Years of exploration onboard ice strengthened motor ships in the east of Greenland has taught us how beautiful this remote area is. Now we are privileged to fly you from nearby Iceland to explore Greenland's icebergs, fjord, glaciers and the World's second largest ice sheet onboard a beautiful three masted sailing ship. The topography of East Greenland with its 2000m high mountains and deep, narrow fjords sits in contrast to the lower undulating landscapes of the west coast where more communities and accessible ports dot the coast.
Our first hand experience of guiding in West Greenland onboard this fine vessel leaves us in no doubt that she is ideally suited to get the very best from the Rugged East Greenland environment. She is spacious with excellent deck space to relax and observe the arctic scenery before you. All meals are served form the dining area and the cosy bar and lounge is a great place to reminisce on the days adventures. All cabins are en suite though the objective will be to get off the ship and explore the natural history of this remote region in the company of experts. Based onboard a beautiful three-masted sailing ship and with the guidance from polar experts, this voyage provides a true Arctic expedition experience, exploring areas otherwise incredibly difficult to access.
By early September day and nighttime resume and the ship will explore the magnificent Scoresby Sund, the largest and most spectacular fjord in the World. The sheer scale of this inlet is difficult to imagine. All around you, mountains rise 2,000m from the sea and continue beneath the waterline a further 1,000m to the ocean bottom. You will be able to see as many as seven glaciers at once, flanked by crystal clear calm waters dotted with icebergs which dwarf your ship. A wonderful contrast to these glacial landscapes are the warm autumnal colours of the tundra ashore, laden with rich vegetation and Arctic berries. Though early, with luck there may be chances to spot the northern lights. Polar bears and musk oxen can sometimes be seen here and there are often good opportunities for spotting birdlife, particularly near Jameson land where waders and geese gather for the autumn migration.
Itinerary
12 Day Sample Itinerary
Please note that our polar itineraries are written to provide a flavour of each voyage. Travelling under sail power alone will be undertaken where and when conditions allow. 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. We aim to provide the most rewarding experience possible and as a result, our itinerary may need to change at short notice.
Day 1: Embark at Constable Pynt
You arrive by chartered plane from Reykjavik and land at Constable Pynt, the airfield at the head of Hurry Inlet. This area has a remarkably rich geological history.
Day 2: Sailing the Glaciers
Enjoy the sights as you sail the glaciated Volquart Boons Coast. Here you may set out a Zodiac cruise along one of the shoreline glacier fronts, with your first landing near Månegletcher or Vikingebugt.
Day 3: Inuit Neighborhood of Yesteryear
Today you will plan to sail by the east coast of Milne Land among a multitude of giant icebergs. If you can also land at Charcot Havn, you will make a walk to the Charcot Glacier before continuing by the Bjørneør and sail to Øfjord.
Day 4 - 7: Mountain-fringed fjords
You will spend these days in true expedition style as you explore the mountain-fringed fjords. Today marks a visit to the east entrance of one of the most impressive fjords in the world: Ø Fjord is almost 40 nautical miles long (74 km, 46 miles), with mountains on each side up to 2,000 meters high (6,562 feet), and icebergs that drift over depths of more than 1,000 meters (3,281 feet). The aim is to land at Jyttehavn and hike the tundra in mythic surroundings. You may also sail into Harefjord, Rypefjord, and Rödefjord, walking into C. Hoffmanhalvöya and on Storö. You will then plan to land near Sydkap, where you can see colossal icebergs, some of them over 100 meters (328 feet) high and more than a kilometer long (.62 mile). Most of these bergs are grounded, as the fjord is only about 400 meters deep (1,312 feet). At Sakatajik youcan also view the remains of Thule winter houses. As many as twenty people lived here once, hunting Greenland whales and building houses out of their vertebrae.
Day 8: The tundra of Jameson Land
At the western shores of Jameson Land lies a vast tundra with grazing musk oxen. You will try to make a landing on one of the areas, such as Tyskit Nunat, remembering Alfred Wegener’s efforts to cross Vandreblokken. You may also visit Kap Hooker or a lovely lagoon west of Kap Stewart.
Day 10: Scoresbysund Settlement
Today you will plan to visit Ittoqqortoormiit, the largest settlement in Scoresbysund at about 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.
Days 10- 11: At Sea under the Northern Lights
If there is not too much cloud cover, you might enjoy the magical lightshow of the aurora borealis as you sail back towards Iceland across the Denmark Strait.
Day 12: Disembark in Akureyri
You will disembark in the Icelandic town of Akureyri, taking home memories that will accompany you wherever the next adventure lies. If requested, you can take a chartered bus (six-hour drive) to Reykjavik (not included).
Dates
Constable Pynt - Scoresby Sund - Akureyri (12 days)
Three-masted sailing schooner: 33 passengers
Price per person in a triple share cabin with private bathroom
Twin cabin en suite upgrades available
Constable Pynt - Scoresby Sund - Akureyri (12 days)
Three-masted sailing schooner: 33 passengers
Price per person in a triple share cabin with private bathroom
Twin cabin en suite upgrades available
Flights:
Please contact us for the price of current flight schedules.
Notes:
Single supplement:
This supplement can be avoided if you are willing to share with someone of the same gender. The single occupancy price is 1.95 times the 'per person sharing cabin' price.
Our prices include:
Voyage as indicated in draft itinerary.
Group airport transfers to & from the vessel (when arriving/departing on charter flight).
Programme of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
All shore excursions and zodiac activities.
All miscellaneous services taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
All meals, snacks, coffee and tea.
Comprehensive pre-departure material.
Price excludes:
Airfares.
Passports and visas.
Pre and post land arrangements.
Transfers to and from the vessel (except when arriving/departing on charter flight).
Items of a personal nature (alcohol, laundry etc).
Cancellation and personal insurance.
Arrival and departure tax.
Tips.
Activity Level: Low to Medium
