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.