Inaugural Greenland Polar Expedition
June 16-24,2026
An Ultra-Small Polar Expedition Limited to 12 Divers
Be Among the First
Along Greenland’s western coast, organized recreational polar diving has remained only an idea, discussed and imagined, but never realized. Until now.
There are no documented dive sites. Shipwrecks remain unexplored. No structured dive operations exist.
This inaugural expedition is ultra-small by design and sets out to explore, document, and define what polar diving here can become.
The Diving
Greenland remains one of the least explored regions for recreational polar diving, defined by icebergs, marine life, and open discovery.
Much of the journey unfolds in waters that have rarely, if ever, been dived as we explore geological formations, kelp forests, Arctic fish, nudibranchs, and the occasional wreck identified through local knowledge or sonar.
Dives take place in water typically around 1°C / 34°F, where conditions shift with location and light. Visibility may be exceptional in some areas and more subdued in others, shaping the character of each site.
Icebergs may be present throughout the voyage and are often most prolific in Disko Bay, creating striking landscapes above and below the surface.
Sculpted Icebergs
Greenland’s drifting icebergs create ever-changing underwater landscapes found nowhere else.
Arctic Marine Life
Cold, nutrient-rich waters support whales, seals, and Arctic species rarely encountered by divers.
Uncharted Polar Diving
Much of Greenland’s underwater world remains unexplored, offering real discovery.
The Journey
This one-way polar diving expedition aboard the 12-passenger M/S Tulu traces Greenland’s west coast from Nuuk to Ilulissat. Along this stretch of coastline, no organized recreational dive operations have existed.
Together, the expedition team will explore, document, and establish dive sites in this region, many of which may be dived for the first time, contributing to a new chapter in Arctic polar diving.
The Expedition Vessel: M/S Tulu
The M/S Tulu is a former Danish Navy polar vessel, purpose-built for the Arctic.
Designed for expeditions, Arctic research, and commercial diving, Tulu prioritizes space, comfort, and function over capacity. Her interior is well maintained and practical. Cabins are comfortable, shared facilities are clean and efficient (recently renovated), and the dining area, framed by large windows, serves as the center of life onboard.
For Divers
For divers, Tulu delivers where it matters: a solid operational platform in Arctic waters, modern navigation and safety systems, and a crew with decades of experience navigating Greenland’s coastal seas. The modern galley serves simple, high-quality Danish and Greenlandic cuisine, fueling long days of exploration.
Shared Home at Sea
Tulu becomes a shared home at sea. Her intimate scale and welcoming interior foster camaraderie and focus, creating an ideal base for an expedition built on trust and shared purpose.
Ship Specs
- 10 cabins
- Beam: 8 m (26 ft)
- Length overall (LOA): 31 m (102 ft)
- Year built: 1992
- Vessel type: Expedition / Research
- Flag: Greenland
- Max speed: 12 knots
- Cruising speed: 7-9 knots
Expedition Leadership Team
Each expedition is led by an experienced Expedition Leader and Dive Guide who ensure smooth operations above and below the water.
Select expeditions will also feature an Explorer-in-Residence, an accomplished diver or pioneer in the field. Their presence offers participants the opportunity to learn directly from recognized experts.
Tom Steiner is a world-renowned technical diving expert with over 35 years as a professional diver, more than 15,500 dives, and more than 2,500 hours on rebreathers. He’s trained divers and instructors globally, developed industry-leading courses, and served as an instructor trainer and examiner across multiple major agencies. Tom has also supported high-profile dive safety operations and trained astronauts at the European Space Agency. As our first Explorer-in-Residence, he brings rare depth and operational experience.
Tom Popper is a certified cave and wreck diver who has explored underwater environments in more than 27 countries across six continents. He brings decades of experience building travel companies in complex and highly regulated markets, including founding insightCuba, which made legal U.S. travel to Cuba possible for the first time since 1959. He founded Seven Oceans Expeditions to expand access to remote polar and cold-water diving.
Kaare Hansen has lived in Greenland for more than 17 years and is a lifelong cold-water and polar diver. A technical and commercial diver, dive instructor, and trained marine biologist, he brings firsthand knowledge of Greenland’s coastal waters and marine ecosystems. He has worked on conservation initiatives with the World Wildlife Fund and the Greenland government, contributing to research and environmental protection in Arctic waters. His background and long-standing connection to Greenland provide deep local expertise to the Seven Oceans Expeditions team.
Expedition Itinerary
This expedition is intentionally flexible. As we explore this stretch of coastline for the first time, the itinerary below provides a directional outline, with daily decisions guided by conditions, safety, and operational considerations.
What’s Included
- 9 days / 8 nights aboard polar expedition vessel, M/S Tulu
- Double-occupancy cabins with shared bath
- Limited to 12 divers
- One dive leader per team of four
- 6-7 days of diving
- Optional land-based excursions in Ilulissat
- Full board as outlined in the itinerary
- Select local beers, wines, and spirits
- 12 L or 15 L steel cylinders, manifolds (doubles), and weights
- All ground transportation and airport transfers in Greenland
Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Pre- or post-expedition hotel nights
- DAN or similar diving accident insurance (required)
- Travel protection, medical, and evacuation insurance (required)
- Dive equipment
Greenland Inaugural Polar Diving Expedition
Nuuk to Ilulissat – The Northern Route
Minimum Expedition Requirements
Greenland requires competence, composure, and experience in cold water. This inaugural expedition is designed for divers who are confident operating in demanding conditions.
Standards
To join, divers must meet the following minimum standards:
- Advanced Open Water certification or similar from a recognized agency
- A minimum of 150 logged dives
- At least 20 drysuit dives
- Personal ownership of, and proficiency with, a drysuit and cold-water diving equipment
- Demonstrated mastery of buoyancy control and trim while diving a drysuit with appropriate undergarments and added weight
- Prior experience in cold-water environments where water temperatures may reach 0°C / 32°F.
While the above standards reflect our minimum expectations, final participation is confirmed following a direct conversation about experience, equipment, and readiness for polar conditions.
If you are working toward this level of experience, our Polar Prep® Series provides the training progression needed to prepare for polar diving.
A Couple of Things to Know
All dives are conducted in open water. This is not ice diving, and there are no planned overhead environments.
Divers are welcome to use their preferred configuration, including doubles and sidemount, provided they have sufficient experience operating that setup in cold water with limited hand dexterity.