Home

Under the Northern Lights: Exploring Iceland & East Greenland

Arctic From 14 days From $9,720 USD

Under the Northern Lights Exploring Iceland & East Greenland

Starting from

Reykjavík, Iceland

Ships

Ultramarine

Departures

1 Departure between September 2026 to October 2026

Expedition Overview

Explore two of the last unspoiled wilderness areas on the planet with the Under the Northern Lights: Exploring Iceland & East Greenland itinerary. Cruising along Iceland’s mountainous Vestfjords and Greenland’s remote northeast coast, home to the largest fjord system in the world, you’ll discover diverse and dramatically rugged landscapes rich in iconic arctic wildlife. Immersed in the untamed beauty of the Arctic, you’ll experience Inuit culture firsthand at Ittoqqortoormiit, visit ancient Thule sites steeped in history, and marvel at the majesty of massive icebergs and towering bird cliffs. If you’re lucky, you may also catch sight of the spectacular northern lights dancing across the sky.

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 in East Greenland

Marvel at the kaleidoscope of dramatic sea and landscapes of Iceland’s oldest region

Possibly view the enchanting northern lights (aurora borealis)

Cruise in a Zodiac to explore diverse landscapes

Immerse yourself in the icy realm of the Arctic with optional kayaking adventures

Find Your Ideal Itinerary

Duration: 14 days
Departing from: Reykjavík, Iceland
Ship: Ultramarine
Learn more about the ship
Starting from: $9,720 USD per person

Download Brochure

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!

Each region of Iceland has its own appeal for nature, bird and history lovers, and the little-visited Vestfjords (Westfjords), where the land meets the sea in the most dramatic fashion, is no exception. Often referred to as ‘Iceland’s best kept secret,’ this rugged peninsula at the country’s remote northwestern tip is rife with fjords and mountains sloping down to the sea in impossibly beautiful ways. We spend the day exploring the fjords and shores of Iceland’s oldest region, enjoying its kaleidoscope of diverse land and seascapes. Here, tumbling cliffs and gushing waterfalls alternate with colorful beaches, and rolling green hills lead up to high moorlands dotted with rocky outcrops, small lakes and the occasional shaggy Icelandic sheep or horse grazing in the distance. A few little outposts of civilization, small fishing communities are nestled on fjord edges and the shores of the Denmark Strait, facing out into the mighty Atlantic and toward East Greenland—keeping alive a maritime heritage going back to the Viking days.

As we cruise north across the Denmark Strait, 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. Sailing through spectacular Scoresby Sund, the birthplace of many icebergs, you’ll immediately see why some say it’s the most beautiful fjord system on the planet. Sites such as Frederiksdal and Sydkap offer opportunities to explore the colorful tundra and the remains of ancient Thule settlements. 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. Deeper in the sound, Røde Ø offers a picturesque locale for admiring the beauty of sky-blue bergs set against striking red sandstone cliffs. 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.

Ultramarine

Ultramarine is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and immerse you in the best the region has to offer.

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

Your Life Onboard

This is polar exploration at its finest. Our ships are intimate, luxurious floating hotels, packed with exciting experiences.

Several guests standing on the deck of a ship, wearing their Quark Expedition Parks, looking out onto a polar landscape

Guests on the deck of a polar expedition ship, wearing Quark Expedition parkas, gathered around an expedition leader while everyone raises a glass of champagne in celebration against a backdrop of ice

A presenter stands in front of a large screen displaying educational content about polar regions, engaging the audience with visual aids and maps

Two people stand on a ship with their backs to the camera, wearing their Quark Expeditions parkas, looking out onto an icy landscape

Two people sit in an on ship library reading, with a backdrop of books on bookshelves

A ready room where Quark Expedition parks hang in their open lockers

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

Upgrade Your Expedition

Find out what add-on options are available for your expedition.

Adventure Options

These can be booked in advance at an extra cost. Activities vary by itinerary, destination and are weather permitting.

Paddling Excursion in the Arctic

Sea Kayaking in the Arctic

Under the Northern Lights: Exploring Iceland & East Greenland

Tundra to Table: Inuit Culinary Experience

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.

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.

Reykjavík

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.

Vestfjords

Rich in Viking history, Iceland’s oldest region is renowned for its dramatic and diverse landscape. The rugged coast of this almost entirely untouched, remote peninsula is indented by a myriad of steep fjords, each a world of its own, with awe inspiring mountain vistas, great hiking opportunities and serene seascapes.

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.

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.

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.

Denmark Island

Encounter stunning icebergs at Denmark Island, which offers stupendous views of Scoresbysund and Fønfjord below. If conditions allow for a landing, take a short hike to a well-preserved archaeological site.

Frederiksdal

Exploring 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.

Ittoqqortoormiit

Around 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 Fjord

One 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.

Røde Ø

Touring Røde Ø, or Red Island, rewards with stunning views of white and blue icebergs against a background of soaring red sandstone cliffs. The unexpected contrast makes for striking photos.

Rødefjord

Red Fjord, or Rødefjord, is named for the colorful sandstone located on its western side. The stone has been “stained” red by hematite, creating a geological anomaly in this part of Greenland.

Scoresby Sund

Revered by many as the most beautiful fjord system in the world, Scoresby Sund is definitely the longest and largest. The sound was named by William Scoresby Jr., a whaler, scientist and clergyman, who was famed for mapping more than 400 miles (640 km) of Greenland’s coastline. All previously mentioned East Greenland sites fall within Scoresby Sund.

Departure Dates & Cabins

Polar Expedition Team Leader, dressed in warm outdoor gear, with a friendly expression

Ready For Your Expedition?

Our Polar Travel Advisor will recommend the best expedition itinerary to suit your requirements.

Request a Quote

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.