Greenland 2024
Greatest arctic wonderland
Greenland
11 Days, 10 Nights
August 27-September 6, 2024
Starting at $8715
The largest island in the world stretches across the same latitude as Oslo, bringing it closest to the North Pole itself. Everything about Greenland is extreme, from its vast ice caps and climate to its remarkable wildlife.
Greenland, also known as Kalaallit Nunaat in the local Inuit language, has been inhabited for over 4,500 years by the Inuit people, who originally migrated from Northern Canada. This rich Inuit heritage thrives in Greenland’s remote settlements, offering an authentic cultural experience. Erik the Red, the first European settler, arrived here in 986 AD, giving the island its Western name. Welcome to Greenland!
Introduction
Greenland is covered by the second-largest ice cap in the world, which gives the island its characteristic white landscape. About 80% of Greenland’s surface is covered by this ice, responsible for vast glaciers resembling towering buildings that flow into deep fjords.
With only 56,000 residents spread across an area larger than the combined size of France, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, Italy, Greece, Switzerland, and Belgium, Greenland is the least densely populated territory in the world, second only to Antarctica.
Everything about Greenland is unique, especially when visiting the northernmost region on Earth – it’s the closest we can get to experiencing another world.
Learn From
Our Knowledgable Guides
This expedition cruise is led by our renowned and award-winning team of professionals. While on board, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about Greenland’s incredible landscape and inhabitants. You’ll get up close and personal with the wildlife, experiencing what feels like the best “nature film” you’ve ever seen.
Expedition facts
- Latitude – Between 83° and 55° North
- Size – Approximately 2,160,000 square kilometers
- Human Population – 56,000
- Polar Bear Population – Approximately 2,500
- Capital City – Nuuk
- Temperature During the Visit – 10+ degrees Celsius
- Autonomous with Extensive Rights under Denmark
- Highest Mountain – Gunnbjørn (3,694 meters)
- 88% of Greenland’s Population is Inuit
- The largest nature reserve in the world is in eastern Greenland
- It is officially located on the North American continent
- The local currency is the Danish Krone
THE Voyage
Our expedition cruise doesn’t have a normal “itinerary”. We will go where the wildlife are, and search for the best opportunities for you, with the help of our expert staff. This expedition cruise is a world-unique opportunity to get where so few have visited, in a way that even fewer have been fortunate to do so.
Day 0
Akureyri Arrival
Day 1
Embark on the Polar Pioneer.
Day 2
The Adventure Begins
Day 3
Enter Scoresbysund
Day 4
Visit the Bear Island
Day 5
Greenland's Giant Iceberg
Day 6
Visit the Local Inuit Community
Day 7
Scoresbysund Fjord
Day 8
Bay of Flowers
Day 9
Mestervig Bay
Day 10
Denmark Strait
Day 11
Back to Akureyri
greenland
Cruise Day by Day
Day 0
Akureyri Arrival
Start the day exploring Akureyri: visit the old town, botanical gardens, museums, geothermal pools, and riverside cafés. In the late afternoon, embark on our ship, the Polar Pioneer, and set sail north through the stunning Eyjafjörður Fjord, heading towards Greenland.
Day 1
Embark on the Polar Pioneer
Embark on our ship, the Polar Pioneer. Spend the first half of the day exploring Akureyri, visiting the old town, botanical gardens, museums, geothermal pools, and riverside cafes.
In the late afternoon, we set sail north towards Greenland through the stunning Eyjafjörður Fjord.
Day 2
The Adventure Begins
Awaken in the Denmark Strait and spend the day at sea. Enjoy lectures, look out for icebergs, seabirds, and seals, and soak in the anticipation as we approach Greenland. In the evening, we reach Rohmer Fjord and disembark for the first time to explore the Greenlandic shores, possibly even taking a dip in a hot spring.
Day 3
Enter Scoresbysund
Arrive at Scoresbysund, the world’s largest fjord system, surrounded by colossal icebergs. Spend the day cruising among these natural wonders and, in the afternoon, reach the Red Island, a stunning contrast of red stone arches against white ice and blue oceans. Explore the island’s unique landscapes or search for musk oxen roaming the tundra.
Day 4
Visit the Bear Island
Continue to Bear Island. The morning offers an opportunity to relax and take in the magnificent landscapes. The afternoon allows for more exploration and the possibility of witnessing the incredible wildlife this region has to offer.
Day 5
Greenland's Giant Iceberg
Begin the day in the Northwest Fjord, where we’ll witness the detachment of a massive iceberg from Greenland’s ice cap. After a remarkable morning, we disembark to explore ancient Inuit tent rings used for summer hunting centuries ago.
Day 6
Visit the Local Inuit Community
Wake up in the narrow fjord of Alpe, surrounded by towering mountain peaks. We’ll explore the area by Zodiac or kayak, getting close to the Specter Glacier. After a morning of exploration, continue north to Gat Point, known for its striking red and yellow sandstone arches.
Day 7
Scoresbysund Fjord
Wake up in the narrow fjord of Alpe, passing through mountain peaks at an elevation of 2200 meters with numerous glaciers. The edge of the Specter Glacier almost blocks the Alpe Fjord, leaving only openings for Zodiacs and kayaks to explore its surface. We’ll have the opportunity to approach the impressive glacier. After a morning expedition, we continue north to the unique area called Gat Point, characterized by red and yellow sandstone arches—a breathtaking sight!
Day 8
Bay of Flowers
Descend into the Bay of Flowers, where you can explore hunting cabins and walk through the tundra. In the afternoon, we’ll reach Ella Island, perfect for short excursions and exploring the shoreline. End the day anchored near the dramatic cliffs of Yammer Sea.
Day 9
Mestersvig Bay
In the morning, explore Antarctic Havn or Mestersvig Bay by Zodiac, depending on conditions. In the afternoon, we’ll begin our journey through Denmark Strait, with another chance to spot whales.
Day 10
Denmark Strait
Sail back to Iceland through Denmark Strait. Throughout the day, our guides will offer captivating lectures on Greenland’s history, wildlife, and photography. In the evening, we arrive in Akureyri and dock for the last time.
Day 11
Back to Akureyri
Our impressive ship was originally constructed as a Soviet research vessel designed for Arctic exploration. This means it stands out as the sturdiest ship in its class in Greenland, boasting the highest ice rating and the ability to remain exceptionally stable even in open seas. It’s precisely what we need for our Arctic expedition!
With its compact size, only 50 adventurers can join this journey. It’s the perfect mix of an intimate expedition while still keeping costs reasonable, especially post-COVID when prices have surged significantly.
Onboard our ship, you’ll find an exceptionally skilled crew and an outstanding captain with extensive experience navigating Arctic ice. Additionally, we have a team of award-winning guides and experts in polar bears and the Arctic environment.
The moment our skilled teams spot polar bears or other wildlife, we’ll deploy five Zodiacs to approach, capturing shots from unique angles or landing on the shores of Greenland.
Akureyri Arrival
Our journey begins in Akureyri, Iceland. We recommend spending the night in this unique city before the expedition to ensure you don't miss the start. Find accommodation from the city's excellent selection, surrounded by tourist-friendly attractions.
Embark on the Polar Pioneer
Embark on our ship, the Polar Pioneer. Spend the first half of the day exploring Akureyri, visiting the old town, botanical gardens, museums, geothermal pools, and riverside cafes.
In the late afternoon, we set sail north towards Greenland through the stunning Eyjafjörður Fjord.
The Adventure Begins
Awake amidst Denmark Strait, enjoying a day at sea with intriguing lectures, searching for icebergs, seals, seabirds, and the shores of Greenland. In the evening, we reach Rohmer Fjord, disembarking for the first time to explore Greenlandic shores and maybe even bathe in a hot spring.
Enter Scoresbysund
Early morning brings us to Scoresbysund, the world's largest fjord system, surrounded by colossal icebergs. Cruise among these natural wonders, and in the afternoon, reach the Red Island, a stunning contrast of red stone arches against white ice and blue oceans. Explore the island's unique landscapes or search for Musk Oxen roaming the tundra.
Visit the Bear Island
We will meet in Longyearbyen, Svalbard’s capital. We will let you know exactly where and when to be there and our driver will pick you up from the airport. This day is mostly about settling in, relaxing and organizing everything for tomorrow’s expedition.
Greenland's Giant Iceberg
Begin the day in the Northwest Fjord, witnessing the detachment of a massive iceberg from Greenland's ice cap. The largest continental ice glacier produces the largest icebergs in this region. After a remarkable morning, disembark and explore the remaining ancient Inuit tent rings used for summer hunting.
Visit the Local Inuit Community
We'll explore the remote and unique settlement known as Ittoqqortoormiit, home to the Inuit community. Most still rely on hunting for their livelihoods. Wander through this distinctive town, located near the world's largest national park and adjacent to the largest, deepest, and most intricate fjord system globally. A stunning destination for culture and scenery enthusiasts alike.
Scoresbysund Fjord
Wake up in the narrow fjord of Alpe, passing through mountain peaks at an elevation of 2200 meters with numerous glaciers. The edge of the Specter Glacier almost blocks the Alpe Fjord, leaving only openings for Zodiacs and kayaks to explore its surface. We'll have the opportunity to approach the impressive glacier. After a morning expedition, we continue north to the unique area called Gat Point, characterized by red and yellow sandstone arches—a breathtaking sight!
Bay of Flowers
Start the day by descending to the Bay of Flowers, an excellent spot to observe and appreciate hunting cabins and walk through the expansive tundra. Those interested can venture further for a view of various ponds. In the afternoon, we reach Ella Island, a small triangular island offering multiple options for shoreline excursions and a short walk to a waterfall. In the evening, we anchor near the towering cliffs of Yammer Sea.
Mestersvig Bay
In the morning, we'll embark on Zodiacs in Antarctic Havn or Mestervig Bay, depending on available information. In the afternoon, we begin our journey along the coasts of Denmark Strait, where there's still a chance to spot whales.
Denmark Strait
We sail swiftly towards Iceland, passing through Denmark Strait. Throughout the day, our knowledgeable guides provide captivating lectures on the wildlife encountered, Greenland's history, and photography and editing. After dinner, we summarize our marvelous journey to Greenland's hidden gems. Late evening, we plan to arrive in Akureyri and dock for the last time
Back to Akureyri
After the last breakfast on board, we'll conduct a final review of re-entry documents for Iceland. We disembark for the last time, and from here, travelers can continue their journey in Iceland or return home.
polar pioneer
Our impressive ship was originally constructed as a Soviet research vessel designed for Arctic exploration. This means it stands out as the sturdiest ship in its class in Greenland, boasting the highest ice rating and the ability to remain exceptionally stable even in open seas. It’s precisely what we need for our Arctic expedition!
With its compact size, only 50 adventurers can join this journey. It’s the perfect mix of an intimate expedition while still keeping costs highly reasonable, especially post-COVID when prices have surged significantly.
Onboard our ship, you’ll find an exceptionally skilled crew and an outstanding captain with extensive experience navigating Arctic ice. Additionally, we have a team of award-winning guides and experts in polar bears and the Arctic environment.
The moment our skilled teams spot polar bears or other wildlife, we’ll deploy five Zodiacs to approach, capturing shots from unique angles or landing on the shores of Greenland.
and let the countdown begin!
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Cruises FAQ
Comfort Level boats are really nice and cozy, the cabins are with bunk beds (except for Superior Suite). The Luxury Level boat is with spacious suites (17-30 sq. Meters) with king size beds, hot tub and sauna on deck, gym and top amenities. Both boats have a nice dinning room, lounge for presentations and of course an open bridge, which we invite you to spend time on and get familiar with our amazing crew.
We are working with awesome chefs, which have received amazing reviews on our previous expeditions. They make our meals with a personal touch, since we’re such a small party. But, since we are on a boat in the high Arctic, please remember that it won’t be like a restaurant in Provence, but we will do the best we can. The chef will make adjustments to your requirements in terms of allergies and food requirements (vegetarian, vegan etc.)
Our top pro team is very familiar with the inhabitants of this remote land. We know where the bears like to roam and stay, including some secret spots that we keep especially for you. We have daily satellite ice-charts available, which help us plan ahead and since we operate several ships simultaneously, we notify our boat via satellite communications when we find something.
We are there in summertime, so the temperature are well above freezing. So, it shouldn’t be too cold with temperatures averaging at around +10°C / 50°F and ranging from +2°C / 35°F and +18°C / 65°F. Svalbard is a desert, so it almost never rains. This is our best kind of summer weather!
Inside the boat we keep temperatures at a warm +22°C / 70°F, so bring some short sleeved shirts and indoor shoes for the indoors. Outside it’s nice and cool, so bring layers: base layer and mid layer plus a warm coat, hat, gloves etc. We would rather have you complain on the heat, rather than on the cold. No need to bring classy clothes, we would prefer you’re feeling as comfortable as you can be.
Although photography is really cool (trust us!), you really don’t have to be a photographer to enjoy this trip. Actually, the non-photographers would argue that they enjoy the trip even more, thanks to the fact they’re not looking at the world through the viewfinder and at the end of the trip they get a super-pro level folder of images we took during the trip for them. Another cool fact – about 50% of our guests didn’t even bring a camera.
Remember in the previous answer we’ve mentioned you can enjoy without a camera? Well, trust us, with a camera you’re going to create your dream images of a lifetime. Svalbard is a candy treat for the lens, with its spectacular landscapes and wildlife. Our award-winning team is there to help you create those top shots and in fact many of our favorite shots that got published worldwide were taken in these same expeditions.
There is two kinds of guidance you’re going to get: about Svalbard, the wildlife, history and geography, which is for everyone onboard. And about the photography part, if you’re interested we will guide you on how to get the top images, how to edit them and answer any questions you might have. And of course, throughout the expedition, our experienced team is at your disposal and we encourage you to ask questions and learn as much as you can from them, that’s what we’re here for!
Well, that’s a tricky question. Although we can never guarantee polar bears, or any other wild animal, since they are wild animals in their own wilderness… (it isn’t a zoo). we can certainly say that so far we’ve had perfect 100% success in finding polar bears. We can also add, that every expedition we found multiple sighting of every animal we aim for and we will continue to do our very best to continue this trend for you and for our spotless reputation.
Well, there’s no secret recipe – just hard work at play. We only lead expeditions at the peak season, only with the best crew, we use all the information and intelligence we can get and because we’re free of regulation we can go to those secret spots where we usually see them. It’s a combination of experience and a professional approach that we wish for you to see in action.
The high Arctic Ocean really isn’t that bad around Svalbard. The ice really flattens the waves and in the fjords and the straits it’s even more so. We shouldn’t expect substantial waves throughout the expedition, and we might face a bit of rocking on the western side of Spitsbergen island for no more than a few hours on the way out and in of Isfjorden and Longyearbyen. We do have plenty of anti sea sickness pills onboard in case you are very sensitive to motion.
In Svalbard, any boat with over 13 people is subjected to huge limitations and regulations. The smaller vessel are free of those limitations and can spend more time with the wildlife, get closer and operate around the clock. Also, disembarking and embarking the bigger ships takes very long time, their schedule isn’t flexible because of the need to feed hundreds of people and the animals keep their distance from large groups of humans. These advantages gets us between 200% and 800% better encounters.
We will go on land as often as we need/desire and depending on the activity and opportunities. It can be even twice a day. We won’t do long hikes, and concentrate on the areas of highest interest for our expedition without wasting time at the boring locations other vessels must visit to pass the time.
Polar bears are the world’s largest land predator, and they are dangerous to humans, that’s very true. Our team has the experience and knowledge of how to get close to animals, and the protection as required by local law: rifles, bear deterrent spray and flare gun. But the best way is not to be harm’s way in the first place and that what our team does best.
What
our travelers say
"This trip was the best gift I could ask for myself"
Rachel Nachshon
01.01.2024
“This trip was the best gift I could ask for myself, from the magical landscapes to the spirit of the group, the top-notch hotels, the itinerary and its extreme activities, and the outstanding organisation by the entire system and especially Dor, who conducted this orchestra with a perfect balance of assertiveness, resolve, professionalism, friendliness and humor, making this an unforgettable experience”.
"It’s hard to describe such a powerful experience"
Moshe Bivas
27.07.2023
“It’s hard to describe such a powerful experience. The joy of the adventure is poignant and full of satisfaction in the successful completion of the journey to Spitsbergen. Witnessing and feeling the forces of nature; the wild, white beauty floating away. The bears, the foxes, the birds, the whales, the elk, and of course the ship and crew that were almost part of the landscape. And most of all, our guide Yarin Klein, who made this an unforgettable experience.”.
"I will cherish the experiences for life"
Yehudit Rosenthal
22.06.2023
“It was indeed a wild journey and I will cherish the experiences for life. The landscapes were wonderful, the guides were excellent, the group was great and the atmosphere was fun and cheerful. I enjoyed everything, and have no complaints. Here’s to the next trips :)”.
