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An island of seabirds at the edge of the open Atlantic
South of Nuuk, where the fjord opens to the sea, a small island comes alive every summer. Hundreds of Atlantic puffins return year after year to the same cliff burrows, joined by razorbills and black guillemots fishing the cold, rich water around them.
Guided from the deck of our closed Targa, you'll travel about an hour south through wide horizons to reach the colony. At the island, we slow the boat and drift quietly, letting the puffins go about their day, diving, returning to chicks, calling across the cliff face. Encounters tend to be closer than expected.
The journey back is the same wide water, but the light is usually different, the low sun catching the bergs, the seabirds heading out to feed for the evening. By the time we reach Nuuk's harbour, the small island and its busy population already feels like a different country.
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What our guests say
"Meegwetch/Thank you for a great adventure, the best excursion I have ever had. Isak and Anita are very Knowledgeable, experienced and accommodating, shows how much they love what they do. They went above and beyond to get us to the airport to catch our flight since taxis can be challenging at times. If I ever go back to Nuuk, I will definitely use this company for excursions. "
June Trout
Canada
"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 chartered a Raw Arctic boat for six weeks for a biological study in the Nuuk area and it was a very successful and amazing experience. The captain and crew were outstanding and all the support provided was excellent, including scheduling, boat operation, navigation, assistance completing the actual biological work, knowledge of the area, safety, and all other aspects of the work. I have conducted biological studies in many areas of the world and used a wide variety of support services, and I can say that the experience with Raw Arctic was the best. In addition to the work, I think that the friendships that I made with the Raw Arctic team will last a very long time."
Scott Moorhouse
United States
"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
Our Targa boats provide optimal viewing both from the heated cabin and the spacious open deck.
The puffins divide their time between the island and the water, surfacing from a successful dive with a capelin in their beak.
Your day on the water
What to expect
A three-hour boat trip to a seabird island south of Nuuk, where the fjord opens to the sea. Atlantic puffins return to the same cliff burrows every summer, alongside razorbills and black guillemots fishing the water around them.
We sail about an hour south through open horizons and drifting ice, then slow the boat and drift quietly near the cliffs so the birds carry on as normal. It runs June to August, when the colony is in.
Itinerary
- Board the closed Targa boat at the tidal steps in Nuuk harbour.
- Sail about an hour south, through wide horizons and beautiful mountains, to the colony.
- Drift quietly near the cliffs for 60 to 90 minutes, then return to Nuuk.
What's included
- A local captain and guide who know the colony.
- Warm drinks and light snacks for the journey.
- Heated indoor cabin, an open viewing deck, and an onboard restroom.
A colony that exists for a few weeks
Atlantic puffins spend most of the year far out on the open ocean, riding out the winter on the water and coming ashore only to breed.
That is why the island is busy from June into August and quiet the rest of the year. Each pair returns to the same burrow to raise a single chick, flying out to the cold water to fish and coming back with a beak held full of capelin.
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 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
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.
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
