The fjord system surrounding Nuuk is, by any standard, spectacular. Day trips by boat take you into a landscape of dramatic mountains, deep water channels, and floating ice, with good chances of whale sightings in July and August when humpback and fin whales are seasonally present. Several operators run day trips from the Nuuk harbour, ranging from three-hour excursions to full-day trips that reach the uninhabited outer islands.
The Visit Greenland tourist office in the city centre has a full list of current operators and schedules. Trips run most days in summer; in other seasons, demand determines availability. Dress warmly even in July — the water temperature keeps the air cold even when conditions look mild.