64.4327153114874
-
-50.270272591650674
Kapisillit Settlement Trip

Discover Kapisillit on a guided boat tour through Nuuk Fjord. Visit Greenland's only permanent fjord settlement, where colorful homes and traditional lifestyles offer a glimpse into Arctic village life

Book this tour
Season
All year
Duration
6-hour
Price
From
2.300
DKK

Six hours to the only village deep in Nuuk Fjord

Kapisillit is the only permanent settlement inside Nuuk Fjord, a small community of around 40 people whose lives are still shaped by the fishing grounds and hunting routes around them.

The boat ride out is two hours of dramatic mountain coastline, ice, and quiet water, with the kind of light that turns the fjord into something postcards never quite capture.

The name "Kapisillit" means "salmon" in Greenlandic, a reference to the river that runs into the bay and to the few Atlantic salmon populations in Greenland. The village, the river, and the fish share the name.

The journey home retraces the same coastline in shifted light. By the time Nuuk's harbour comes back into view, you've experienced something most travellers never will.

Six hours to Nuuk Fjord's only settlement, sailing in, walking through, sailing back.

Kapisillit is the only active village deep in Nuuk Fjord, forty people, no road in, no road out. We sail there with you, walk through with a local guide, and sail back. A real settlement, not a museum piece. Book your seat below.

A calm village that comes alive with locals during summer time

A view overlooking the fjord of Kapisillit

The blooming flora of Kapisillit, here the Common Harebell named Tikiusaaq

Aarluk, our Targa 37 waiting for hunters to return

Eqaluk, our Targa 25 getting ready to sail back home through the fjords

Eqaluk gliding through mirror-calm fjord waters

Towering blue iceberg framed through a Nuuk boat window

Raw Arctic charter vessel cruising backlit Nuuk Fjord on a winter day

Captain steers through the dramatic Nuuk Fjord from the wheelhouse

Greenlandic skipper steers through Nuuk Fjord at the helm

Friends laughing aboard cruise boat beneath a snowy Nuuk Fjord peak

Skipper guides charter through golden midnight light on Nuuk fjord

Skipper enjoys salty air aboard the boat with mountains in the distance

1 / 5

What our guests say

"Fantastic trip - Kapisillit Settlement tour. Great customer service during the booking process, an excellent skipper, and an engaging guide throughout the trip. Everything came together perfectly from start to finish — highly recommended."

Kristian Hulmose Nørgaard

Denmark

"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

"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

"We were booked on a Raw Arctic tour by a colleague and were so glad to have been included. If we ever go back we would be sure to book with them again! Can’t thank you enough for the above and beyond service - Qujanaq!"

Charlotte Oades

Canada

"I was in Nuuk for a week and took 2 trips with the Raw Arctic team with 2 different boats : 1 whale watching tour & 1 fish and dish trip. Both were amazing. The boats are top quality. The crews are young reliable and fun local fellows. I saw a humpback whale very close each time. The fishing was fun and easy, we caught so many. The restaurant at the end of the fjord (not the universe ;) - Qooqut - is lovely and they cooked our catch so well. In a nutshell, I highly recommend the experience, it’s worth the money. Cheers !"

Igor Chlapak

France

Almost every town and settlement in Greenland has its own church, and the one in Kapisillit is among them. Set beside the cemetery, where Inuit culture and Danish colonial history sit quietly side by side.

The calm of Kapisillit comes back to life each summer, as families from Nuuk return to their cabins.

West Greenland's only salmon river

Kapisillit is named after the Atlantic salmon, and the river behind the village is the only place in West Greenland where they spawn. Cut off from every other salmon population in the North Atlantic, these fish have been on their own for thousands of years and are now genetically unlike any other.

It is a small detail for a settlement of around forty people, and the reason researchers keep coming back.

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.

Is there a shop in Kapisillit?

There is a small shop in Kapisillit that provides essential goods for the settlement’s residents. Here, you’ll find everything from powdered milk to rubber boots—true Arctic necessities! Since supplies arrive by cargo ship only a few times a year, the selection can be limited, but that’s part of the charm of life in a remote Greenlandic village. Keep in mind that the shop is only open for a few hours each day, so plan your visit accordingly!

Will I have time to explore Kapisillit on my own?

Yes! Once we arrive, you'll have about two hours of free time to explore Kapisillit at your own pace. Whether you want to walk through the village, take in the stunning fjord views, or simply enjoy the quiet atmosphere, this is your chance to experience life in one of Greenland’s most remote settlements.

Can I meet locals in Kapisillit?

Yes you can! Kapisillit is home to a small but welcoming community, and you may see locals going about their daily routines—whether it's fishing, tending to their homes, or simply enjoying the fresh Arctic air. While there’s no formal meet-and-greet, a friendly conversation can always happen if you’re open to it.

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.

Is this Kapi tour available year-round?

Yes! We run this tour in all seasons, and each time of year offers something unique. In summer, Kapisillit is surrounded by sprouting landscapes and flowing rivers, while in winter, the landscape is beautifully covered in snow, creating a completely different experience. No matter when you visit, you’ll get a rare glimpse into Greenlandic life in the fjord.

Will we see icebergs on the way to Kapisillit?

The trip to Kapisillit takes you deep into the fjord where icebergs regularly are seen drifting. Sometimes, you’ll see them floating just outside Nuuk, while other times, they’re further inside the fjord. No two trips are ever the same, but spotting these massive chunks of ice is always a highlight.

What makes Kapisillit unique compared to other settlements in Greenland?

Kapisillit is the only permanent settlement within Nuuk Fjord, making it incredibly remote yet still accessible by boat. Unlike larger towns, life here moves at a slower pace, deeply connected to nature. The name "Kapisillit" means "the place with salmon" in Greenlandic, as it’s one of the few if not the only places in the country where wild Greenlandic salmon still spawn. The combination of colorful houses, stunning fjord views, and a small but resilient community makes it a truly special place.

How long is the boat ride to Kapisillit?

The journey to Kapisillit takes about two hours each way, but the time flies as you take in the incredible scenery. Along the way, we’ll pass towering cliffs, drifting icebergs, and possibly even wildlife like eagles or seals. Once we arrive, you'll have about two hours in the village before we sail back to Nuuk.

What kind of wildlife might we see on this Kapi tour?

Nuuk Fjord is home to a variety of Arctic wildlife! Depending on the season, you might see seals, white-tailed eagles or humpback whales.

Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, but there’s always something to see in this vast, untouched wilderness.

What can I do during my time in Kapisillit?

Kapisillit is all about slowing down and taking in the Arctic way of life. While you're there, you can:

  • Walk through the village and take in the peaceful atmosphere
  • Enjoy the breathtaking fjord views and snap some great photos
  • Visit the small local church, a charming part of the community
  • Watch for wildlife—seals, eagles, and even reindeer have been spotted nearby
  • Have a quiet moment by the water, just listening to the sounds of nature

This is a place where life moves at its own pace, and that’s exactly what makes it special.

What should I wear for this Kapi trip?

Since we’ll be out on the water and exploring a remote settlement, warm, layered clothing is essential. We recommend bringing:

  • A windproof and waterproof jacket
  • Warm layers (wool or fleece)
  • A hat, gloves, and scarf
  • Comfortable, sturdy footwear (for walking around the village)
  • Sunglasses (the light reflecting off the water can be bright)
  • Mosquito net (during the summer period)

Even in summer, the Arctic air can be cool and breezy, so it's always better to dress warmly.

Meet our local guides

Kimmernaq Isaksen

Sailor & Guide

Kimmernaq brings infectious energy and a permanent smile to every tour. A certified Arctic and Adventure guide, with a natural gift for guiding guests through Greenland's wilderness.

Martin Chemnitz

Captain

Martin holds a 1st Class Skipper License and has extensive experience navigating the North Atlantic and Bering Sea on tugboats, fishing vessels, and tour boats.

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.

Kuluk Lotus Christoffersen

SoMe Associate & Guide

Kuluk grew up in the backcountry. Hunting and sailing the fjords with her family, she now works as a sailor and with SoMe, sharing the Greenlandic way of life she’s proud to call home.

Start your Arctic adventure with us today

Select a date to see real-time availability and secure your spot. Availability is limited and varies with season and conditions.