Adventures in Northeast Greenland Glaciers, Fjords and the Northern Lights
Starting from
- Reykjavík, Iceland
Ships
- Ocean Explorer
- Ultramarine
Departures
Expedition Overview
Explore some of the last unspoiled wilderness areas on the planet by joining our Adventures in Northeast Greenland: Glaciers, Fjords and the Northern Lights itinerary. Cruising along Greenland’s remote northeast coast, home to the largest fjord system in the world, you’ll discover diverse and dramatically rugged landscapes—and possibly cap off a day of Arctic exploration with a nighttime show of the dramatic Aurora borealis as you’ll be in a region where the Northern Lights are regularly visible. Immersed in the untamed beauty of the Arctic, you’ll experience Greenlandic culture firsthand at Ittoqqortoormiit, visit ancient Thule sites steeped in history, and marvel at the majesty of massive icebergs and against a spectacular mountain backdrop.
The Arctic has been inspiring explorers for centuries, and our expeditions offer the chance for you to discover why. We’re excited to host you on your unforgettable adventure! Feel free to reach out to our team of Polar Travel Advisers or your travel professional, who can answer your questions and provide assistance at any time.
Highlights
Search for iconic Arctic wildlife, such as polar bears, muskoxen and seals
Hike the tundra, visit an Inuit community and explore a breathtaking fjord system of East and Northeast Greenland
Strong likelihood of viewing the enchanting Northern Lights (Aurora borealis)
Cruise in a Zodiac to explore majestic landscapes
Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Arctic with optional kayaking adventures
Find Your Ideal Itinerary
From Reykjavík, Iceland, 11 days, on Ocean Explorer
- Duration
- 11 days
- Departing from
- Reykjavík, Iceland
- Ship
-
Ocean Explorer
Learn more about the ship - Starting from
- $7,497 USD per person
Arrive in the Icelandic capital in the morning and make your way to your included hotel. You will have the day to explore the city on your own.
This afternoon, you’ll board your vessel and begin your expedition. Get ready for a great adventure ahead!
As we cruise north across the Denmark Strait, with views of Greenland in the distance, your Expedition Team will prepare you for the adventures that await. Learn about the storied history and politics of the Arctic, its fascinating wildlife, geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore. The team will also search for the seabirds soaring around your ship, as well as the whales that frequent the waters here.
During your tour of Greenland’s remote northeast coast, you’ll enjoy Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. We’ll also keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen, as 40 percent 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 3 chance to see the Northern Lights here if the skies are clear. Magnificent vistas also await at Kong Oscar Fjord, with possible landings at Ella Ø, renowned for its rugged cliffs and ice-choked waters, and flower-rich Botanikerbugt, on Ymer Ø.
As your Arctic adventure winds down, take in a presentation by our onboard experts, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a movie—there are many activities during your time at sea. Your Expedition Team will also be on hand to answer any questions and point out wildlife.
You’ll disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, at the end of your journey. If you have booked post-expedition accommodation, we provide a transfer to a central downtown location.
From Reykjavík, Iceland, 11 days, on Ultramarine
- Duration
- 11 days
- Departing from
- Reykjavík, Iceland
- Ship
-
Ultramarine
Learn more about the ship - Starting from
- $10,273 USD per person
Arrive in the Icelandic capital in the morning and make your way to your included hotel. You will have the day to explore the city on your own.
This afternoon, you’ll board your vessel and begin your expedition. Get ready for a great adventure ahead!
As we cruise north across the Denmark Strait, with views of Greenland in the distance, your Expedition Team will prepare you for the adventures that await. Learn about the storied history and politics of the Arctic, its fascinating wildlife, geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore. The team will also search for the seabirds soaring around your ship, as well as the whales that frequent the waters here.
During your tour of Greenland’s remote northeast coast, you’ll enjoy Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. We’ll also keep an eye out for grazing muskoxen, as 40 percent 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 3 chance to see the Northern Lights here if the skies are clear. Magnificent vistas also await at Kong Oscar Fjord, with possible landings at Ella Ø, renowned for its rugged cliffs and ice-choked waters, and flower-rich Botanikerbugt, on Ymer Ø.
As your Arctic adventure winds down, take in a presentation by our onboard experts, share your photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a movie—there are many activities during your time at sea. Your Expedition Team will also be on hand to answer any questions and point out wildlife.
You’ll disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, at the end of your journey. If you have booked post-expedition accommodation, we provide a transfer to a central downtown location.
Ocean Explorer
Ship Amenities
- Main Dining Room
- Private Dining Room
- The Latitude Bar
- Library
- Dry Sauna
- Fitness Center
- Jacuzzis
- Observation Lounge
Ship Features
- Two Story Library
- Leading Edge Sustainability
- Ulstein X-Bow
- High Observation Outdoor Decks
- Quiet and Comfortable
- Stunning Interior Design
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Ultramarine
Ship Amenities
- Ready Rooms
- Polar Boutique
- Ambassador Theater
- Balena Restaurant
- Bridge
- Bistro 487
- Tundra Spa
- Tundra Sauna
- Fitness Center
- Panorama Lounge and Bar
Ship Features
- 40-day Operational Range
- Four Embarkation Points
- MAGS
- Twin Engine Helicopters
- Water-level Zodiac Hangar
- Wraparound Deck
Ultramarine
Ultramarine Helicopter
Ultramarine Deck
Ultramarine
Ultramarine Balcony Suite (Double Bed)
Ultramarine Passengers
Ultramarine
Ambassadors Theater
Ultramarine Terrace Suite
Ultramarine Library
Ultramarine's Ready Room
Ultramarine Fitness Center
Ultramarine
Ultramarine Spa
Ultramarine Sauan
Andvord Bay
Your Life Onboard
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.
What’s Included
Specialist Expedition Leaders
Our team is comprised of the most professional and passionate Expedition Leaders in the world, who bring a wide range of experience and expertise to every adventure.
Immersive Off-ship Activities
Itineraries are packed with adventure options designed to immerses travelers in the polar wilderness, enabling them to connect with the natural wonders of their surroundings.
On-Ship Experiences & Facilities
Designed for comfort and adventure, each ship accommodates no more than 200 guests. Facilities include comfortable cabins, exceptional dining options, wellness treatments, and breathtaking panoramic views of the polar landscape.
Food & Beverages
Premium dining, with a wide selection of options that accommodate a variety of dietary preferences.
Quark Expedition Perks
Complementary Wi-Fi, alcohol on all voyages, and the Official Quark Expeditions parka to take home.
Transfers
Select voyages include essential transportation and accommodation arrangements for guests, ensuring seamless travel to and from the expedition starting point.
International airfare & visa expenses, travel insurance, mandatory expedition gear, on-ship expenses, adventure options and trip extensions are not included.
Included Activities
Hiking in the Arctic
Polar Plunge in the Arctic
Zodiac Cruising in the Arctic
Upgrade Your Expedition
Adventure Options
Possible Excursions
Iceland has been ranked by the United Nations as one of the best countries in which to live. Its capital, Reykjavík (which means “Smoky Bay”), was named by the country’s first settler, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson, who was inspired by the geothermal mist rising from the ground.
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.
BotanikerbugtIn 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.
C. Hofmann HalvøThis 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.
Bjorne Islands (Bear Islands)Encounter stunning icebergs at this group of small, rugged islands, which offer stupendous views of Scoresby Sund and Øfjord. If conditions allow for a landing, take a short hike to an archaeological site.
FrederiksdalExploring this valley system on foot may offer views of muskoxen, glaciers and ancient Thule remains.
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.
IttoqqortoormiitAround 500 people call this northern settlement home. Traditional hunting and fishing ways are alive and well here. Here you can speak with the locals, visit the museum and tourist office (with gift shop!), and even visit a weather station where a data-collecting balloon is released every morning.
Ø FjordOne of Scoresby Sund’s many fjords, this deep fjord, which is also known as Island Fjord, is truly impressive, flanked by towering mountains and dotted with large icebergs.
King Oscar FjordAlso known as Kangerluk Kong Oscar, King Oscar Fjord is a major fjord system in Northeast Greenland National Park, with the main fjord stretching 110 kilometres in length and anywhere from 10 to 25 kilometres wide. The fjord system marks the northern border of the Scoresby Land Peninsula. Many visitors remark on the bright sandstone of King Oscar Fjord. When conditions allow, Quark Expeditions’ guests have the opportunity to hike in Skipperdal Valley at Kong Oscar Fjord.
Trip Extensions
Reykjavík, Iceland
Not only is Reykjavík the social and cultural hub of Iceland, but it’s also one of the most walkable capitals in the world. Most of the city’s main attractions and venues can be reached on foot, which is not surprising for a capital with only 230,000 inhabitants. Iceland’s entire population is about 360,000. The country’s Viking roots are traced in Reykjavík’s major museums, yet the city, located on the southern shore of Faxaflói Bay, is the perfect base for anyone with a yearning to connect with nature and the outdoors. The range of options includes whale watching, geothermal pools, glacier walking, and kayak tours.
Departure Dates & Cabins
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.
