Summer in Greenland: kayaking, sailing and trekking

Greenland remains one of the wildest and most unexplored territories in the Arctic. In summer the ice formed during the long winter nights melts and allows us access to the fjords, an incomparable natural spectacle formed by the erosion of the great glaciers that existed in the times when these lands were covered with ice.

In southern Greenland, the coast breaks into endless fjords and islets, creating magnificent landscapes accessible during the brief polar summer.

The arrival of good weather in Greenland

The transition from winter to spring is very fast in southern Greenland; days grow longer and vegetation returns as summer approaches.

With the arrival of summer the days become long and luminous and it is the best time for hiking and outdoor activities enjoying the incredible and endless rays of the sun.

Greenland’s summer brings many towns and communities to life 24 hours a day.

Travel to Greenland in summer

In the south of Greenland, the coast breaks into fjords and islets. This trip is a 160 km kayaking expedition; a self-sufficient journey without a support boat. We paddle between icebergs and glacier fronts descending from the mysterious ice sheet, with opportunities to observe varied wildlife.

Accompanied by expert guides in Greenland and a professional photographer, we watch the Northern Lights, one of the sky’s most fascinating spectacles.

An active route with a walk almost every day, some easy and others more demanding. The ship will be our means of transport, also offering magnificent boat journeys through spectacular fjords.

Recommended equipment for your backpack

We recommend for luggage a backpack or bag with straps. Avoid suitcases, which are inconvenient on this trip. A daypack of approximately 35 litres for walks. No specialist equipment is needed, just normal trekking gear. Waterproofs do not have to be Gore-Tex. Add your personal travel items to the recommended equipment list

RECOMMENDED PERSONAL EQUIPMENT NOT PROVIDED BY THE ORGANISERS:

• Head : 1 fleece or wool hat / 1 visor / 1 sunscreen / 1 lip balm / 1 pair of sunglasses / 1 mosquito head net (in July).
• Body : 2 or 3 thermal tops (Thermastat, Polartec...) / 1 lightweight fleece or jumper / 1 thick fleece / Waterproof jacket / 1 pair of thermal leggings / 1 or 2 pairs of trekking trousers / 1 pair of waterproof trousers / 1 rain poncho
• Hands : 1 pair of fleece, thick wool or similar gloves / 1 pair of 5 mm neoprene gloves
• Feet : 3 or 4 pairs of socks / trekking boots / 1 spare pair of shoes
• Camp : 1 sleeping bag (comfort rating -3° to -5°) / 1 torch or head torch (spare batteries) / 1 insulating mat / personal first aid kit / 5 to 10 fishing spoons (size 3 or 4) / 1 pocket knife / toiletries (including a towel).

Travel information

This trip has been organized by professionals in the Arctic world. Our trips preserve the spirit of early travellers: curiosity about what lies beyond a glacier, mountain or Inuit village, and a desire to learn from Arctic cultures.

As polar travel experts, the guides may change the itinerary for meteorological, logistical or safety reasons or to alter the order of the activities.

The Guides

The guide is central to the trip, with responsibility for the safety of the group and every member. Adrià Flor and Andreu Llovera are the most experienced guides in Greenland guiding groups. They have traveled half the world with their kayaks.

Difficulty and conditions of travel to Greenland in summer

By kayak

The route is designed for active people with a good attitude of tolerance, collaboration and teamwork, with average physical fitness.

We recommend training before the trip and for inexperienced kayakers to take a course prior to the trip.

Sand paddle gently, with stops and landings, stages involve approximately 4/5 hours of active paddling.
A typical day begins around 7.30–8.00, with a relaxed breakfast and packing up camp before starting to paddle at about 09.30. We usually paddle for an hour, then stop in the kayaks for a 15-minute snack break. After 2 hours, we land for a 1-hour break. We paddle for another hour, stop for 15 minutes, paddle for one more hour, then stop to set up camp.

Weather and ice conditions in the fjords determine the pace.

Walks

The treks involve 50 to 550 m of ascent and descent and 2 to 6 hours of walking; most walks are cross-country, as Greenland has no tracks or trails, but the walking is straightforward.

All treks use a daypack carrying some food, a warm layer and, sometimes, water, since water can be drunk anywhere in Greenland.

The luggage is transported by all-terrain cars and boats. You only need to help load luggage into boats and vehicles. The longest carry is around 200 m at Qaleragdlit Glacier.