pad and a Smart car and 2 scooters on board for inland exploration. Amongst the myriad of water toys are 4 kayaks – perfect for engaging in the culture of the country which is arguably the spiritual home of kayaking. As a yacht built in 1982, superyacht GLOBAL has features rarely seen in modern yachts, such as her large rounded porthole windows. She is an ideal charter for anyone looking for a classic yacht with all the comfort and amenities of a modern refit.
Luxury yacht ICE ANGEL – Saloon
Heesen’s 60m/197ft modern beauty ICE ANGEL was built in 2009 and refitted as recently as 2013. As an RYA Approved Water Sports Centre offering plenty of deck space as well as a movie theatre, she has plenty to offer guests during your charter. Aptly named, luxury yacht ICE ANGEL will see guests through the ice sheets to the best whale watching territories and diving spots throughout Greenland.
Superyacht Enigma XK – Interior
Built in 1987, motor yacht ENIGMA XK has undertaken many visits up to the Arctic Circle. Her recent refit in 2013 resulted in a yacht conversion award and her interior has been updated for timeless elegance and state-of-the-art facilities. With a helipad and a Wrangler Jeep aboard, there’s no stopping your exploration of Greenland’s pristine coastline and rural villages.
To find out more about these amazing expedition yachts or for more information on Greenland charters, contact CharterWorld today.
