ARCTIC EXPEDITIONS 2027: GREENLAND, SVALBARD & LOFOTEN
Six Expeditions. One Extraordinary Year.
2027 is shaping up to be our biggest expedition season yet. From the winter darkness of Lofoten to the edge of the Arctic sea ice, across open oceans and along the wild coast of East Greenland. Six small-group expeditions. Six very different ways to experience the Arctic.
Wild Coast · Tall Ship · Ocean Passage - Longest Expedition of season
Our newest blog posts 🧊
Our newest blog posts 🧊
All the Times America has Tried to Buy or Take Over Greenland
Spoiler ALert: it was more than once. This is as complex as it is interesting. you won’t want to miss this one!
Why is Greenland important?
Greenland is hot topic at the moment, and Greenland matters for a lot of reasons. See our newest blog post to discover why.
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.
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 by birth, 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
CURIOUS? NO FOMO HERE!
Sign up below for our 2027/2028 schedule, or contact us for bespoke expedition requests.
GENERAL FAQ’s
Below are some answers to a few commonly asked questions, with some additional suggestions. If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, then you can raise it with us via a Zoom call. We broke it up into 3 to make it more manageable. It felt like “a lot” before we did that.
FAQ 1/3. BEFORE YOU JOIN US ON EXPEDITION
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Absolutely! In fact, most of opur passenegrs are solo travellers and solo female travellers at that!
Joining an expedition alone can be one of the best ways to experience it. Our groups are deliberately small, and life aboard naturally brings everyone together. We share meals, explore ashore, exchange stories and spend our days experiencing remarkable places together. You might arrive not knowing anyone, but it’s unlikely you’ll feel that way for long. Many lasting friendships have begun aboard our expeditions, and there’s something particularly special about sharing an adventure like this with people who were complete strangers just a few days earlier. If you’re travelling alone, we’ll happily explain the available cabin arrangements before you book.
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This is not expressively a photography workshop, but Joe will be happy to assist and guide you as you wish. You can be as photographically creatively active or as inactive as you like, and we welcome many other forms of creativity. We even had a dressmaker join us on expedition once and it was amazing to watch her conjure up her designs based on the inspiration she was getting from nature.
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Absolutely not! You don’t need any previous sailing experience to join us. Our professional crew takes care of navigating and operating the ship, leaving you free to enjoy the adventure. However, if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to sail a traditional tall ship, you’re more than welcome to get involved. Help raise the sails, learn a few knots or simply enjoy watching the crew at work. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or have never set foot on a sailing vessel, there’s a place for you aboard.
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You certainly don’t need to be an athlete to join us. Most activities are optional, and you’re welcome to participate as much or as little as you like. You should, however, be comfortable moving around the ship, negotiating stairs and getting into and out of our Zodiacs. Exploring ashore can involve uneven or rocky terrain. If you’re unsure about your fitness or mobility, we’re always happy to discuss it before you book.
You can engage in as much or as little physical exertion as you like, but you do need to be able to get into and out of the ship and zodiac, and go up and down the stairs.
The ladder that allows us onto and off the ship is a special regulated lader with a standadised distance between the rungs of 11 inches as per international maritime regulations. There are 5 rungs to get but and down.
FAQ 2/3. LIFE ON BOARD & THE EXPEDITION
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Crossing the Denmark Strait between Svalbard and Greenland, or Greenland and Iceland is a genuine ocean passage and one of the great experiences of this expedition. For a time, the ship becomes our entire world as we leave Greenland’s mountains and glaciers behind and head towards Iceland. We’ll settle into the rhythms of life at sea, watching for whales and seabirds, enjoying meals together and experiencing the extraordinary feeling of being far from land. Conditions can range from beautifully calm to decidedly lively, and the duration of our crossing will depend on the weather. It’s a proper maritime adventure, and very much part of the experience.
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The areas in which we sail are populated by two polar bear sub-populations: the Barents Sea sub population and the East Greenand sub population. East Greenland is polar bear country, and there’s certainly a possibility of encountering these magnificent animals during our expedition. Polar bears inhabit the remote coastline and travel with the drifting sea ice, particularly along the Blosseville Coast and other rarely visited shores. However, these are wild animals living in an immense wilderness, and sightings can never be guaranteed. Our approach is always to observe wildlife responsibly, maintaining appropriate distances and following the guidance of our expedition team. And polar bears are only part of the story: we may also encounter whales, seals, seabirds and other Arctic wildlife along the way.
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Our tallship is very spacious in its own right, let alone in comparison to other tall ships(!) Our tall ship S/V Linden has six cabins with single beds and two cabins have King size beds. Five of our cabins have full ensuite bathrooms comprising a toilet, sink and show in a wetroom style arrangment. The water runs hot and plentiful and the toilets flush with a vacuum vigour.
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Very well indeed, especially considering the remoteness of where we sail and that we do not re-stock for the entire season, because how can you re-stock when there is nowhere to re-stock?
All meals are freshly prepared aboard by our chef, and sharing good food is an important part of expedition life. From hearty breakfasts before a day of exploring to relaxed dinners after returning from shore, mealtimes are a wonderful opportunity to come together, exchange stories and reflect on the day’s adventures. We can accommodate many dietary requirements; just let us know in advance.
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We have the opportunity to see the northern lights from the third week of August onwards, when finally, after many months of endless light, it finally becomes sufficiently dark to see the northern ligthts.
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What we drink whilst out on expedition is a serious topic. First of all, the water that we carry (and amke, via our water maker) is potable and is the by far the most important liquid on board. Then, we carry a range of different non alcoholic beverages on board: juices, sparkling water/seltzer and soda. Then, we have beer and a curated win list form our on board sommelier , with champagne and n port served generously on hour at various throughout the expedition as and when the conditions and the aoccassion co
FAQ 3/3. WEATHER AND WHAT TO PACK for the EXPEDITION
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Althopugh we provide an exhaustive list of what to pack in our "Equipment and Information Pack", part of our extensive Pre-Departure material, wee do offer the following as a guide for the initially curious.
There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes! It’s essential to dress appropriately for arctic conditions. Below are our recommendations:
Sturdy hiking boots for getting off the boat and exploring land (if you wish to)
Comfy and warm shoes for below deck, such as slippers
1st layer: base layer, like merino wool or bamboo long-sleeve & leggings
2nd layer: mid-layer, like a wool jumper, fleece, or packable puffy jacket
Main outer layer: like a down-filled coat. We will be sailing in “summer”, but the Arctic does not follow any usual weather rules, so you must come prepared
Waterproof layer: GORE-TEX zip-up coat or similar, and ideally it’s also windproof to tolerate any windchill.
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Then we change our plans! Flexibility is fundamental to exploring somewhere as remote and unpredictable as East Greenland. Weather, wind and sea ice determine where we can sail, which fjords we can enter and where it’s safe to go ashore. We have an ambitious route in mind, including the Blosseville Coast, Kangerlussuaq Fjord and King Christian IX Land, but no individual destination can be guaranteed. Our expedition leader and captain make decisions together, always putting safety first while seeking out the best opportunities for exploration. Some of the most memorable moments happen when the Arctic leads us somewhere we hadn’t originally planned to go.
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In three words: warm and waterproof. this is the general advice, but of course we go into considerable more detail to make sure you’re prepared. Our extensive Equipment and Information Pack pre departure material goes into all the detail and you will receive our pre-departure material far in advance of departure.
The secret to staying comfortable in the Arctic is layers, rather than one enormous coat! We recommend warm base layers, insulating mid-layers and a good waterproof, windproof outer shell, along with suitable footwear, gloves and a warm hat. Even in summer, Greenland can be surprisingly cold, particularly when we’re out on deck or exploring by Zodiac. But don’t worry: once you’ve booked, we’ll send you a comprehensive Equipment & Information Pack covering everything you’ll need. And we’d encourage you to bring a good book, a notebook and perhaps something small from home to share with your fellow expeditioners. Those little things often become some of the nicest parts of life aboard.
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Svalbard might be surprisingly mild during the Arctic summer, but don’t let that fool you! Between June and August, temperatures typically hover between 3°C and 7°C (37–45°F), occasionally climbing into double figures on particularly beautiful days. However, we’re a long way north, and conditions can change remarkably quickly. Sunshine, fog, rain, strong winds and even the occasional snowfall are all possibilities. Out on deck or exploring by Zodiac, the wind can make things feel considerably colder. The secret is to dress in layers and come prepared for a little bit of everything. After all, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing!
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East Greenland enjoys a short but spectacular Arctic summer, with temperatures typically ranging between 2°C and 8°C (36–46°F) during July and August, although warmer days are certainly possible. By September, things begin to cool down. The weather can be wonderfully unpredictable: brilliant sunshine one moment, drifting fog, rain or even snow the next. Conditions can also vary enormously between sheltered fjords and the exposed coastline, where cold winds and drifting ice can make it feel considerably chillier. We’ll be exploring one of the wildest coastlines on Earth, so being prepared for changing conditions is essential. Fortunately, a good layering system makes all the difference!