Greenland is a true wilderness destination, far from the familiar Mediterranean and Caribbean waters to which owners, guests, and crew are accustomed. Home to colossal icebergs, long fjords, and hot springs, this icy country requires thorough preparation and extensive skills. EYOS Expeditions creates tailored superyacht excursions here, and to other remote regions. EYOS Expeditions’ CEO, Ben Lyons, spoke to our editorial partner Yachting Pages about chartering Greenland, in safety and luxury.
Despite the dramatic surroundings and abundant wildlife, Greenland is not a developed charter destination. Not every yacht can safely operate in polar waters. Cruising this area requires an expedition yacht, and a captain and professional crew capable of operating 24 hours a day.
With ice being such a major factor, many areas are not suitable for yachts, even during the summer. The best time to visit is limited to July and August.
Like all polar regions, chartering these areas entails additional risks and concerns. To deliver a safe experience for the yacht and a memorable experience for the owner and guests, call on the assistance of experienced expedition specialists.
Preparations
Cruising in Greenland occurs in areas with little or no infrastructure. For this reason, local knowledge is vital. Planning an itinerary for remote areas such as Greenland is entirely different to the Mediterranean. While you can have a general outline, your captain will need someone who can help work around adverse weather, wildlife, and ice conditions. For example, while much of Greenland is adequately surveyed, some of the secluded areas are not well charted, and special precautions are necessary. Captains with no ice experience should unquestionably hire an ice pilot to assist.
Any yacht traveling to Greenland must be ice-strengthened. Before EYOS works with a yacht in polar waters, we undertake a full survey to determine her water suitability. Tailored requirements are made based on the findings before the yacht sets sail. There can be significant amounts of hard glacier or multi-year ice. For yachts visiting too early or traveling far north, there’s sea ice. Fog can occasionally be a concern, especially around ice. Plus, tides of 13 feet (4 meters) aren’t uncommon.
In addition, yachts need to be self-sufficient in Greenland, with ample fuel capacity and the appropriate tenders for going ashore. Million-dollar tenders may look good in Monaco, but will be useless here. Many of the landings are made directly onto wilderness areas, and there are no docks.
Not all Greenland itineraries will have a polar bear risk, but for those that do, having the proper weapons and a trained guide are essential in keeping clients and crew safe when going ashore.
Superyacht Berthing
Due to constantly changing ice conditions, yachts can’t simply drop anchor for the night. And, while there are no conventional marinas in Greenland, some small towns can accommodate superyachts. These are usually general-purpose piers for a variety of vessels, including fishing vessels or local supply ships.
The southwestern town of Nuuk is the best choice for yachts. It has a small, protected harbor and comparatively large number of services. Other towns, like Sisimuit or Ilulissat, will have berths available, but again, they’re not tailored specifically for superyachts.
Highlights of Greenland
The typical seven-day itineraries often marketed by charter yachts don’t really apply in polar regions. Conditions can change the exact landings. Instead, here are some of the places and activities that we at EYOS Expeditions generally recommend in Greenland.
The UNESCO world heritage site of Disco Bay lies 186 miles (300 km) north of the polar circle. It’s home to an exceptionally active glacier which produces a plethora of gigantic icebergs, some of the largest in the world.
The town of Ilulissat is located nearby and is known as the heart of Disco Bay. It has 5,500 inhabitants and double that number in sled dogs. There are many activities to enjoy, including kayaking, Zodiac cruises, and hiking with local guides. EYOS Expeditions can organize helicopters to fly you and your guests to remote beaches and heli-hiking or hiking in glaciers before returning you to the luxury of your yacht.
A popular itinerary begins in Kangerlussuaq, home to the nearly 106-mile (170-km) fjord that shares the same name. The itinerary continues up the coast to Disco Bay. You’ll see spectacular fjords, small towns to savor local life, and the main attraction of Disco Bay, whale watching.
Farther south, the Prins Christian Sund can make for some dramatic cruising, and Viking ruins can be found in a number of the surrounding villages.
Visited by few yachts, northeast Greenland is extremely remote. Much of it is a national park.Only the best equipped, sturdiest expedition yachts should consider venturing here.
Leave a Reply