This is a true High-Arctic voyage, providing the opportunity to explore three very different regions: Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland in one journey. Aqua-Firma polar specialists have explored the route first hand with its ever-changing landscapes, inspiring wildlife observations and the rich historical past of this remote and breath-taking region.
For those departures exploring in September the opportunities to see the Northern lights in such a remote and scenic setting are excellent. For the adventurous, on some departures we offer kayaking or diving amid Antarctic sized icebergs - a unique and unforgettable experience.
Small Ship Voyages
We explore by your choice of either a comfortable small ice strengthened expedition cruise ship or beautiful classic tall ship. Vessels which carry small groups of between 20 - 190 guests, in stimulating and intimate atmosphere of like minded people.
Voyages are enriched by interaction through lectures and discussions with expert naturalists, historians and sailors onboard. Every opportunity is made to take zodiac landings to explore on foot the glaciers, icebergs and fjords of this frozen expanse, observe wildlife and visit historic sites
The journey starts in western Spitsbergen, an area of spectacular scenery: fjords, glaciers and dramatic mountains. Highlights of past expeditions have included observations of polar bears, seals and walruses, Arctic birdlife and whales.
Your ship will follow the pack ice of the East Greenland current, hoping for observations of whales along the way including a glimpse of polar bears on the ice. The approach to Greenland is dramatic as 2000m high mountains appear on the horizon, capped by the Worlds second largest ice sheet. In favourable ice conditions we explore Keiser Franz Joseph Fjord and Scoresby Sund, the largest and most spectacular fjord in the World. Here we will cruise around the spectacle of huge glaciers and beautifully sculpted icebergs, matched in size and splendour only by those of Antarctica.
The warm colours of the tundra present breathtaking landscapes and are dotted with wildlife including musk oxen and arctic hares. As we sail along the rugged Greenland coastline we keep a constant watch for polar bears, often encountered strolling along the coast or drifting on nearby ice floes.
This is a truly fascinating voyage filled with ever-changing landscapes, inspiring wildlife observations and a rich historical past. Greenland's unique and colourful culture is also explored with the opportunities to visit hardy Inuit communities and observe their fascinating culture. August departures offer good birdlife sightings and often September can provide some splendid opportunities to view the Aurora borealis or Northern Lights.
Your Arctic voyage ends in Iceland. For those looking for a land extension here we can provide plenty to choose from: volcanoes, geysirs, waterfalls and a unique landscape of sculpted lava. For the adventurous, hiking, and even a snorkel at or dive at Silfra, the submarine rift valley dividing the American and European continental plates, can be arranged. Please click here for our dedicated Iceland webpage.
Itinerary
14 Day Sample Itinerary
These spectacular voyages explore the highlights of two different Arctic coastlines! Enjoy the picturesque fjords and glaciers of Spitsbergen with chances to encounter polar bears, walrus and reindeer before making the crossing to the dramatic, awe-inspiring fjords and glaciers of East Greenland.
Day 1: Embarkation in Longyearbyen
Please note that our polar itineraries are written to provide a flavour of each voyage. The actual route will be decided by the captain and expedition team in accordance with prevailing ice, weather and sea conditions and opportunities to see wildlife and wilderness scenery.
Arrive in Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of the Spitsbergen archipelago of which West Spitsbergen is the largest island. Before embarking there is an opportunity to visit this former mining town. The Parish Church and the Polar Museum are well worth visiting, while in the country around the village more than 100 species of plant have been recorded. In the early evening the ship will sail out of Isfjorden, where you might spot the first minke whale of your voyage.
Day 2: Raudfjorden
You will begin your journey by making your way to Raudfjorden on the north coast of Spitsbergen, you take in an expansive fjord spilling with glaciers – and maybe even visited by ringed and bearded seals. The cliffs and shoreline of this fjord also support thriving seabird colonies, rich vegetation, and the possibility of polar bears.
Days 3 & 4: At Sea
You will spend these days at sea. Depending on weather conditions, you may eventually see the jagged edge of the east Greenland sea ice flashing into sight ahead. Be sure to keep watch for whales and migrating seabirds as you sail.
Day 5: East Greenland
As you approach the east coast of Greenland, you may sail through the sea ice into Foster Bay and land at Myggebugten. Beyond the old hunters’ hut – in the first half of the 20th century, Norwegian trappers hunted here for polar bear and Arctic fox – there is a sprawling tundra populated by musk oxen, with geese floating the small lakes. From here you will sail through Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, surrounded by towering mountains and bright interior icebergs. An alternative route is Sofia Sound, a narrower waterway.
Day 6: Antarctic Sound Islands
Today you will arrive at Teufelschloss (Devil’s Castle), a mountain with layered geology. On the other side of the fjord is Blomsterbugt and the landing site. In the afternoon you will head into Antarctic Sound, where you find the islands of Ruth, Maria, and Ella. Maria is the most likely spot for a landing.
Day 7: Segelsällskapets Fjord & Alpefjord Peaks
This morning you will enter Segelsällskapets Fjord, with the streaked slopes of the Berzelius Mountains bordering the north side. You can hope to land on the south shore, where ancient sedimentary formations lie right at your feet. A hike takes you near a small lake with good chances to see musk oxen, Arctic hares, and ptarmigans. In the afternoon the ship ventures into Alpefjord, aptly named for the spire-like peaks that thrust up around it. You may then embark on a Zodiac cruise around Gully Glacier, which once blocked access to the interior of these waters. Continuing deep into the fjord, you experience a definitive Greenland adventure.
Day 8: Autumn Colours in Antarcticahavn
You will spend the morning in Antarcticahavn, an extensive valley where you can often spot groups of musk oxen. At this time of year, the sparse vegetation is dressed in the fiery colors of autumn.
Day 9: Scoresbysund
Today you will reach Scoresbysund, sailing along the glaciated Volquart Boons Kyst. You may also enjoy a Zodiac cruise along one of the glacier fronts, along with a visit to the basalt columns and ice formations of Vikingebugt. In the afternoon the plan is to visit Danmark Island, where you find the remains of an Inuit settlement abandoned around 200 years ago. The circular stone tent rings indicate the summer houses, while the winter houses can be seen closer to a small cape. The sites are well preserved, with easy identifiable entrances, bear-proof meat caches, and grave sites. In the evening, you continue sailing the berg-crowded fjords to the west.
Day 10: Scoresbysund & Røde Ø
Today you will plan to make a Zodiac cruise near Røde Ø, one of the world’s most cherished iceberg attractions, where the austere blue-white of the icebergs sets sharp against the brooding red backdrop of the sediment slopes. The afternoon plan is to sail through the northern parts of Røde Fjord, with the chance to see musk oxen and warm autumnal foliage.
Day 11: Exploring the Fjords
This morning you can expect to encounter colossal icebergs, some over 100 meters (328 feet) high and more than a kilometer (.62 mile) long. Most of them are grounded, as the fjord is only about 400 meters (1,312 feet) deep. You will then plan to land near Sydkap, with fine views of Hall Bredning and a good chance of seeing Arctic hares.
Day 12: Scoresbysund & Ittoqqortoormiit
Today you will plan to make a tundra landing on Liverpool Land, in Hurry Inlet. This afternoon you will visit Ittoqqortoormiit, the largest settlement in Scoresbysund – home to around five hundred inhabitants. At the post office you can buy stamps for your postcards, or just stroll around to see the sled dogs and drying skins of seals and musk oxen. In the afternoon you will sail south, passing the picturesque landscapes of the Blosseville Coast.
Day 13: At Sea
You will spend today at sea as you head south towards Iceland and the end of your journey. Be sure to keep a sharp eye for whales and seabirds – and at night, the magical northern lights.
Day 14: Disembark in Akureyri
Today you will disembark in Akureyri (North Iceland) and transfer to Reykjavik by chartered bus.
Dates
Save up to 10% on remaining cabins + £1,100 Air Credit
Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Reykjavik (15 Days)
Modern x-bow expedition ship: 132 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Rock Climbing
Includes: 1 pre-voyage hotel night in Longyearbyen, free Expedition Jacket
Limited offer - contact us for details
Save up to 15% on remaining cabins + £1,100 Air Credit
Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Reykjavik (15 Days)
Modern x-bow expedition ship: 132 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Scuba Diving
Includes: 1 pre-voyage hotel night in Longyearbyen, free Expedition Jacket
Limited offer - contact us for details
UK - Longyearbyen - North East Greenland - Reykjavik - UK (15 Days)
Comfortable expedition ship: 250 passengers
Includes: return flights UK-Longyearbyen // Reykjavik-UK, 1 pre-voyage hotel night in Longyearbyen
Save up to 15% on remaining cabins + £1,100 Air Credit
Extended voyage inc East Greenland & Around Spitsbergen
Reykjavik - East Greenland - Spitsbergen - Longyearbyen (24 Days)
Modern x-bow expedition ship: 132 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Scuba Diving
Includes: 1 pre-voyage hotel night in Reykjavik, free Expedition Jacket
Contact us for a detailed itinerary
Limited offer - contact us for details
Save up to 25% on remaining cabins!
Oslo - Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Longyearbyen - Oslo (14 Days)
Elegant expedition ship: 114 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking
Included Activities: Photography Workshops
Includes: 1 pre-voyage hotel night, return flights Oslo-Longyearbyen-Oslo & free Expedition Parka
New bookings only. Offer expires 30 April
Save up to 50% on remaining cabins!
Helsinki - Longyearbyen - Jan Mayen - East Greenland - Reykjavik (18 Days)
Comfortable expedition ship: 128 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking
Includes: free Expedition Parka
Transfer Package (included): 1 pre-voyage hotel night in Helsinki and charter flight Helsinki-Longyearbyen
Limited offer - contact us for details
Longyearbyen - Akureyri (23 Days)
Comfortable expedition ship: 108 passengers
Extended Voyage including Around Spitsbergen Voyage with Kvitøya & Spitsbergen & North East Greenland Voyage. Please contact us for a detailed itinerary
Longyearbyen - Akureyri (22 Days)
Modern expedition ship: 170 passengers
Extended Voyage including Farthest North Voyage with Kvitøya & Spitsbergen & North East Greenland Voyage. Please contact us for a detailed itinerary
Longyearbyen - Akureyri (14 Days)
Comfortable expedition ship: 108 passengers
Oslo - Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Reykjavik (14 Days)
Elegant expedition ship: 114 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking
Included Activities: Photography Workshops
Includes: 1 pre-voyage hotel night, one-way flight Oslo-Longyearbyen & free Expedition Parka
Save up to 15% on remaining cabins + £1,100 Air Credit
Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Reykjavik (15 Days)
Modern x-bow expedition ship: 132 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking
Includes: 1 pre-voyage hotel night in Longyearbyen, free Expedition Jacket
Limited offer - contact us for details
Longyearbyen - Akureyri (14 Days)
Modern expedition ship: 170 passengers
Save up to 50% on remaining cabins!
Reykjavik - East Greenland - Longyearbyen - Helsinki (15 Days)
Comfortable expedition ship: 128 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking
Includes: free Expedition Parka
Transfer Package (included): 1 pre-voyage hotel night in Reykjavik and charter flight Longyearbyen-Helsinki
Limited offer - contact us for details
Longyearbyen - Akureyri (14 Days)
Lloyds 1A Ice Class Expedition Ship: 108 passengers
Included Activities: Photo Workshops
Helsinki - Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Reykjavik (15 Days)
Comfortable expedition ship: 128 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking
Includes: free Expedition Parka
Transfer Package (included): 1 pre-voyage hotel night in Helsinki and charter flight Helsinki-Longyearbyen
Oslo - Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Reykjavik (15 Days)
Modern x-bow expedition ship: 132 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking
Includes: 1 pre-voyage hotel night in Oslo, charter flight Oslo-Longyearbyen, free Expedition Jacket
Oslo - Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Reykjavik (13 Days)
Modern x-bow expedition ship: 132 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking
Includes: 1 pre-voyage hotel night in Oslo, charter flight Oslo-Longyearbyen, free Expedition Jacket
Reykjavik - East Greenland - Longyearbyen - Oslo (15 Days)
Modern x-bow expedition ship: 132 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking
Includes: 1 pre-voyage hotel night in Reykjavik, charter flight Longyearbyen-Oslo, free Expedition Jacket
Save up to 15% on Standard and 20% on Premium cabins!
Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Reykjavik (14 Days)
Elegant expedition ship: 114 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking
Included Activities: Photography Workshops
Includes: 1 pre-voyage hotel night & free Expedition Parka
New bookings only. Offer expires 30 June 2024
Helsinki - Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Reykjavik (15 Days)
Modern x-bow expedition ship: 138 passengers
Includes: free Expedition Parka
Transfer Package (included): 1 pre-voyage hotel night in Helsinki and charter flight Helsinki-Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Akureyri (14 Days)
Lloyds 1A Ice Class Expedition Ship: 108 passengers
Optional Activities: Long Hikes
Save up to 15% on Standard and 20% on Premium cabins!
Reykjavik - East Greenland - Longyearbyen (14 Days)
Elegant expedition ship: 114 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking
Included Activities: Photography Workshops
Includes: 1 pre-voyage hotel night & free Expedition Parka
New bookings only. Offer expires 30 June 2024
Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Akureyri (14 Days)
Modern expedition ship: 170 passengers
Optional Activities: Long Hikes
Save up to 15% on Standard and 20% on Premium cabins!
Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Reykjavik (14 Days)
Elegant expedition ship: 114 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking
Included Activities: Photography Workshops
Includes: 1 pre-voyage hotel night & free Expedition Parka
New bookings only. Offer expires 30 June 2024
Notes:
Trip Itinerary varies depending on the vessel used. Please ask for full details.
Our prices include:
- Voyage as indicated in draft itinerary
- All meals, snacks, coffee and tea
- All shore excursions and zodiac activities
- Group airport transfers to & from the vessel (when arriving/departing on
recommended group flight)
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced
expedition staff
- All miscellaneous services taxes and port charges throughout the programme
- Comprehensive pre-departure material
- Wellington boot hire onboard
- Free parka to keep (selected voyages only)
- Aqua-Firma automatically offsets the Carbon Emissions of your polar voyage
and flights booked through us in getting to and from your voyage.
Prices exclude:
- International flights (please enquire)
- Fuel surcharge where applicable*
- Optional activities (e.g. kayaking, diving) unless stated
- Land based accommodation (please enquire)
- Pre and post land arrangements (please enquire)
- Travel insurance
- Passports and visas
- Arrival and departure tax
- Meals ashore
- Excess baggage on flights
- Items of a personal nature (alcohol, laundry etc)
- Tips
Activity Level: Low to Medium
Single supplement: There is no single supplement to pay if you are willing to share your cabin with someone of the same gender. For a cabin to yourself the supplement is between 1.5x - 2x the per person rate.
*Fuel surcharge:
The cost of fuel is currently volatile, so a fuel surcharge may be applied by the ship without notice. We will let you know if this applies to your booking and send you an updated invoice.
