Itinerary
- Day 1
Reykjavik
You'll arrive in Reykjavik whenever you get there, then head to your hotel and get settled. The whole day and evening are yours to explore the capital on your own schedule, wandering around at whatever pace feels right.
Optional Activities
- Explore Reykjavik city at your own pace
- Day 2
Reykjavik to Westfjords
After breakfast in Reykjavik, you'll transfer to the Ocean Explorer and board the ship. From there, you're sailing north to Iceland's Westfjords, that remote northwestern peninsula. You'll take Zodiac cruises with guided landings where conditions allow, and you might see Icelandic ponies, sheep, and rough dramatic terrain. If the weather cooperates, there's a chance to visit Vigur island to learn about how locals harvest eiderdown, see Arctic birds, and spot seals. You could also see Mongufoss waterfall from the ship.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Breakfast at hotel
- Guided Zodiac shore landings in Westfjords
- Potential visit to Vigur island with guided shore experiences
- Viewing of Mongufoss waterfall
- Potential visit to Flatey island
Optional Activities
- Local cuisine at Vigur
- Sea kayaking at Vigur
- Paddle excursion at Vigur
- Guided shore hike at Vigur
Landmarks/POIs Westfjords Vigur Mongufoss Flatey Breidafjordur Bay - Day 3
At Sea
You're at sea today aboard the Ocean Explorer. It's a day to settle into life on the ship, relax, and get your bearings as you travel across the water.
- Day 4
At Sea
Another day at sea aboard the Ocean Explorer. You'll continue moving across the water with time to rest and take in the surroundings from the deck.
- Day 5
Denmark Strait Crossing
The ship sails north across the Denmark Strait between Iceland and Greenland. The expedition team presents talks about Arctic history, wildlife, geology, and climate. Team members will watch for seabirds and whales, letting you know when they spot anything worth seeing.
Included Activities
- Expedition Team presentations on Arctic topics
- Seabird identification
- Whale spotting alerts
Landmarks/POIs Denmark Strait - Day 6
Northeast Greenland National Park
You're sailing into Kong Oscar Fjord in Northeast Greenland National Park, the largest protected area on the planet at 972,000 square kilometers. The ship cruises along the bright sandstone fjord, which stretches 110 km long and 10 to 25 km wide. Later, you'll explore Segelsallskabet Fjord with its striking limestone and dolomite layers.
Included Activities
- Guided cruise through Kong Oscar Fjord
- Guided cruise through Segelsallskabet Fjord
Landmarks/POIs Northeast Greenland National Park Kong Oscar Fjord Segelsallskabet Fjord - Day 7
At Sea
You're at sea today aboard the Ocean Explorer. Use the time to rest, read, or attend presentations about the Arctic and what you're seeing around you.
- Day 8
Scoresby Sund
The ship cruises deep into Scoresby Sund, the world's largest fjord system. You'll have chances to explore by Zodiac and go ashore in different spots. You're also visiting Ittoqqortoormiit, the most remote community in East Greenland, which gives you a real sense of how isolated life can be here. The Expedition Leader and Ship Captain are monitoring conditions to get the vessel in the best position for the upcoming eclipse.
Included Activities
- Guided Zodiac cruises in Scoresby Sund
- Onshore visits in Scoresby Sund
- Visit to Ittoqqortoormiit community
Landmarks/POIs Scoresby Sund Ittoqqortoormiit - Day 9
At Sea
You're at sea aboard the Ocean Explorer. This is your chance to use the Tundra Spa, hit the gym, relax in the sauna, or enjoy the outdoor Jacuzzis. You can browse the Discovery Library to deepen your knowledge, watch the Arctic landscape from your cabin veranda, and keep an eye out for icebergs and whales from the deck.
- Day 10
Total Solar Eclipse
This is the main event. The Ocean Explorer positions itself in Scoresby Sund directly in the path of totality for the solar eclipse. The eclipse begins at 2:34 pm, totality runs from 3:34 pm to 3:36 pm (just 2 minutes 17.2 seconds), then ends at 4:35 pm. You'll have an eclipse expert, Michael Zeiler, providing information throughout the day. It's a once-in-a-lifetime moment to witness from one of the most remote locations on Earth.
Included Activities
- Total solar eclipse viewing experience
- Guest eclipse expert presentations with Michael Zeiler
Landmarks/POIs Scoresby Sund - Day 11
At Sea
You're at sea today aboard the Ocean Explorer. Relax in the Tundra Spa, gym, or sauna if you'd like. Soak in the outdoor Jacuzzis while watching the Arctic. Spend time in the Discovery Library deepening your polar knowledge. Watch the landscape and icebergs from your suite's veranda, scan the deck for whales, and catch more polar presentations from the experts on board.
Included Activities
- Tundra Spa access
- Gym access
- Sauna access
- Outdoor Jacuzzis access
- Discovery Library access
- Polar presentations by Expedition Team
Optional Activities
- Deck time watching Arctic landscape
- Iceberg spotting
- Whale spotting
- Day 12
At Sea
You're at sea aboard the Ocean Explorer, and the ship is heading south along the east coast of Greenland. It's a travel day at sea with opportunities to rest and watch the coastline pass by.
- Day 13
At Sea
Another day at sea aboard the Ocean Explorer. You'll continue your journey south with time to relax on deck, attend any final presentations, and take in the Arctic views.
- Day 14
Aappilattoq
You're visiting Aappilattoq, a settlement of around 100 people located on the shores of the 100-kilometer-long Prins Christian Sund. This is Greenland's second-most southern settlement, established back in 1922. The residents here rely mainly on hunting and fishing, so you get a genuine look at how people live in these remote Arctic communities.
Included Activities
- Visit to Aappilattoq settlement
Landmarks/POIs Aappilattoq Prins Christian Sund - Day 15
Ivittuut
You're stopping at Ivittuut, an old mining town near Cape Desolation in southwestern Greenland. The place sits close to ruins from the ancient Norse Middle Settlement. You'll see old mining structures including barracks, storehouses, and a cemetery. If you're lucky, you might spot muskoxen, Arctic hares, Arctic foxes, and semi-domestic reindeer in the area.
Included Activities
- Visit to Ivittuut abandoned mining town
- Exploration of Norse Middle Settlement ruins
Landmarks/POIs Ivittuut Cape Desolation Norse Middle Settlement - Day 16
Greenland to Reykjavik
The ship returns to Nuuk, Greenland's capital. You'll take one final Zodiac ride to shore for a group transfer to the airport. Then you're flying on a charter flight back to Reykjavik, heading to your hotel for your last night. Later, your group gathers for a celebratory dinner to mark the end of the expedition.
Included Activities
- Final Zodiac ride to shore
- Group transfer to airport
- Charter flight to Reykjavik
Optional Activities
- Dinner with group in Reykjavik
- Day 17
Reykjavik Departure
After resting at your hotel, you'll head to Keflavik International Airport for your onward flight home. Or, if you prefer, you can stay in Reykjavik and spend more time exploring the city before you leave.
Optional Activities
- Explore Reykjavik at leisure
- Book additional accommodation in Reykjavik
