Northern lights cruises
Welcome to Scoresbysund, gateway to our northern lights cruises in Greenland
Our northern lights cruises in Greenland offer a way to explore with just 12 guests and witness one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in the world. Experience the colourful wonder of the northern lights in a remote wilderness area with zero light pollution, surrounded by jaw dropping scenery.
Why experience the northern lights in Greenland?
Experience the northern lights in an area with zero light pollution. Scoresbysund is located hundreds of miles from the nearest town, making it a haven of dark skies. When the sky is clear the colours are astounding.
Witness the aurora in amongst iceberg-filled fjords and epic mountainous landscapes. Perfect for photographers and nature lovers.
During the day, explore the wilderness of Scoresbysund, the longest natural fjord system on the planet, on a small ship expedition with just 12 guests.
To discover more tips and advice for seeing the northern lights in Greenland, please see our ultimate viewing guide below.
What causes the northern lights?
The northern lights or aurora borealis are polar lights – natural phenomena that cause coloured lights to dance across the sky. The same phenomenon occurs in the southern hemisphere as the southern lights or aurora australis. These celestial lights are the result of collisions between gaseous particles in the Earth’s atmosphere with charged particles released from the sun’s atmosphere.
They can appear in smaller patches, or large, swirling light streams, often most commonly in green hues, although on rare occasions they can appear as red, yellow, pink, blue, or purple.
Where is the best place to see the northern lights in Greenland?
The northern lights can be seen all over Greenland. For the best chance to see the northern lights, you need to go somewhere with a latitude of over 66 degrees north – roughly the same as the Arctic Circle.
Scoresbysund, a stunning fjord system in East Greenland, is one of our favourite places to explore. At a latitude of 70° north and with no light pollution, it is one of the best destinations for seeing the northern lights in Greenland. Its majestic scenery is the perfect setting in which to enjoy this otherworldly performance of the heavens.
Our northern lights cruises in Greenland offer the perfect way to see this spectacular show.
When is the best time to see the northern lights in Greenland?
The northern lights can be seen during the autumn and winter months from September onwards, when there are longer darkness hours in Greenland.
We regularly see the aurora blooming overhead during our expeditions. For more information, see our guide below.
What is the best way to photograph the northern lights?
You’ll need a reasonably decent camera to do the northern lights justice – ideally a full-frame camera with a wide-angle lens and a tripod for keeping the camera steady.
Full frame cameras are better for low light photography, and the wide-angle lens will let you capture the stunning landscape, as well the northern lights as they shimmer above. If possible, bring a lens that can be set to a fast aperture of a minimum of f4.
Switch to manual mode and turn off the flash, and you’ll have to adapt the shutter speed according to the brightness of the lights on the night.
Obviously, it’s not possible to predict the speed or brightness of the northern lights. But, as a guide, if the aurora is bright and fast-moving, then try a shutter speed of between five and 10 seconds, between 12–20 seconds if they’re moving more slowly and if it’s very faint then try a speed of around 20–25 seconds.
For the best chance of photographing the northern lights see our photo tours.
Scoresbysund Northern Lights Photo Tour
70°50’N, 25°00’W
Capture the heavens bursting with light above the monumental icebergs and high-drama landscape of Scoresbysund.
- 12 guests
- 8 days
Scoresbysund Northern Lights Photo Tour with Virgil Reglioni
70°50’N, 25°00’W
With 0% light pollution and insane iceberg sculptures, paired with the world’s finest aurora borealis photographer, you’re in for a treat.
- 12 guests
- 8 days
Scoresbysund Northern Lights Photo Tour with Dean Tatooles
70°50’N, 25°00’W
Head out into wild and remote East Greenland with acclaimed photographer Dean Tatooles, capturing the aurora borealis blossoming above the fjords of Scoresbysund.
- 12 guests
- — days
Scoresbysund Northern Lights Photo Tour with Randy Hanna
70°50’N, 25°00’W
Photograph the northern lights illuminating the skies above Scoresbysund with nature photography legend Randy Hanna.
- 12 guests
- 8 days
Northern lights cruises FAQs
What to pack for northern lights cruises in Greenland?
Our expedition vessel is very warm and cosy, but when it comes to packing for a northern lights cruise, it’s all about layers. Of course, you’ll need a decent coat (as well as hats, scarves, gloves, etc), but plenty of layers are the key to staying warm as you gaze up at the northern lights.
Make sure to pack:
A base layer: non-breathable fabrics like polyester to keep the heat on your body while drawing sweat off the skin to the exterior of the material, so it evaporates more easily.
Middle layer: your core insulation, like sweaters, hoodies, down jackets, or fleeces that aren’t too tight under your outer layer.
Outer layer: this layer has to weather storms, or at least deal with wind and rain. Unlike your base layer – you do want your coat to be breathable, so material like Gore-Tex is a good shout.
Pack thick wool socks to keep the heat in and a pair of warm, waterproof winter walking boots, ideally with removable spikes for extra grip.
For more information, take a look at our comprehensive guide below.
Will I definitely see the northern lights on my cruise?
Like all natural phenomena, we can never guarantee it, but when they appear, Scoresbysund is one of the best places in the world for witnessing the northern lights.
If witnessing the northern lights is your main objective, we recommend a cruise in the middle to latter half of September.
Why choose an Expedition Micro Cruise?
We believe our northern lights cruises on a small ship are the best way to experience Greenland’s wildlife and natural wonders in an intimate, personal, and lower-impact way, in a warm, comfortable environment.
We call our pioneering adventure concept the Expedition Micro Cruise. It’s how we see the world – and how we best enjoy soaking up the wonder of the northern lights.
Travelling in a small group is a more enriching experience than a larger tour group. There are no crowds to disturb the peace or waiting around to go ashore during the day – there’s space for the whole group in our Zodiacs. You’ll experience the Arctic wilderness without rushing, in the company of like-minded guests.
Our two onboard expert expedition guides will take you to explore some of Scoresbysund’s most remote and beautiful places. With a small group of just 12 guests, our guides will have plenty of time to share their expertise and answer your questions about the geography, history, and wildlife of Greenland.
As night descends and the darkness sets in, our guides know the signs to look out for. Get ready for the knock on your cabin door. For the flurry of excitement in the lounge. Boots in hand, be ready to step out on deck for a front-row seat to the sky’s greatest show.
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