Whale Watching Worldwide

There is also a whale watching industry in western Greenland; in the locality of Sisimiut, several operators
and one agency are presently offering whale watching trips from the capital, Nuuk, and from Maniitsoq.
Trips are also offered at Qaqortoq and Nanortalik in the south and Kuummiut and Tasiilaq in the east.
Although the numbers of whale watch participants have increased over the past ten years, findings in 2008
had average ticket prices lower than in 1998, and calculated indirect expenditure figures lower due to a
slight change in methodology applied (for example, no additional travel expenses were attributed to whale
watching in 2008, relying purely on average daily tourist expenditure, despite the acknowledged long
distances people must travel to reach whale watch destinations). Despite average daily expenditure in
Greenland potentially being very high for tourists, our research indicates an average daily rate of $200 to be
most appropriate and supported by local data.
Data on the nationality of whale watching tourists was unavailable, but general tourism statistics indicate
that 60% of the Greenland’s tourists are Danish, with German, North American and British tourists
accounting for 5% each (Market Analysis of Tourism, 2006‐2007. Statistic Greenland, July 2008).
No exclusively dedicated whale watching operator was identified. Most of the tourists to Greenland are
seeking a broad array of nature experiences, rather than just one specific attraction. Some companies who
undertake a range of trips do promote dedicated cetacean watching trips once or twice a week during peak
season (July – August). However, this is within the range of different tours available (icecap trekking, dog
sledge, fishing, nature‐cultural cruises, and whale watching). Most companies undertake half‐ or full‐day
excursions, combining whale watching with nature sighting and cultural visits. The duration of these trips
tends to be between three and six hours on average, costing around $140.
The season for whale watching peaks from late July to end of September. Humpback whales, minke whales
and fin whales, in particular, can be seen close to the towns and in the fjords in the west of Greenland,
whilst beluga whales and narwhals are more common in north and east Greenland.
Main species: Large cetaceans:
fin whale, humpback whale, minke whale –
others occasionally sighted
Small cetaceans:
beluga whale, narwhal, orca
Tourists:
International 100%
Domestic
Types of tours: Boat‐based, half‐day trips (four hours),
excursion trips, opportunistic.
Average adult ticket price: $138
Estimated employment
12
numbers:
Main whale watch season: Late July to the end of September
Acknowledgements:
Two local tour operators: Brigitta Dahlberg of Greenland Tours, and Kai Drastrup of Maniitsoq Adventures Incoming.
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