Arctic Cruises
NORTH SPITSBERGEN
Longyearbyen - Longyearbyen
7 nights/8 days
Sample prices and schedule
| Start |
End |
Triple non private |
Twin non private |
Twin private |
Single non private |
Single private |
| Jun 9 |
Jun 16 |
n/a |
$2,340 |
$2,760 |
$3,978 |
$4,692 |
| Jun 11 |
Jun 18 |
$1,980 |
$2,340 |
$2,760 |
$3,978 |
$4,692 |
| Jun 14 |
Jun 21 |
$1,980 |
$2,340 |
$2,760 |
$3,978 |
$4,692 |
| Jun 16 |
Jun 23 |
n/a |
$2,340 |
$2,760 |
$3,978 |
$4,692 |
| Jun 18 |
Jun 25 |
$1,980 |
$2,340 |
$2,760 |
$3,978 |
$4,692 |
| Jun 21 |
Jun 28 |
$1,980 |
$2,340 |
$2,760 |
$3,978 |
$4,692 |
| Jun 23 |
Jun 30 |
n/a |
$2,340 |
$2,760 |
$3,978 |
$4,692 |
| Jun 28 |
Jul 05 |
$1,980 |
$2,340 |
$2,760 |
$3,978 |
$4,692 |
| Jun 30 |
Jul 07 |
n/a |
$2,340 |
$2,760 |
$3,978 |
$4,692 |
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of Spitsbergen archipelago of which West Spitsbergen is the largest island. Before embarking there is an opportunity to stroll around this former mining town, whose parish church and Polar Museum are well worth visiting. In the early evening the ship will sail out of Isfjorden.
Day 2
Heading north along the west coast, we arrive by morning in Krossfjorden, where we take to the Zodiacs for an exhilarating cruise along the sculpted front of the 14th of July Glacier. On the surprisingly fertile slopes near the glacier, a colourful variety of flowers bloom, while large numbers of Kittiwakes and Brünnich’s Guillemots nest on the nearby cliffs. There is also a good chance of spotting opportunistic Arctic Foxes, patrolling the base of the cliffs in case a hapless chick falls from its nest, and Bearded Seals, who cruise this scenic fjord. In the afternoon we sail to Ny Ålesund, the world’s most northerly settlement. Once a mining village - served by the world’s most northerly railway, which can still be seen - Ny Ålesund is now a research centre. Close to the village is a breeding ground for Barnacle Geese, Pink-footed Geese and Arctic Terns. Visitors interested in the history of Arctic exploration will want to walk to the anchoring mast used by Amundsen and Nobile in the airship Norge in 1926 and Nobile in the airship Italia in 1928 before their flights to the North Pole.
Day 3
At Smeerenburg on Amsterdamøya, we visit the remains of a 17th century Dutch whaling station, the blubber pots now surrounded by hundreds of tree trunks washed ashore after drifting over from Siberia. The principal quarry of the whalers was the Greenland or Bowhead Whale, which was hunted to the brink of extinction. Often called the Right Whale, it was the right one to pursue, being a slow-moving animal which could be approached closely. In the afternoon we visit the Little Auk colony of Fuglesangen, then sail past the 80th parallel to Moffen Island on which Walrus haul out.
Day 4
Depending on the weather we may now sail to the mouth of Liefdefjorden and go ashore for a walk on the tundra island of Andøya. Many Common Eiders and Pink-footed Geese nest here, and the rarer King Eider may also be seen. We hope to sail into Liefdefjorden, cruising near the 5km long face of the impressive Monaco glacier. The waters of the glacier front are a favourite feeding spot for thousands of Kittiwakes and on previous voyages Polar Bears have been seen on the glacier, providing wonderful opportunities for photography.
Day 5
Before turning south into Hinlopen Strait (if the pack-ice allows us) we will have reached our most northerly position. On and around the ice at the entrance to the strait, which divides West Spitsbergen from ice-clad Nordaustlandet, there is a good chance of seeing Bearded and Ringed Seals, Polar Bears and Ivory Gulls. On the eastern side of Lomfjordshalvøya we take a Zodiac cruise through the ice floes to the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet, where thousands of Brünnich’s Guillemots nest in a spectacular setting. The basalt pillars, rising hundreds of meters, and the overhanging ice cap with its waterfall are an awe-inspiring sight. Finally, on the eastern side of Hinlopen Strait we intend to make an evening landing in Augustabukta on the island of Nordaustlandet, the most northerly of the major Spitsbergen islands. Spitsbergen Reindeer graze the sparse vegetation of this largely ice-covered island, where Pink-footed Geese, Walrus and a rare Ivory Gull colony are also found.
Day 6
Retracing our route westward, we visit Raudfjord on the north coast of West Spitsbergen, a beautiful fjord dominated by spectacular glaciers and favoured by Ringed and Bearded Seals. The cliffs and shoreline of the fjord also support thriving seabird colonies and a surprisingly rich vegetation, which flourishes in sheltered spots. On the offshore island of Ytre Norskøya, we visit a 17th century Dutch whaling site, whose large graveyard is a poignant reminder of the hardships and dangers of life here at the time. The island’s bird life is prolific, with colonies of Little Auks, Black Guillemots, Brünnich’s Guillemots, Puffins and Arctic Skuas accessible to visitors.
Day 7
We sail south to the mouth of Isfjorden and land at Alkhornet. Seabirds nest on its cliffs and Arctic Foxes search the cliff base for fallen eggs and chicks, while Spitsbergen Reindeer graze the relatively luxuriant vegetation. The reindeer may seem unbothered by human presence, but this is not really the case. The animals must survive the harsh winter, when temperatures plummet and food is hard to find, so they preserve what energy they can, fleeing only when it is absolutely necessary. In the afternoon we cruise through beautiful Borebukta, following a glacier front before continuing to Longyearbyen.
Day 8
Return to Longyearbyen and disembark for the transfer to the airport and the flight to Oslo and home.
Note: All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions and in order to take advantage of opportunities to see wildlife.
Price Includes:
- Voyage onboard the vessel assigned to the itinerary
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship, including snacks, coffee & tea
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff
- All miscellaneous taxes and port charges throughout the program
- Comprehensive pre-departure material
Contact us for information in regards to airfare and pre/post nights in Oslo.
To go back to the top of the page, click here
AROUND SPITSBERGEN
Longyearbyen - Longyearbyen
10 nights/11 days
Sample prices and schedule
| Start |
End |
Triple non private |
Twin non private |
Twin private |
Single non private |
Single private |
| Jul 5 |
Jul 15 |
$2,840 |
$3,340 |
$3,940 |
$5,678 |
$6,698 |
| Jul 07 |
Jul 17 |
n/a |
$3,340 |
$3,940 |
$5,678 |
$6,698 |
| Jul 17 |
Jul 27 |
n/a |
$3,340 |
$3,940 |
$5,678 |
$6,698 |
| Jul 22 |
Aug 01 |
$2,840 |
$3,340 |
$3,940 |
$5,678 |
$6,698 |
| Jul 27 |
Aug 06 |
n/a |
$3,340 |
$3,940 |
$5,678 |
$6,698 |
| Aug 01 |
Aug 11 |
$2,840 |
$3,340 |
$3,940 |
$5,678 |
$6,698 |
| Aug 05 |
Aug 15 |
n/a |
$3,340 |
$3,940 |
$5,678 |
$6,698 |
| Aug 06 |
Aug 16 |
n/a |
$3,340 |
$3,940 |
$5,678 |
$6,698 |
| Aug 15 |
Aug 25 |
n/a |
$3,340 |
$3,940 |
$5,678 |
$6,698 |
| Aug 21 |
Aug 31 |
$2,840 |
$3,340 |
$3,940 |
$5,678 |
$6,698 |
| Aug 24 |
Sep 03 |
$2,840 |
$3,340 |
$3,940 |
$5,678 |
$6,698 |
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of the Spitsbergen archipelago of which West Spitsbergen is the largest island. Before embarking there is an opportunity to stroll around this former mining town, whose parish church and Polar Museum are well worth visiting. While in the area of Longyearbyen, more than 100 species of plant have been recorded. In the early evening the ship will sail out of Isfjorden.
Day 2
Heading north along the west coast, we arrive in Krossfjorden by morning, where we take to the Zodiacs for an exhilarating cruise along the sculpted front of the 14th of July Glacier. On the surprisingly green slopes near the glacier, a colourful variety of flowers bloom, while large numbers of Kittiwakes and Brünnich’s Guillemots nest on the nearby cliffs. There is also a good chance of spotting opportunistic Arctic Foxes, who patrol the base of the cliffs in case a hapless chick falls from its nest, and Bearded Seals, who cruise this scenic fjord. In the afternoon we sail to Ny Ålesund, the world’s most northerly settlement. Once a mining village - served by the world’s most northerly railway, which can still be seen - Ny Ålesund is now a research centre. Close to the village is a breeding ground for Barnacle Geese, Pink-footed Geese and Arctic Terns. Visitors interested in the history of Arctic exploration will want to walk to the anchoring mast used by Amundsen and Nobile in the airship Norge in 1926 and Nobile in the airship Italia in 1928 before their flights to the North Pole.
Day 3
At Smeerenburg on Amsterdamøya, we visit the remains of a 17th century Dutch whaling station, the blubber pots now surrounded by hundreds of tree trunks washed ashore after floating from Siberia. Our voyage continues around the north coast of West Spitsbergen as we head for the Hinlopen Strait.
Day 4
Before turning south into Hinlopen Strait (if the pack-ice allows us) we will have reached our most northerly position. On and around the ice at the entrance to the strait, which divides West Spitsbergen from ice-clad Nordaustlandet, there is a good chance of seeing Bearded and Ringed Seals, Polar Bears and Ivory Gulls. On the eastern side of Lomfjordshalvøya we take a Zodiac cruise through the ice floes to the bird cliffs of Alkefjellet, where thousands of Brünnich’s Guillemots nest in a spectacular setting. The basalt pillars, rising hundreds of meters, and the overhanging ice cap with its waterfall are an awe-inspiring sight. Finally, on the eastern side of Hinlopen Strait we intend to make an evening landing in Augustabukta on the island of Nordaustlandet, the most northerly of the major Spitsbergen islands. Spitsbergen Reindeer graze the sparse vegetation of this largely ice-covered island, where Pink-footed Geese, Walrus and a rare Ivory Gull colony are also found.
Day 5
Today we go ashore at Svartknausflya, a 'polar desert', an area of Nordaustlandet that gets so little precipitation that not even hardy tundra plants can survive. The bare, sandy hills are a strong contrast to the world’s third largest ice cap, which plunges into the sea not far away.
Day 6
Cruising south-east we pass just north of Svenskøya, the westernmost island in the totally protected Kong Karls Land, which is the most important denning area of Polar Bear in the Arctic. There may be patches of pack-ice and, if so, there is a good chances we will see Polar Bears, Harp and Ringed Seals, Ivory Gulls and Pomarine Skuas. Sailing south-west through Olgastreet, we may encounter the magnificent, but rare, Greenland Whale, which was hunted to near extinction in the 19th century.
Day 7
In Freemansundet we plan to land at Sundneset on the island of Barentsøya to visit an old trapper's hut and then take a brisk walk across the tundra in search of Spitsbergen Reindeer and Barnacle Geese. Later we cruise south to Diskobukta on the west side of Edgeøya. After a Zodiac cruise through the shallow bay, we land on a beach littered with tree trunks, which have drifted here from Siberia, and whale bones. We can also climb to the rim of a narrow gully which is inhabited by thousands of Kitttiwakes, together with Black Guillemots and piratical Glaucous Gulls. During the breeding season, the base of the cliffs is patrolled by Arctic Foxes and Polar Bears, especially females with young cubs, searching for young birds that have fallen from the nesting ledges.
Day 8
In the morning we land on the attractive island of Bölscheøya, in the archipelago of Tusenøyane, to the south of Edgeøya. Here too we see the remains of Walrus and Greenland Whales, but on a happier note we may also spot a variety of interesting birds, among them Grey Phalaropes, Arctic Skuas, Red-throated Divers and, if we are lucky, a Pale-bellied Brent Goose, a sub-species found only on Spitsbergen, Franz Josef and, occasionally, in Greenland. In the afternoon we hope to land on Aekongen where there is a complete Greenland Whale skeleton. There are also spectacular basalt rock-columns here, and we may also see Common Eiders with chicks. At night we sail to Sørkap, the southern tip of Spitsbergen.
Day 9
We start the day quietly cruising the side fjords of the spectacular Hornsund area of southern Spitsbergen, enjoying the scenery of towering mountain peaks. Hornsundtind rises to 1,431m while Bautaen shows why early Dutch explorers gave the name ‘Spitsbergen’ - pointed mountains - to the island. There are also 14 magnificent glaciers in the area and very good chances of encounters with seals and Polar Bears. We may visit the Polish research station where the friendly staff will give us an insight into their research projects. Behind the station the mountains are home to thousands of pairs of nesting Little Auks.
Day 10
Today we land on Ahlstrandhalvøya at the mouth of Van Keulenfjorden. Here piles of Beluga skeletons (the Beluga is a small white whale), the remains of 19th century slaughter, are yet another reminder of the consequences of thoughtless exploitation. Fortunately, Belugas were not hunted to the edge of extinction and may still be seen locally. Indeed, there is a good chance that we will come across a pod. Cruising into Recherchefjorden during the afternoon we can explore an area of tundra at the head of the fjord where many Reindeer feed.
Day 11
Return to Longyearbyen and disembark for the transfer to the airport and the flight to Oslo and home.
Note: All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions and in order to take advantage of opportunities to see wildlife.
Price Includes:
- Voyage onboard the vessel assigned to the itinerary
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship, including snacks, coffee & tea
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff
- All miscellaneous taxes and port charges throughout the program
- Comprehensive pre-departure material
Contact us for information in regards to airfare and pre/post nights in Oslo.
To go back to the top of the page, click here
SOUTH GREENLAND
Keflavik - Søndre Strømfjord
11 nights/12 days
Sample prices and schedule
| Start |
End |
Triple non private |
Twin non private |
Twin private |
Single non private |
Single private |
| Jun 19 |
Jun 30 |
n/a |
$2,480 |
$2,900 |
$4,216 |
$4,930 |
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Keflavik Iceland’s international airport, named for a pretty harbour town, where we embark the ship.
Day 2-3
At sea in the Denmark Strait en route to Greenland. At this time of the year we witness the northward migration of seabirds and whales. Closer to Greenland we sail along the edge of the East Greenland sea-ice, which is drifting around Kap Farvel (Cape Farewell) and then north along the west coast of Greenland.
Day 4
Today we spent the whole day in the sea-ice, working our way towards the fjords of South Greenland.
Day 5
We will try to get to Unartoq, where we take a bath in a hot spring surrounded by icebergs. Later we sail to Alliutsepa (Sudprøven), a lovely Greenlandic village, with a great series of stranded ice-bergs.
Day 6
At Hvalsey we visit the best preserved Viking church in Greenland. Records show that there were Norsemen living here for about 500 years. If time allows we may also visit Qaqartoq (Julianahåb), where Arctic sculptors have created an open-air sculpture park. In the afternoon we sail to a beautiful glacier front north-east of Qassimiut.
Day 7
This morning in the Arsuk Fjord, we sail along the waterfall of Fox Fald, then use the Zodiacs to visit a large colony of Brünnich’s Guillemots and Kittiwakes. In Ivittuut we walk along the remains of a Cryolite mine and around a small cemetery connected with it. Later we sail into Ikat Fjord famous for the curious underwater structures formed by mineral precipitation. In this area we see Musk Oxen, which were introduced into the area in the last century.
Day 8
We sail the whole day, and keep a lookout for Humpback Whales and Minke Whales We may make a short excursion into one of the many fjords near Pamiuut (Frederikshåb) and walk up to the coastal plateau, where we have good chances to see Ptarmigans.
Day 9
Today we land at Nuuk (Godthåb), the capital of Greenland which has a population of about 13,000. The trip ashore should include a visit to the museum which has a remarkable collection of Inuit mummies, dating from the 15th century, which were found near Umanaq, further to the north. The Cultural Centre of Nuuk, which each year has an exhibition of the work of a Greenlandic artist, is also worth visiting. The oldest exposed rocks on our planet are found near Nuuk. The waters to the west of the town are a good place to see Humpback Whales and Blue Whales. There is a colony of Puffins on Ravneöer, while at Nungarrussuit there are Brünnich’s Guillemots and other auks on Simiuttat.
Day 10
We sail past Manitsoq and head east of Hamborgerland to reach the fantastic landscapes of the Sermilinguaq Fjord. Our zodiac excursions in this area will include landings close to large colonies of Brünnich’s Guillemots and Kittiwakes. Later we call at Kangamiut, a picturesque Greenlandic settlement.
Day 11
In Evighedsfjorden we visit some large seabird colonies at Taaterat and sail along some glacier fronts. This is a splendid area for walking, the local valleys being hemmed in by picturesque mountains. In the evening we sail through the long and narrow Søndre Strømfjord, where we may be exposed to currents with a speed of about 10 knots.
Day 12
After arrival in Søndre Strømfjord, and before we board the plane to Copenhagen, we will have an excursion by bus to an area where Musk Oxen were introduced some decades ago.
Note: All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions and in order to take advantage of opportunities to see wildlife.
Price Includes:
- Voyage onboard the vessel assigned to the itinerary
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship, including snacks, coffee & tea
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff
- All miscellaneous taxes and port charges throughout the program
- Comprehensive pre-departure material
Contact us for information in regards to airfare.
To go back to the top of the page, click here
NORTHEAST GREENLAND
Longyearbyen - Keflavik
13 nights/12 days
Sample prices and schedule
| Start |
End |
Triple non private |
Twin non private |
Twin private |
Single non private |
Single private |
| Aug 25 |
Sep 07 |
n/a |
$3,880 |
$4,580 |
$6,596 |
$7,786 |
| Aug 31 |
Sep 13 |
$3,290 |
$3,880 |
$4,580 |
$6,596 |
$7,786 |
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Longyearbyen, on Spitsbergen, the administrative capital of the Spitsbergen archipelago of which West Spitsbergen is the largest island. Before embarking there is an opportunity to visit this former mining village. The Parish Church and the Polar Museum are well worth visiting, while in the country around the village more than 100 species of plants have been recorded. In the early evening the ship will sail out of Isfjorden.
Day 2
At Ytre Norskøya we visit a 17th century Dutch whaling site, which has a large graveyard. The chief prey of the whalers was the Greenland Whale or Bowhead Whale, often called the Right Whale because it was the right one to pursue. The whalers hunted the whale almost to extinction. The island is a breeding place for many seabirds of which the Puffins are still on the ledges and the Arctic Skuas are still caring for their young on the tundra. We visit Raudfjord on the north coast of West Spitsbergen, a beautiful fjord with spectacular glaciers. It is home to Ringed and Bearded Seals, seabird colonies and surprisingly rich vegetation.
Day 3
We sail into Liefdefjord to the Monaco glacier, a magnificent glacier, where we have fair chances to meet Polar Bears. In the afternoon we land at Sördalsbukta to take a walk on the tundra. In World War II, the German Kriegsmarine employed a weather station at this spot. From there we continue to Moffen Island where walrus hang out.
Day 4 & 5
At sea, on our way to Greenland, along the impressive East Greenland Ice. Keep watch for Fin Whales, Humpback Whales and Minke Whales, and also for migrating seabirds, especially the Brúnnich’s Guillemots, which swim with their small young from Spitsbergen, along the sea ice to South Greenland.
Day 6
Approaching Greenland we will attempt to sail through the sea ice into Foster Bugt, making our first landing at Myggebugten. Beyond the old hunters’ hut (in the first half of last century Norwegian trappers hunted here for Polar Bears and Arctic Foxes) there is an extensive tundra populated by Musk Oxen and Arctic Hares. The small lakes are home to geese.
Day 7
We sail through Kaiser Franz Joseph Fjord, a magnificent fjord with towering mountains on both sides, its inner reaches choked with huge icebergs and an excellent place to encounter Narwhal. We will land near Blomsterbugt to view the beautiful geological formations. Arctic Hares are usually seen here.
An alternative is Traillø, or Antarcticahavn, where we also could see groups of Musk Oxen. At this time of year the autumn colours of the sparse vegetation make the landscapes even more beautiful.
Day 8
Today we reach the Scoresby Sund, probably making our first landing at Kap Brewster. Since the mouth of this, the world´s longest fjord, remains ice-free almost all the winter, it is an excellent place for viewing seals. The area is also home to the only large seabird colonies on the eastern coast of Greenland. Serious hikers can cross the valley and climb on to the plateau of Kap Brewster where they will have an excellent view over the fjord, Liverpool Land and the sea. On their way they may spot the white Gyr Falcon, Wheatears and Snow Buntings, and Arctic Hares. In the evening we sail further into the Scoresby Sund making our way along the ragged and glaciated Volquart Boons Coast, a good place for seeing Narwhal.
Day 9
We continue along Scoresby Sund, taking a Zodiac cruise along the glacier front in Vikingebugt, a bay surrounded by basaltic mountains. Later we land on Danmarks Ø where there are the remains of an Inuit settlement abandoned around 200 years ago. The circular ‘tent rings’ of stones indicate the summer houses, while the winter houses can be seen closer to a small cape. The sites are excellently preserved, allowing entrances and even bear-proof meat caches to be identified. There are also
grave sites.
Day 10
We go ashore at Cape Hofmann Halvø, a reliable spot for viewing Musk Oxen. We may also spot Rock Ptarmigans, and Great Northern Divers at sea. The landscape here is particularly beautiful, especially during autumn when the Dwarf Willow and Dwarf Birch change colour. Arctic Blueberry and Crowberry add their own colourful touch - the berries are tasty too !
Later, during a Zodiac cruise along the 3km wide face of the Eielson Glacier, we will come close to huge icebergs and may also see Ringed Seals, as well as distant views of Musk Oxen on shore. In the evening we sail through the fjord towards Scoresby Land, hoping to see Narwhal again and enjoying the contrast between the warm autumn colours of the vegetation on shore, backed by huge dark mountains, and the cold blue of the icebergs.
Day 11
On our way to Sydkap in Scoresby Land in the morning, we encounter huge icebergs, some over 100m high and more than a kilometre in length. Most of the bergs are grounded as the fjord is only about 400m deep here. We land near Sydkap to view the remains of the Thule culture winter houses. As many as 20 people lived in these tiny houses, hunting Greenland Whales and using their vertebrae to build the houses. We may also land at Gurreholm on Jameson Land. The landscape here is gently undulating, but the climate is harsh - sometimes snow lies throughout the summer - but some animals - Musk Oxen and Collared Lemmings - survive on the meagre vegetation.
Day 12
In the morning we land in Illoqqortoormiut, the biggest settlement in the Scoresby Sund with about 500 inhabitants. At the post office you can buy stamps for your postcards, or just wander around to see the sledge dogs and the drying skins of Seal, Musk Ox and Polar Bear. Before lunch we will sail south to Iceland, passing the amazing landscape of the Blosseville Coast.
Day 13
We spend the whole day at sea and will have splendid opportunities to see large whales and seabird migration and, in the night, the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)
Day 14
Arrive in Keflavik and transfer for the flight home.
Note: All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions and in order to take advantage of opportunities to see wildlife.
Price Includes:
- Voyage onboard the vessel assigned to the itinerary
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship, including snacks, coffee & tea
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff
- All miscellaneous taxes and port charges throughout the program
- Comprehensive pre-departure material
Contact us for information in regards to airfare and pre/post hotel nights.
To go back to the top of the page, click here
EAST GREENLAND
Keflavik - Keflavik
10 nights/11 days
Sample prices and schedule
| Start |
End |
Triple non private |
Twin non private |
Twin private |
Single non private |
Single private |
| Sep 13 |
Sep 23 |
$2,600 |
$3,060 |
$3,610 |
$5,202 |
$6,137 |
| Sep 16 |
Sep 26 |
$2,600 |
$3,060 |
$3,610 |
$5,202 |
$6,137 |
| Sep 18 |
Sep 28 |
n/a |
$3,060 |
$3,610 |
$5,202 |
$6,137 |
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive at Keflavik airport and make the short transfer to the small port of the same name to join the ship. In the early evening we leave Iceland and sail west towards the Denmark Strait.
Day 2
At sea, sailing north through the Denmark Strait. This is a good area for spotting the Blue Whales, the largest animal ever to have lived on Earth, who feed here during the summer months. It is believed that there are just 600 or so of these magnificent whales (out of a world population of around 6,000) in the North Atlantic. We may also see Orcas (Killer Whales), and are almost certain to encounter Fulmars, Kittiwakes, Gannets and rafts of Common Guillemots and Razorbills. We cross the Arctic Circle and continue north, perhaps seeing White-beaked Dolphins, Humpback Whales and Minke Whales, each species instantly recognised by the shape and size of its blow.
Day 3
In the morning we will spot our first icebergs as we approach the east coast of Greenland, passing the huge cliff faces of Kap Brewster. We intend to make our first landing in Scoresby Sund. Since the mouth of this, the world's longest fjord, remains ice-free almost all the winter, it is an excellent place for viewing seals. The area is also home to the only large seabird colonies on the eastern coast of Greenland. Serious hikers can cross the valley and climb on to the plateau of Kap Brewster from where they will have an excellent view over the fjord, Liverpool Land and the sea. On their way they may spot the white Gyr Falcon, Wheatears and Snow Buntings, and Arctic Hares. In the evening we sail further into the Scoresby Sund making our way along the ragged and glaciated Volquart Boons Coast, a good place for seeing Narwhal.
Day 4
We continue along Scoresby Sund, taking a Zodiac cruise along the glacier front in Vikingebugt, a bay surrounded by basaltic mountains. Later we land on Danmark Ø where there are the remains of an Inuit settlement abandoned around 200 years ago. The circular ‘tent rings’ of stones indicate the summer houses, while the winter houses can be seen closer to a small cape. The sites are excellently preserved, allowing entrances and even bear-proof meat caches to be identified. There are also
grave sites.
Day 5
We go ashore at Cape Hofmann Halvø, a reliable spot for viewing Musk Oxen. We may also spot Rock Ptarmigans and at sea Great Northern Divers. The landscape here is particularly beautiful, especially during autumn when the Dwarf Willow and Dwarf Birch change colour. Arctic Blueberry and Crowberry add their own colourful touch - the berries are tasty too !
Later, during a Zodiac cruise along the 3 km wide face of the Eielson
Glacier, we will come close to huge icebergs and may also see Ringed Seals, as well as distant views of Musk Oxen on shore. In the evening we sail through the fjord towards Scoresby Land, hoping to see Narwhal again and enjoying the contrast between the warm autumn colours of the vegetation on shore, backed by huge dark mountains, and the cold blue of the icebergs.
Day 6
On our way to Sydkap in Scoresby Land in the morning, we encounter huge icebergs, some over 100 m high and more than a kilometre in length. Most of the bergs are grounded as the fjord is only about 400 m deep here. We land near Sydkap to view the remains of the Thule culture winter houses. As many as 20 people lived in these tiny houses, hunting Greenland Whales and using their vertebrae to build the houses. We may also land at Gurreholm on Jameson Land. The landscape here is gently undulating, but the climate is harsh - sometimes snow lies throughout the summer - but some animals - Musk Oxen and Collared Lemmings - survive on the meagre vegetation. The lemmings are preyed upon by Long-tailed Skua, Snowy Owl and Arctic Fox.
Day 7
We land in Illoqqortoormiut, the biggest settlement near Scoresby Sund with about 500 inhabitants. At the post office you can buy stamps for your postcards, or just wander around to see the sledge dogs and the drying skins of seals, Musk Ox and Polar Bear. After lunch we will sail south, passing the amazing landscape of the Blosseville Coast where groups of Harp Seals can be spotted among the ice floes.
Day 8
We continue along the Blosseville Coast with wonderful views of snow covered peaks - these are the highest mountains of Greenland, some of them reaching over 3000m.
At the mouth of Nansen Fjord we spot Gunnbjørns Fjeld, at 3700m: it is both the highest peak in Greenland and also the highest mountain north of the Arctic Circle.
Next we sail into Mikis Fjord, bound by steep cliffs. The fjord is a good place to spot Narwhal, Polar Bear, Ringed Seals and Harp Seals. At Södalen at the head of Mikis Fjord we land in a marshy delta. There are good populations of both Common and Arctic Redpolls, as well as a chance of seeing flocks of Barnacle Geese and Pink-footed Geese.
Day 9
In the morning, we head south for Kangerlussuaq fjord where glaciers reach the sea creating a fabulous landscape of glacier fronts, icebergs and cliffs. On shore there are the remains of dwellings of Thule culture. The fjord is also a good place to see Polar Bears and Ivory Gulls. We conclude the day with a Zodiac trip to Skaergårdshalvø, a popular summer hunting ground for the people of Ammassalik. Most years a number of families arrive here in early summer and stay until the end of the hunting season and we might be able to meet them. In the afternoon we will sail south-east towards the Denmark Strait.
Day 10
The whole day at sea offers excellent opportunities to see large whales and seabird migration and, at night the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).
Day 11
Arrive and Keflavik, and transfer for the airport for the flight home.
Note: All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions and in order to take advantage of opportunities to see wildlife.
Price Includes:
- Voyage onboard the vessel assigned to the itinerary
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship, including snacks, coffee & tea
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff
- All miscellaneous taxes and port charges throughout the program
- Comprehensive pre-departure material
Contact us for information in regards to airfare and pre/post hotel nights.
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