The Wildlife of Greenland

The incredible biodiversity in Greenland will leave you stunned as you witness how these animals have adapted to live in the frigid north. All manner of life abounds in this tundra wilderness, from sea to land to air. In fact, the nature here is so fascinating that most of the Adventure Life Arctic tours feature wildlife viewing at the center of their itineraries. So what are you likely to see as you explore this chilly corner of the world?

Mammals!
Reindeer, musk ox, caribou, Arctic foxes & wolves, seals, hare, walruses, and even polar bears can all be found in Greenland. The thick fur coats help these creatures survive the cold temperatures and high winds. In the case of seals, layers of fat help protect them when they dive for their food. The diet for each animal varies, but fish and even other smaller mammals are usually on the menu for all of them. The seals are a favorite for the masterful hunters, the polar bears.

Birds
Birdwatchers delight as you turn your attention to the skies. Both seabirds and landbirds can be spotted around Greenland. The soaring white-tailed eagle is a particularly breathtaking sight to see. You’ll also see puffins, kittiwakes, guillemots, terns, cormorants, sandpipers, geese, fulmars, owls, and ravens. Although these birds flock here in the thousands based on the season, some are very sneaky and have adapted shimmering white coats of feathers that help them camouflage and guard against the wicked winds. Keep a sharp eye out and you might even see one of the scores of other bird species that call Greenland home.

Whales
The nutrient-rich cold waters of the Arctic draw in countless whales each season from a surprising mix of species, including orcas, humpbacks, Minke, Greenland whales, fin whales, blue, sperm, and beluga. If you see a horn shooting up from the cracks in the pack ice, it’s not a mythical unicorn emerging from the water – it’s the unique narwhal breaching for air. While some whales are here all year, others only visit these waters seasonally, so if whale watching is something you are hoping to do, then consider a cruise during the summer months, when they can be seen here giving birth.