A big draw of joining an Arctic expedition cruise is wildlife encounters! While Svalbard takes the throne as the premium location for encountering Arctic wildlife such as polar bears, reindeer, walruses, and seals, Greenland also offers spectacular, unique opportunities!
Greenland is an ancient, huge world, full of vast fjord systems, drifting ice, and tundra that seems to stretch forever. Greenland offers a different kind of experience: wilder, quieter, and more unpredictable than anywhere else in the High North. This is also true of the wildlife encounters possible there. In Greenland, you have the chance to get lucky with some rare sightings and unforgettable wildlife encounters, especially toward the end of the Arctic summer.
Our expedition cruises in Greenland focus on northeast Greenland, primarily exploring the immense fjord systems of Scoresby Sund and sections of the south and eastern coastline. Visiting at the end of summer, as the autumnal colors pop and temperatures drop, you'll encounter fewer ships, changing light, migrating birds, and animals preparing for the long Arctic winter. But what animals can you expect to see in Greenland?
What animals can I see in Greenland?
Encounters are never guaranteed, but that uncertainty is part of the magic of Greenland! It's a vast landscape, and you'll have the chance to explore the tundra and huge fjords on long hikes, Zodiac cruises, shore walks, and vessel cruises. Be sure to remember your camera, as wildlife can appear and disappear in mere seconds! Here's a list of some of the animals you'll see in Greenland.
Musk oxen
The big draw for visitors to Greenland is musk oxen. You can't see them in Svalbard! Often spotted grazing on tundra slopes, musk oxen are among Greenland's most iconic land mammals. These Ice Age survivors are perfectly adapted to harsh conditions and are frequently seen in small herds in northeast Greenland. On a long hike, keep one eye on the expansive, colorful tundra, as their dark coats help them blend into the background. You may also spot their thick, soft fur caught on the Arctic plants of the tundra. Known as qiviut, it is prized for its use in clothing.
Picture by Régis Perdriat
Arctic hares
Another Arctic animal not found in Svalbard is the Arctic hare. Fast, alert, and well camouflaged, Arctic hares thrive in Greenland's open landscapes. Late summer sightings will often show them already in their striking winter coat. Before the first snowfall, Arctic hares will stand out against the colors of the tundra. But, be quick with your camera - they won't hang around for long!
Polar bears
The king of the Arctic needs little introduction! Greenland is home to polar bears, though encounters are rarer than in Svalbard. Towards the end of summer, polar bears in Greenland will occasionally be found along coastlines or near drifting sea ice, awaiting the return of the pack ice and the prey that accompanies it.
Arctic fox
Curious and adaptable, Arctic foxes can be seen darting along shorelines or creeping near bird colonies. Towards the end of summer, Arctic foxes may look a little scruffy as their summer coat begins to transition to their strikingly white winter coat. They are usually one of the most photogenic animals in Greenland, but we all have our bad days!
Picture by Sara Jenner
Seals
Seals are less common in Greenland than in Svalbard. However, in icy fjords and along rocky shorelines, you may encounter them! Ringed seals, harbour seals, hooded seals, harp seals, and bearded seals haul out on ice floes or can be seen swimming close to shore. They are most often spotted during a Zodiac cruise, or from the deck of our expedition vessels as they move slowly through Greenland's fjords.
Walruses
Like seals, walruses are less common in Greenland than in Svalbard. At least, this is true of the areas accessible during your expedition cruise. You can encounter these Arctic giants farther north, hauled out on sandy shorelines, or hunting for mollusks in shallow water.
Whales
Late summer is prime whale season. You can often observe humpback, fin, and minke whales feeding in Greenland's nutrient-rich waters, most commonly in deeper offshore waters rather than fjords. In areas with heavier ice cover, you may be lucky enough to spot the bowhead whale, which is only found in the Arctic and is unique among whale species in their preference for heavy pack ice. The ghostly beluga whale may also make a rare appearance, although they are far more common in Svalbard.
Picture by Sara Jenner
Narwhals
While extremely rare, narwhals can theoretically be seen in northeast Greenland. These rare encounters are never expected, but they do happen very occasionally! Some sections of Scoresby Sund are protected as narwhal environments, preventing access. The majority of narwhals in Greenland are found in the northwest and far northeast, where ice cover is heavier. If you're lucky enough to spot one during an expedition cruise to Greenland, you should also buy a lottery ticket!
Arctic birds - ptarmigan and migrating species
In late summer, you'll likely spot some last-minute departures. Many bird species migrate to Greenland from across Europe and beyond for the summer, before leaving ahead of the Arctic winter. The only bird that remains in Greenland all year round is the pretty ptarmigan, a species of grouse. In summer, the ptarmigan has a brownish coat, while in winter, they transform into a mass of snowy white feathers, helping them blend into their surroundings. You may also spot ravens, which also remain year-round, and the gyrfalcon, a High Arctic bird of prey that spends Arctic summers patrolling the skies above Greenland's vibrant tundra.
Greenland v Svalbard - which wildlife experience is better?
Svalbard offers higher wildlife density and more frequent polar bear encounters, making it the premier destination for Arctic wildlife enthusiasts. You can also see different animals in Greenland, particularly birds, as you'll be visiting at the height of the breeding season. You can also encounter unique animals in Greenland, such as musk oxen and Arctic hares - impossible in Svalbard!
Picture by Adam Burke
Wildlife encounters in Greenland feel earned. The landscapes are immense, and human presence is minimal. You really feel one with the landscapes you find yourself in, and every wildlife sighting in Greenland feels like a true privilege.
Encountering wildlife in Greenland responsibly
We pride ourselves on our responsible, respectful approach to wildlife encounters in Greenland and the rest of the Arctic. While we champion immersive, close encounters with the polar world, we strictly follow AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators) guidelines for all wildlife encounters. This means maintaining respectful distances, minimizing disturbance, and allowing animals in Greenland to behave naturally in their environment.
Our approach to encountering Arctic wildlife, whether in Greenland or Svalbard, is built on responsibility, education, and conservation. You'll not only encounter amazing polar wildlife, but you'll also learn about the Arctic ecosystem, specific species, and the wider polar regions, led by expert expedition guides.
Picture by unknown photographer
Join a late-season expedition cruise to Greenland
Late-summer voyages to northeast Greenland offer a rare opportunity to explore one of the Arctic's least visited regions, at a moment when wildlife activity, changing light, and seasonal transitions combine into something truly special.
Book your place today to experience a remote world unlike anywhere else on Earth, along with the beautiful species that call its wide-open tundra and vast fjords home.
Main image by Enrico Pescantini