Route: Greenland Explorer
Type: EXPEDITION SAILING
Miles: +800nm
Temperature Range: 3°c – 11°c
Expedition Dates:
01-16 JULY 2026 OR
08-23 AUGUST 2026
MIN. EXPERIENCE NEEDED:
RYA DAY SKIPPER // CLIPPER LEVEL 1 TRAINING OR EQUIVALENT
TALK TO AN EXPERT
Expedition Dates
Expedition 1: 01 July – 15 July 2026 – prior to this expedition, you can add on the Portsmouth to Iceland offshore passage
Expedition 2: 08 August – 23 August 2026
Please ensure you choose the correct date when making your booking.
ADD AN OFFSHORE PASSAGE from Gosport to Iceland
Prior to the first expedition, you can travel to Iceland by joining us for the 1,300NM offshore passage from Gosport, UK to Reykjavik, Iceland. Not only is this a great way to build upon existing skills, it’s a great chance to learn new ones. This passage will depart Gosport on 15 June 2026 and will arrive in Reykjavik on/around 26 June allowing a few days of exploration in Iceland before Expedition 1 starts.
Click here to find out more – Gosport to Iceland offshore passage – you can add this at the time of booking or contact us to find out more.
BOOKINGS FOR 2026 WILL BE AVAILABLE IN NOVEMBER 2026 – IN THE MEANTIME YOU CAN REGISTER YOUR INTEREST HERE: Register your interest for 2026
ARE YOU CLIPPER RACE ALUMNI?
IF YOU HAVE COMPLETED ONE OR MORE LEGS OF THE CLIPPER ROUND THE WORLD YACHT RACE, you can get get a 5% discount on your total booking value.
ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS
Sailing between Iceland and Greenland is a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of the Arctic environment. In addition to a variety of sailing conditions, along the way you are likely to encounter various species of whales, dolphins, seals, seabirds, and even polar bears. You will also marvel at the stunning scenery of icebergs, glaciers and fjords that make this region so special. Below are some key highlights:
ENJOY A VARIETY OF SAILING CONDITIONS
WITNESS TOWERING ICEBERGS & EXPANSIVE FJORDS
LOOK OUT FOR WHALES, DOLPHINS, SEABIRDS AND MORE
Cross the Arctic Circle and become a ‘Blue Nose’
DISCOVER THE RUGGED BEAUTY OF EASTERN GREENLAND
EXPERIENCE THE REMOTENESS OF GREENLAND SETTLEMENTS
“I couldn’t have asked for a more interesting way to experience the Arctic. A great group of people from all walks of life embodying the required team spirit, stunning wildlife highlighted by our bird’s eye view of a polar bear, a musk ox home cooked dinner with a delightful Innuit family and, most importantly, a thoroughly professional and fun sailing team.
Congratulations SKIRR on putting together this opportunity to live the dream.”
“Our Greenland route, was a total blast! A throughly professional operation, good solid and well maintained boat, an experienced crew, and experiences that one cannot get elsewhere.
This was my first sail with SKIRR and it will not be my last. Their operations were first rate from providing me information about the sail beforehand so I was properly equipped for the cold weather, and having a sturdy boat available to sail in potentially hazardous seas.”
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Depending on the weather and ice flow, we will take one of three route options (as mentioned above). The itinerary below is based on heading to Tasiilaq but you can find the alternative sample itinerary on the Arctic Adventure page.
ARRIVAL: REYKJAVIK, ICELAND
Arrive at Reykjavik Brokey marina between 1700 and 1800 to meet your Skipper and crew.
You will be welcomed aboard and get the chance to familiarise yourself with the boat before heading off for a crew dinner.
DAY 1
EXPEDITION DEPARTURE
This morning will involve a yacht familiarisation and extensive safety brief with your skipper and expedition team in preparation for an early afternoon departure.
Depending on conditions, the afternoon sail will likely consist of a short passage allowing crew to familiarise themselves with sail trimming, winch handling and helming as we start our voyage across the Denmark Strait.
DAYS 2-5
CROSSING THE DENMARK STRAIT
Depending on conditions our aim for this expedition route is to head due west across the Denmark Strait. Offering a variety of sailing conditions, this passage will be your first foray into high latitude sailing where the changeable weather can make for an exhilarating experience.
On route we will likely encounter various sea birds, whales, dolphins, and on approach to Greenland, icebergs.
If weather and ice conditions allow, we will aim to reach the settlement of Tasiilaq, the largest town in East Greenland, by day 5.
DAYS 6-8
TRANQUIL TASIILAQ
If accessible (dependent on ice), there will be a couple of days exploring Tasiilaq and its surroundings by boat and land.
Tasiilaq is a colourful and lively town with a rich history and culture. Meet some of the friendly locals and perhaps also join a guide for a hike in the stunning scenery of the nearby mountains, valleys, and glaciers.
DAYS 9-14
THE FJORDS of EAST GREENLAND
We will depart from Tasiilaq and head north along the Greenland coast. If accessible, we will try to visit some of the remote and beautiful Greeland fjords before crossing the Denmark Strait.
If we weren’t able to get into the Arctic Circle on the way over to Greenland, we will attempt again on the return passage, giving you an opportunity to become ‘blue noses’ before heading back to Iceland.
DAY 14-15
FINISH: Ísafjörður
Having crossed back over the Denmark Strait from East to West, you will arrive in Ísafjörður, a charming fishing town in the Westfjords region of Iceland. here you can enjoy a crew dinner before spending your last night on board.
After breakfast, you will assist with a deep clean of the boat before saying goodbye to your Skipper and crew. You will be free to depart the boat in Isafjordur by 1300 on 16 July or 23 August with memories that will last a lifetime.
The itinerary we provide for our sailing expedition is a guideline that may vary depending on weather conditions, wildlife sightings, and other contributing factors.
All SKIRR Adventures itineraries are examples and do not form any part of the contract.
the detail
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- All food and accommodation on board (except the evening of joining)
- Use of wet weather gear (jacket and trousers)
- Use of safety equipment including life jacket
- Personal injury & travel insurance for the duration of your leg
What’s not included
- Dinner on arrival night
- Travel to and from the boat for joining and departure
- Any meals ashore
- Visas
- Personal equipment (see packing list)
SOLO TRAVELLERS
Did you know that most of our guests are solo explorers? Sailing is a wonderful way to explore new destinations and make new friends. You’ll never feel lonely on board, as you’ll be part of a friendly and diverse crew.
PERSONAL FITNESS
AGE
To join a SKIRR adventures expedition, you must be at least 18 years old. Our trips are designed for people who love adventure, regardless of their age. We welcome guests from 18-70+. We don’t see age as a barrier, just a number. Come and explore the world with us!
GROUP SIZE
sailing experience
To join this expedition leg, you will need prior recent sailing experience.
This can be one of the following:
- Clipper Race Level 1 Training
- RYA Day Skipper
- Equivalent sailing experience
If you have sailing experience, but no prior qualifications, we will consider your application on a case by case basis. Please contact us with details of your sailing history.
If you have no prior sailing experience, don’t worry… you can still book onto the Clipper Race Level 1 training (below) or work towards your RYA Day Skipper (a globally endorsed qualification).
OPTION 1
CLIPPER RACE: LEVEL 1
Join crew onboard a Clipper Race yacht for an intensive course that prepares aspiring sailors for the challenges of long ocean crossings. The training covers the basics of sailing, safety, teamwork and leadership.
You will be joined by crew looking to take on the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, many of whom will have never sailed before, so it’s a fantastic place to begin your sailing journey.
FROM £650* | 7 DAYS
*when purchased with a leg of SKIRR adventures
OPTION 2
RYA DAY SKIPPER
You can obtain your RYA Day Skipper qualification through our preferred training provider, Hamble School of Yachting.
For those with no prior sailing experience, we would recommend that you do your RYA Competent Crew prior to your RYA Day Skipper qualification, where you will be taught the fundamentals of crewing, as well as how to ‘live’ onboard a cruising yacht.
FROM £980 | 9 DAYS +
