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
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.
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
Sample Itinerary 2027 (MV Ortelius & Plancius - 14 Days)
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.
All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per AECO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with AECO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises.
Day 0: Arrive in Longyearbyen
We strongly recommend that you arrive into Longyearbyen today and have a hotel night in this Arctic town, ready to begin your adventure tomorrow afternoon.
Day 1: Embarkation in Longyearbyen
Enjoy a day exploring this former mining town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum make for fascinating attractions. Though the countryside appears stark, more than a hundred species of plant have been recorded in it. In the afternoon you will make your way to the port for embarkation before setting sail in the early evening 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 enroute to East Greenland
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: Arriving in East Greenland
As you approach Greenland, you may sail through the sea ice into Foster Bay and land at Myggebugten. Beyond the old hunters’ hut (where Norwegian trappers hunted for polar bear and Arctic fox in the first half of the 20th century), there is a sprawling tundra populated by musk oxen, with geese floating the small lakes. From here you sail through Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord, surrounded by towering mountains and bright interior icebergs. An alternate route is Sofia Sound, a narrower waterway.
Optional Activity: Long Hikes
If you choose to join the Long Hikes activity (free of charge), today you will plan to make your first long walk (6-7 hours) of the voyage. Conditions depending, you will start at Myggbukta station and head into Badlanddal, then turn south to Fangsthytte near Kap Bennet. A Zodiac will sail ahead of the walking party and parallel to the coast to watch out for bears. Passengers who opt out of the long walking group will have a morning excursion and then join back with the long hikers at this location for their second excursion of the day.
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 your intended 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 plan to 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 you will plan to venture 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 colours of autumn.
Day 9: Scoresbysund
Today you should reach Scoresbysund, sailing along the glaciated Boons Kyst. You may 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, you will plan to sail by the east coast of Milne Land among a multitude of giant icebergs. If condition allow, you may also land at Charcot Havn, where you might make a walk to the Charcot Glacier. You will then continue by Bjørneør and sail into Øfjord, where you might also make a landing.
Day 10: Colours of the Cape
Today you will aim to make 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 bergs, Arctic hares
In the morning you can expect to encounter colossal icebergs, some over 100 metres (328 feet) high and more than a kilometre (.62 mile) long. Most of them are grounded, as the fjord is only about 400 metres deep (1,312 feet). You will then plan to land near Sydkap, with fine views of Hall Bredning and a good shot of seeing Arctic hares.
Optional Activity: Long Hikes
Today the Long Hikes group will plan to walk from Sydkap to Nordøstbugt (12 km, 7.5 miles to the northeast), where the river coming from Holger Danskes Briller flows into the sea. You will plan to walk south along the shore to Satakajik, seeing whale vertebrae and the remains of Thule summer houses. Passengers who opt out of the long walking group will have a morning excursion and then join back with the long hikers at this location for their second excursion of the day
Day 12: Scoresbysund Settlement
Today you will plan to make a tundra landing on Liverpool Land, in Hurry Inlet. The afternoon stop is Ittoqqortoormiit, the largest settlement in Scoresby Sund 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: At Sea crossing the Denmark Strait
You will spend today at sea, sailing across the Denmark Strait to Iceland's north coast. A day at sea grants you opportunities to spot whales and seabirds – and at night, perhaps the magical northern lights.
Day 14: Disembark in Akureyri
You disembark in the town of Akureyri on the north coast of Iceland, taking home memories that will accompany you wherever the next adventure lies.
You can either end your journey here or take a chartered coach journey back to Reykjavik, this is a pleasant journey which will take around 6 hours including a rest stop and will follow some of Iceland’s infamous Ring Road. This coach journey must be pre-booked in advance (please ask us for the latest price). You will arrive back into Reykjavik in the afternoon, we strongly recommend that you plan to stay another night in Reykjavik this evening to mitigate against any potential sailing or driving delays.
Dates
Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Constable Pynt (20 Days)
Fly & Sail Voyage: Sail East / Fly South
Three-masted sailing schooner: 33 passengers
Not included: charter flight Constable Pynt-Reykjavik (please ask us for latest price)
From price per person in a Triple Porthole cabin
Contact Us for all cabin prices & availability
Reykjavik - East Greenland - Longyearbyen (14 Days)
Elegant expedition ship: 114 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking (voyage length programme)
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
Extended Voyage into the far north East Greenland Coast
Akureyri - Scoresby Sund - East Greenland Coast - Longyearbyen (14 Days)
Modern expedition ship: 170 passengers
From price per person in a Quad Porthole cabin
Contact Us for all cabin prices & availability
Reykjavik - East Greenland - Longyearbyen (15 Days)
Comfortable expedition ship: 128 passengers
Includes: Free Expedition Parka
From price per person in a Main Deck Triple cabin
Contact Us for all cabin prices & availability
Oslo - Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Reykjavik (15 Days)
Comfortable expedition ship: 200 passengers
Includes: one-way flight Oslo-Longyearbyen, 1 pre-voyage hotel night in Longyearbyen
From price per person in a Suite Cabin (Double)
Contact us for all cabin prices & availability
Extended Voyage into the far north East Greenland Coast
Akureyri - Scoresby Sund - East Greenland Coast - Longyearbyen (14 Days)
Comfortable expedition ship: 108 passengers
From price per person in a Quad Porthole cabin
Contact Us for all cabin prices & availability
Late booking offers on remaining cabins!
Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Reykjavik (14 Days)
Elegant expedition ship: 114 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking (voyage length programme)
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
Limited offer - contact us for details
Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Reykjavik (15 Days)
Comfortable expedition ship: 128 passengers
Includes: Free Expedition Parka
From price per person in a Lower Deck Triple cabin
Contact Us for all cabin prices & availability
Early booking offers available!
Oslo - Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Reykjavik (15 Days)
Modern x-bow expedition ship: 130 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking (voyage length programme)
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
Early booking offers available!
Reykjavik - East Greenland - Longyearbyen - Oslo (15 Days)
Modern x-bow expedition ship: 130 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking (voyage length programme)
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
Limited offer - contact us for details
Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Akureyri (15 Days)
Modern expedition ship: 170 passengers
From price per person in a Quad Porthole cabin
Contact Us for all cabin prices & availability
Early booking offers available!
Oslo - Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Reykjavik (17 Days)
Comfortable expedition ship: 200 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking (single excursion)
Includes: 1 pre-voyage hotel night in Oslo, one-way flight Oslo-Longyearbyen
From price per person in a N2 Polar Outside Cabin (Double)
Contact us for all cabin prices & availability
Limited offer - contact us for details
Save up to 15% on Standard and 25% on Premium Cabins!
Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Reykjavik (14 Days)
Elegant expedition ship: 114 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking (voyage length programme)
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
Offer expires 30 September 2026
Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Reykjavik (15 Days)
Comfortable expedition ship: 128 passengers
Includes: Free Expedition Parka
From price per person in a Lower Deck Triple cabin
Contact Us for all cabin prices & availability
Early booking offers available!
Reykjavik - East Greenland - Longyearbyen - Oslo (14 Days)
Comfortable expedition ship: 200 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking (single excursion)
Includes: one-way flight Longyearbyen-Oslo
From price per person in a N2 Polar Outside Cabin (Double)
Contact us for all cabin prices & availability
Limited offer - contact us for details
Early booking offers available!
Reykjavik - East Greenland - Longyearbyen - Oslo (15 Days)
Modern x-bow expedition ship: 130 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking (voyage length programme)
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
Limited offer - contact us for details
Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Constable Pynt (20 Days)
Fly & Sail Voyage: Sail East / Fly South
Three-masted sailing schooner: 33 passengers
Not included: charter flight Constable Pynt-Reykjavik (please ask us for latest price)
From price per person in a Triple Porthole cabin
Contact Us for all cabin prices & availability
Save up to 15% on Standard and 25% on Premium Cabins!
Reykjavik - East Greenland - Longyearbyen (14 Days)
Elegant expedition ship: 114 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking (voyage length programme)
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
Offer expires 30 September 2026
Reykjavik - East Greenland - Longyearbyen (15 Days)
Comfortable expedition ship: 128 passengers
Includes: Free Expedition Parka
From price per person in a Lower Deck Triple cabin
Contact Us for all cabin prices & availability
Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Akureyri (14 Days)
Comfortable Expedition Ship: 108 passengers
Optional Activities: Long Hikes
From price per person in a Quad Porthole cabin
Contact Us for all cabin prices & availability
Save up to 15% on Standard and 25% on Premium Cabins!
Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Reykjavik (14 Days)
Elegant expedition ship: 114 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking (voyage length programme)
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
Offer expires 30 September 2026
Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Akureyri (14 Days)
Lloyds 1A Ice Class Expedition Ship: 108 passengers
Optional Activities: Long Hikes
From price per person in a Quad Porthole cabin
Contact Us for all cabin prices & availability
Save up to 15% on Twin Cabins & Suites!
Longyearbyen - Jan Mayen - East Greenland - Reykjavik (13 Days)
Modern x-bow expedition ship: 169 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking (single excursion)
Not included: mandatory charter flight Oslo-Longyearbyen from $500pp
From price per person in a Triple Porthole cabin (Deck 3)
Contact Us for all cabin prices & availability
Offer excludes triple & solo cabins. Contact us for details
Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Reykjavik (15 Days)
Comfortable expedition ship: 128 passengers
Includes: Free Expedition Parka
From price per person in a Lower Deck Triple cabin
Contact Us for all cabin prices & availability
Extended Voyage into the far north East Greenland Coast
Akureyri - East Greenland Coast - Longyearbyen (14 Days)
Lloyds 1A Ice Class Expedition Ship: 108 passengers
Optional Activities: Long Hikes
From price per person in a Quad Porthole cabin
Contact Us for all cabin prices & availability
Early booking offers available!
Helsinki - Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Reykjavik (15 Days)
Modern expedition ship: 199 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking (voyage length programme or single excursion), Tundra to Table Culinary Experience
Transfer Package (included): 1 pre-voyage hotel night in Helsinki and charter flight Helsinki-Longyearbyen
From price per person in a Triple Porthole cabin
Contact Us for all cabin prices & availability
Limited offer - contact us for details
Early booking offers available!
Oslo - Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Reykjavik (15 Days)
Modern x-bow expedition ship: 130 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking (voyage length programme)
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
Early booking offers available!
Helsinki - Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Reykjavik (15 Days)
Modern x-bow expedition ship: 138 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking (voyage length programme or single excursion), Guided Photography Workshops
Transfer Package (included): 1 pre-voyage hotel night in Helsinki, charter flight Helsinki-Longyearbyen
From price per person in a Triple Porthole cabin
Contact Us for all cabin prices & availability
Limited offer - contact us for details
Early booking offers available!
Oslo - Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Reykjavik (15 Days)
Modern x-bow expedition ship: 130 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking (voyage length programme)
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
Early booking offers available!
Helsinki - Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Reykjavik (15 Days)
Modern x-bow expedition ship: 138 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking (voyage length programme or single excursion), Guided Photography Workshops
Transfer Package (included): 1 pre-voyage hotel night in Helsinki, charter flight Helsinki-Longyearbyen
From price per person in a Triple Porthole cabin
Contact Us for all cabin prices & availability
Limited offer - contact us for details
Early booking offers available!
Oslo - Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Reykjavik (15 Days)
Modern x-bow expedition ship: 130 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking (voyage length programme)
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
Early booking offers available!
Reykjavik - East Greenland - Longyearbyen - Oslo (15 Days)
Modern x-bow expedition ship: 130 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking (voyage length programme)
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
Limited offer - contact us for details
Early booking offers available!
Oslo - Longyearbyen - East Greenland - Reykjavik (15 Days)
Modern x-bow expedition ship: 130 passengers
Optional Activities: Kayaking (voyage length programme)
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
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.
