Greenland is a place of extremes: vast glaciers, towering icebergs, and fjords that stretch for miles into the Arctic wilderness. It is the largest island in the world, yet one of the least populated, with landscapes that feel untouched and deeply remote. During the short Arctic summer, ice melts from the coast, opening up narrow passages where wildlife thrives in one of the planet’s most pristine environments.
Exploring by private yacht with EYOS offers a front-row seat to this extraordinary ecosystem. Guests can navigate through iceberg-filled bays, anchor in quiet coves, and observe wildlife from both the deck and Zodiac with minimal disturbance. In a landscape this wild, every day brings a new opportunity. Here are five of the most remarkable wildlife encounters to experience on a private yacht expedition to Greenland.
-
Polar Bears
Nothing compares to seeing a polar bear in its natural habitat. Often found patrolling the pack ice of northeast Greenland, these solitary hunters embody the raw beauty and fragility of the Arctic. With EYOS’s experienced polar expedition leaders and ice pilots, guests have the best (and safest) chance of observing these magnificent animals without disturbance, often from the quiet deck of their yacht as it drifts amid the sea ice.
-
Musk Oxen
On land, herds of musk oxen graze the tundra with iconic thick coats evolved for survival in extreme cold. During summer, they can be spotted across Greenland’s interior valleys and fjordlands. Guided by EYOS naturalists, guests can quietly observe these prehistoric animals from a distance that ensures safety and minimal impact for an experience that feels as timeless as the landscape itself.
-
Seabird Colonies
The western coast’s steep cliffs come alive each summer with the noise and motion of hundreds of thousands of nesting seabirds—little auks, guillemots, kittiwakes, and puffins. Guests can take Zodiacs beneath these soaring colonies, watching the air fill with wings and the sea ripple with life. For casual birdwatchers and listers alike, these colonies offer extraordinary glimpses into an abundance of diversity.
-
Arctic Foxes
Curious and quick, Arctic foxes roam the tundra and coastline, scavenging along bird cliffs or following polar bears for scraps. In summer, their coats shift from white to a smoky brown, blending seamlessly with moss and stone. During guided shore landings, guests may catch sight of one trotting across the tundra for an intimate glimpse into the adaptability of Arctic life.
-
Walruses
Massive, whiskered, and surprisingly social, walruses haul out in groups along remote beaches and ice floes in eastern and northern Greenland. Observing them from a Zodiac offers an unforgettable perspective that allows you to listen to their deep bellows echoing across the water and see their tusks gleaming in the low Arctic sun. EYOS guides ensure every approach is done responsibly, maintaining respectful distances while allowing for close observation.
-
Plan Your Greenland Expedition
Every encounter in Greenland is shaped by timing, location, and expertise. With EYOS, each itinerary is designed to match the rhythm of the Arctic—whether you’re hoping to follow migrating whales, explore iceberg-filled fjords, or witness the wildlife that thrives on the ice edge.
To begin planning your private yacht expedition to Greenland, contact the EYOS team of specialists to design a personalized journey that brings you closer to the wild heart of the Arctic.