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Out into the dark, in search of the aurora
This guided two-hour tour takes you out by boat into Nuuk Fjord, away from the city lights, where the sky opens up overhead.
Hot drinks, warm gear, and a guide who reads the forecast and the local sky make the difference between waiting in the dark and finding the lights. When the aurora arrives, it's hard to look at anything else, green ribbons, occasional purple, slow at first and then suddenly fast.
When the aurora doesn't show, the tour stays warm and unhurried. The Arctic night sky alone is worth the trip, stars closer than they have any right to be, the Milky Way overhead, and a silence that doesn't really exist anywhere else. Most nights deliver at least some kind of memory.
Out into the dark above Nuuk, in search of the aurora, when the sky cooperates.
A guided two-hour cruise away from city light, with hot drinks and warm gear. We chase the aurora when it shows; we sit with the dark when it doesn't. Late autumn through early spring is the window. Book your seat below.
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What our guests say
"We had two great private boat days with Raw Arctic in March. What were supposed to be windy and cloudy days turned out beautiful, sunny and calm. The scenery was something unique and absolutely awesome, breath taking. Icebergs, white mountains, old settlements, Northern Lights, cristal clear waters offered us experience of a lifetime. We even caught a nice sized cod when we did deep sea fishing. Thanks a lot Lucas, Kuluk and Martin! Well captained and great hospitality."
Henri Bergstrom
Finland
"Raw Arctic consistently delivers a top-class experience — I always look forward to heading out with them. The team consists of dedicated and energetic young people who create a fantastic atmosphere and a safe experience from start to finish. Service, professionalism, and safety are all at the highest level, which makes the tours truly special."
Morten Bro
Greenland
"Raw Arctic gave us absolutely amazing 10-days trip in Greenland. They’ve organised everything from the pick up at the airport through hunting, boat sailing, hiking, etc. They were also extremely helpful when our schedule got derailed because of unpredictable internal flights. They did it all with easiness, laughs, positive attitude and good energy. Special thanks to Isak and Salik for making this experience so flawless and unforgettable!"
Kinga Jaromin
Poland
"I had the chance to visit Greenland for just a few days, and the highlight of my trip was the boat tour with @raw_arctic. A huge shoutout to Casper and Salik – within just a few hours, they completely captivated me with their energy, charisma, and deep knowledge about Greenland, sailing, hunting traditions, and even their personal stories. It was an unforgettable experience and definitely the best boat tour I’ve ever been on. Highly recommended to anyone looking for something authentic and truly memorable in Greenland!"
Paweł Pawelec
Poland
Nuuk lights up the night sky, with the auroras dancing above the silhouette of the city.
Our Targa boats provide optimal viewing both from the heated cabin and the spacious open deck.
Why summer has no aurora
The northern lights are above Nuuk all year, but you can only see them when the sky is dark enough. Through the white nights of summer there is simply too much light, so the season runs from autumn into spring.
Clear nights with little moon are best, and that is the whole reason we head out onto the water. A short sail past the harbour lights makes a real difference to what the sky will show.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about this tour — from key details to what you can expect during the experience. If you can’t find your answer here, we’re always here to help.
What makes seeing the Northern Lights from the fjord special compared to land-based viewing?
Watching the auroras from the water is an entirely different experience compared to standing on land. The total absence of artificial light, the reflection of the auroras on the water, and the silence of the Arctic night create a truly magical setting. There are no buildings, no roads—just the open sky and the sound of the fjord beneath you.
Will I definitely see the Northern Lights on this tour?
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so sightings are never 100% guaranteed. It all depends on the weather and visibility—clear, dark skies give the best chance of seeing them. We always recommend that guests stay flexible with rebooking, as we schedule tours on the nights when conditions are most promising. If the forecast isn’t ideal, we’ll do our best to adjust the tour to give you the best possible experience.
Does the tour run even if the weather forecast isn’t good enough?
If weather conditions are too poor, we arrange and reschedule for other days. On northern lights tours, we are flexible with rescheduling, adapting to the changing weather conditions and we recommend that our guests are too. If the weather forecast suggests poor visibility, we may adjust the departure to increase the chances of seeing the lights. This is also why we strongly recommend having travel insurance, in case weather conditions affect your plans.
Is it possible to see other celestial phenomena besides the auroras?
Yes! With no artificial light pollution, the night sky over Nuuk Fjord is incredibly clear. On dark nights, you’ll see countless stars, the Milky Way stretching across the sky, and sometimes even shooting stars. If conditions are just right, you might even catch a glimpse of satellites passing overhead.
How far do we sail to get away from city lights?
We sail about 30–45 minutes into Nuuk Fjord, away from the city’s glow. Here, there is zero light pollution, meaning the Northern Lights (and the stars) shine at their absolute brightest. The fjord provides an incredible, unobstructed view of the sky, making it one of the best places to experience the auroras.
How long does the Northern lights tour last, and what is the route?
The tour lasts around three hours. We depart from Nuuk harbor and sail deeper into the fjord, away from the city lights. Once we reach the best viewing spot, we slow down and wait for nature’s show to begin. If the auroras appear, we stay as long as possible before making our way back to Nuuk under the starry Arctic sky.
When is the best time of year to see the Northern Lights in Nuuk?
The Northern Lights are visible in Nuuk from September to early April. During these months, the skies are clearer, and the auroras can be especially active. The key is darkness and good weather, so winter months with long nights offer more opportunities to see them.
What should I wear for the Northern Lights tour?
Since we’ll be outside at night in Arctic conditions, staying warm is key. We recommend bringing:
- A thick, insulated jacket
- Thermal layers (wool or fleece) underneath
- Gloves, a warm hat, and a scarf
- Insulated boots (standing on deck can get cold!)
- Hand warmers for extra comfort
The boat has a heated cabin, but you’ll want to step outside to fully enjoy the show. Being dressed properly means you can stay on deck as long as you like without getting cold
Can I take photos of the Northern Lights?
Yes! But capturing the auroras requires a bit of technique. A camera with manual settings, a tripod, and a long exposure mode will help you get the best shots. Smartphone cameras have improved a lot, but using night mode or a dedicated aurora photography app will give you better results. Our guides are happy to share tips on how to photograph the lights if you need help.
Is this northern lights tour suitable for children?
Yes, children can absolutely join, but keep in mind that this is a late-night, slow-paced experience. If your child enjoys being outside in the fresh Arctic air and is comfortable sitting back and watching the sky, they will love this peaceful adventure. Our heated cabin ensures a cozy and warm space if they need a break from the cold.
Meet our local guides
Malinnguaq Egede
Hunting Guide & Sailor
Malinnguaq is a skilled sailor and guide with a passion for hunting and exploring nature. He shares the wilderness with guests through authentic experiences rooted in the sea, the land, and tradition.
Johan Barlaj
Captain
Barlaj has been sailing Greenland’s west coast since he was 13. Now 55, his deep experience and instinct for these waters make him an unmatched skipper in the Arctic.
Aviaq Henningsen
Sailor & Guide
Aviaq is a Certified Arctic Adventure Guide from Ilulissat, known for her curiosity, deep local knowledge, and upbeat energy. Trained to guide on Targa boats with guests, she loves sharing Greenland’s backcountry.
Lucas Frank Møller
Fishing Manager and Operations Specialist
Responsible for fishing operations and ensuring safety during expeditions in Greenland’s wilderness. With years of experience as an infantry soldier and training as a combat medic.
*Guides are subject to change
