Greenland - Facts
ALERT:
19 July 2024: Nuuk Harbor is out of bounds and is not accepting any sail boats to either moor or anchor due to overcrowding. Some small bays around are available but with no kind of access, facilities or service. As of 2025, Nuuk harbour Master announced that only passenger cruise ships will be permitted to enter its harbor.
Our thanks to Victor Wejer, OCC Port Officer, for this information.
- Located closer to North America, but administered by Denmark, Greenland (also known as Kalaallit Nunaat) is the world’s largest island. Lying mostly within the Arctic Circle, much of the land is under ice and, in places, the ice cap is over three kilometres (two miles) deep.
- Greenland is undoubtedly the most challenging cruising destination in the North Atlantic and every year a few yachts brave the elements to explore this wild and beautiful island during the all too short summer season. The deeply indented coasts offer an infinite variety of anchorages in the steep-sided fjords or among the myriad islands.
- By June, the west coast is clear of ice between 63°N and 69°N. It can be approached by passing well to seaward of Cape Farvel. Depending on conditions, one may have to pass as far as 160 kilometres (100 miles) offshore. July and August are the best months for cruising.
- Radar is an absolute necessity given that fog is prevalent along the southwest coast.
- Provisions are available only in the larger settlements and the best supplies are to be found in the capital Godthaab. It is also here that the best range of repair facilities is available. Limited repair facilities are also available at Holsteinsborg and Jakobshavn, which also have slipways. Fuel and water are available in the majority of ports.
- Some of the harbours are accessible all year round, but many are only accessible during the summer, and even then ice-strengthened vessels are recommended. There are ice booms placed across the harbour entrances at Jakobshavn, and one should confirm with port authorities that these booms are slackened off before entering.
Arctic and Northern Waters
Available at a discount through Imray & Bluewater Books
This handbook from the RCC Pilotage Foundation covers the Northwest and Northeast Passages through the Arctic Ocean as well as Faroe, Iceland and Greenland. A region that is not only in the news but increasingly accessible to cruising yachts.
For more titles see Greenland Publications.
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It will help to have at least VHF on board preferably with AIS.
Moreover an Iridium set are recommended.
SpaceX satellite system is said to be useful up to 76°N on the west coast of Greenland.
As of 16 March 2020 its been reported two cases of COVID-19 in Nuuk. All arriving ships and sail boats are subject of 14 day quarantine.
invented a new route through South Greenland, which has no analogues, we rent a yacht, we are looking for travel companions.
Subject: 9H9573 – INFO – 08-18-1256 – LR – HEAVIER ICE CONDITIONS
Date: Sat, 18 Aug 2018 13:06:44 +0000
NORDREG IQALUIT 181256 UTC AUG 2018
Good morning,
Due to heavier than normal ice concentrations in the Canadian Arctic waters north of 70 degrees, the Canadian Coast Guard, recommends that pleasure craft do not navigate in the Beaufort Sea, Barrow, Peel Sound, Franklin Strait and Prince Regent.
CCG icebreakers cannot safely escort pleasure craft. Operators of pleasure craft considering a northwest passage should also consider the risk of having to winter in a safe haven in the Arctic, or in the case of an emergency, be evacuated from beset vessels. Safety of mariners is our primary concern.
REGARDS,
NORDREG CANADA
181256UTC\LR
22nd August: OCC tweeted
A message forwarded by Victor Wejer indicates that at least 22 vessels are affected and several have turned back to Greenland.
Not a place for the solo sailor, you will probably have to abandon your yacht there. Think about taking extra crew in case you need to do 20-minute growler watches on the bow in fog.
Even in summer fog is cold and your face and hands even with gloves will get cold after 20 minutes of growler watching on the bow. A fantastic cruising area, whales to be seen every other day, but take a strong crew with you.