A Greenland yacht charter is the pinnacle of expedition-style adventure.
With your hand-picked 'crew' of family, friends, or colleagues by your side – and Secret Atlas’s years of expedition-planning experience and superstar expedition team at your disposal – plot your perfect route into the wild heart of Greenland, where icebergs the size of cathedrals drift down storybook fjords and wildlife surprises await around every corner.
Choose your itinerary of adventurous outdoor and cultural pursuits – hiking, kayaking, photography, wildlife-spotting, northern lights-chasing, cultural excursions, and more – and we’ll turn your fantasy expedition into a reality, on your Greenland private yacht charter.
With scenery on a scale that seems to redefine earthly possibilities, Scoresbysund, the largest fjord system on the planet, is a highlight of most of our Greenland private yacht charters. The steep-sided fjords, punctuated by stunning, artfully sculpted icebergs, are a natural wonderland.
Sail north to explore the world’s largest national park, a protected expanse of unending variety, untouched by man. A true wilderness, the tundra here is immense, the wildlife encounters up-close and uncontrived, and the fjords majestic, unforgettable pathways into a limitless landscape.
A remote town in East Greenland, Ittoqqortoormiit is one of the most isolated settlements in the world. Just 350 people live here, their colourful homes standing out against the sprawling Arctic terrain. The scenery that surrounds the town is astounding, but Ittoqqortoormiit is more than a gateway town, with its own unique culture built around subsistence hunting.
Greenland's coastlines and ice sheet have drawn explorers for centuries, from Norse settlers establishing the first European colonies in 982 CE to polar expeditions that tested the limits of human endurance.
Your private charter can trace these historic routes, landing at sites where Erik the Red established his Eastern Settlement, visiting Hvalsey Church where the last recorded Norse wedding occurred in 1408, or exploring the ruins at Qassiarsuk where Thjodhild's Church marked Greenland's first Christian congregation.
Push further into Scoresby Sound, named for British whaler William Scoresby Jr. who first charted this massive fjord system in 1822. Navigate channels where Knud Rasmussen's expeditions mapped Greenland's northeast coast in the early 20th century, or anchor in bays where polar explorers like Robert Peary staged their attempts on the North Pole.
Our guides bring these stories to life, explaining how explorers navigated without GPS, survived Arctic winters, and gradually mapped a coastline that remained mysterious to Europeans well into the modern era.
Greenland's waters and ice edges support exceptional concentrations of Arctic wildlife, and your private charter positions you exactly where and when viewing opportunities peak. Polar bears hunt ringed seals along ice floes in Scoresby Sound and Northeast Greenland National Park, with spring and early summer offering optimal sightings as bears venture onto pack ice. Your captain and guides monitor ice conditions and wildlife reports to position the vessel where bears are actively hunting.
Marine mammal diversity includes:
Humpback whales – frequently approach vessels in Disko Bay and along the west coast, bubble-net feeding and breaching
Fin and minke whales – common throughout Greenlandic waters during summer months
Narwhals – the 'unicorns of the sea' congregate in East Greenland fjords, particularly Scoresby Sound
Walrus – haul out on beaches and ice floes, especially at sites like Poolepynten
Seals – ringed, harp, bearded, and hooded seals appear throughout coastal waters
Seabird colonies on cliff faces host millions of individuals including little auks, northern fulmars, black guillemots, and kittiwakes. Musk oxen graze tundra valleys visible from anchorages, while Arctic foxes and reindeer appear during shore landings. Your flexible schedule means extending time at productive wildlife sites rather than adhering to rigid departure times.
Greenland's terrestrial environments range from coastal tundra to ice cap margins, with your private charter accessing hiking terrain that matches your group's abilities and interests. Expert guides lead everything from gentle beach walks examining Arctic flora to challenging summit attempts on peaks overlooking massive fjord systems.
Spring charters open opportunities for ski touring and snowshoeing across neve fields and frozen fjords, with conditions from March through May offering firm snow and extended daylight. Your guides assess snow stability, choose routes matching your technical abilities, and provide instruction for those developing backcountry skiing skills. The solitude of these environments—often days from the nearest settlement—creates experiences impossible on crowded Alpine slopes.
Summer and autumn hiking reveals Greenland's surprisingly diverse vegetation, from hardy grasses and sedges to dwarf willows, purple saxifrage, and Arctic poppies carpeting protected valleys. Geologists in your group will appreciate examining Precambrian bedrock over 2.5 billion years old, while archaeological enthusiasts can explore Thule culture sites and Norse ruins with guides who explain their significance.
Greenland's fjords create ideal conditions for paddling among icebergs, with your yacht serving as a mobile base camp for water-based exploration:
Kayaking:
Launch directly from the vessel into protected waters where bergs drift past in ethereal silence
Experienced kayakers tackle longer crossings between anchorages
Beginners learn techniques in sheltered bays under expert instruction
Paddle among icebergs with blue depths visible beneath crystal-clear Arctic water
Stand-up paddling:
Higher positioning above water for photography and wildlife observation
Modern SUP boards accessible to most fitness levels
Proper immersion gear provided by crew for cold water safety
Ice diving (for certified divers):
Descend alongside glacier faces and beneath icebergs
Witness underwater ice formations and Arctic marine life including jellyfish and cold-adapted fish species
Experience light filtering through ice creating otherworldly blue environments
Yacht's dive platform and compressor support multiple dives per day
Dive guides ensure safety in extreme environments
Foil boarding (available with advance notice):
Cutting-edge watersport in Arctic settings
Greenland's consistent winds and protected fjords create ideal conditions
Equipment arranged for experienced riders wanting to explore this discipline
Your private charter removes the typical constraints that limit photography on group expeditions. Want to wait for optimal light on that iceberg? Done. Need to return to a site when conditions improve? No problem. Interested in pre-dawn shoots when the light turns icebergs pink and gold? Your captain will position the yacht accordingly.
Professional photography guides (available on request) provide instruction tailored to your current skill level, covering everything from basic exposure and composition to advanced techniques for Arctic conditions. They'll help you master challenges like extreme dynamic range when photographing icebergs against bright skies, capturing the northern lights dancing above glaciers, and freezing motion as humpback whales breach.
This itinerary represents one possible approach to exploring Scoresby Sound, the world's longest fjord system. Your actual route will adapt based on ice conditions, weather, wildlife sightings, and your group's specific interests.
Arrival in Greenland
Meet fellow guests and Secret Atlas team at Keflavik or Reykjavik Airport, Iceland. Charter flight to Nerlerit Inaat Airport (Constable Point), Greenland. Short hike to shore and Zodiac transfer to expedition ship.
Viking Bay and Danmark Island
Zodiac cruise through Viking Bay, marvelling at bird cliffs and stunning basalt columns. Hike on Danmark Island spotting divers, musk oxen, and ancient Thule remains.
Hare Fjord, Øfjord, and Bear Islands
Sail into Hare Fjord, named for the Arctic hares that preside here. Tour steep-sided Øfjord and land on the Bear Islands for panoramic views across Scoresby Sound. Explore Sydkap for Thule remains, a hunters' cabin, and dramatic iceberg views on the border of Northeast Greenland National Park.
Ittoqqortoormiit
Visit one of the remotest towns on Earth, home to just 350 residents with an idiosyncratic culture and traditional way of life.
Return to Iceland
Charter flight back to Iceland. Relaxing evening and overnight stay at our comfortable hotel to unwind and reflect on your Greenland journey.
Reykjavik
Final day in Reykjavik with optional extensions through Hyperborea, our trusted local partners—explore the city's culture, soak in the Blue Lagoon, or discover dramatic waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanic landscapes.
Note: This is an example only. This itinerary is entirely flexible and will adapt to your group's priorities, whether wildlife photography, Inuit cultural sites, hiking, or maximising time among the icebergs.
Choose the ship to match your adventure.
Our fleet of ice-strengthened, go-anywhere vessels are ideal for exploring the remotest reaches of Greenland. High-performance, low-impact, and kitted out with all the home comforts you might need, we sail expedition-style ships that get you closer to nature.
A new ice-strengthened ship with industry-leading environmental credentials.
MV Freya is a classic expedition ship. The sturdy, ice-strengthened 1A hull makes her perfect for exploring the Arctic waters.
MV Nanook is a small ocean-going expedition vessel converted into an explorer yacht of the highest comfort. She offers cruise-ship comfort on a small ship with ensuite cabins and suites.
One of the Arctic’s most elegant small ships, Polarfront offers a feeling of luxury and style. She offers an on deck sauna and hot tub, spacious cabins and a large guest lounge and dining room.
Share the journey with those who matter most.
We’re fuelled by the long-lost spirit of adventure, guided by environmental and cultural responsibility, and committed to creating transformative travel experiences.
We’re pioneers of the Expedition Micro Cruise, offering the smallest group sizes at both poles. That means a flexible itinerary. It means more time exploring and photographing. It means a deeper connection with your team and the natural world.
We understand that, out here, less is more. Less waiting to board Zodiacs, more time ashore. Less strict itineraries, more adventure. Less crowd, more immersion.
It’s easy. Just get in touch with us about your idea – where you want to go, who you want to go with, what you want to do – and we’ll work with you to make your dream a reality. If you’re in need of inspiration, let our polar travel specialists plot an experience for you.
We love the remoteness and wildness of East Greenland, with Scoresbysund, the largest fjord system in the world, and the Northeast Greenland National Park among our favourite destinations to explore on Greenland private yacht charters.
Our Greenland yacht charters are offered on an all-inclusive basis. All meals are included on Secret Atlas private charters, freshly cooked each day by our superb chefs. Safety equipment, fuel, guides, and crew are all included in the price.
Additional fees for activities such as museum visits are not included. Nor are tips for the crew or flights to and from the embarkation/disembarkation point for your Greenland private expedition.
The seasons differ dramatically in their conditions and in terms of what you will be able to see and do during your Greenland yacht charter. In the short spring (April–May), the sun returns, melting the snow and ice into fairytale waterfalls and picturesque icicles; in the longer summer (June–August), Greenland’s wildlife comes up to feed on fresh vegetation under the midnight sun.
The short autumn (September) sees the sun dip at last, casting pink, pastelly sunrises and sunsets; and the long winter (December–March) provides the perfect conditions for watching the northern lights.
Our fleet of ice-breaking expedition-style ships are perfect for adventures in Greenland. They can go deep into the fjords of Scoresbysund and far into the vast national park.
They are agile, go-anywhere ships designed for ultimate safety in the remotest environments on Earth.
Some locations have restrictions or require permits – but we take care of all this for you.
A Greenland yacht charter will typically last between eight and 12 days, although we can plan longer trips if you wish.
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This comfy cabin option comes with your choice of a double bed or twins.
The ship’s subtle Scandi design continues into your suite, creating a calming, rejuvenating atmosphere in which to unwind after a long day’s exploration.
The cabin boasts an ensuite toilet and shower room, along with a desk and chair, wardrobe, and windows.
The spacious master suite on deck 3 is seamlessly designed for double occupancy.
It boasts a particularly light and airy feel, courtesy of the windows in the main room and ensuite, as well as the cabin’s elevated position on the upper deck.
The Scandi-inspired penthouse features a desk and chair, along with ample storage space for two guests and plenty of room to relax and unwind in.
Ideal for solo travellers, this more compact cabin option still feels spacious and welcomingly serene, thanks to its light design and carefully considered layout.
Features include a wardrobe, ensuite, and a window on the wall of the main room.
Your cosy home-from-home as you explore the wildest places on the planet.
The Signature Twin cabins aboard Freya are comfortable and cosy, just like the rest of the vessel.
The colour scheme of dark blues and golden wood notes, seen elsewhere on the ship, creates a warming atmosphere.
There is an air of eccentricity harking back to expeditions of the past in the design elements and artwork adorning the walls – but the rooms are appointed with modern conveniences.
The master suite aboard Freya is spacious, charmingly appointed, and has a pleasingly cosy, warming design style. With an ensuite toilet and shower room, along with plenty of storage space, it’s as comfortable as it is attractive.
The ship’s characterful look – with dark blue walls, varnished wood detailing, and plenty of light – is well-represented in the penthouse suite, providing a cabin-in-the-woods feeling of warmth. There’s a dash of expeditionary eccentricity to many of the design details – we’re big fans!
It’s just what you want to return home to after an active day of exploration.
The top choice for solo travellers, Signature Singles aboard Freya boast an ensuite toilet and shower room and plenty of storage space.
You need somewhere comfortable to return to after a long day of adventuring in the wilderness, and with Freya’s quintessentially warm aesthetic – scattered here and there with characterful design details and artworks – you have just that.
A window lets in plenty of light, gearing you up for another day in one of the world’s last great wildernesses.
The top choice for solo travellers, the new Classic Singles aboard Freya boast an ensuite toilet and shower room and plenty of storage space.
You need somewhere comfortable to return to after a long day of adventuring in the wilderness, and with Freya’s quintessentially warm aesthetic – scattered here and there with characterful design details and artworks – you have just that.
A window lets in plenty of light, gearing you up for another day in one of the world’s last great wildernesses.
The most spacious suite on board is ideally positioned on the upper deck, offering both comfort and convenience. Located close to the lounge and dining area, it also provides quick access to the outer deck, sauna, and hot tub.
The suite can be arranged as either a double or twin, features a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, a desk and chair, and is filled with natural light from three large porthole windows.
Nanook boasts an array of cabins for double occupancy, with some set up for twin beds and others blessed with a comfy double.
The styling is pleasingly nautical, with lots of blue and white stripes and some vintage detailing around the portholes and windows.
Each cabin boasts an ensuite shower and toilet, as well as a wardrobe.
A comfy cabin for solo travellers, each single comes equipped with a single bed and a writing desk and chair.
A nautical theme is artfully woven into the fabric of the room, which culminates in the gorgeous porthole window.
Each solo cabin comes with its own ensuite toilet and shower.
The largest style of suite on Polarfront boasts a comfortable double bed and a seating area with a sofa.
As well as three good-size wardrobes and shelves for all your storage needs, there is a large modern shower room and a separate toilet room.
Tastefully decorated with a light maritime theme, the Executive Suite class of cabin boats a full four porthole windows, letting in light, showing you some incredible views, and adding a touch of nautical nostalgia.
The second-largest cabin style aboard Polarfront, Superior Suites offer twin beds or a double bed for couples or two sharing friends.
These roomy suites have their own lounge area, a private bathroom, and plenty of storage space.
Depending on the exact suite you get, there will be two or three porthole windows to look out of and provide you with lots of natural light.
The most compact class of suite on Polarfront is still roomy for two guests.
Choose from two twin beds or a double – there’s a welcome lounge space to relax in, too. Each comes with its own ensuite bathroom, with a shower and a toilet.
The Deluxe Suites possess the same modern style found across the ship and its cabins, and each has two porthole windows.
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