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whale safari
Go whale watching in Greenland with a local crew
Our captains and crew grew up on these waters, and that local knowledge is what gets you close to the whales. They know the feeding grounds, read the surface for a spout or a fluke, and understand how the animals move with the season, so your chances of a real encounter are as high as they can be. Whatever the route, we keep a respectful distance that puts the whales first, while still giving you an unforgettable view from the deck.
Each whale shows itself differently, an arching back, a raised fluke, a sudden breach, and no two sightings are ever the same.
Often the first sign is a tall, misty blow on the horizon, your cue that a giant is surfacing nearby.
Whale safari in Greenland, meet the giants of the Arctic ocean
Each summer, Greenland's waters fill with whales drawn to rich Arctic feeding grounds, and there are few better places to see them up close. From the deck of a small boat, a breaching humpback or the slow roll of a fin whale is a sight you never forget. Raw Arctic's whale safaris take you out to find them, guided by people who know exactly where and when to look.
By boat, reach the whales fast and get close
Our boats are quick and nimble, built to cover the fjord and reach feeding whales while the action is still unfolding. Small groups mean everyone gets a clear view from the deck, and an agile hull lets us ease in gently without disturbing the animals. It is the most direct way to share the water with Greenland's giants.
At eye-level, the ocean from the whale's world
Get eye level with the whale by either kayak or paddle board
There is nothing like meeting a whale from water level, close enough to hear the great exhale of its blow and watch the fluke rise before a dive. From a small boat you sit low and near the surface, sharing the whale's element rather than watching from high above. These are the moments that define a whale safari in Greenland.
Curious Giants, the whales you might meet
Greenland's summer waters host humpbacks, minkes, and the mighty fin whale, second in size only to the blue whale. Humpbacks are the showstoppers, often breaching, tail-slapping, and lingering near the boat. Every encounter is wild and unscripted, which is exactly what makes coming face to face with these giants so unforgettable.
Set out where whales surface and Greenland's wild unfolds
There is nothing like watching for whales in Greenland's open waters. As you sail, the coast opens into deep fjords, drifting icebergs, and snow-capped peaks, and then a spout, a fluke, or a breaching back changes everything. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, our local captains read the water and the season to give you the best possible chance of an encounter, always at a respectful distance that puts the whales first. Sit back on deck, breathe in the Arctic air, and let the wild come to you.
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What our guests say:
"Raw Arctic is incredible. If you are heading to Greenland, Raw Arctic this is your tour/adventure company! We hiked, biked, fished, boated, had an incredibly memorable lunch and learned so much while having tons of fun. Isak and Anita were top notch professionals and will take excellent care of you. 10/10"
Russel Diamond
United States
"Thanks to the experience, dedication, and professionalism of the young people at Raw Arctic, who designed a series of challenging and rewarding experiences for us, we felt that we had truly been given a glimpse of the real Greenland. Not the Greenland of brochures and advertisements, but the authentic one—raw, beautiful, and full of character. We already know that we will return. Next time, with an even more ambitious plan. And there is little doubt that this future Greenland adventure will once again be shared with the team at Raw Arctic."
Marek & Agnieszka
Poland
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before your whale safari in Greenland, from the best season to what you'll see and how to prepare. If you can't find your answer here, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
What exactly is a "custom" tour with Raw Arctic?
Every itinerary is built from scratch around the dates, interests, group size, and budget you give us. Whether you want a few hours focused on whale watching or a full day combining whales with icebergs, glaciers, and a remote settlement, our planners and local captains shape the route, pace, and stops so the trip is unmistakably yours. There are no off-the-shelf templates, just a safari designed around what you most want to experience on the water.
When is the best time for whale watching in Greenland?
The prime whale watching season runs from around June to September, when humpback and fin whales arrive to feed in the nutrient-rich Arctic waters, with the peak often in mid to late summer. Minke whales can be seen across a slightly broader window, and the long summer daylight means more hours on the water and more chances for a sighting. While whales are wild animals and nothing is ever guaranteed, summer gives you the strongest odds by far. If you are travelling outside the main season, get in touch and we will tell you honestly what to expect.
Which whales might I see, and are sightings guaranteed?
The whales you are most likely to encounter are humpbacks, known for their dramatic flukes and breaching, along with minke and fin whales, the second-largest animal on earth. Depending on the season and location you may also spot porpoises, dolphins, and seals along the way. Because these are wild animals in open water, we can never promise a sighting, but our captains know the feeding grounds and read the surface for spouts and movement, so the odds are very much in your favour during the summer months. We always keep a respectful distance and let the whales set the terms of the encounter.
Do I need any sailing or boating experience?
Not at all. Every safari is run by experienced local captains and crew, so all you need to do is step aboard and keep your eyes on the water. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or have never been on a boat, you will be in safe, capable hands from the moment you leave the harbour, with a short safety briefing before you set off and the crew on hand throughout.
Will I get seasick, and what should I bring?
Most of our whale watching takes place in relatively sheltered fjord and coastal waters, so conditions are often calmer than open-ocean trips, but the sea can still move, so if you are prone to motion sickness we recommend taking a remedy before departure. Dress in warm layers with a windproof, waterproof outer shell, as it is always cooler out on the water than on shore, and bring a hat, gloves, sunglasses, and a camera with a zoom if you have one. Our boats have a heated indoor cabin where you can warm up between sightings.
We're arriving by cruise ship. Can we fit a safari in our port time?
Yes, and we run trips designed to fit within a typical port call. A shorter whale safari gives you a real chance of an encounter without eating into your whole day ashore, and if you have more time we can extend the route to take in icebergs and coastline too. Just send us your ship's arrival and departure times and we will recommend the right option and make sure you are back on board with time to spare.
What is your cancellation policy?
Because Arctic weather and sea conditions can change quickly, safety always comes first, and we may occasionally reschedule or adjust a trip if conditions require it. If we cancel a departure for safety reasons, we will work with you to rebook or arrange a refund. For guest-initiated cancellations, the specific terms and timelines are set out in your booking confirmation, so we recommend reviewing those when you book. If you have any questions about a particular date, reach out and we will walk you through it.
Let's plan your Greenland whale safari
Tell us when you're travelling and how much time you have, and we will shape the trip to match, from a short safari to a full day combining whales, icebergs, and coastline. Our local captains and crew handle the planning, logistics, and safety, so all you have to do is step aboard and watch the water.
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