Adventures in Northeast Greenland: Glaciers, Fjords and the Northern Lights – 11 days
Explore some of the last unspoiled wilderness areas in the world on this 11-day adventure to Northeast Greenland through the Arctic Circle. Cruise along the remote northeast coast – home to the most extensive fjord system in the world – on the Ocean Explorer and discover diverse and dramatically rugged landscapes. If you’re lucky, you’ll cap off your days of Arctic exploration with a night-time show of the dramatic Aurora Borealis – yes, the Northern Lights are regularly visible here! On this trip, you’ll learn about Greenlandic culture firsthand at Ittoqqortoormiit, visit ancient Thule sites steeped in history and marvel at the majesty of massive icebergs set against their mountain backdrops. Look out for migrating whales, seabirds, seals, polar bears and muskoxen along the way – your handy expedition team are always there to ensure you’re getting the best wildlife spotting opportunities.
Trip overview
- Start – Reykjavik, Iceland
- Finish – Reykjavik, Iceland
- Destinations – Greenland, Iceland
- Physical rating – 2/5
- Group size – Max 138
- With your expert expedition team by your side, spend time on the deck of your ship – the Ocean Explorer – and look out for Arctic wildlife like polar bears, seabirds, whales, muskoxen and seals.
- Look up as much as you can – there’s a high possibility of spotting the Northern Lights in Northeast Greenland! This incredible natural sight is sure to be a memory you hold forever.
- Cruise on Zodiac boats for daily onshore landings to small villages, where you can hike the tundra, visit Inuit communities and explore the breathtaking scenery.
- Soak in the striking landscapes of Kong Oscar Fjord, the autumn colours of the Bay of Flowers and the vast icebergs on the Bear Islands.
- Take all the opportunities to relax and recharge while at sea, with Ocean Explorer’s many luxurious amenities – grab a drink in the bar, dine in the restaurant, catch a movie at the theatre-style auditorium or get a wellness hit at the sauna and spa.
- As you’d expect, temperatures in the Arctic are very cold. A warm parka will be provided along with waterproof boots and unlimited hot drinks, but you should also bring base layers and lots of warm clothing. Please see the Essential Trip Information for further important details about what to bring.
- Weather depending, you will be making regular excursions in a Zodiac boat to explore the local area and look for wildlife. It can get very cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you are dressed appropriately and that you keep your camera safe and dry. Sturdy sea legs are needed as you make wet and dry landings from the boat, and on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. Some ships also have a lot of stairs.
- The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned for. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially to such a remote area.
Boats
Itinerary
Velkominn! Welcome to Iceland. Your adventure begins in Reykjavik, the capital and largest city in the country, backdropped by the Esjan mountain range. When you arrive, check in to your hotel and then enjoy a free day to explore the city at your own pace. Maybe visit the National or Saga Museum and learn about Iceland’s Viking history, or stroll around the colourful homes searching for the perfect bar or brewery. If you have time, why not visit the famous Blue Lagoon spa near Grindavik village and snap a photo in the striking blue waters.
You have some free time this morning – maybe try a typical Icelandic breakfast of hafragrautur (thick oatmeal), skyr (yoghurt) with jam and bread with butter and cod liver oil. This afternoon, you’ll board your vessel and begin your expedition aboard the Ultramarine. You’ll meet your leader and expedition team on the ship and go through what to expect for your upcoming adventure.
Cruise north across the Denmark Strait, enjoying the views of Greenland in the distance. Your expedition team will prepare you for the adventures that await with a few short lectures and a safety briefing. Learn about the storied history and politics of the Arctic, as well as its fascinating wildlife, geology, ecology and climate from your onboard experts. They will also highlight some of the incredible sights you’ll soon explore. The team will always be on hand and in search for the seabirds who fly around your ship, as well as the whales that frequent the waters.
During your tour of Greenland’s remote northeast coast over the next few days, you’ll enjoy Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. Keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen, as 40 per cent of the world’s population lives in Northeast Greenland National Park! At the entrance of the sound is East Greenland’s most northerly community, Ittoqqortoormiit, where you may spend time interacting with the Inuit people and learning about their way of life. You may also have a chance to see the Northern Lights here if the skies are clear. Magnificent vistas await at Kong Oscar Fjord, with possible landings at Ella – renowned for its rugged cliffs and flower-rich Botanikerbugt on Ymer.
As your Arctic adventure winds down, take in a presentation by your onboard experts and share your photos while you sip on icy cocktails in the bar. With the many activities available during your time at sea, you can also head to the theatre-style auditorium and watch a movie or get cosy in the spa. Your expedition team will also be on hand to answer any questions and point out wildlife.
You’ll disembark in Reykjavik, where your journey comes to an end. If you have booked post-expedition accommodation, you’ll take a transfer to central downtown. If you’d like to extend your stay in Iceland, just make sure to speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
If you are booking an onward flight on this day, we recommend you book an afternoon or evening flight incase of any unexpectant delays with your arrival into Reykjavik
Inclusions
