Why Go Whale Spotting in Greenland?

There are many different Arctic expeditions you can go on nowadays and while looking for polar bears is all well and good, these are far from the only fascinating creatures you can see in the northern polar region.

Whales are the main attraction aside from the majestic polar bears and it’s these marine mammals we’re going to look at in this post.

What whales can you see?

The waters around Greenland are incredibly rich in life which makes them a haven for all kinds of creatures, but for travellers the most impressive are the whales. 15 species have been sighted off the coast here, although some are more common than others.

For instance, orcas and blue whales are occasional visitors, so you’ll be very lucky if you spot either of these.

However, there are some species you’ve got an excellent chance of seeing in the summer months. Humpback whales are one of the favourites among wildlife enthusiasts due to their acrobatic displays. They can be seen jumping out of the water and flicking their tails – make sure you have your cameras handy as these are scenes not to be missed.

Another of the summer visitors is the minke whale, one of the smallest species found around Greenland with adults typically growing up to 10 m long. They are usually spotted between May and October. Fin whales are the other frequent visitors to Greenland, with these mammals reaching an impressive 27 m in length.

It’s worth looking out for narwhals, beluga and bowhead whales, which are the only ones who stay around Greenland in the winter. The spring and early summer are the best times to observe these amazing animals.

Where to go whale watching

One of the most famous places in Greenland for whale-watching trips is Disko Bay on the country’s west coast. As well as being an excellent spot for seeing many of the whale species mentioned above, it is also considered to be one of the most beautiful locations in the country.

Vast icebergs float on the water between rocky islands, while small villages, sheer cliffs and glaciers can be seen along the shores. As well as being great for whales, Disko Bay is also a fantastic place to see a host of birds, with many colonies living on the cliffs.

Another highlight of a tour here is seeing the llulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier – one of the most prolific iceberg-producing glaciers on the planet.

A Disko Bay safari will typically last just over a week, giving you ample time to explore the ice fields and villages on foot, as well as numerous opportunities to cruise around its waters in small zodiac boats.

The Inuit people

A trip to see the whales of Greenland is not only about observing the animals, but also learning more about how the native Inuits have lived here and utilised whales in many aspects of their society – from food to tools.

You can also discover more about the Inuit culture and how these people have survived for centuries in what appears to be such an inhospitable environment. The small town of Kangerlussuaq is just one place where you can find out more about the Inuits and their lives. Hunting is still an important part of the culture and is how this small population supports itself.

The Qeqertarsuaq Museum in the town of the same name is also worth a visit during your trip, as here there are exhibits relating to local life, travel (examples of kayaks and sleds) and modern whale-tracking technology that’s used by researchers.

Photo credit: header, whale tail