Island to Greenland: Total Solar Eclipse, 13 Days 10% Discount

Immerse yourself in an extraordinary adventure from Iceland to Greenland that takes you to the remotest corners of the Arctic. This 13-day expedition offers you the unique opportunity to experience a total solar eclipse from a polar ship. Start in Reykjavík and board the Ultramarine to explore the impressive landscape of the Westfjords. Experience the majestic beauty of the King Oscar Fjord and be enchanted by the untouched wilderness of the Northeast Greenland National Park. During the journey, you will have the opportunity to discover the cultural and scientific significance of solar eclipses, accompanied by renowned experts. Enjoy the spectacular views of the Arctic and cross the Arctic Circle twice. This journey promises impressive moments and a deep immersion into the wonders of nature.
 

Itinerary: Iceland to Greenland: Total Solar Eclipse, 13 Days

 
Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland
Upon your arrival in Reykjavik, the vibrant capital of Iceland, you will independently make your way to your included hotel, where you will spend the first night of your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you will have the opportunity to explore the fascinating sights of this unique city. Reykjavik, known for its blend of modern architecture and traditional charm, offers a variety of attractions waiting to be discovered. Whether you want to stroll through the colorful streets, visit the impressive Hallgrímskirkja, or enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city, Reykjavik has something for everyone. Take the opportunity to gain a first impression of Icelandic culture and hospitality before your adventure in this impressive country truly begins.
 
Day 2 & 3: Embark in Reykjavik and explore the Westfjords on Ultramarine
After breakfast, you will be taken to your ship, the technologically advanced Ultramarine. Today we set sail to explore what is often referred to as "Iceland's best-kept secret" – the Westfjords. This rugged peninsula at the remote northwestern end of Iceland is a fascinating region of mountains and fjords, giving it the anglicized name Westfjords. The mountains dramatically descend to the sea, offering numerous opportunities for impressive landscape photography. We will spend the day exploring the fjords and coasts of one of Iceland's oldest regions (home to volcanic rocks that are 16 million years old) with the Zodiac and the ship, as well as on guided landings. The views are diverse: dramatic cliffs, roaring waterfalls, colorful beaches, gentle green hills, moorlands dotted with rocky outcrops and tiny lakes. You will likely see Icelandic ponies and shaggy sheep grazing on the slopes. A few civilized outposts include small fishing communities clinging to the edges of the fjord and along the coasts of the Denmark Strait. These modest settlements preserve a maritime heritage dating back to the glorious days of the Viking era.
 
Day 4: At Sea: Crossing the Denmark Strait
As we sail northward across the Denmark Strait between Iceland and Greenland, your expedition team will prepare you for the exciting adventures that await both onboard and ashore. Our team of polar experts will give lectures on a variety of topics, including Arctic history, wildlife, geology, and climatology. You will also be on the lookout for seabirds circling above the ship, and you will certainly be informed as soon as a whale is sighted.
 
Day 5 & 6: Northeast Greenland: Exploring Kangerluk Kong Oscar and countdown to the eclipse
Navigating within the boundaries of the Northeast Greenland National Park—the planet’s largest national park at 972,000 square kilometers—we will sail into Kangerluk Kong Oscar, also known as Kong Oscar Fjord, on the northern border of Scoresby Land peninsula. This major fjord system, popular for its famously bright sandstone, stretches 110 kilometers long and 10 to 25 kilometers wide. When conditions allow, guests will have the opportunity to hike in Skipperdal Valley, where mineral deposits have painted the hills red and magenta—so landscape photographers take note. As we prepare to position the ship in order to maximize views of the solar eclipse on Day 7, we’ll also have the opportunity to visit Blomsterbugten (also known as Flower Bay) on Ymer Island. The floral name was chosen by noted archeologists Gunnar Seidenfaden and Arne Noe-Nygaard during the Lauge Koch expedition in 1929 upon discovering an abundance of specimens for their botanical collection. Blomsterbugten is also home to a little hut known as “Varghytta” (the wolf hut). Built in 1929, the small hut is still used by the Sirius Patrol, a specialized military unit of the Danish Armed Forces. It’s possible we’ll also hike to the seldom-visited Noa Lake. There will be a palpable sense of excitement in the air as anticipation builds for our much-awaited eclipse viewing. Behind the scenes, your Expedition Leader, and the Ship Captain will work closely together—monitoring sea and ice conditions and atmospheric forecasts—to strategically position Ultramarine in the best location possible to maximize your views of the solar eclipse. Relatively few humans get to experience the awe of a polar expedition—but even fewer get to combine the wonders of an Arctic expedition with a solar eclipse viewing. Expect presentations by guest eclipse expert David Baron, in the lead-up to the August 12 Solar Eclipse. The veteran eclipse enthusiast will draw on his vast knowledge to ensure you have an eclipse viewing like no other. On the evening of Day 6, guest expert David Baron will deliver a keynote presentation titled “Scientific America: The Eclipse That Enlightened A Nation,” during which he’ll delve into the societal impacts of eclipses. Baron will discuss how epic events such as a solar eclipse have spurred societies—and specific individuals—to achieve scientific greatness.
 
Day 7: Solar Eclipse Viewing: In the Path of Totality
Ultramarine will continue to sail into the Kong Oscar Fjord, where the team will identify the optimal vantage point along the path of totality. With a total solar eclipse lasting 2 minutes and 17.2 seconds, this region of the Arctic offers the longest duration of totality along the entire eclipse path. The eclipse begins at 2:34 PM; totality begins at 3:34 PM and ends at 3:36 PM. The eclipse viewing experience, which spans a duration of 2 hours, 1 minute, and 3 seconds, will be completed by 4:35 PM. This eclipse in 2026 is part of the Saros series 126, a cycle of solar eclipses that repeats approximately every 18 years. It is noteworthy that total solar eclipses in polar regions are relatively rare due to the smaller land area and the fact that the sun illuminates each pole only part of the year. As a reminder, the last total solar eclipse observable north of the Arctic Circle occurred in 2015. The team from Quark Expeditions and the guest eclipse expert have explored the geography of this region and will continue to do so as we prepare for the event. Until the day of the eclipse itself, our team will study the mountainous terrain, the angles of the sun in the sky, and the weather conditions to ensure the best possible viewing experience. Your expedition leader will outline the agenda in the days and hours leading up to the total eclipse.
 
Day 8 to 11: Exploring Scoresbysund and surrounding region
As we make our way home—still overwhelmed by the experience of yesterday's solar eclipse—we will visit Scoresby Sound (Scoresby Sund), a large fjord system on the east coast of Greenland. Apart from a small population in Ittoqqortoormiit, near the mouth of the fjord, Scoresby Sund is largely uninhabited. Warm water polynyas (areas of open water surrounded by sea ice) near the fjord's mouth support diverse ecosystems of flora and fauna, which is unusual for the Arctic. Numerous mountains, valleys, and glaciers line the fjords, creating a spectacular collection of icebergs. We also plan to travel through Bjørne Øer (Nannut Qeqertaat), an archipelago (also known as Bear Islands) located northeast of Milne Land and named during the Den Østgrønlandske (East Greenland) Expedition 1891-92. The collection of 11 main islands fascinates visitors with its labyrinth of channels, steep cliffs, and intriguing geology. As we explore this area, enjoy Zodiac cruises and land visits at several locations. We will also be on the lookout for grazing musk oxen, as 40 percent of the world's population lives in the Northeast Greenland National Park. Sailing through the spectacular Scoresby Sund, where many icebergs are born, you will immediately understand why previous visitors have described it as one of the most beautiful fjord systems in the world. We will visit places like Vikingebugt, known for its basalt column coastline, and Sydkap, where you can explore the colorful tundra and the remains of ancient Thule settlements.
 
Day 12: At Sea: Crossing the Arctic Circle once more
Our Arctic adventure is coming to an end as we cross the Denmark Strait once more, this time heading south. Take advantage of the remaining time onboard to attend an educational presentation by one of our experts, share your photos, book a massage at the Ultramarine's Tundra Spa, or enjoy an ice-cold cocktail at the bar. Our enthusiastic expedition team is always available to answer your questions and will also inform you about possible wildlife sightings.
 
Day 13: Disembark in Reykjavik
At the end of your journey, you will disembark in Reykjavik, the vibrant capital of Iceland. This city, known for its unique blend of modern culture and impressive nature, offers a variety of experiences waiting to be discovered. Should you have booked accommodation after the expedition, we will arrange a convenient transfer to a centrally located spot in the city center for you. This way, you can make the most of your time in Reykjavik and fully enjoy the fascinating sights and sounds of this dynamic city. Whether you want to explore the charming streets, try the local cuisine, or simply soak up the atmosphere, Reykjavik has something for everyone.
 
Accommodation: Your accommodation during this exciting expedition is the state-of-the-art ship Ultramarine. Enjoy the comfort and amenities onboard as you travel through the impressive landscapes of the Arctic. The cabins offer you a cozy retreat with views of the spectacular nature. All accommodations are equipped with modern amenities to make your stay as pleasant as possible. Prices are based on double occupancy in the cabins.
 
Further Information: The expedition lasts 13 days and starts from Reykjavík, Iceland, on the ship Ultramarine. It is important to note that this journey is already fully booked. Departure is planned for August 2026.
 
Discover the fascinating connection between natural wonders and astronomical events on this unique expedition. Spots for this extraordinary journey are quickly taken, so we recommend you promptly secure your participation and prepare for an impressive experience!
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