Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland | Rachel Imber
Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland  | Rachel Imber
Beautiful valley in an unnamed fjord in Greenland  | Rachel Imber
Zodiac cruising in the Arctic  | Rachel Imber
Sunset over icebergs, Syd Kap, Greenland
Colours of the tundra, Syd Kap, Greenland  | Rachel Imber

East Greenland, Scoresby Sund - Aurora Borealis

10 Days from

$ USD

Trip Code: OSI
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Twin private with Porthole
$8200 USD
Twin private with Window
$8850 USD
Twin Deluxe
$9500 USD
Superior
$10650 USD
Return bus transfers Akureyri to Rekyjavik
$290 USD

Duration

  • 10 Days

Activities

  • 9 days expedition cruising

Accommodation

  • 9 nights aboard Ortelius

Meals

  • 9 Dinners
  • 8 Lunches
  • 9 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

1 / 10

Discovery and Cruising

Trip highlights

  • Cruising the ice-laden fjords of Greenland’s East Coast
  • Magnificent range of Arctic wildlife
  • Spectacular glaciers and icebergs
  • Optional extended hiking

Overview

An inlet system of the Greenland Sea, the Scoresby Sund is the largest and longest fjord system on the planet. The fauna of the region is unusually rich for Greenland and the wildlife we hope to encounter on this voyage include muskox, Arctic Fox, stoat, Mountain Hare and lemming along with numerous species of seabirds. Setting sail from Iceland, we cruise north into the Denmark Sea, before entering Scoresby Sund where we explore it's myriad of inlets and bays. Our vessel will become our floating basecamp, a warm and comfortable haven to return to after adventuring ashore. Whilst at sea we have the opportunity to whale watch and hopefully catch glimpses of the beautiful Aurora Borealis or 'Northern Lights'. This unique voyage takes us to the heart of this wild and beautiful region.

Itinerary

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Your journey begins in the morning, where by request you can transfer via chartered bus (T) from bus stop Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre at Austurbakki, Reykjavik (the meeting point) to the ship in Akureyri (the embarkation point). You arrive in the afternoon after a six-hour drive through northern Iceland. PLEASE NOTE: This transfer (T) must be booked and paid for in advance. In the early evening, the ship departs from the port of Akureyri, sailing north toward the Denmark Strait.

Meals: D

Sailing north through the Denmark Strait. We are almost certain to see Fulmar, Kittiwake, Gannet and rafts of Common Guillemot. We cross the Arctic Circle and continue north, perhaps seeing whales. In the evening we will spot our first icebergs appear as we approach the east coast of Greenland near Kap Brewster.

Meals: B,L,D

Today you reach Scoresbysund, sailing along the glaciated Volquart 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, we plan to sail by the east coast of Milne Land among a multitude of giant icebergs. If we can also land at Charcot Havn, we will make a walk to the Charcot Glacier. We will then continue by Bjørneør and sail into Øfjord.

Meals: B,L,D

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.

Meals: B,L,D

In the morning you 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 deep (1,312 feet). You then land near Sydkap, with fine views of Hall Bredning and a good shot of seeing Arctic hares. Today’s long walk goes from Sydkap to Nordøstbugt (12 km, 7.5 miles 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 who opt out of the long walking group will join us at this location for their second excursion of the day.

Meals: B,L,D

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.

Meals: B,L,D

Stewart ø is an important hunting station for the people from Scoresby Sund. It is a good area for Narwals and Polar Bears. There are also beautiful remains of Thule houses.

Meals: B,L,D

Turner Sound and Rømer Fjord grant you the opportunity to sail far inland, as they have no glacier front at the head and are not clogged with ice. In this location, you may get the opportunity to spot narwhals.

Meals: B,L,D

We will spend the whole day at sea, and have splendid opportunities to see large whales and seabird migration and, in the night, the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).

Meals: B,L,D

Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. You disembark in Akureyri, where on request you can transfer (T) by chartered bus (a six-hour drive that you must book in advance) to the bus stop Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre at Austurbakki, Reykjavík, taking home memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies. PLEASE NOTE: 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. The average cruising speed of our vessel is 10.5 knots.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

View dates to Book

What’s included?

Included

  • 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 9 dinners
  • Comfortable cabin accommodation and use of all public areas on cruise
  • Specialist expedition staff
  • All shore excursions from the ship including the use of zodiacs
  • Lectures, videos, slide and film shows and guide services
  • Medical services (there is a resident medical officer and infirmary on board)
  • Port taxes and port charges imposed by government authorities
  • Pre-departure information

Not included

  • Air transport and airport transfers before and after the cruise
  • Visa, passport and vaccination charges and airport departure taxes
  • Accommodation and meals or other services not included in the ship cruise itinerary
  • Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses, travel insurance and items
  • of a personal nature such as bar charges, wine and phone calls
  • Emergency evacuation charges
  • Tips and gratuities

Responsible travel

Extra trip info

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