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Three hours in search of Nuuk Fjord's whales
Each summer, humpback whales travel thousands of kilometres to feed in the plankton-rich waters of Nuuk Fjord. When the conditions are right they surface and blow near the boat, and on rarer occasions they breach or slap their tails.
The fjord's deep, cold water draws krill and small fish into shoals, which is what brings the whales in for the long summer feeding window. Fin and minke whales pass through these waters too, though both are a rarer sight. Guided from the deck of our closed Targa, you'll keep watch with experienced eyes who know where the whales tend to appear.
Whales are wild, so some trips bring close encounters and others none at all. When whales do come close, the boat slows, and the engine cuts entirely once they're alongside.
Three hours on the water in search of the whales that feed in Nuuk Fjord through the summer.
We sail out, look for the whales, and let the boat drift if they surface near us. Whales are wild and never guaranteed, but the fjord is a great place to look. The engine cuts when they come close. Small group, open deck, summer light into the evening. Book your seat below.
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What our guests say
"I booked the Whale Safari Tour and our great captain spotted one, it was « merveilleux ». The crew was really nice, telling stories, answering our thousands questions. The ride lasted one hour from Nuuk, the mountains reflecting to the « mirror » sea was unreal. Everything was super safe as well. Thank you !!!"
Florian Zaragoci
France
"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
"The small boat makes for an intimate and connected experience that you just won’t get from a larger tour boat. The crew were an absolute delight; friendly, engaged and deeply connected to the place. They shored openly about their experience living on the land and sea here and all that they have grown to love about it. My wife and I own and run a boat charter business, so for the past decade we have had lots of experience. These folks are doing a really good thing and I can’t recommended it enough. It is an unforgettable experience and I will remember, on all my future trips to this beautiful country, that this was the experience where I fell in love with Greenland."
Captain Ben
United States
"We managed to book a private boat trip to Nuuk Fjords when no group trips were available. Raw Arctic was very responsive on the phone which I appreciated, especially as we were short on time. We had a trip with Isak and Marcus and they were great, talking about living in Greenland, sharing their experience - I enjoyed their different point of view. Trip itself was beautiful with all the fjords around and drinking from a waterfall. The boat looked new, modern and was comfortable, we couldn’t ask for more. Also, Ballerina cookies ❤️ Thank you!"
Michał Brzeziński
Poland
Our Targa boats provide optimal viewing both from the heated cabin and the spacious open deck, ideal for watching the horizon for the telltale spray of a humpback.
The whales set the pace as they move through the fjord, among icebergs and between feeding spots. We keep our distance and let them decide how close the encounter gets.
Your day on the water
What to expect
Three hours on the water in search of humpback, fin and minke whales, which feed in Nuuk Fjord through the summer. We sail out from Nuuk, watch for the spray of a surfacing whale, and let the boat drift with the engine off when one comes close.
Whales are wild and the fjord sets the pace, so no two trips look the same, but the scenery holds either way: open water, beautiful scenery, and the mountains around the fjord.
Photo by Enrico Pescantini - Visit Greenland
Itinerary
- Board the closed Targa boat at the tidal steps in Nuuk harbour.
- Head out into Nuuk Fjord, where we'll watch for humpbacks and cut the engine when whales are alongside.
- Return to Nuuk through the same fjord, with the coastline in different light on the way back.
What's included
- A local captain and guide who know these waters.
- Warm drinks and light snacks on board.
- Heated indoor cabin, an open viewing deck, and an onboard restroom.
How to tell one whale from another
Every humpback has a different pattern on the underside of its tail, as individual as a fingerprint. Researchers in Nuuk use those flukes to keep a catalogue of the whales that feed in the fjord, so the regulars are known by sight, not just counted.
Get a clear photo of a tail as it dives and you can match it later and find out exactly which whale you watched.
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 Nuuk Fjord a great place for whale watching?
Nuuk Fjord is one of the largest fjord systems in the world, offering deep, sheltered waters rich in fish and krill—perfect feeding grounds for whales. Because of its remoteness and lack of boat traffic, it’s an ideal location to observe whales undisturbed in a natural setting. The combination of towering mountains, drifting icebergs, and incredible wildlife makes this one of the most scenic places in Greenland to see whales.
Will I definitely see whales on this tour?
Whales are wild animals, so sightings can never be 100% guaranteed. That said, humpback whales return to Nuuk Fjord every summer, and we carefully plan our tours during the best times to maximize your chances of spotting them. On most trips, guests see these incredible creatures as they surface, slap their tails, or even breach. Even if the whales don’t make an appearance, the journey through the fjord’s breathtaking landscapes is an unforgettable experience.
Are the whales dangerous?
No, whales are not dangerous to humans. Humpback whales are gentle giants, known for their curiosity rather than aggression. We always keep a respectful distance and turn off our engine when observing them, allowing them to move naturally without disturbance. Seeing them up close is awe-inspiring, but there’s nothing to fear—just a moment of pure Arctic magic.
How close will we get to the whales?
We always follow ethical whale-watching guidelines, which means we approach slowly and turn off our engine when we get close. The whales often decide how near they come to us—sometimes they surface just meters from the boat, while other times, they stay at a distance. Either way, seeing these massive creatures in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience.
Is this whale safari suitable for children?
Yes, this is a great experience for families. The boat is comfortable, with a heated cabin and an onboard restroom, making it an easy and enjoyable trip for all ages. Children are often amazed by the size of the whales and the beauty of the fjord, making this an unforgettable adventure for them. Just make sure to dress them warmly, as they’ll likely want to step outside on deck to watch for whales.
When is the best time to see whales in Nuuk Fjord?
The best time to see whales in Nuuk Fjord is from June to September. During these months, humpback whales arrive in the fjord to feed in its nutrient-rich waters. July and August tend to offer the most frequent sightings, as the whales are highly active during this period.
Is there a chance to see other wildlife besides whales?
Yes! Nuuk Fjord is home to much more than just whales. As we cruise through the fjord, you might see a massive white-tailed eagle circling overhead before diving toward the water, talons first. Seals often pop their heads up curiously near the boat, disappearing just as quickly beneath the surface. Schools of fish sometimes break the water in a sudden, chaotic splash, attracting seabirds that dive in a frenzy.
What should I wear for the whale safari?
Even in summer, Arctic waters can be cold, especially when out on the boat. We recommend bringing:
- A warm, windproof jacket
- Layered clothing (wool or fleece is best)
- Gloves, a hat, and a scarf for extra warmth
- Sturdy shoes (deck surfaces can be wet)
- Sunglasses (the water can be bright in the midnight sun)
Our boat has a heated cabin, but you’ll want to step outside on deck to fully experience the whales and the fjord.
Does the whale safari tour run year-round?
This tour runs during the summer months, from June to September, when the whales migrate to Nuuk Fjord to feed. Outside of this season, the whales travel to warmer waters, making sightings unlikely. If you're visiting in winter, consider one of our Northern Lights or fjord cruises instead.
Meet our local guides
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.
Ivi Luna Olsen
Sailor & Guide
Always drawn to the Arctic backcountry, Ivi Luna loves exploring by boat, on skis, or on foot. As a Certified Arctic Adventure Guide, she combines genuine passion for nature with strong guiding standards.
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.
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
