Northeast Greenland: Glaciers and Fjords

This summer expedition takes you to the remote north east of Greenland, a region of vast fjord systems, glaciers and wide tundra. After one night in a hotel in Reykjavík, you board the Ocean Explorer and cross the Denmark Strait towards Greenland. On board, the expedition team prepares you for the days ahead with talks and discussions on Arctic history and politics, wildlife, geology, ecology and climate. Along the way and within the expedition areas, there are good opportunities for wildlife viewing, such as seabirds and whales at sea, as well as seals and musk oxen along the coast and in Northeast Greenland National Park, with a bit of luck also polar bears. In north east Greenland, Zodiac cruises, landings and hikes are planned, including visits to fjords such as Segelsellskäbetsfjord, Alpefjord and Kong Oscar Fjord. A visit to Ittoqqortoormiit offers insights into Inuit life, and Thule sites are also part of the journey. On the sea days, there is time for observation and for life on board before the expedition ends in Reykjavík.

Itinerary: Northeast Greenland: Glaciers and Fjords

Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavík, Iceland
After arriving in Reykjavík, you check into your hotel included in the trip price. The rest of the day is yours to plan, with time to explore Iceland’s capital with its Nordic history and architecture, or simply to settle in. Overnight is at the hotel in Reykjavík, before embarkation the following day.

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Day 2: Embarkation
You have time in Reykjavík until the afternoon, when embarkation begins. You board the Ocean Explorer, go to your cabin and receive important information on procedures and safety, particularly with regard to Zodiac outings and landings. Once the ship departs, the expedition sets off northwards.

Day 3: Cruise
You have time in Reykjavík until the afternoon, when embarkation begins. You board the Ocean Explorer, go to your cabin and receive important information on procedures and safety, particularly with regard to Zodiac outings and landings. Once the ship departs, the expedition sets off northwards.

Day 4 to 8: Exploring Northeast Greenland
Daily plans depend on weather and ice conditions. In Segelsellskäbetsfjord you will see striking layers of limestone and dolomite, and in Alpefjord a boat cruise follows with views of the Selströms Glacier. Along the north east coast, Zodiac cruises and shore landings are planned, including hikes across the tundra and opportunities for wildlife viewing, including musk oxen in Northeast Greenland National Park. In Ittoqqortoormiit, the northernmost community in East Greenland, you have the chance to spend time with the Inuit and learn more about their way of life. In Kong Oscar Fjord, landings are possible, for example at Ella Ø with its cliffs and ice shaped waters, and at Botanikerbugt on Ymer Ø, known for its Arctic vegetation.

Day 9 and 10: Sea days heading south
On the return journey through the Denmark Strait, you can attend presentations by the onboard experts, ask the expedition team questions, or share photos and impressions with fellow travellers. Alternatively, spend time on deck watching for wildlife, or make use of the facilities and communal areas on board.

Day 11: Departure from Reykjavík, Iceland
In Reykjavík you disembark. If you have booked accommodation afterwards, a transfer into the city centre will be organised. You then continue your onward travel independently.

Accommodation:
In Reykjavík you stay in a hotel included in the trip price. During the expedition you live on board the Ocean Explorer, an expedition ship designed for polar travel with capacity for 138 passengers. Onboard areas include dining rooms, lounges with views, a library, a fitness area, a dry sauna and hot tubs. The communal spaces are designed for observation and exchange, while there are also quieter areas such as the library and the observation lounge. An expedition area is available for preparation for daily outings and landings.

Included:

• Hotel night in Reykjavík on the first day of the trip
• Nights on board the Ocean Explorer
• Meals on board according to the onboard programme
• Zodiac cruises and planned landings according to route and conditions
• Hikes and shore activities according to the expedition team and safety situation
• Daily talks and presentations by polar experts
• Photography support and guidance by onboard guides
• Polar plunge as an organised activity, subject to conditions

Not included:

• International travel to and from Iceland
• Visa costs, if required
• Travel insurance
• Mandatory expedition gear and personal clothing
• Onboard expenses and personal incidentals
• Optional adventure activities at an additional cost
• Pre and post programmes and trip extensions

Optional upgrades:

• Sea kayaking
• Paddling excursion

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