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East Greenland – Scoresbysund & Northern Lights

Explore the Largest Fjord System in the World

Great Escapes Greenland

Embark on a voyage along Greenland’s wild East Coast for an authentic polar experience! While on board an expedition ship, you will go on an in-depth exploration of the Scoresbysund, the largest fjord system in the world. Scoresbysund is home to some of the most impressive glaciers, carving their way through a landscape full of geological surprises. The waters are filled with enormous icebergs, and the elusive wildlife will make you want to keep your binoculars close at all times!

Iconic Scoresbysund

Most iconic for Scoresbysund are the immense icebergs. We hope to transit through some of the most beautiful Arctic scenery, with coloassal icebergs silently floating in the calm water. Many of these ice giants are stationary, anchored to the bottom of the fjord, creating an almost alien setting. We will seize any opportunity for a zodiac cruise, to get a water-level view of these cathedral size sculptures.

Shore landings in Scoresbysund

Greenland is covered 80% by an enormous ice sheet, however, the area surrounding Scoresbysund and Ittoqqortoormiit are the largest ice-free parts of Greenland. During shore landings, the expedition team will lead your through tundra valleys, clad in autumn colours. The brown and reddish autumn colours of the tundra create a beautiful contract against the bright white icebergs in the background. You might also hike to higher grounds for spectacular views of the ice drifting through the fjords, while of course keeping an eye out for musk oxen, arctic hares, whales, seals, and a wide variety of bird species.

 

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“Scoresbysund and Ittoqqortoormiit are both incredibly beautiful, in nature and in culture. The opportunity to see life in a remote Arctic community is special and a memory that I will carry with me!”
– Elizabeth Robinson
Waterproof Marketing & Operations Manager

Sample itinerary

Our itineraries are flexible and ice conditions and wildlife behaviour will determine our ultimate plans. We take advantage of light and other one-of-a-kind opportunities which can vary from day to day. This is an expedition in the true sense of the word and always do our utmost to guarantee the best experience.

Day 1 | Arrival & Embarkation

Your adventure usually starts either in Iceland or with a flight to Constable Point (Greenland) where you will land at the small airport of Nerlerit Inaat, at the northern end of Hurry Inlet. Either way, today is the day to meet your crew and step onboard your ship for the first time! Make yourself at home in your cabin and enjoy the views as the ship departs.

Days Onboard | Places you could visit

Each day brings new adventures, which is the beauty of expedition ship exploration.

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  • Volquart Boons Coast: sailing along the south banks of Scoresbysund with views of an impressive glacial front.
  • Vikingebugt: known for impressive basalt columns stacked on the shoreline near the marine-terminating glacier, Brede Glacier.
  • Hare Fjord: a maze of icebergs branching of the main fjord system. A tranquil location with a chance of Arctic hare sightings.
  • Ø Fjord: One of the most impressive fjords in the world. A 74 km strait, with steep mountains on each side and colossial icebergs. 

 

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  • Danmark Ø: an island home to an well-preserved archeological site. This long-abandoned Inuit settlement shows the ancient winter and summer houses, providing insight into their Arctic lifestyle.
  • Bjørneøer: a chance for a leg stretch offering panoramic views of Kangertittivag and Nordvestfjord.
  • Sydkap: Situated at the border of the Northeast Greenland National park, here you can take a hike up the mountain to an incredible view over Bredning Hall Fjord, known for its dazzling display of light and offering some of the most iconic sights in Eastern Greenland.

Northern Lights

The northern lights are the ultimate East Greenland sight at this time of year. Whilst never guaranteed, there is a good chance to witness this magical phenomenon during your expedition.

At night, listen for the knock on your cabin door as the northern lights might make an appearance!

Village Visit | Ittoqqortoormiit

Located at the entrance of the fjord system, Ittoqqortoormiit is the largest inhabited village in Scoresbysund. In East Greenlandic dialect, it means ‘the place with the big houses’, an insight into the local culture. The inhabitants of this isolated outpost rely on the bounty of the Arctic to sustain them. The next town is over 800 kilomters away! The village was established here in 1925 because of the rich waters at the mouth of Scoresbysund.

Around three hundred people live in Ittoqqortoormiit and it is a special opportunity to see their way of life out here in the remote Arctic.

Send a postcard from the post office, say hello to the sled dogs, or just have a walk around town. There is a small museum where you can view pictures and artifacts that depict their village history and provide insight into present day life in a remote and harsh environment.

Final Day | Disembarkation

On the last day of our voyage you disembark in the morning after breakfast and say farewell to the crew and guides.

You will be either diembark in Iceland or from Scoresbysund and be transferred to the charter airplane for your flight back to Keflavik.

Activities

Each trip to Scoresbysund Greenland varies is many ways! Sometimes we have the opportunity to do special activities such as kayaking, hiking, or photography focused trips. Reach out to us and we will find the best itinerary for you!

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Dates & Rates

East Greenland – Scoresbysund & Northern Lights

Witness the Aurora at Scoresbysund
Dates and duration
07 Sep - 17 Sep 2026 11 days
Sea Spirit 114 passengers

From $ 8095 per person
More info

Other dates

Greenland Iceberg

East Greenland – Scoresbysund

Explore the Largest Fjord System in the World
Dates and duration
16 Aug - 25 Aug 2026 10 days
Plancius 108 passengers

From € 5450 per person
More info
Including Charter Flight!

Exploring Greenland’s Scoresbysund

Exclusive small ship photography expedition
Dates and duration
24 Aug - 02 Sep 2026 10 days
Polarfront 12+ passengers

From € 12640 per person
More info

East Greenland – Scoresbysund & Northern Lights

Witness the Aurora at Scoresbysund
Dates and duration
16 Sep - 26 Sep 2026 11 days
Sea Spirit 114 passengers

From € 8095 per person
More info
Greenland Iceberg
Special Offer: Up to 15% Off!

East Greenland – Scoresbysund

Explore the Largest Fjord System in the World
Dates and duration
31 Jul - 10 Aug 2027 11 days
Sylvia Earle 130 passengers

From $ 16195 per person
More info
Greenland Iceberg

East Greenland – Scoresbysund

Explore the Largest Fjord System in the World
Dates and duration
02 Sep - 11 Sep 2027 10 days
Plancius 108 passengers

From € 5700 per person
More info
Greenland Iceberg
Special Offer: Up to 25% off!

East Greenland – Scoresbysund

Explore the Largest Fjord System in the World
Dates and duration
05 Sep - 15 Sep 2027 11 days
Sea Spirit 114 passengers

From € 9495 per person
More info
Greenland Iceberg
Special Offer: Up to 25% off!

East Greenland – Scoresbysund

Explore the Largest Fjord System in the World
Dates and duration
14 Sep - 24 Sep 2027 11 days
Sea Spirit 114 passengers

From € 9495 per person
More info

If you're interested in adventure travel, you simply will not find a better, more knowledgeable, experienced, and whale-centered crew than with Waterproof. As repeat customers, 10/10 would recommend Waterproof and we will continue to return to this area of the world as their customers.

Ashley

Winter Whales of Norway- 2025
My wife and I can't thank the team at Waterproof Expeditions enough for an incredible trip to Norway to swim with orcas. The booking was easy and straightforward, and we were taken care of from the minute we met our guides in Tromso. The ship is comfortable with plenty of spaces to hang out and stay warm, a hot tub, sauna, and hot water available for coffee and tea.

Yoni

Winter Whales of Norway- 2025
We had an absolutely amazing trip in Svalbard. The communication with Waterproof was at all times very friendly, punctual and correct. We would highly recommend booking trips with them and especially onboard the Plancius.

Petra

Svalbard 2025
It was my dream for many years to see Orcas. With Waterproof Expeditions it was so much more than that. The weather was challenging but Rinie and Szymon where the best guides and hosts for this trip I could imagine. I would highly recommend the trip to whale lovers, nature enthusiasts, adventurers and whoever is looking for memories of a lifetime. Everyone on our trip was fantastic, also the other guests which made the journey even better.

Sabrina

Winter Whales of Norway 2024
We participated in the Winter Whales of Norway expedition aboard the Polarfront in November 2024 and it was one of the most incredible experiences we have had. Like with all wildlife and nature expeditions, we came into the trip nervous about whether the whales and orcas would be present and whether the weather would cooperate. The trip ended up vastly exceeding our expectations!

Zachary Seelenfreund

Winter Whales of Norway- Nov 2024
This was the best trip I have literally ever taken. If you are looking for an expedition that put whales front and center, while also truly caring about the ecosystem and simultaneously your needs are being taken care of, then do not hesitate to book!

Karen J

Winter Whales of Norway- Nov 2024
Went to Antartica on the MV Ushuaia Expedition Cruise booked through Waterproof Expeditions. Everything was well organised. The team was super prompt with their responses in addressing the queries. Highly recommend!

Hiral Shah

Expedition Cruise Antarctica - Dec 2023
This was by far the best week of my life. The crew were fantastic from start to finish and the guides went above and beyond to make sure our trip was great. The pre-trip information was useful and thorough. I really hope to be back again one day.

Helen Wing

Winter Whales of Norway - Nov 2023
We all had a wonderful time last summer and I cannot rate highly enough the entire experience: the ship and crew were exceptional and with Rinie's expert help, we had fantastic polar bear sightings.

Rita Fryer

Expedition Cruise Svalbard - Jun 2023
Wonderful time on the vessel Explorer. Great staff and great guides. Safe, wildlife-respectful and rich snorkelling experience with the whales and orcas in the Norwegian fjords.

Julie Dinet

Winter Whales of Norway - Nov 2022
We have booked three vacations through Waterproof Expeditions so far and have experienced unique moments snorkelling with orcas and humpback whales. Everything went smoothly with the organization and the contact was always very friendly and helpful.

Andreas Geislinger

Winter Whales of Norway - Nov 2022
We have been on many wonderful trips, but this one is certainly one of the finest. The Orcas and whales, the ospreys and the magnificent scenery left an unforgettable impression. The icing on the cake were the northern lights. The guides were also of champions league level. The captain and his crew did their utmost to spoil us. Thanks for organizing this trip very professionally.

Daniël Jacobs

Winter Whales of Norway - Nov 2022
Waterproof is a reliable, responsible travel agency. The trip I went on was very well organised. My booking was very last minute and the contacts were always friendly and helpful. The trip itself was amazing, from accomodation, crew, food to exceptionel guiding (very responsible with wildlife, too). Would certainly book again!

Susanne Schex

Winter Whales of Norway - Jan 2022
I had an amazing trip snorkeling with the orcas in Norway. The trip was really well organized, communication was great, the staff incredibly friendly and helpful, and our guides were the best. Absolutely unforgettable experience. I would highly recommend this trip.

Izelle Volman

Winter Whales of Norway - Nov 2022
We went on a Norway cruise with Waterproof Expeditions. It absolutely exceeded our expectations. Orca’s, Humpbacks (from the boat as well in the water), northern lights, beautiful scenery. It was an amazing experience thanks to the professional care of our guides and crew on the boat. Absolutely recommended to choose this organization to make a trip.

Sten Nijs

Winter Whales of Norway - Nov 2021
Antarctica is a very beautiful place. We are very grateful that we were able to travel there and trust that it will continue to remain a wild and unspoilt place.

Carol Warman

Expedition Cruise Antarctica - 2018