ARCTIC EXPEDITIONS: GREENLAND & BEYOND!
➜ Click here to explore our 2025 expeditions for Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, the Shetlands and Norway!
EXPLORE OUR EXPEDITIONS IN THE POLAR REGIONS
Founded on the unparalleled expeditionary adventures of full-time explorer Joe Shutter, The Great Expedition Company is a purveyor of exceptional experiences throughout the Arctic and Antarctic.
Are you interested in joining us on Expedition in 2025?
Choose Your Arctic Expedition(s) for 2025!
Circumnavigating Svalbard
The largest island on the Svalbard Archipelago - 78/80ºN
JUL 14-25
JUL 28-AUG 08
AN ARCTIC EXPEDITION EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER.
OUR PURPOSE
The desire for adventure and exploration is genetically encoded in all of us, and stories are the means by which we navigate the world. With this in mind, we at The Great Expedition Company have honed the artful skill of curating unique and impactful travel experiences based on these fundamental disciplines: intentionality, curiosity, sustainability and expeditionary spirit.
We’re not interested in selling you a mere trip, for you can buy that anywhere else. Instead, The Great Expedition Company travels with you, sharing in the experiences of worldly exploration. This is what truly sets us apart. We’re proud to be personable.
As such, the ventures of The Great Expedition Company go far beyond the traditional travelling model. We are committed to skilfully supporting curious travellers through a unique combination of industry expertise, proven past experience, extensive network connections and unique access to the sublime vistas and pristine wilderness of the Arctic.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
In an ode to the brave and bold explorers of our past, we not only feel inspired, but also compelled, to live out our ethos: to keep alive the expeditionary spirit inside us all, travel with intention and vigour, and ignite the necessary conversations about our ever-changing future on our stupendous, fragile planet.
The world is not just in your maps and books. It’s out there! We invite inquisitive explorers to join us as we embark on a humble pursuit to humanise and reveal the less-journeyed areas in the Arctic. Our transformational and authentic experiences within the untamed and primordial beauty of the Arctic will leave you spellbound.
JOIN US ON AN ARCTIC EXPEDITION
There is a long established tradition in the history of the exploration of the polar regions of interviewing the expedition participants before heading out on expedition together. You just have to have the right people.
Captain Scott did it, Sir Ernest Shackleton did it and we see no reason why we shouldn’t either: travelling to extremely remote locations with 11 people you’ve never met is no mean feat: it’s difficult to put into words just how very important it is that bring about an excellent vibe in the group.
Every single person that wants to come with us on expedition to Greenland or wherever else is personally interviewed by the Expedition Leader. This creates a unique, curated expedition that improves everyone’s experience not just of the expedition, but of each other.
YOUR GREENLAND EXPEDITION EXPERTS
We have no back-office. Joe and his team prefer to imagine, prepare and lead all adventures from the front, alongside you.
Founder, expedition leader & seasoned explorer
Welcome, curious explorer! Joe here. British-Brazilian, I have called Iceland my home for the past 10 years.
Greenland has been my boldest adventure so far. There are moments in life that cry out to be fulfilled. For me, seducing the spirits of fellow explorers and sharing in the wonders of Greenland is my repeatable aim. Bringing people together with a common passion has always been my favourite thing: there’s a special energy in this that I have never found anywhere else.
My affinity for the Arctic regions has no limits. Through my lens and many years of exploration I have honed the artful skill of curating positive and purposeful experiences which I take great joy in sharing with fellow explorers.
With humility and respect for the natural world, I am committed to sharing these vast and barely traversed regions with others, using my expertise to help you discover your own connections with the boundless wonderment of Greenland and the surrounding Arctic.
Follow our expedition adventures on Instagram @greatexped
ARCTIC EXPEDITION BY SAILBOAT
Traverse the glacial waters of the arctic in style. All sailboats we charter for our arctic expeditions are the epitome of elegance at sea, and allow for an unmatched experience. We sail on actual sailboats where we get to use the sails, and our expeditions are kept small. We believe small ship cruises are unparalleled in an arctic expedition experience, and we keep the numbers as low as possible.
Learn more about why we keep our sailboat expeditions as small as possible.
A UNIQUELY CURATED ARCTIC EXPEDITION
Are you inspired to embrace the grandeur and grace, power and fragility, of the Arctic? We’ve been embarking on humble pursuits to humanise and reveal the less-journeyed areas of this Arctic region since 2018, and the desire to return still remains, year after year.
Together, we’ll embark on a journey like no other. With talented guides, a daring and caring sailing crew, and a dynamic, international group, we’ll share inspiring experiences, explore mesmerising locations in the Arctic, and depart ever more inspired and curious. We will disconnect from all notifications and give our undivided attention to this mystical land of Arctic wonders.
The clarity that comes from this experience is unrivalled. Wonder after wonder, story after story.
TESTIMONIALS
OUR CREDIBILITY & CHARACTER
A proper expedition is always comprised of an elaborate mosaic of characters, each with their own story and each with something to offer to the expedition group.
The Great Expedition Company has had the pleasure of enjoying the company of a retired professional ballerina, a cancer survivor, conquerors of Everest and K2, an interior designer from New York, a cardiologist from India, a seasoned goer of Burning Man since the 80’s, those contemplating a life-changing business deal, others considering their upcoming retirement, newly divorced and in need of hope, all within the dramatic oasis of the Arctic.
The authenticity of our philosophy can be felt through our past expeditions, with testimonials from our then clients, who are now our friends.
“ I’m finally back from an amazing trip along the east coast of Greenland. I had the amazing opportunity to sail through Greenland on this boat. No internet, no cell reception. Nothing. We sailed a week on a schooner and saw the most incredible winter landscapes. Personally, the best part of the trip was not the landscapes, but the fortune of having shared it with a group of such talented and incredible people that I can call my friends.
It was the most amazing journey of my life, and I’m so happy I got to share it with the most talented, funny, and incredible group of people there is. Thank you @joe_shutter for making it happen. Can’t wait for our future adventures! “
— Alejandro Castro @alexcstro from Mexico
Participant in the 2018 & 2022 Greenland Expedition, & 2023 Antarctica Expedition
“ This experience was one of the best of my life. The landscape, the boats, the people and the conversations have left their mark on my being. This remote landscape was such an ideal setting for this experience. Sailing around the fjords of Scoresby Sound in eastern Greenland in a wooden schooner felt like I went back in time. The creaking and groaning of the wooden boats as they made their way through the arctic waters is a sound I will never forget. I assume it was not unlike the sound of boats hundreds of years ago as they crossed the icy Atlantic.
This experience was something I feel privileged to have been a part of, and I will never forget the landscapes, the boats, the weather, the seemingly endless ice, and the friends that I met inside the Arctic Circle. “
— Matt McGee @mattmcgee from Tennessee
Participant in the 2022 Greenland Expedition
“ Silent Arctic was beautifully organised - the gorgeous schooner, the crew, the itinerary and most of all an amazing collection of like-minded individuals in the workshop! This experience with Joe took us deep within… the high arctic, the fjords, and yes - self-reflection. In a way, everything slows down for a week, and yet there is so much to absorb - valuable insights from the guys, the other participants, and the jaw-dropping beauty of the nature around you! With no distractions of everyday life, your focus is heightened and you can really think about how you want to grow your photography skills. Oh and chilling in the hot tub on deck isn’t bad either. They said there is life before Greenland and life after. They were right. I’m definitely going back! ”
— Ashwini Gupte @ashwinigupte from Canada
Participant on the 2018 Greenland Expedition & bespoke expedition with Joe in Iceland 2022 & 2023
“ Last week, we embarked upon a week-long journey sailing in a wooden schooner in Scoresby Sund, the longest fjord of the world in East Greenland.
Looking at wide rivers of ice flow out from edges of glacier sheets end at the sea, gigantic icebergs that collapsed and crumbled down in front of our eyes and broke the arctic silence, I’m at a loss for words to express the magnificence and charms of this mystical wonderland.
This has been a truly unforgettable experience of a lifetime. Special thanks to the inspiring individual @joe_shutter for making everything happen. “
— Cindy Run @cindyrunli from Iceland
Participant in the 2019 Greenland Expedition
“ I’ve had the good fortune to see some amazing places and meet some amazing people: this trip, and the people I met on it, topped all of those experiences, and it’s not even close. It truly is a once in a lifetime trip, and I can assure anyone who’s debating going: it is MORE than worth it.
It will change you- for the better! To @joe_shutter - thank you so much. You brought this amazing group of people together, and managed to pull off an expedition of epic proportions. I can speak for everyone when I say it was a life-changing experience, one for which I am eternally grateful. ”
— Wayne Faust @thetalltravelguy1, USA
Participant on the 2022 Greenland Expedition
“ Just back from the most amazing journey. Words cannot describe the beauty of Greenland. I feel incredibly lucky for having the chance traveling to one of the most remote places on earth, share this experience with fun and crazy people and get to see giant icebergs, stunning mountains and FIVE freaking polar bears!!!
Thank you so much @joe_shutter for making this trip happen and spending the week in Greenland aboard the beautiful Opal with us! ”
— Sandrine Michelmore @ivory_mint from Switzerland
Participant on the 2019 Greenland Expedition
ARCTIC EXPEDITION JOURNAL
The Great Expedition Blog is all about get a deeper understanding of the polar regions, whilst keeping it light-hearted.
Check out some of our recent posts below.
The Arctic Explorer’s Guide to the Arctic Circle
Unpacking the mysteries of the Arctic Circle, and the different destination in the Arctic Circle.
The Polar Plunge
The Polar Plunge is one of the key experiences on any expedition. What is it all about?
Five Famous Explorers
Franklin, Nansen, Amundsen, Scott and Shackleton. Who were some of the early polar prioneers? If you know nothing about these great and famous explorers, start here!
Iceland vs. Greenland
A tough comparison!
How is Iceland different from Greenland? We unpack the similarities and the differences.
Arctic vs Antarctic
What are the similarities between the Arctic and the Antarctic? Learn more here!
Small Ship Cruises in the Arctic
When it comes to exploring the Arctic, the type of vessel you travel is key. Learn why we only travel with 12 passengers on our Greenland expeditions and our Svalbard Expednsexpeditions.
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CURIOUS? NO FOMO HERE!
Sign up below for our 2024 schedule, or contact us for bespoke expedition requests.