Three Island Voyage: Ice, Inuit and Remoteness

On this extraordinary journey with Oceanwide Expedition you will experience the highlights of Svalbard and Greenland and then have the chance to round off your experience in Iceland. This route takes you through remote areas rich in untouched nature and cultural treasures. From challenging trekking routes (optional, free) to encounters with indigenous communities, this expedition offers a unique opportunity to experience the world from a new perspective. The price refers to accommodation in a double cabin with a double occupancy.

Important notes
Please note that this is an exemplary route description, as it will be adapted to the weather and ice conditions as well as animal observation opportunities. A high degree of flexibility promises a unique and unforgettable experience. The probability of being able to enter Scoresbysund is high (based on our experience from 1993 - 2019), but there is still a chance (about 10%) that ice will block the entrance to the fjord system

Three Island Voyage - Itinerary:

Day 1: Start in the northernmost Town
After touching down in Longyearbyen, the administrative Center of Spitsbergen and northernmost town in the world, you may have time to stroll around this former mining town. Despite its seemingly barren landscape, over a hundred plant species have been documented in the countryside. As the evening sets in, the ship departs from Isfjorden, offering the possibility of encountering the first minke whale of your journey.

Day 2: Sailing to Raudfjorden
Sailing to Raudfjorden, on the north coast of Spitsbergen, you take in an expansive fjord spilling with glaciers – and maybe even visited by ringed and bearded seals. The cliffs and shoreline of this fjord also support thriving seabird colonies, rich vegetation, and the possibility of polar bears.

Day 3-4: Onward to east Greenland
As the expedition ship heads west, you may eventually see the jagged edge of the east Greenland sea ice flashing into sight ahead, depending on the conditions. Relax on the upper deck or your cabin and keep watch for whales and migrating seabirds here.

Day 5: Tundra, mountains and icebergs
Upon nearing Greenland, you may navigate through sea ice to reach Foster Bay and make landfall at Myggebugten. Marvel at an expansive tundra inhabited by musk oxen, accompanied by geese gliding across small lakes. Continuing onwards, you'll traverse Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, surrounded by towering mountains and luminous interior icebergs. Alternatively, you may opt for Sofia Sound, a narrower passage.
For those inclined, today marks the first long hike (6-7 hours) of the journey. Commencing at Myggbukta station, we venture into Badlanddal, then veer south towards Fangsthytte near Kap Bennet. A Zodiac will sail ahead of the walking party and parallel to the coast to watch out for bears.

All pictures of this partner

Day 6: The islands of Antarctic Sound
You arrive at Teufelschloss (Devil’s Castle), a mountain with layered geology. On the other side of the fjord is Blomsterbugt and the intended landing site. In the afternoon you head into Antarctic Sound, where you find the islands of Ruth, Maria, and Ella. Maria is the most likely spot for a landing.

Day 7: Alpefjord's peaks
In the morning you enter Segelsällskapets Fjord, with the streaked slopes of the Berzelius Mountains bordering the north side. You land on the south shore, where ancient sedimentary formations lie right at your feet. A hike takes you near a small lake with good chances to see musk oxen, Arctic hares, and ptarmigans. In the afternoon the ship ventures into Alpefjord, aptly named for the spire-like peaks that thrust up around it. You may then embark on a Zodiac cruise around Gully Glacier, which once blocked access to the interior of these waters.

Day 8: sights of the Arctic autumn
Enjoy the fiery colors the sparse vegetation, as at this time of the year, the arctic autumn begins. The first half of the day you spend in Antarctic Havn, an extensive valley where you can spot groups of musk oxen. Your expedition vessel sets sail again in the evening.

Day 9: Arriving at the Earth’s largest fjord
Today you reach Scoresbysund, sailing along the glaciated Boons Kyst. You may also enjoy a Zodiac cruise past one of the glacier fronts, along with a visit to the basalt columns and ice formations of Vikingebugt.
In the afternoon, the plan is, to sail by the east coast of Milne Land among a multitude of giant icebergs. If the conditions allow to land at Charcot Havn, you can make a walk to the Charcot Glacier.

Day 10: Colors of the cape
The goal is a Zodiac cruise near Sorte Ø, surrounded by icebergs. Their austere blue-white contrasts sharply with the sediment slopes nearby. The afternoon plan is to sail through the northern parts of Røde Fjord and into Harefjord, with the chance to see musk oxen and warm autumnal foliage.

Day 11: Enormous Icebergs and Arctic hares
In the morning you encounter colossal icebergs, some over 100 meters high and more than a kilometer long. Most of them are grounded, as the fjord is only about 400 meters deep. You then land near Sydkap, with fine views of Hall Bredning and a good shot of seeing Arctic hares.

Today’s long walk (optional) goes from Sydkap to Nordøstbugt (12 km to the northeast), where the river coming from Holger Danskes Briller flows into the sea. We plan to walk south along the shore to Satakajik, seeing whale vertebrae and the remains of Thule summer houses. Passengers didn't incline for the long walking group will join us at this location for their second excursion of the day.

Day 12: Visiting a settlement at Scoresbysund
Today you make a tundra landing on Liverpool Land, in Hurry Inlet. The afternoon stop is Ittoqqortoormiit, the largest settlement in Scoresbysund at about five hundred inhabitants. At the post office you can buy stamps for your postcards, or just stroll around to see the sled dogs and drying skins of seals and musk oxen. In the afternoon you sail south, passing the picturesque landscapes of the Blosseville Coast.

Day 13: Sea life and magical northern lights
This day is planned to be spend fully at sea, giving you the opportunity to spot whales and seabirds. If you are lucky enough, the magical northern lights will appear over the endless ocean, after dark.

Day 14: Journey's end at Akureyri
Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. You disembark in Akureyri. From here you can start new adventures or relax on the spot and process the lifelong memories you've just made. If you want you can join the transfer to Reykjavík (view 'getting there').

Getting there:
On the day of arrival, the transfer from the airport to the ship is included for all flights from Oslo to Longyearbyen. On the day of departure, the transfer from Akureyri to Reykjavík is not included. The 6-hour bus trip can be booked for € 120 p.p. Please let us know at the time of booking if you would like to book this in addition.

Ship:
MS Ortelius (dates 29.08.-11.09.2024 and 17.08.-30.08.2025)
The vessel has the highest ice-class notation (UL1, equivalent to 1A) and is therefor suitable to navigate in solid one-year sea ice as well as loose multi-year pack ice. Ortelius can accommodate up to 108 passengers and has an abundance of open-deck spaces. Please be aware that a small number of cabins may have a partially obstructed view due to the size of the windows and the design requirements of the ship. For example, some windows may be partly obstructed in the lower half by a gangway. The best view is always on the outer deck or the bridge. Though our voyages are primarily meant to offer our passengers an exploratory wildlife program with as much time ashore as possible, Ortelius offers all the comforts of a standard hotel ― along with a bar and lecture room. Flexibility assures maximum wildlife opportunities. As such, Ortelius carries 10 Zodiacs with 60hp Yamaha engines.

MS Hondius (dates 25.08.-07.09.2024 and 23.08.-05.09.2025)
Hondius is the first-registered Polar Class 6 vessel in the world, meeting the latest and highest Lloyd’s Register standards for ice-strengthened cruise ships. Surpassing the requirements of the Polar Code adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Hondius represents the most flexible, advanced, innovative touring vessel in the polar regions, thoroughly optimized for exploratory voyages that provide you the utmost first-hand contact with the Arctic and Antarctica. this ship also gives you the peace of mind that comes with choosing one of the most environmentally friendly vessel on the polar seas. Hondius uses LED lighting, steam heating, bio-degradable paints and lubricants, and state-of-the-art power management systems that keep fuel consumption and CO2 levels minimal. This means that when you sail aboard Hondius, you get to enjoy the exotic landscapes and wildlife as much as possible while impacting them as little as possible. Please be aware that a small number of cabins may have a partially obstructed view due to the size of the windows and the design requirements of the ship. For example, some windows may be partly obstructed in the lower half by a gangway. The best view is always on the outer deck or the bridge. The Hondius offers room for up to 170 passengers.

MS Plancius (Date 18.08.-31.08.24)
The MS Plancius was used by the Dutch Royal Navy as a research vessel from 1976 to 2004 and was converted into a passenger ship by Oceanwide Expeditions in 2009. The expedition ship offers space for 108 passengers with private shower and toilet [4 four-person cabins with porthole, 2 three-person cabins with porthole, 9 double cabins with porthole, 25 double cabins with window, 2 deluxe double cabins (approx. 12.5 square meters) and 10 superior double cabins (approx. 21 square meters)]. Please note that a small number of cabins have a partially obstructed view due to the design requirements of the ship. For example, the view from some windows may be partially obstructed by the gangway. The best view is always on the outside deck or the bridge. Enjoy the benefits of the MS Plancius: a restaurant/lecture room on deck 3 and a spacious observation lounge (with bar) on deck 5 with large windows allowing a full panoramic view. The ship welcomes you comfortably and beautifully - in keeping with its expedition character, it is not a luxury ship. Experience, exploration and education are the main focus of the voyages.
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