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Spitsbergen to East Greenland

from £8227 excluding flights

  • 13-25 nights
  • Jun-Sep
Home Destinations Polar Arctic Spitsbergen to East Greenland

Highlights

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Search for the majestic polar bear

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Observe seabirds by the thousands in towering cliff-side rookeries

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Visit the largest fjord in the world, Scoresby Sund

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Take in breathtaking flower-dotted tundra plains

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See remnants of Inuit settlements

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Watch out for seals, walrus and whales

Why this trip...

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Choice of vessels

We offer a wide choice of small ships from simple budget-conscious options to purpose-built luxury vessels

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Immersive exploration

Immerse yourself in your surroundings on a true exploration of remote and spectacular areas

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Expertly guided

In-depth knowledge and expertise will enrich your experience on this trip

Overview

Three Arctic Islands in one memorable voyage! Covering many miles of extraordinary coastline, encounter wildlife such as narwhal, arctic fox, polar bear and musk oxen as well as abundant birdlife as you visit Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland.

This is the Arctic of Viking lore and legend – a world of icy fjords, fiery volcanoes and glittering, ice-bound seas. Commencing in Spitsbergen and ending in Iceland, this adventurous voyage focuses on the rugged and seldom visited northeast coast of Greenland.

Towards the end of the summer, as the surrounding pack ice breaks up, access to the most remote and very beautiful parts of East Greenland becomes possible. Even in today’s age of receding last frontiers, this region sees few visitors. Though traces of former Inuit settlements are widespread, today just a handful of small hunting and fishing communities are found along the entire coast. In a place where man’s impact has been so minimal, nature lies virtually undisturbed.

Itinerary

Spend the day exploring Helsinki, which is known for its scenic harbour and Art Nouveau architecture.

Fly from Helsinki to Longyearbyen, the largest community in the Svalbard Islands, and well worth exploring before you board your ship this afternoon.

Spend a couple of days exploring Spitsbergen’s northwest coast, which features calving icebergs, historic whaling stations and remote trappers’ camps. Brunnich’s guillemots, little auks and kittiwakes nest in their thousands. Reindeer roam tundra dotted with wildflowers like saxifrage, moss campion and bell-heather. Weather permitting you may board the Zodiacs for fantastic views of spectacular glaciers, and look out for walruses and polar bears as they walk and swim between the fractured pack ice.

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While sailing the historic Greenland Sea your expedition team will entertain you with fascinating presentations on the wildlife and history of the Arctic. Keep an eye out for fin whales, encroaching sea ice and seabirds as you go.

An ice cap covers 81 per cent of Greenland and pack ice may fill the northern bays, even in summer. Ashore, cosy trappers’ huts beckon from across the tundra, where musk ox, Arctic hare and eider ducks roam. Lively cascades at Kap Humboldt provide a micro-climate for spectacular hanging gardens whilst Kong Oskar Fjord offers spectacular glacier-carved mountains. Enjoy a warm Inuit welcome at Ittoqqortoormiit, the most remote community in East Greenland.

Ittoqqortoormiit settlement, Scoresby Sund
Exploring East Greenland by Zodiac
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Sail across Denmark Strait from Greenland to Iceland, reflecting on your rich experiences and enjoying the antics of northern fulmars, black-backed gulls, dolphins, orcas and other whales.

Shortly after breakfast, disembark in Reykjavik. Speak to our team about extending your stay in Iceland’s capital city or venture into the countryside.

  • The above sample itinerary is based on the 15-day voyage on the Ocean Explorer. Other departures may vary in duration and routing, please contact us for specific details.
  • All voyage itineraries are intended as a guideline only – embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy of expedition travel. Actual routes and landings will be dependent on weather, sea and ice conditions. A degree of flexibility is essential in the polar regions!

Vessel Finder

There are a choice of vessels available for this voyage. Compare the facilities of up to three ships at a glance then talk to our Travel Specialists who will be happy to advise which one is right for you.

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Ocean Adventurer

An attractive ice-strengthened vessel, the Ocean Adventurer features plenty of outside deck space making this a great choice for a polar adventure.

  • Passengers: 132
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Jacket: Jacket to keep
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
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Greg Mortimer

A custom-built expedition ship featuring cutting-edge design, superior comfort and environmentally friendly technology.

  • Passengers: 120
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Balcony Cabins
  • Sauna
  • Jacket: Jacket to keep
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
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Sylvia Earle

The sister ship to the Greg Mortimer, the Sylvia Earle features the same cutting-edge design, superior comfort and environmentally friendly technology.

  • Passengers: 126
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Balcony Cabins
  • Pool/Hot tub
  • Sauna
  • Jacket: Jacket to keep
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
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Sea Spirit

This all-suite vessel couples adventure with spacious accommodation and a friendly atmosphere.

  • Passengers: 114
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Balcony Cabins
  • Jacket: Jacket to keep
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities
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M/V Plancius

The M/V Plancius is a traditional ex-research vessel, with proven experience in icy waters.

  • Passengers: 116
  • Class: Ice-strengthened
  • Rubber Boots: Loan of rubber boots
  • Optional Activities

Select 2-3 items to compare.

Special Interest Departures

Greg Mortimer – 20 July 2024 – Greg Mortimer joining as Expedition Leader

On this special departure, join Greg Mortimer himself, aboard the ship named after him! With three decades of exploration and guiding experience, Greg is a veteran of Antarctic research, mountaineering and polar travel. A true icon of the field, he and his expedition partner were the first Australians to reach the summit of Mount Everest, doing so without the aid of supplementary oxygen. Greg was also the first Australian to scale K2 and to conquer Chongtar in China. Hear his legendary tales and discover the wonders of some of the world’s most remote regions during this epic 24-day expedition.

Prices and Departures

Price from £8227 excluding flights

Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.

★ Voyage prices shown are standard for twin cabins but you can be assured that any relevant offers will be applied with your quote.

What's Included

  • Shipboard accommodation
  • All breakfasts, lunches & dinners on board
  • Tea & coffee available around the clock
  • All Zodiac transfers, cruising & shore landings
  • Presentations by the Expedition Team and guest speakers
  • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges
  • 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
  • No surcharge guarantee
  • Full financial protection

2024 Departures

Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin. The indicative prices shown in the table below are the standard voyage fare and do not reflect any applicable special offers or discounts. Single, triple and quad cabins are also available. Please get in touch for a tailored quote based on the best available price for your preferred voyage and cabin type.

Departure Duration Vessel Activities Prices from (pp)
23 Jun 2024 15 days Sylvia Earle £13,995
07 Jul 2024 15 days Greg Mortimer £13,195
20 Jul 2024 24 days Greg Mortimer £20,895
08 Aug 2024 14 days Sea Spirit £12,495
09 Aug 2024 23 days Plancius £14,682
18 Aug 2024 14 days Plancius £8,227
20 Aug 2024 14 days Sea Spirit £12,095
21 Aug 2024 15 days Greg Mortimer £13,195
25 Aug 2024 14 days Hondius £8,227
25 Aug 2024 15 days Ocean Adventurer £11,000
29 Aug 2024 14 days Ortelius £8,227

2025 Departures

Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin. The indicative prices shown in the table below are the standard voyage fare and do not reflect any applicable special offers or discounts. Single, triple and quad cabins are also available. Please get in touch for a tailored quote based on the best available price for your preferred voyage and cabin type.

Departure Duration Vessel Activities Prices from (pp)
2 Jul 2025 25 days Greg Mortimer £27,495
12 Jul 2025 15 days Greg Mortimer £15,895
17 Jul 2025 13 days Sylvia Earle £14,495
17 Jul 2025 20 days Sylvia Earle £21,695
25 Jul 2025 15 days Greg Mortimer £18,895
25 Jul 2025 25 days Greg Mortimer £26,295
10 Aug 2025 14 days Sea Spirit £11,795
13 Aug 2025 15 days Ocean Explorer £14,000
14 Aug 2025 23 days Hondius £12,327
22 Aug 2025 14 days Sea Spirit £11,795
23 Aug 2025 14 days Hondius £8,636

Activity Icon Key

  • Diving
  • Kayak taster session
  • Kayaking
  • Mountaineering
  • Photography

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The World's Great. Pass it On

To mark our 40th anniversary, we've launched our Education Bursary Fund to help disadvantaged school children experience the wonders of travel. A percentage of revenue from every holiday booked will go into the bursary fund to pay for at least 40 students to join one of our school trips abroad.