Spitsbergen & North East Greenland Voyages

This is a true High-Arctic voyage, providing the opportunity to explore three very different regions: Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland in one journey. Aqua-Firma polar specialists have explored the route first hand with its ever-changing landscapes, inspiring wildlife observations and the rich historical past of this remote and breath-taking region.

For those departures exploring in September the opportunities to see the Northern lights in such a remote and scenic setting are excellent. For the adventurous, on some departures we offer kayaking or diving amid Antarctic sized icebergs - a unique and unforgettable experience. 

Small Ship Voyages

We explore by your choice of either a comfortable small ice strengthened expedition cruise ship or beautiful classic tall ship. Vessels which carry small groups of between 20 - 190 guests, in stimulating and intimate atmosphere of like minded people.

Voyages are enriched by interaction through lectures and discussions with expert naturalists, historians and sailors onboard. Every opportunity is made to take zodiac landings to explore on foot the glaciers, icebergs and fjords of this frozen expanse, observe wildlife and visit historic sites

Zodiac Cruising in Scoresby Sund - Florian Piper

The journey starts in western Spitsbergen, an area of spectacular scenery: fjords, glaciers and dramatic mountains. Highlights of past expeditions have included observations of polar bears, seals and walruses, Arctic birdlife and whales.

Your ship will follow the pack ice of the East Greenland current, hoping for observations of whales along the way including a glimpse of polar bears on the ice. The approach to Greenland is dramatic as 2000m high mountains appear on the horizon, capped by the Worlds second largest ice sheet. In favourable ice conditions we explore Keiser Franz Joseph Fjord and Scoresby Sund, the largest and most spectacular fjord in the World. Here we will cruise around the spectacle of huge glaciers and beautifully sculpted icebergs, matched in size and splendour only by those of Antarctica.

The warm colours of the tundra present breathtaking landscapes and are dotted with wildlife including musk oxen and arctic hares. As we sail along the rugged Greenland coastline we keep a constant watch for polar bears, often encountered strolling along the coast or drifting on nearby ice floes.

Zodiac Cruising in East Greenland

This is a truly fascinating voyage filled with ever-changing landscapes, inspiring wildlife observations and a rich historical past. Greenland's unique and colourful culture is also explored with the opportunities to visit hardy Inuit communities and observe their fascinating culture. August departures offer good birdlife sightings and often September can provide some splendid opportunities to view the Aurora borealis or Northern Lights.

Your Arctic voyage ends in Iceland. For those looking for a land extension here we can provide plenty to choose from: volcanoes, geysirs, waterfalls and a unique landscape of sculpted lava. For the adventurous, hiking, and even a snorkel at or dive at Silfra, the submarine rift valley dividing the American and European continental plates, can be arranged.  Please click here for our dedicated Iceland webpage.

Itinerary

14 Day Sample Itinerary

These spectacular voyages explore the highlights of two different Arctic coastlines! Enjoy the picturesque fjords and glaciers of Spitsbergen with chances to encounter polar bears, walrus and reindeer before making the crossing to the dramatic, awe-inspiring fjords and glaciers of East Greenland.

Day 1: Embarkation in Longyearbyen

Please note that our polar itineraries are written to provide a flavour of each voyage.  The actual route will be decided by the captain and expedition team in accordance with prevailing ice, weather and sea conditions and opportunities to see wildlife and wilderness scenery.

Arrive in Longyearbyen, the administrative capital of the Spitsbergen archipelago of which West Spitsbergen is the largest island. Before embarking there is an opportunity to visit this former mining town. The Parish Church and the Polar Museum are well worth visiting, while in the country around the village more than 100 species of plant have been recorded. In the early evening the ship will sail out of Isfjorden, where you might spot the first minke whale of your voyage.

Day 2: Raudfjorden

You will begin your journey by making your way 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.

Days 3 & 4: At Sea

You will spend these days at sea. Depending on weather conditions, you may eventually see the jagged edge of the east Greenland sea ice flashing into sight ahead. Be sure to keep watch for whales and migrating seabirds as you sail.

Day 5: East Greenland

As you approach the east coast of Greenland, you may sail through the sea ice into Foster Bay and land at Myggebugten. Beyond the old hunters’ hut – in the first half of the 20th century, Norwegian trappers hunted here for polar bear and Arctic fox – there is a sprawling tundra populated by musk oxen, with geese floating the small lakes. From here you will sail through Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, surrounded by towering mountains and bright interior icebergs. An alternative route is Sofia Sound, a narrower waterway.

Day 6: Antarctic Sound Islands

Today you will arrive at Teufelschloss (Devil’s Castle), a mountain with layered geology. On the other side of the fjord is Blomsterbugt and the landing site. In the afternoon you will 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: Segelsällskapets Fjord & Alpefjord Peaks

This morning you will enter Segelsällskapets Fjord, with the streaked slopes of the Berzelius Mountains bordering the north side. You can hope to 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. Continuing deep into the fjord, you experience a definitive Greenland adventure.

Day 8: Autumn Colours in Antarcticahavn

You will spend the morning in Antarcticahavn, an extensive valley where you can often spot groups of musk oxen. At this time of year, the sparse vegetation is dressed in the fiery colors of autumn.

Day 9: Scoresbysund

Today you will reach Scoresbysund, sailing along the glaciated Volquart Boons Kyst. You may also enjoy a Zodiac cruise along 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 visit Danmark Island, where you find the remains of an Inuit settlement abandoned around 200 years ago. The circular stone tent rings indicate the summer houses, while the winter houses can be seen closer to a small cape. The sites are well preserved, with easy identifiable entrances, bear-proof meat caches, and grave sites. In the evening, you continue sailing the berg-crowded fjords to the west.

Day 10: Scoresbysund & Røde Ø

Today you will plan to make a Zodiac cruise near Røde Ø, one of the world’s most cherished iceberg attractions, where the austere blue-white of the icebergs sets sharp against the brooding red backdrop of the sediment slopes. The afternoon plan is to sail through the northern parts of Røde Fjord, with the chance to see musk oxen and warm autumnal foliage.

Day 11: Exploring the Fjords

This morning you can expect to encounter colossal icebergs, some over 100 meters (328 feet) high and more than a kilometer (.62 mile) long. Most of them are grounded, as the fjord is only about 400 meters (1,312 feet) deep. You will then plan to land near Sydkap, with fine views of Hall Bredning and a good chance of seeing Arctic hares.

Day 12: Scoresbysund & Ittoqqortoormiit

Today you will plan to make a tundra landing on Liverpool Land, in Hurry Inlet. This afternoon you will visit Ittoqqortoormiit, the largest settlement in Scoresbysund – home to around 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 will sail south, passing the picturesque landscapes of the Blosseville Coast.

Day 13: At Sea

You will spend today at sea as you head south towards Iceland and the end of your journey. Be sure to keep a sharp eye for whales and seabirds – and at night, the magical northern lights.

Day 14: Disembark in Akureyri

Today you will disembark in Akureyri (North Iceland) and transfer to Reykjavik by chartered bus.

Dates

Enquire / Book 12 - 26 Jul 2025 - from £ 15,245 £ 12,550

Save up to 10% + Air Credit offer on new bookings!
Oslo - Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Reykjavik (15 Days)
Modern x-bow expedition ship: 130 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking
Includes: 1 pre-voyage hotel night in Oslo, charter flight Oslo-Longyearbyen, free Expedition Jacket
From price per person in a Triple Porthole cabin (Deck 3)
Contact us for all cabin prices & availability

Limited offer - contact us for details

Enquire / Book 17 - 29 Jul 2025 - from £ 13,245 £ 10,085

Save up to 15% + Air Credit offer on new bookings!
Oslo - Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Reykjavik (13 Days)
Modern x-bow expedition ship: 132 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking
Includes: 1 pre-voyage hotel night in Oslo, charter flight Oslo-Longyearbyen, free Expedition Jacket
From price per person in a Triple Porthole cabin (Deck 3)
Contact us for all cabin prices & availability

Limited offer - contact us for details

Enquire / Book 25 Jul - 08 Aug 2025 - from £ 15,245

Reykjavik - East Greenland - Longyearbyen - Oslo (15 Days)
Modern x-bow expedition ship: 132 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking
Includes: 1 pre-voyage hotel night in Reykjavik, charter flight Longyearbyen-Oslo, free Expedition Jacket
From price per person in a Triple Porthole cabin (Deck 3)
Contact Us for all cabin prices & availability

Enquire / Book 27 Jul - 11 Aug 2025 - from £ 8,095

Oslo - Longyearbyen - North Spitsbergen - Jan Mayen - East Greenland - Reykjavik (16 Days)
Comfortable expedition ship: 180 passengers
Includes: one-way flight Oslo-Longyearbyen, 1 pre-voyage hotel night in Oslo
From price per person in a J2D Polar Outside Cabin (Double)
Contact Us for all cabin prices & availability

Enquire / Book 10 - 23 Aug 2025 - from £ 8,345 £ 7,495

Save up to 10% on Standard and 15% on Premium cabins!
Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Reykjavik (14 Days)
Elegant expedition ship: 114 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking
Included Activities: Photography Workshops
Includes: 1 pre-voyage hotel night & free Expedition Parka
From price per person in a Triple Porthole cabin
Contact Us for all cabin prices & availability

New bookings only. Offer expires 31 Oct 2024

Enquire / Book 13 - 27 Aug 2025 - from £ 15,295

Helsinki - Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Reykjavik (15 Days)
Modern x-bow expedition ship: 138 passengers
Includes: free Expedition Parka
Transfer Package (included): 1 pre-voyage hotel night in Helsinki and charter flight Helsinki-Longyearbyen
From price per person in a Twin Porthole cabin
Contact Us for all cabin prices & availability

Enquire / Book 17 - 30 Aug 2025 - from € 6,640

Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Akureyri (14 Days)
Lloyds 1A Ice Class Expedition Ship: 108 passengers
Optional Activities: Long Hikes

Enquire / Book 22 Aug - 04 Sep 2025 - from £ 8,345 £ 7,495

Save up to 10% on Standard and 15% on Premium cabins!
Reykjavik - East Greenland - Longyearbyen (14 Days)
Elegant expedition ship: 114 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking
Included Activities: Photography Workshops
Includes: 1 pre-voyage hotel night & free Expedition Parka
From price per person in a Triple Porthole cabin
Contact Us for all cabin prices & availability

New bookings only. Offer expires 31 Oct 2024

Enquire / Book 23 Aug - 05 Sep 2025 - from € 6,640

Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Akureyri (14 Days)
Modern expedition ship: 170 passengers
Optional Activities: Long Hikes

Enquire / Book 03 - 16 Sep 2025 - from £ 8,345

Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Reykjavik (14 Days)
Elegant expedition ship: 114 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking
Included Activities: Photography Workshops
Includes: 1 pre-voyage hotel night & free Expedition Parka
From price per person in a Triple Porthole cabin
Contact Us for all cabin prices & availability

Enquire / Book 02 - 15 Aug 2026 - from £ 9,045

Special Solar Eclipse Voyage
Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Reykjavik (14 Days)
Elegant expedition ship: 114 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking
Included Activities: Photography Workshops
Includes: 1 pre-voyage hotel night & free Expedition Parka
Special Guest: Paul Sutter (Research Professor of Theoretical Cosmology)
From price per person in a Triple Porthole cabin
Contact Us for all cabin prices & availability

Enquire / Book 12 - 31 Aug 2026 - from € 8,490

20 days / 19 nights Fly & Sail
Spitsbergen - Northeast Greenland
Three-masted sailing schooner: 33 passengers
Price per person in a triple share cabin with private bathroom
Twin cabin ensuite upgrades available

Notes:

Trip Itinerary varies depending on the vessel used. Please ask for full details.

Our prices include:
- Voyage as indicated in draft itinerary
- All meals, snacks, coffee and tea
- All shore excursions and zodiac activities
- Group airport transfers to & from the vessel (when arriving/departing on
  recommended group flight)
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced
  expedition staff
- All miscellaneous services taxes and port charges throughout the programme
- Comprehensive pre-departure material
- Wellington boot hire onboard
- Free parka to keep (selected voyages only)
- Aqua-Firma automatically offsets the Carbon Emissions of your polar voyage
  and flights booked through us in getting to and from your voyage.

Prices exclude:
- International flights (please enquire)
- Fuel surcharge where applicable*
- Optional activities (e.g. kayaking, diving) unless stated
- Land based accommodation (please enquire)
- Pre and post land arrangements (please enquire)
- Travel insurance
- Passports and visas
- Arrival and departure tax
- Meals ashore
- Excess baggage on flights
- Items of a personal nature (alcohol, laundry etc)
- Tips

Activity Level: Low to Medium  

Single supplement: There is no single supplement to pay if you are willing to share your cabin with someone of the same gender. For a cabin to yourself the supplement is between 1.5x - 2x the per person rate.

*Fuel surcharge:
The cost of fuel is currently volatile, so a fuel surcharge may be applied by the ship without notice. We will let you know if this applies to your booking and send you an updated invoice.

Polar Kayaking

The Northern Lights
(Aurora borealis)

  • Arctic Hare in Greenland - Rinie van Meurs
  • Musk Oxen in Greenland - Charlotte Caffrey
  • Sunset in East Greenland - Rob Tully
  • Iceberg in North Spitsbergen
  • Northern Lights in East Greenland
  • Walrus in Spitsbergen - Jordi Plana
  • Zodiac Cruising by Icebergs
  • psm9yax.jpg

Trip Reviews: Spitsbergen & North East Greenland Voyages

Svalbard (Spitsbergen)

Greenland

Iceland

  • Iceberg in East Greenland
  • Northern Lights in East Greenland - John Dickinson
  • Hiking in Greenland
  • Humpback Whale in Greenland - Rinie van Meurs
  • Svalbard Reindeer - Katya Riedel
  • Ittoqqortoormiit - Katya Riedel
Array
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