Iceland & Svalbard Special

Embarkation for Northeast Greenland usually starts from either Iceland or Svalbard. Some trips embark and disembark in the same port or travel between ports or even countries.

• In Svalbard, the trips depart from Longyearbyen.
• In Iceland, the trips usually depart from Akureyri or Reykjavik.
• Some itineraries include a chartered flight to Greenland! Arrival ports can include Narsarsuaq or Nerlerit Inaat.

Onboard we will be searching for wildlife as much as possible! You never know when the animals will apear and the ice edge is a great place to scout. Whales, such as bowhead and humpback whales can be seen utilising the edge of the ice to trap their prey and feed. If lucky, other species such as belugas, narwhals, and orcas are special sightings.

Polar bears can seen along the ice edge, stalking and hunting their favourite prey item, seal species. Walrus, part of the Pinniped family, as well as various seals are often seen hauled out on the ice and having a rest.

Ice days are some of the best days for wildlife searching!

The Northeastern side of Greenland is home to the world’s largest national park. With an area of 972,000 square kilometres, this natural beauty is home to many species of wildlife and jaw-dropping scenery. One of the largest unspoiled protected areas, there is no infrastructure in the park, therefore, travel by boat is a must. Only a few ships visit the shoreline of the national park and have the opportunity to go ashore and explore by foot!

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 variety of wildlife will make you want to keep your binoculars close at all times! We will seize any opportunity for a zodiac cruise to get a closer look of these cathedral size sculptures. During shore landings you might hike to higher grounds for spectacular views of the ice drifting through the fjords.

Located at the entrance of the fjord system, Ittoqqortoormiit is the largest inhabited village in Scoresbysund, with around three hundred inhabitants. There’s a small museum where you can view some historical costumes, tools, and pictures that tell the story of life in remote and harsh conditions. You can also send a postcard from the post office, or just have a walk around town, say hello to the sled dogs and experience how the local people live out here.

Ittoqqortoormiit means “the place with the big houses” in the East Greenlandic dialect.

As with embarkation, disembarkation location varies based on itinerary. End a fantastic expedition and wave goodbye to the ship while exploring another new location.

Grab a coffee in Akureyri, walk along the waterfront in Reykjavik, shop the local expedition stores in Longyearbyen, or board your charter flight in Narsarsuaq or Nerlerit Inaat.

If the chance to see the fascinating Northern Lights is on your list, then a trip later in the season can increase your chances!