This sail expedition from Iceland to East and South Greenland trip is an epic mix of blue water and coastal sailing with lots of exploring ashore.
This extraordinary Arctic voyage combines blue water sailing, remote wilderness and fascinating human history as you sail from Iceland to Greenland aboard a traditional expedition sailing vessel.
Departing Reykjavik, you’ll cross the Denmark Strait towards Greenland, watching as the volcanic landscapes of Iceland give way to a world of ice, mountains and immense fjords. Weather permitting, the first icebergs may appear on the horizon long before landfall, offering a dramatic introduction to one of the most remote coastlines on Earth.
Greenland’s east coast is wild, rugged and largely uninhabited. Accessible by boat for only a short summer season, it is a region of towering peaks, ice-filled fjords and abundant wildlife. The nutrient-rich waters attract whales, seabirds and seals, while the surrounding landscapes provide a glimpse into one of the planet’s last great wilderness areas.
As the voyage continues south and west, you’ll explore remote anchorages, navigate spectacular fjord systems and, conditions permitting, transit the breathtaking Prins Christian Sund. Mountains rising more than 1,500 metres directly from the water create one of the most dramatic sailing passages anywhere in the world.
The expedition also offers a fascinating window into Greenland’s cultural history. You’ll encounter modern Inuit communities and trace the story of the Norse settlers who arrived more than a thousand years ago. Following routes associated with Erik the Red and Greenland’s Viking heritage, you’ll gain insight into one of the most remarkable chapters of North Atlantic exploration.
The final stages of the voyage reveal a different side of Greenland. Colourful settlements, fishing communities and seemingly endless fjords provide a memorable finish before arriving in Nuuk, Greenland’s vibrant capital.
Throughout the voyage you’ll stand watches, help set sails, steer and become part of the crew. With just 12 guest sailors aboard, the experience is immersive, authentic and highly participatory.
The vessel itself adds another layer of character to the journey. Built in 1915 as a Dutch herring drifter and lovingly restored for expedition sailing, she remains family owned and operated, offering a genuine traditional sailing experience far removed from conventional expedition cruising.
Why you'll love this adventure
- Explore this remote unspoilt region on a small sailing ship
- Great combination of sailing, hiking and relaxing
- Perfect sailing expedition for those looking for a wilderness escape
Dates
This trip can be tailor made for your perfect travel dates. Please make a booking enquiry for more information.
Itinerary
Cross one of the North Atlantic's great ocean passages before exploring Greenland's spectacular south coast, fjords and Arctic wilderness. Join the vessel in Reykjavik, Iceland, Cross the Denmark Strait towards Greenland
Explore Greenland's remote east coast, Navigate spectacular fjords and anchorages, Transit Prins Christian Sund (conditions permitting), Visit Inuit communities and historic settlements, Explore Greenland's south and west coast, Arrive in Nuuk, Greenland. For the full expedition plan please make an enquiry and we can send you the details.
What's included
- Full pension onboard
- Shared two-person cabin accommodation
- Coffee and tea
- Professional crew and sailing instruction
- Bedding and towel
- Participation in sailing operations
- Laundry opportunity during longer voyages
Not included
- Flights
- Transfers to and from the vessel
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Landing fees and paid excursions
- Visa costs if required
- Personal expenses
Trip notes
Price
Min age
Accommodation
The boat has 2 person cabins. If travelling alone you’ll be paired up with someone to share with. If traveling as two you can choose to share a cabin together. The cabins on board have a small sink, an ensuite toilet and shower and enough space to store your luggage.
The living area is a shared kitchen / common room where you can get cosy on the couch reading a book, or play a game with your fellow travellers.
Meals
On board the crew we do not work with a set menu but take influences from the surroundings. We try and cook with as many local fresh products as possible, this means that around the Canary Islands we eat a lot of tapas, peppers, plantanas (banana’s). In Brazil we eat a lot of fresh fruit, cow meat and rice. And around the North Sea, when it gets colder you will find some ‘stamppot’ (Dutch mashes potatoes specialty) with smoked sausage on your plate.
During a longer stay on board you will hardly ever see the same dish come by. Most of our meals are served with a salad or fruit on the side. During longer trips we take good care of our vegetables and fruit to ensure that you will enjoy fresh food as long as possible.
If you have an allergy or cannot eat certain food, please contact us with your dietary concerns. We provide a healthy menu were you will have enough choice.
We do not provide a vegan diet and on certain voyages we do not provide a lactose intolerant or gluten free diet.
We do provide sweet, savory, hot and sometimes somewhat fat delicious food, but there is always a healthy choice next to it 🙂
Who is this trip for?
Adventure travellers seeking an authentic Arctic sailing expedition with offshore passages, wildlife, history and remote wilderness.
Additional notes
This small piece of the land of ice and fire gives you so much beauty and respect for nature. Sailing on a relatively small boat, you’ll move quietly along the shores, exploring, discovering and rediscovering a coastline with so much to offer.
Boarding is at 18:00 in Reykjavik. Disembarkation is at approximately 10:00 in Nuuk. The route is weather and ice dependent and may be adapted according to conditions.
FAQs
What is the language spoken on board?
The language spoken on board is English. The crew on board does speak Dutch, English and German.
I am traveling with someone. Can we book the same room?
Yes, as long as there are two person rooms available, you can book your voyage on board and say you are traveling with someone. You will be placed in the same room.
What kind of clothes do I need?
The ship does not provide sailing clothes on board, so you’ll have to bring your own waterproof clothing. This does not have to be a sailing suite, waterproof and warm clothing will suffice. Please be prepared for some rainy days, but also for some sunny days
Do I need prior sailing experience?
No – all are welcome to experience life on board a classic sailing tall ship and learn the traditional skills along the way. It’s a hands on sailing adventure so although sailing experience isn’t expected a willingness to be involved and take part is.
Tour operator
An old Herring drifter (Logger) built in 1915, the ship is 28 meters long over deck (38 meters overall) and takes 16 trainees on her voyages. No previous sailing experience is needed and experienced and new sailors love her equally.
A family of four professional sailors have owned and run this vessel since 2006 and sail her with true passion. Built for the North Sea she’s a fast sailor and her rigging is as traditional as it gets.
We love that the boat’s appearance is kept as traditional as possible yet combined with modern techniques and equipment. Everyone on board is part of the informal sail training program that is designed to get the best out of everyone whether you join for 2 days or a longer ocean crossing.
On September 13th she and her crew were the first traditional sailing ship to complete the North West Passage after Roald Admundsen with his ship Goya in 2013.
Enquire today
Sail Iceland to Greenland
"*" indicates required fields
Please complete the enquiry form above with as much detail as you can and we will send you all the trip information and connect you with the operator so you can make a booking directly.
If you have queries and questions about the trip include those in your form and we’ll personally reply to you within 24 hours.
Why Book with Another World Adventures?
Book direct with the tour operator. No mark-ups, no fees.
Save time by browsing our handpicked collection of the best adventure travel experiences.
Claim free travel gifts when you use our site to find your next trip.
A most helpful, friendly and knowledgeable travel company!
Very helpful and provided lots of research material and excellent personal perspectives on the tall ship sailing trip I was interested in taking.— Martin
Excellent thoughtful service.
They were prompt and friendly, and so thorough and helpful in connecting me with my adventure.— Tina
One of a Kind Service!
From the very beginning of reaching out to AWA, they were super helpful, enthusiastic and informative.— Matt
