Arctic · From 17 Days
Iceland to Greenland
Total Solar Eclipse, 17 Days
$29,590 USD
- Starting from
- Reykjavík, Iceland
$ 29,590 USD
Expedition Overview
Opportunities to witness a total solar eclipse are rare. Your chances of experiencing one in the Arctic—from the deck of a polar ship—are even more rare considering the last total solar eclipse north of the Arctic Circle occurred in 2015. The next will take place on August 12, 2026.
To satisfy the demand of eclipse-watchers, we’re offering two eclipse themed itineraries in 2026: Iceland to Greenland: Total Solar Eclipse, 13 days, on the helicopter-equipped Ultramarine; and Iceland to Greenland: Total Solar Eclipse, 17 Days, on one of our newest ships, Ocean Explorer.
This longer voyage—2,200 nautical miles in total—features your bucket-list eclipse adventure, time to explore Northeast and South Greenland, plus you get to check off two of the world’s northernmost capital cities: the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik (64°08′ north), where you’ll have time to explore, and Nuuk, Greenland (64°11′ north), where we disembark for our charter flight back to Reykjavik.
World-renown eclipse-cartographer Michael Zeiler will be onboard to deepen your understanding of eclipse-viewing, observational astronomy and celestial mechanics. Of course, you’ll also get to witness waterfalls, towering cliffs and remote fishing villages in the Westfjords, a hidden gem of Iceland, as well as icebergs, wilderness areas, glaciers, and the deep fjords of Greenland.
Highlights
Witness a total solar eclipse from a polar ship in the High Arctic
Learn about the science of solar eclipses with guest expert Michael Zeiler
Explore seldom-visited Westfjords, the hidden gem of west Iceland
Sail across the Denmark Strait
Witness the wildlife of Northeast Greenland
Cruise the 110–kilometer Kong Oscar Fjord
Embark in Reykjavik, Iceland, and disembark in Nuuk, Greenland, two of the world’s northernmost capital cities
Select Your Season & Itinerary
Explore Activities
Activities vary by itinerary, ship, destination and are subject to weather conditions. Checkout our Itineraries to explore what’s included in each voyage.
Expedition Ships
Possible Excursions
When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must consider the sea, ice and weather to guide the route and itinerary details. The following sites are a sample of what you may experience on your expedition, whether by ship, Zodiac cruise, helicopter, or shore landing.
The Westfjords
South Greenland
East and Northeast Greenland
East Greenland
The Westfjords
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Möngufoss Waterfalls
Möngufoss is one of Iceland’s most remote and beautiful waterfalls, where torrents of glacial meltwater cascade down a 60-meter (197 feet) drop. We’ll approach this coastal waterfall by Zodiac and get a much closer look at the falls during a guided hike.
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Vigur
The island farm at Vigur offers opportunities to see nesting seabirds, including Atlantic puffins, and to experience a continuation of authentic Icelandic heritage. This private island enables guests to delve into Icelandic culture and heritage as far back as the 11th century. Vigur is widely regarded as a capsule of Icelandic heritage. It’s also a bird-watching oasis, where we may see nesting seabirds including Atlantic puffins.
South Greenland
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Aappilattoq
Aappilattoq, home to about 100 people, is the only settlement in the remote Kujalleq region of South Greenland. Inhabited since the 19th century, Aappilattoq was only founded in 1922. Its name derives from the Greenlandic word for “red,” inspired by the red mountain towering above the settlement.
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Ikerasassuaq (Prins Christian Sund)
The massive tidewater glaciers and dramatically steep cliffs dominating this picturesque fjord system, named after Christian III of Denmark, are one of the many reasons South Greenland has earned the moniker Arctic Patagonia. Aappilattoq, home to about 100 people, is the only settlement in this remote region. This is an ideal place for ship cruising, as the icebergs here come in all shapes and sizes.
East and Northeast Greenland
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Blomsterbugten
Known as the Bay of Flowers, Blomsterbugten boasts a colorful and lush landscape that is quite different from other Arctic regions. Expect spectacular fall colors, with a possible hike to Noa Lake.
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C. Hofmann Halvø
This peninsula can be a great location for spotting muskoxen. It is also home to wheatears and snow buntings, and you may spot rock ptarmigans or great northern divers (common loon) while exploring the shore.
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Holm Bay and Ella Ø (Ella Island)
Toward the northern end of Scoresby Land is King Oscar Fjord. Holm Bay is a common landing site here, offering panoramic views of the fjord and surrounding area. Within the fjord, and hence within Northeast Greenland National Park, lies Ella Ø (Ella Island). The legendary Danish navy unit Sirius Sledge Patrol operates here in summer. Muskoxen may also be spotted.
East Greenland
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Botanikerbugt
In King Oscar Fjord, this bay is home to a variety of flora. It is on the south coast of mountainous Ymer Ø (Ymer Island), part of Northeast Greenland National Park.
Your Life Onboard
This is polar exploration at its finest. Our ships are intimate, luxurious floating hotels, packed with exciting experiences.
Enjoy panoramic views while you mingle in our comfy lounges, or head outside and chat with fellow adventurers on the wraparound deck. Our social spaces foster connections & shared experiences.
Engage with world-class experts in our auditorium. Presentations cover wildlife, history, marine biology, ecology, & geology, to enhance your polar knowledge & excitement for exploration.
Enjoy onboard amenities, attend lectures, or watch for wildlife from our observation decks. Sea days offer a perfect blend of education, relaxation, and anticipation.
Find tranquility in our well-stocked library, perfect for reading or quiet contemplation. The glass-domed Observation Lounge offers a peaceful retreat to reflect & enjoy awe-inspiring polar views.
Prepare for off-ship excursions in our spacious mudroom. Kayak, paddleboard, or take a plunge in polar waters. Stay active onboard with our gym, outdoor track, and pool facilities.
Know Before You Go
For your personal safety—and to ensure you get the most enjoyment out of your polar adventure—please assess your mobility and medical requirements before booking. It is essential that guests have a high level of mobility to get in and out of Zodiac boats, and for off-ship activities such as hiking on uneven terrain. Our destinations are remote. Apart from our basic ship infirmary, it could take up to 72 hours to reach adequate medical facilities. For more details to help you assess your mobility and medical requirements before booking your voyage, please review Health & Safety.
Some of our expeditions have included transfers and these will be detailed in your Invoice and Trip Brochure.
Please note that if you have an airport transfer included in your trip, it is only available if you arrive on Day 1 of the itinerary. Please ensure your flight information on your Passenger Forms is up to date so our ground crew know when to expect you. There will be someone with a sign in Arrivals waiting for you. Please look for them and they will direct you to our group shuttle.
If you do not have included transfers, or you are arriving before Day 1, you will need to make your own way to the hotel. Most airports we travel in and out of have good taxi ranks in the Arrivals area, or you can often prebook a transfer online.
Packing is an exciting part of the trip for many of us. You will find a handy packing list towards the end of your Trip Brochure. You will have received a copy of this when you first booked. We also have two excellent videos, which you can check out here: What to Pack
Our Protection Promise allows you to make a purchase decision that will leave you worry-free in the event your plans change down the road. Please review details for each term in our Quark Expeditions Protection Promise.
Whether you are thinking of an expedition, or you’ve booked the trip of a lifetime with Quark Expeditions, review all our FAQs for comprehensive tips to help you prepare for the Polar Regions and how to make the most out of your voyage with the most experienced expedition team in the industry. If your specific question isn’t covered below, please reach out to your Polar Travel Advisor or helpful Client Experience Team at guest@quarkexpeditions.com.