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A polar bear rests on an iceberg

Wild Arctic Shores: Circumnavigating Iceland and Exploring Greenland

Reykjavik Roundtrip - Example 10 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Endurance
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Embark on a 10-day cruise aboard National Geographic Endurance, sailing round Iceland with a crossing to East Greenland. Start and end in Reykjavík, reaching the Westfjords, Siglufjörður, Húsavík, Grímsey, Borgarfjörður Eystri, and the Westman Islands. Explore Greenland’s remote fjords carved by tidewater glaciers. Step ashore by Zodiac, hike coastal trails, kayak icy waters, and cruise beneath towering cliffs. Visit wildlife sanctuaries like Vigur Island, walk historic fishing towns, and engage with local conservation groups. Search for humpback and beluga whales, seals, seabirds, and Arctic species. Experience volcanic craters, powerful waterfalls, geothermal areas, and Arctic Circle crossings. This voyage combines Icelandic culture, polar exploration, and deep wilderness access rarely reached by traditional cruising.
Street view of old town ReykjavikExploring Greenland by kayakGet a close up view of the Greenland ice sheetOne of Greenland's many glaciersWhale sighting in Polar waters!A polar bear rests on an iceberg
Highlights
  • Explore Westfjords fjords, waterfalls, seabirds, and rugged Arctic scenery
  • Visit Vigur Island, observing puffins, eider ducks, and traditions
  • Navigate East Greenland fjords filled with glaciers and drifting ice
  • Cruise Westman Islands, viewing Surtsey and volcanic landscapes
Activities
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Reykjavík, Iceland | Embark

Arrive in Reykjavík, the northernmost capital in the world, located just south of the Arctic Circle. Travel from the airport to the city, then explore on your own schedule. Check in at the hospitality desk in the afternoon before boarding the ship.

Day 2: Westfjords

Explore the remote Westfjords region of Iceland. Hike along a fjord and reach a tall waterfall. Continue into Ísafjarðardjúp, an area rich in wildlife such as whales, seals, and large seabird colonies. Visit Vigur Island, a protected wildlife sanctuary. Observe how local owners maintain the traditional eiderdown harvesting and cleaning process while managing colonies of puffins, eider ducks, and black guillemots that nest on the island.

Day 3: Siglufjörður

Siglufjörður was the center of Iceland’s once-thriving herring industry. Stop by the Herring Museum for a salting demonstration and a tasting. Enjoy the surroundings of Iceland's northern most mainland settlement by joining the local forestry association for an afternoon of conservation in their local woods.

Day 4-5: East Coast of Greenland

Strike out across the Denmark Strait to the wild shores of Eastern Greenland. Known for its volume of calving tidewater glaciers stretching back to the ice sheet, this region offers incredible opportunities to explore multiple fjords aboard ship as well as on landings, where hiking, kayaking or Zodiac cruising might all be possible. While you navigate these waters as a modern-day explorer, spend time on the Bridge or at the ship’s railing, scouring the landscape and waterline for the unique wildlife that call this region home. Look out for humpbacks, beluga whales and seals as well as the elusive narwhal and polar bear.

Day 6: Húsavík

Húsavík is the gateway to the Highlands of northern Iceland. Depart for a full day overland visiting one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland, Goðafoss, as well as Lake Mývatn, the most geologically active area in Iceland. Alternatively, enjoy an adventurous journey through Ásbyrgi Canyon, said to be formed from the hoof of Odin, with a stop at Dettifoss, the second most powerful waterfall in Europe, or stay along the coast and enjoy a slower pace to the day with forest bathing, bird watching and a soak in the GeoSea bath.

Day 7: Grímsey

This morning, take Zodiacs ashore to the tiny island of Grímsey, which lies exactly on the Arctic Circle. Celebrate officially arriving in the Arctic, in the company of nesting arctic terns, fulmars and puffins in their burrows. Enjoy an afternoon at sea sailing around the northern corner of Iceland as you continue circumnavigating the island.

Day 8: Borgarfjörður Eystri

Located on the eastern shore of Iceland, Borgarfjörður Eystri is well known for its local puffin colony and stunning fjord framed by the Svartvell Summit. Challenge yourself with a hike up to the summit, standing over 1000 feet above sea level, or bike into the backcountry to take in a different perspective on the surrounding mountain range. Join a local guide on a walk through the small village, including a stop at the local eider down shop or get a taste of the local libations. Throughout the day, enjoy some free time observing the puffins in their bustling island colony as they make their way in and out of their burrows.

Day 9: Westman Islands

The Westman Islands were formed by undersea volcanoes between 5,000 and 10,000 years ago and are among the youngest of the world’s archipelagos. In 1963, the world witnessed on film the birth of its newest island, Surtsey—a UNESCO World Heritage site—which you'll see as you cruise past the coast. In 1973, Heimaey was threatened by lava flows that nearly closed off its harbor. Visit the crater, where the earth is still hot, for amazing views of areas once engulfed by lava.

Day 10: Reykjavík | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark in Reykjavík and transfer to the airport for flights home.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Endurance

Navigating through icy waters aboard National Geographic Endurance

National Geographic Endurance

Embark on an exhilarating adventure aboard the National Geographic Endurance, a marvel of maritime engineering designed specifically for year-round expeditions into the heart of the Antarctic's icy embrace. With an impressive PC5 Category A ice class rating, the highest ever achieved by a cruise ship accommodating just 126 guests, this vessel promises unparalleled access to some of the planet's most remote and pristine environments. The ship's revolutionary sloping X-bow cuts through the choppiest of seas with remarkable grace, significantly reducing onboard movement and ensuring a smoother, more comfortable voyage. This innovative design not only enhances the journey but also boosts fuel efficiency and reduces emissions, underscoring a commitment to preserving the delicate ecosystems it explores. Experience the thrill of navigating through towering icebergs and witness the untouched splendor of the Antarctic, all while enjoying the intimate, luxurious setting of the National Geographic Endurance. This is more than a cruise -- it's a gateway to epic landscapes and an intimate encounter with the wild.
The National Geographic Endurance with a backdrop of rugged mountains.
National Geographic Endurance aerial view showing the hot tub on the deck.
Reception area

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

No Single Supplement 30858
Book your cruise and enjoy waived solo supplement on qualifying cabins on select sailings with National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions. Valid for new bookings only, subject to availability, and offer may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for more details.
Applies to Jul 9, 2026 departure
10% Special Group Offer 30949
Book by May 6, 2026, and receive 10% savings on cabin fare when you reserve a group of 6 or more guests on any voyage departing April 1, 2026 through 2028. Groups must include a minimum of 6 guests across at least 3 cabins. The discount is valid on new bookings only, and is subject to availability. Offer may be withdrawn at any time and cannot be combined with other promotions. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for more details.
Offer applies on voyage-based departures on April 1,2026, through 2028
Special 50% Family Savings 30950
Book your cruise by April 30, 2026, and take advantage of 50% savings on select 2026 voyages for children 18 and under at time of travel. Offer is valid on new bookings only for select 2026 departures, subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice, not applicable on airfare or
extensions, and may not be combined with other promotions. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for more details.
Click for departure dates
Per person starting at
$18,383 2-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Category 1
Category 1
Located on the Fore Deck. 183 square ft room with two large windows, Alcove seating, Relax chair, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
Category 2
Category 2
Located on the Fore Deck. 205 square ft. room with two large windows, Alcove seating, Relax chair, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers.
Category 3
Category 3
Located on the Main Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
Category 4
Category 4
Located on the Lounge Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
Category 5
Category 5
Located on the Bridge Deck. 205 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
Category 6
Category 6
Located on the Bridge Deck. 344 square ft suite with large balcony, sofa bed, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
Category 7
Category 7
Located on the Bridge Deck. 430 square ft. suite with large balcony, sofa bed, bathtub, walk-in closet, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
Category A Solo
Category A Solo
Located on the Main Deck. 140 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
Category B Solo
Category B Solo
Located on the Lounge Deck. 140 square ft. suite with balcony, sofa, private bathroom, tv, Wi-Fi and hair dryers
Included
  • 9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners
  • 9 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
  • Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet) 
  • Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are available aboard the ship. Additionally, a selection of super premium wines and liquors is offered for purchase.
  • Crew gratuities
  • Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
  • Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
  • Excursions and airport transfers to and from flights arriving and departing within recommended window, as indicated in the itinerary
  • Exploration tools such as snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, kayaks, stand-up paddleboard, cross-country skis, and snowshoes (where applicable)
  • Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore.
  • Presentations by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
  • Onboard physician consultations (where available)
  • 24-hour access to exercise equipment (where applicable)
  • All accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary
  • Complimentary reusable water bottle
  • 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library, and other shared spaces
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
  • We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
  • Airfare (except flights when indicated as included); charter airfare (where applicable, except when indicated as included); pre- and post-expedition extensions (except flights when indicated as included); additional hotel nights (except when indicated as included)
  • Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees 
  • Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans
  • Additional costs associated with medical services outside onboard physician consultation (where available)
  • Private transfers (except when indicated as included)

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Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
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