Experience wildlife in Greenland
Atlantic Puffin Island
Sail into the wild and experience the magic of wildlife in Greenland as you encounter the iconic Atlantic puffin in its breathtaking Arctic habitat.
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Wildlife in Greenland on a peaceful cruise to puffin island
Join us on a breathtaking boat tour to a remote island where hundreds of Atlantic puffins and other species like black guillemot and razorbill nest during the summer months. These beloved seabirds, with their colorful beaks and playful nature, are a true symbol of the Arctic. As we cruise south of Nuuk, you’ll experience stunning landscapes, rich birdlife, and the chance to see these charismatic creatures up close in their natural habitat.
A seabird sanctuary in the arctic
The journey begins with a scenic one-hour boat ride, passing towering cliffs and pristine waters as we navigate toward the puffin island. This small, rugged outcrop becomes a bustling hub of life in the summer, as hundreds of puffins, razorbills and guillemots gather here to breed.
Once we arrive, we slow down and observe these fascinating birds from a respectful distance, watching as they dive for fish, waddle along the rocky shores, and interact with their colony. Puffins are incredibly agile in the air, darting swiftly between their nesting burrows and the open sea. With binoculars and cameras in hand, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to witness their charming behavior up close.
Your itinerary
- Meeting point – Gather at the tidal steps (Tidevandstrappen) in Nuuk harbor, where our crew welcomes you aboard our closed Targa boat.
- Setting sail – We depart Nuuk and sail south of the fjord on a one-hour journey toward the puffin island.
- Arrival at the Puffin Colony – We slow the boat and spend an hour to an hour and a half observing puffins in their natural habitat.
- Return to Nuuk – After an authentic wildlife experience, we set our course back toward Nuuk, enjoying the Arctic scenery on the way.
Included in your tour
- Warm beverages (tea, coffee) and snacks
- Expert local captain and guide
- Indoor seating in a heated cabin
- Spacious deck for optimal viewing
- Onboard restroom
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Let's answer all your questions!
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What makes this island special for seabirds?
This remote island provides the perfect environment for nesting seabirds. Its steep cliffs offer protection from predators, while the surrounding waters are rich in fish, providing plenty of food for puffins and other birds. Every summer, it transforms into a lively breeding ground, creating a rare opportunity to witness Arctic birdlife in its natural habitat.
Will I definitely see puffins on this tour?
Yes, you will see puffins! Each year, they return to the exact same island during their breeding season, making this one of the most reliable wildlife experiences in Greenland. You’ll witness them diving for fish, waddling along the cliffs, and interacting with their colony in this Arctic seabird sanctuary.
How long does the tour last, and what is the route?
The entire tour lasts about three hours. We depart from Nuuk and sail south, enjoying the stunning Arctic landscapes along the way. After about an hour, we arrive at the puffin island, where we spend around an hour to an hour and a half observing the birds. We then make our way back to Nuuk, taking in the breathtaking scenery on the return journey.
How close will we get to the puffins?
We slow the boat down and observe the puffins from a respectful distance to avoid disturbing them. However, puffins are naturally curious, and you’ll often see them flying close to the boat or floating on the water nearby. With binoculars or a zoom lens, you’ll be able to see their unique features up close
When is the best time to see puffins in Nuuk?
The best time to see puffins is from June to August, when they return to the island to nest. During this period, they are most active—flying between their burrows and the sea, diving for fish, and interacting with their colony. If you visit outside of this season, the island will be much quieter, as the puffins will have already migrated.
Is there a chance to see other wildlife besides puffins?
Yes! The island is also home to razorbills, black guillemots, and other Arctic seabirds. Along the way, you might spot white-tailed eagles soaring overhead and, if luck is on your side, even a seal or a whale in the surrounding waters.
Do puffins stay on the island year-round?
No but we wish they did! Puffins are seasonal visitors. They arrive in late spring to breed and stay through June, July, and August before heading back to the open ocean for the rest of the year. If you want to see them, make sure to plan your trip during the summer months.
Can I take photos of the puffins?
Absolutely! Puffins are highly photogenic with their colorful beaks and expressive faces. We slow the boat down near the island so you have plenty of time to capture great shots. A camera with a zoom lens is recommended since we keep a respectful distance to avoid disturbing them.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes! This is a great experience for families. Our Targa boat has a heated cabin, an onboard restroom, and plenty of space for safe viewing. The cruise is smooth and relaxing, making it a comfortable adventure for kids. We do recommend dressing children warmly, as they’ll likely want to step outside on deck to take in the views.
What should I bring for this tour?
Even in summer, the Arctic air can be cool and windy, especially when sailing. We recommend bringing:
- Warm, layered clothing
- A windproof jacket
- Gloves and a hat (for standing outside on deck)
- Sunglasses (the reflection from the water can be bright)
- A camera or binoculars for a closer look at the puffins
