Arctic Sights and Northern Lights

Arrive in Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland and starting point of the Arctic expedition. The drive from Keflavik International Airport to the city center takes about 45 minutes by airport shuttle or taxi. After checking into the included hotel, there is free time to explore the city.
For an overview of Iceland’s history and culture, visit the National Museum and Culture House. Hallgrímskirkja church, Reykjavík’s most famous landmark, is also worth seeing. The Whales of Iceland museum displays full-sized models of the 23 whale species found around Iceland. Reykjavík offers many options for a traditional Icelandic meal.

After breakfast at the hotel, the morning is free to explore Reykjavík. Options include a walk in a nearby garden, a soak in a thermal bath, or observing birds at Tjörnin, a lake in the city center. Shopping for souvenirs or cold-weather gear is also possible. Onboard the ship, each guest receives a parka to keep and waterproof boots to borrow.
In the afternoon, transfer to the pier to board the M/V Sea Spirit. Settle into the suite and explore the ship. After departure, briefings and introductions from the expedition staff take place. Dinner is followed by time on deck to watch for whales in Faxaflói.

As you sail north across the Denmark Strait to East Greenland, celebrate the crossing of the Arctic Circle. You keep a continuous lookout for great whales and flocks of seabirds feeding in the productive waters near the sharp rise of Greenland’s continental shelf. After nightfall, you have the first of many opportunities to see the aurora borealis overhead.

The itinerary for this part of the voyage focuses on the spectacular fjords, coasts and islands of Scoresby Sund, also known as Kangertittivaq in the Greenlandic language. This area contains some of the world’s most impressive scenery and Greenland’s best wildlife viewing. As with any true polar expedition, the exact schedule and route be shaped by weather and ice. At this late stage of the season, you expect the explorations to be minimally affected by sea ice. However, be alert for icebergs from surging glaciers, which can present interesting navigational challenges. Experienced captain and expedition leader continually adjust plans as conditions and opportunities warrant in this wild and remote corner of the Arctic.
Scoresby Sund is one of the longest and most visually stunning fjord systems in the world. Almost totally devoid of human habitation, it is also one of the most pristine natural environments on Earth. In this epic wilderness, the forces of nature have shaped a landscape of incomparable grandeur. Deep fjords and narrow passages are framed by sheer rock walls up to 2,000 meters high. Colossal icebergs—calved by immense glaciers and sculpted by wind and water into fantastic shapes—drift throughout the intricate fjord system in striking contrast to sparkling blue waters and polychromatic mountains capped with fresh snow. From verdant coastal plains to ice-clad peaks all the way to the glaciated heart of Greenland, a trip through Scoresby Sund sets a new standard for “scenic”.
Ancient Thule archeological sites remind you of humankind’s age-old relationship with this austere yet life-sustaining environment. For a look at how this tradition has been carried forward, you plan to visit the modern Inuit village of Ittoqqortoormiit, the only permanent settlement in the region and one of the most remote communities in the world. The village boasts a wonderful museum, a bookstore, handmade crafts for sale, a post office, and an abundance of Greenlandic sled dogs.
In September, at the equinox, day and night are given equal opportunities to astound you. As night falls, the darkening sky becomes a stage for nature’s greatest celestial performance: the Northern Lights. East Greenland is one of the very best places in the Arctic to view this otherworldly natural phenomenon. In addition to being at the perfect latitude for strong aurora displays, the skies above Scoresby Sund are often cleared by katabatic winds rolling down from the nearby Greenland Ice Sheet. Lights dancing from horizon to horizon are mirrored in calm waters while the silhouettes of gigantic icebergs and serrated mountains add to the romantic splendor of the experience.
This itinerary offers a deep dive into one of the Arctic’s most scenic and soulful environments. From dawn to dusk and beyond, your days be filled with incredible shore excursions, world-class Zodiac cruising, and enough stunning scenery to fill your camera and overwhelm your emotions. Hikers live their wilderness dreams and sea kayakers are rewarded with some of the finest paddling on the planet.

After the amazing time in Scoresby Sund, you head back across the Denmark Strait toward Iceland. Presentations and workshops by the expert staff, as well as the range of onboard recreation facilities, ensure that this day at sea is not idly spent. Seabird viewing and whale sightings can be enjoyed from panoramic open decks and balconies.

The Vestfirdir (Westfjords) of Iceland is a sparsely populated region characterized by rugged mountains and a deeply indented, crenulated coastline. Despite its dramatic beauty, it receives only 10% of Iceland’s visitors. The deep fjords are home to whales, while estuaries abound with seals and rich birdlife.

After filling up with one last buffet breakfast on board, bid you a fond farewell in Reykjavík. Transfers are provided to Keflavik international airport or to the city center in case you plan to extend your stay in Iceland.