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Kayaking

The kayak is a cultural link between the earliest immigrants in Greenland, the common everyday experience by local kayakers and the modern rugged adventure expeditions.

WHEN THE KAYAK ARRIVED IN GREENLAND

The kayak is a transportation and hunting tool that originated in the Arctic region and then spread east towards Greenland with the first wave of immigrants, who came to this country more than 4000 years ago.

In Greenland, people embraced the kayak to such an extent that it became the focal point of everyday life in a community of hunters, and even to this day the kayak is one of the strongest cultural symbols of our adaptability to the land that distinguishes us as a people.

Get advice from local kayakers regarding certain wind conditions, the tide, and more. Staying safe is far more important than getting a spectacular experience.

Package Tours

Quark Expeditions: Greenland Explorer: Valleys and Fjords

Quark Expeditions

Greenland Explorer

Witness the Ilulissat icefjord, explore historic places and visit communities, encountering an ancient culture surviving in a modern world.

From $6,995
Discover The World: South Greenland Explorer

Discover The World

South Greenland Adventure

Experience one of the world's last great wildernesses and discover its vibrant culture and Viking heritage.

FROM £2,034
Tasermiut Expeditions: Kayak & Hiking 8 days

Tasermiut Expeditions

Kayak & Hiking 8 days

Kayak expedition in total freedom among icebergs & glaciers. Ice-walk, polar fauna, northern lights. Dates: June to Sep. Flight from KEF/CPH.

FROM €2,195
Tasermiut Expeditions: Hiking and Kayaking Adventure

Tasermiut Expeditions

Hiking and Kayaking Adventure

8 day excursion, kayaking and on foot: complete contact with nature, kayaking and hiking activities, discover Viking ruins in South Greenland.

FROM €1,895
Grönlandsresor – The great Greenlandic kayak expedition in Upernavik

Grönlandresor

The great Greenlandic kayak expedition in Upernavik

The Greenlandic wilderness, 600 km north of the polar circle, is magnificent and perfect for kayaking.

From €3,680
Quark Expeditions: Epic High Arctic

Quark Expeditions

Epic High Arctic

This expedition through the Northwest Passage visits Greenlandic & Canadian communities, plus UNESCO World Heritage Site Ilulissat Icefjord.

From $9,695
Quark Expeditions: Northwest Passage: In the Footsteps of Franklin

Quark Expeditions

Northwest Passage: In the Footsteps of Franklin

Explore waters few have sailed; experience intimate wildlife encounters and dramatic fjords.

From $9,695
Quark Expeditions: Kayak in Northwest Greenland

Quark Expeditions

Kayak in Northwest Greenland

On this expedition, you'll be able to explore the majestic Ilulissat Icefjord from a sea kayak for a whole different perspective!

FROM $4,395
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THE KAYAK IS FOUND EVERYWHERE IN GREENLAND

Tour operators, and rental companies, of glass fiber kayaks are located all over the country, testifying to the vessels popularity with the many visitors who come to Greenland. The traditional Greenlandic kayak of today, is mostly used for hunting in the most northerly regions of the country, while the modern glass fiber kayak is used for both short trips and long hauls all along the coast.

We do acknowledge that this nearness to nature, the touch of the ocean surface, the rhythmic motion of the paddle through the water, the ability to propel a forward motion only by the use of the human body, are all, a compelling combination which fits well with our need for everyday excursions and adventurous expeditions.

Adding to that, are the icebergs, the whales, seals, flocks of birds, small Greenlandic towns and settlements, and a jagged coast line that adds its own unique Arctic dimension to an activity which for many people is more about the fellowship with ones travel companions than the wilderness experience of the trip.

Two kayakers paddle around icebergs in Nuuk Fjord as a daytime adventure while staying at the Arctic Nomad Adventure Camp. By Raven Eye Photography
Kayakers mong icebergs near Ilulissat and Oqaatsut in North Greenland
A kayaker with boats has a driftwood fire along shoreline, Camp In Tasiilaq Fjord. By Chris Brinlee Jr

FROM EXTREME EXPEDITIONS TO COMMUTERS IN THE CAPITAL

The countryside in Greenland is accessible and open to everyone 24-7, weather permitting. You may go ashore and camp anywhere you choose, as long as you are considerate of the surroundings, and follow general rules when in mountainous terrain.

You will discover that in many places the mountain sides will be very steep and go down straight into the water, and that there is no one else around. One small linguistic saying is the phrase “close by”, which in this country is another sentence for “as far as the eye can see and then some”.

But kayaking in Greenland doesn’t have to be to a remote fiord or under extreme conditions in order to provide people some substance in their daily lives. We know of people who use the kayak as a commute, when going to work from the suburb Qinnorput and into Nuuk proper. We see kids every summer, in all the harbours in Greenland, frolicking about and practicing the kayak roll, and we enjoy watching a kayak show as much as the passengers do aboard the cruise ships.

Local providers

Greenland waterways

Greenland Waterways

Nuussuaq, Paarnarluk 5a
3905,
Phone: +299290805More information
Ilulissat Guesthouse 03

Ilulissat Guesthouse

Ilulissat, Qupaloraasuk 56,
3952,
Phone: (+299) 278 980 / (+45) 76 10 00 70More information
Quark Expeditions

Quark Expeditions

Seattle, 3131 Elliot Avenue, Suite 250, Seattle, WA USA
98121,
Phone: Toll Free 1 888 332 0008 Direct (+1) 203 803 2888More information
Tasermiut 3

Tasermiut South Greenland Expeditions

Qassiarsuk, B-873 Qassiarsuk
3923,
Phone: (+299) 522 822More information

PGI Greenland

Ilulissat, Kuunnguarsuk 11,
3952,
Phone: +(299) 295 195More information
North Greenland Adventure 05

North Greenland Adventure

Ilulissat, Kaaleeraq Poulsen aqq. 1,
3952,
Phone: (+299) 945 501More information
Nanu Travel 01

Nanu Travel

Ittoqqortoormiit, Postboks 4  Mikip Aqqutaa B-186 ,
3980,
Phone: +299 991280 More information
The white church in Nanortalik in South Greenland

Nanortalik Tourism Service

Nanortalik, Lundip Aqqutaa B 128,
3922,
Phone: (+299) 613 633More information
Ilulissat Tourist Nature 06

Ilulissat Tourist Nature

Ilulissat, Kussangajannguaq 5,
3952,
Phone: (+299) 944 420More information
Honest Greenland 04

Honest Greenland

Aasiaat, Qimmeqarfik 60,
3950,
Phone: (+299) 277 790More information
Greenland Sagalands 11

Greenland Sagalands

Qaqortoq, Vatikanbakken 68,
3920,
Phone: (+299) 64 24 44 / 49 37 41More information
Greenland Outdoors 07

Greenland Outdoors

Kangerlussuaq, P.O.Box 87, B466
3910,
Phone: (+299) 240616More information
Tiny dog sleds in the huge East Greenland landscapes between Tasiilaq and Sermilik

Dines Tours

Tasiilaq, Gentoftevej B-924,
3913,
Phone: (+299) 982 143 / (+299) 598 759More information
The Green House

The Green House in Tasiilaq

Tasiilaq, Skæven Ujuaap Aqqutaa B 48,
3913,
Phone: (+299) 982 243More information
Blue Ice Explorer 03

Blue Ice Explorer

Narsarsuaq, Box 58
3923,
Phone: (+299) 665 499 / (+ 299) 497 371More information
Arctic Dream Travellodge Greenland 02

Arctic Dream - Travellodge Greenland

Tasiilaq, B-771
3913,
Phone: (+299) 584 171More information

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Explore related articles, offers and tour providers:

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By Visit Greenland

Behind Greenland's largest travel site is the Visit Greenland that is 100% owned by the Government of Greenland, who is responsible for marketing the country's adventures and opportunities for guests wishing to visit the world's largest island

https://visitgreenland.com

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