Whales

Greenland’s whales
Around 15 species of whale are regular visitors to Greenlandic waters, but only three of these – the beluga whale, the narwhal and the bowhead whale – remain in Greenland during the winter. Whale species such as the blue whale and killer whale are only rarely seen. During brief stays in Greenland in the summer season it is, however, usually completely different species that can be seen: the humpback whale, minke whale and fin whale.

Humpback whale
In spite of being 18 metres (59 feet) long and weighing some 30 tonnes (66,000 lbs), the humpback whale is the acrobat amongst the large whales. Whales of all ages jump out of the water and flick their tails and flippers. The whale is easily recognisable on account of its humped dorsal fin and white flippers, and it usually lifts its tail when diving. Nuuk, Aasiaat and Qeqertarsuaq – as well as Sisimiut, Maniitsoq and Paamiut – are all particularly good places to see the humpback whale from April to November in its hunt for fish, squid and krill.

Minke whale
The minke whale, which is also called the lesser rorqual, is a relatively small whale that grows to a size of just 10 metres (33 feet) and weighs no more than 10 tonnes (22,000 lbs). Minke whales have been seen jumping out of the water, but in Greenlandic waters it is most common to see just the dorsal fin and spout. The whale is seen in fjords and along the coasts in South- and West Greenland up to Disko Bay – typically from May to October. Minke whales are, however, known for appearing at unusual places at odd times of the year. There are no whale safaris that are designed to look for minke whales in particular, but you can often see them on sailing trips.

Fin whale
The fin whale can be 27 metres (89 feet) long and is thus the world’s second largest species, surpassed only by the blue whale. It can weigh up to 100 tonnes (220,000 lbs) and is occasionally seen on boat trips around Uummannaq in particular, but also around Qaqortoq and in Disko Bay, as well as very occasionally in Greenland’s fjords. Fish, squid and small crustaceans make up its primary food source. The fin whale rarely lifts its tail when diving, but does occasionally jump out of the water and splash with its flippers in the water.