Seven Oceans Expeditions · Field Guide · Volume 2

Greenland Polar Diving:
A Topside & Packing Guide

What to expect onboard, essentials to pack, and everything worth knowing for life above the waterline.

DestinationGreenland
Average Air Temperatures34°F–50°F / 1°C–10°C
DaylightNearly 24 Hours
Expedition Duration9 Days

About This Guide

A standalone guide to life above the waterline on a Greenland polar diving expedition.

This volume covers conditions, connectivity, vessel life, topside clothing, footwear, and personal items. For dive gear and equipment, see the Gear & Equipment Guide linked below.

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Also in the Field Guide Greenland Polar Diving Gear & Equipment Checklist
→
01Conditions & Environment

June ushers in spring and summer in Greenland with moderately warmer temperatures, extended sunlight, and calmer seas — but the temperatures can be genuinely cold, and wind off the ice sheet or open ocean can lower the felt temperature well below the air temperature.

Average Air Temperatures — Nuuk to Ilulissat, June
Average Highs42°F–50°F / 5°C–10°C
Average Lows34°F–41°F / 1°C–5°C

Pack for the low end of the range. Wind chill off the Greenland ice sheet or open ocean can make exposed time feel substantially colder than the thermometer suggests.

Daylight: Expect nearly 24 hours of daylight. The cabins have no portholes or windows, so light is not an issue for sleeping — but days will be long, active, and full. Pace yourself accordingly.

02Topside Clothing

What follows are the expedition-specific clothing essentials for nine days in Arctic conditions.

Suggested Pro Packing Tip — The Rule of Fives (and Threes): Consider five days’ worth of clothing that touches your skin, such as t-shirts, socks, and underwear. For pants and outer shirts, three is often sufficient — these layer well and can be worn longer between changes. Compact, quick-drying fabrics are preferred. A washer and dryer are available onboard for periodic laundry, so there’s no need to overpack.
✓Item
Winter jacket or equivalent outer layer
A down jacket, insulated parka, or a shell with a fleece layer or undergarment. In some cases, your drysuit undergarment can be repurposed as a topside insulating layer if you wish to save space.
Light jacket or fleece
For milder days or layering under your outer jacket. Your drysuit undergarment works well here too.
Top and bottom base layer
Merino wool or synthetic. Your drysuit undergarments can double as topside base layers — or bring a dedicated set if you prefer to keep them separate.
Lightweight quick-dry pants
Comfortable for topside and deck time. Avoid denim — it’s heavy, slow to dry, and cold when wet.
Moisture-wicking socks
Merino wool or synthetic blend. Keeping feet dry and warm is essential on a polar vessel. These may also be the same socks you wear under your drysuit.
Neck gaiter, buff, or neck warmer
Warm hat / beanie
Mid or lightweight gloves
Fleece, synthetic, or wool. Can be the same gloves you wear as a liner under your drysuit gloves.
Heavy-weight waterproof gloves
For colder conditions topside — think ski glove weight. When you’re taking in the scenery and want your hands genuinely warm.
Sleepwear / loungewear
03Footwear

Packing space on an expedition is limited. Below is a practical approach that balances coverage with space.

✓Item
Waterproof walking or hiking shoe
Your primary outdoor footwear — for shore landings, land excursions, and deck time. A waterproof trail runner or light hiking boot with good grip works well. Terrain will generally be mild to moderate.
Waterproof deck boot with non-slip soleOptional
A purpose-built marine or deck boot offers superior grip on a wet vessel deck and better coverage in rain and spray. If packing space allows, this is the preferred footwear for time on the vessel. Not a requirement if your waterproof hiking shoe has solid grip.
Slippers or clogs with a firm sole
No outdoor footwear is permitted inside the Tulu. Bring a pair with a substantial, hard sole suitable for walking around the vessel — not bedroom slippers. Essential for cabin comfort over nine days.
Flip flops
For use in the shared bathrooms and shower. Don’t skip these.
04Connectivity — Wi-Fi, Data & Your Phone in Greenland

Staying connected in Greenland requires a little planning. Here’s what to know about onboard Wi-Fi, mobile data on the ground, and your options depending on where your phone plan originates.

Onboard Wi-Fi — Starlink
Starlink satellite internet is available onboard the Tulu for all divers. This provides reliable broadband connectivity throughout the expedition, including in remote fjords and at sea. You will be able to use messaging apps, email, and general browsing throughout the trip. Speeds and reliability are generally good but may vary based on conditions and simultaneous usage by multiple users.
Mobile Coverage in Greenland
Greenland’s only mobile network is operated by Tusass, providing 4G LTE in all major towns including Nuuk and Ilulissat. Coverage is strong in populated areas but does not extend to open water or remote areas. When the vessel is at sea or anchored in remote fjords, Starlink onboard is your connection — your phone’s mobile signal will not reach.
From the U.S. — International Roaming: Most major U.S. carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon) offer international day passes providing data, calls, and texts at a flat daily rate — typically $10–$12/day. This is the easiest option if you want to keep your existing number active in town. Check with your carrier before departure to add or confirm your international plan. Alternatively, a Hello Greenland eSIM (see below) can be a less expensive option, though it requires a bit more setup and doesn’t always work as seamlessly as your home carrier’s roaming plan.
From Europe — Important Note on Roaming: Despite being part of the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland left the European Union in 1985 and is not covered by the EU’s “Roam Like at Home” regulations. European carriers are not required to offer regulated roaming rates in Greenland, and charges can be significantly higher than you are used to within the EU or EEA. Check with your carrier specifically about Greenland rates before departure — do not assume EU rates apply. A Hello Greenland eSIM (see below) is often the most cost-effective solution for European travelers, though it requires some setup and doesn’t always function as seamlessly as expected.
Hello Greenland eSIM — Available to All Travelers: Tusass, Greenland’s national carrier, offers a tourist eSIM called Hello Greenland, available at tusass.gl/en/hello. It includes a local Greenlandic number, data, calls, and SMS with no subscription required. Plans include 7-day and 14-day options starting around DKK 249 (~$35 USD). Here’s how it works:

1. Check compatibility — Your phone must support eSIM and be unlocked. Most iPhones (XR and later), Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel devices are compatible. Go to Settings and look for “Add eSIM” or “Add mobile plan” to confirm.
2. Purchase online before you travel — You will receive a QR code by email immediately after purchase.
3. Install the eSIM at home on Wi-Fi — Scan the QR code to install it on your device. You choose when to activate it.
4. Activate in Greenland — Enable the Hello Greenland line in your settings when you arrive. It connects automatically to the Tusass network.
5. Physical SIM alternative — If your phone does not support eSIM, physical SIM cards are available at Tusass stores in Nuuk, Sisimiut, and Ilulissat.

Note: Hello Greenland only works within Greenland — there is no roaming support outside the country. It is a one-time prepaid product with no recurring charges.
05Power & Electrical
A note on the vessel — power and outlets: Each cabin has outlets, and there are additional shared outlets in common areas. Onboard outlet availability is still limited relative to the number of devices divers typically travel with. Bring a compact power strip with USB and USB-C inputs — shared outlets go fast when multiple divers are charging computers, dive computers, lights, and cameras simultaneously.

Greenland uses European-style outlets at 230V / 50Hz. US plugs will not work without an adapter. A Type C or universal multi-adapter covers all socket types in use.

Greenland Power Outlets
230 V 50 Hz
Type C
Two Round Pins
Standard European
Type E
Round Pins + Socket Hole
French / Belgian
Type F
Round Pins + Side Clips
German Schuko
Type K
Round Pins + Ground Pin
Danish Standard
A Type C adapter or universal multi-adapter covers all four socket types. Bring a compact power strip with USB and USB-C inputs.
06Sundries & Personal Items
A note on the vessel — shared bathrooms: The Tulu has shared bathrooms. You will carry your shower items to and from the bathroom — a compact, well-organized toiletry bag makes this easy. Each cabin has its own sink for daily basics such as brushing your teeth and washing your face.
✓Item
Compact power strip
Preferably with USB and USB-C ports. Onboard outlets are limited and shared among all divers.
Power adapter — Type C or universal multi-adapter
Required for all US devices. One universal adapter covers all outlet types you will encounter in Greenland.
Toiletry bag
A compact, well-organized bag for carrying your shower items to and from the shared bathrooms.
Shampoo, conditioner, body soap, and your usual toiletries
Facial sunscreen
Nearly 24 hours of daylight means UV exposure that does not let up. Apply daily, even on overcast days — reflected UV off water and ice is significant.
Sunglasses with strap
The strap matters — losing sunglasses over the rail is easy on deck. Polarized lenses help significantly on the water.
Portable handheld luggage scale
Baggage weight limits vary between airline segments and can be strict — domestic legs are sometimes more limiting than international ones. Knowing your bag weights before you reach the check-in counter saves time and avoids costly surprises.
Small daypackOptional
Useful for shore landings and land excursions — carrying a layer, water, and personal items.
Water bottleOptional
Binoculars — 7×50 or 7×42Optional
The “7x” refers to magnification power; “50” or “42” refers to the diameter of the objective (front) lens in millimeters — larger means more light and better low-light performance. Both are excellent for spotting wildlife, icebergs, and geological features from the vessel. 7x magnification is far more stable on a moving deck than 10x or higher.
07Vision & Health
✓Item
Extra contact lenses
Bring more than enough for the full trip plus a buffer for travel delays.
Backup eyeglasses with current prescription
In a remote environment, a lost or broken pair of glasses can be a serious problem. Non-negotiable if you rely on corrective lenses.
Prescription or over-the-counter medications
Bring enough for your total travel days plus a 2-day buffer — time away from home will likely exceed the 9-day expedition.
Not required for this expedition: Mesh or wet gear bag. Luggage is transported directly onto the ship — a mesh bag takes up space and airline weight allowance better used elsewhere. Leave it home, unless you plan on diving before or after the expedition.

Key Reminders

Lithium Batteries — Carry-On Only

Both FAA (U.S.) and EASA (Europe) require that spare lithium batteries travel in carry-on luggage — not checked baggage. This applies to dive computer batteries, light batteries, heated garment batteries, and power banks. Devices themselves can go in checked bags; their spare batteries cannot.

Heated Undergarments

If you use battery-heated undergarments, verify that the batteries comply with airline regulations before you travel. If not permitted in carry-on, plan to bring non-heated alternatives instead.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance — including trip cancellation, interruption, and medical coverage — is strongly recommended. Many policies can be purchased up to your departure date. Confirm the details with your insurer.

Know Your Baggage Policy

Allowances can differ significantly between airline segments — and domestic legs are sometimes more restrictive than international ones. Confirm checked baggage weight limits and carry-on allowances for every leg of your journey before you pack.

🤿
Also in the Field Guide Greenland Polar Diving Gear & Equipment Checklist
→

Seven Oceans Expeditions · Field Guide, Volume 2
Greenland Polar Diving: A Topside & Packing Guide

Questions? Contact Seven Oceans Expeditions before you pack.