Iceland & East Greenland - Under the Northern Lights

A one-of-a-kind expedition exploring Iceland’s Westfjords and the remote fjords of East Greenland (Scoresby Sund, Kaiser Franz Joseph Fjord). Witness the Aurora Borealis, encounter Arctic wildlife like musk oxen, and immerse yourself in Inuit culture and ancient geology. ES: Una expedición única que explora los Fiordos Occidentales de Islandia y los remotos fiordos del Este de Groenlandia (Scoresby Sund, Fiordo Kaiser Franz Joseph). Sea testigo de la Aurora Boreal, encuentre fauna ártica como el buey almizclero e sumérjase en la cultura Inuit y la geología antigua.


Auroras in Greenland
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Duration: 11 days / 10 nights
Starts: Reykjavik, Iceland
Ends: Reykjavik, Iceland
Language: English speaking voyage

The itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather and ice conditions. Your Captain and Expedition Leader will make the necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience.
Includes an overnight hotel stay in Reykjavik upon arrival and a complimentary tour of Iceland’s Golden Circle on Day 2 before embarkation.
The voyage is timed for viewing the Aurora Borealis in East Greenland.


Included
Optional


This Iceland & East Greenland - Under the Northern Lights voyage is an exploration like no other, heading deep into the vast, remote landscapes of Eastern Greenland and Iceland’s dramatic Westfjords. The only guarantee is a genuine voyage of exploration and adventure, commencing with an essential land tour of Iceland’s Golden Circle. We sail onward to the colossal fjord systems of Greenland, including the spectacular Kaiser Franz Joseph Fjord, where glaciers offload icebergs the size of small cities, and the immense Scoresby Sund, the largest fjord system in the world.

During the voyage, we seek out arctic hares, musk oxen, and elusive ptarmigan against a backdrop of autumnal vegetation and ancient geology—mountains painted in dramatic shades of pink, orange, and purple. A primary focus is the incredible celestial show: witnessing the awe-inspiring aurora borealis dance across East Greenland’s night skies, taking advantage of prime viewing conditions away from light pollution. We engage with the history and culture of the local Inuit, visiting the isolated settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit, making this a profound adventure blending scientific discovery, cultural immersion, and unparalleled natural beauty.

Highlights:
Witness the awe-inspiring aurora borealis dance across East Greenland’s night skies, with prime viewing conditions away from light pollution.
Keep a close watch for the unmistakable blow of whales as they surface to breathe.
Marvel at the ancient geology of East Greenland, where mountains are painted in stripes by nature’s brush.
Learn about the history and culture of the Inuit, who have inhabited this region for centuries, visiting the remote village of Ittoqqortoormiit.
Feel the power and beauty of Dynjandi waterfall in Iceland’s Westfjords, surrounded by moody skies and striking landscapes.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik
Arrival, Transfer, and Leisure Time in the Capital
Arrive in Reykjavik and be met by an Aurora Expeditions representative for a transfer to the group hotel (Grand Hotel Reykjavik or similar). Visit the hospitality area before 4 pm to store luggage, enjoy refreshments, collect cabin tags, and gather information about pre-embarkation procedures. The remainder of your time is at leisure, with all meals today at your own expense.

Day 2: Embarkation
Golden Circle Tour and Boarding the Sylvia Earle
Today begins with a complimentary land tour of Reykjavik’s popular Golden Circle. Stops include Thingvellir National Park, the site of Iceland’s first parliament and the open fissure where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. Next, visit the impressive Gullfoss waterfall and explore the geothermal fields, marveling at the geysers, hot springs, and bubbling pools. Late afternoon, return to Reykjavik to board the Sylvia Earle. After safety briefings, settle in and meet the team at the Welcome Dinner, officially commencing the Greenland adventure.

Day 3: Dynjandi
Tranquil Landscapes and Awe-Inspiring Waterfall
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the morning while sailing, taking in the breathtaking landscapes and keeping a watchful eye for whales. Later, we embark on a Zodiac landing to witness the awe-inspiring power of the Dynjandi waterfall in Iceland's Westfjords, where cascading water thunders down a dramatic cliff face.

Days 4–9: East Greenland
Fjord Exploration, Inuit Culture, and Aurora Viewing
Over six days, the vast, challenging east coast of Greenland is ours to explore, with the experienced Expedition Team tailoring the itinerary daily based on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions (aiming for up to two landings or Zodiac excursions per day). We will explore deep fjords and narrow channels, flanked by sharp, ice-clad peaks. We hope to visit Kong Oskar and Kaiser Franz Josef fjords, where gigantic icebergs calve from glaciers. A highlight is a visit to Ittoqqortoormiit, the region's most isolated permanent Inuit settlement (approx. 500 inhabitants), offering cultural encounters, a museum, and a chance to meet locals. The multi-colored tundra is home to musk oxen, arctic hares, and ancient Thule archaeological sites. There are opportunities for hiking amid striking sedimentary formations and fumaroles. At night, we seek prime viewing conditions to witness the spectacular aurora borealis.

Day 10: At Sea
Crossing the Denmark Strait and Expert Lectures
As we cross the Denmark Strait back towards Iceland, the expedition team begins a series of informative and entertaining onboard lectures from our team of experts, providing deeper context and conclusion to the discoveries made in Greenland.

Day 11: Disembark in Reykjavik
Morning Arrival and Transfer to Keflavik Airport
During the early morning, we cruise into Reykjavik and disembark at approximately 8:00 am. Farewell your Expedition Team and fellow passengers. A transfer to Keflavik airport is included. Note: We recommend booking flights departing after 12:00 pm in case of delays.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik
Arrival, Transfer, and Leisure Time in the Capital
Arrive in Reykjavik and be met by an Aurora Expeditions representative for a transfer to the group hotel (Grand Hotel Reykjavik or similar). Visit the hospitality area before 4 pm to store luggage, enjoy refreshments, collect cabin tags, and gather information about pre-embarkation procedures. The remainder of your time is at leisure, with all meals today at your own expense.

Day 2: Embarkation
Golden Circle Tour and Boarding the Sylvia Earle
Today begins with a complimentary land tour of Reykjavik’s popular Golden Circle. Stops include Thingvellir National Park, the site of Iceland’s first parliament and the open fissure where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. Next, visit the impressive Gullfoss waterfall and explore the geothermal fields, marveling at the geysers, hot springs, and bubbling pools. Late afternoon, return to Reykjavik to board the Sylvia Earle. After safety briefings, settle in and meet the team at the Welcome Dinner, officially commencing the Greenland adventure.

Day 3: Dynjandi
Tranquil Landscapes and Awe-Inspiring Waterfall
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the morning while sailing, taking in the breathtaking landscapes and keeping a watchful eye for whales. Later, we embark on a Zodiac landing to witness the awe-inspiring power of the Dynjandi waterfall in Iceland's Westfjords, where cascading water thunders down a dramatic cliff face.

Days 4–9: East Greenland
Fjord Exploration, Inuit Culture, and Aurora Viewing
Over six days, the vast, challenging east coast of Greenland is ours to explore, with the experienced Expedition Team tailoring the itinerary daily based on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions (aiming for up to two landings or Zodiac excursions per day). We will explore deep fjords and narrow channels, flanked by sharp, ice-clad peaks. We hope to visit Kong Oskar and Kaiser Franz Josef fjords, where gigantic icebergs calve from glaciers. A highlight is a visit to Ittoqqortoormiit, the region's most isolated permanent Inuit settlement (approx. 500 inhabitants), offering cultural encounters, a museum, and a chance to meet locals. The multi-colored tundra is home to musk oxen, arctic hares, and ancient Thule archaeological sites. There are opportunities for hiking amid striking sedimentary formations and fumaroles. At night, we seek prime viewing conditions to witness the spectacular aurora borealis.

Day 10: At Sea
Crossing the Denmark Strait and Expert Lectures
As we cross the Denmark Strait back towards Iceland, the expedition team begins a series of informative and entertaining onboard lectures from our team of experts, providing deeper context and conclusion to the discoveries made in Greenland.

Day 11: Disembark in Reykjavik
Morning Arrival and Transfer to Keflavik Airport
During the early morning, we cruise into Reykjavik and disembark at approximately 8:00 am. Farewell your Expedition Team and fellow passengers. A transfer to Keflavik airport is included. Note: We recommend booking flights departing after 12:00 pm in case of delays.


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INCLUSIONS

All transfers as mentioned in the itinerary.
One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Reykjavik on Day 1.
Golden Circle tour on Day 2, prior to embarkation.
Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service.
All meals, snacks, tea, coffee, soft drinks and juices during voyage.
Beer and house wine with dinner.
Captain’s Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
Educational lectures and guiding services provided by Expedition Team.
Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation).
One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket.
Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage.
Comprehensive pre-departure information.
Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.
Gratuities during excursions and enrichment program for local guides, drivers, venues and local sites.
Wi-Fi*.

*Please note we travel to remote regions and therefore the connection can be unreliable.

EXCLUSIONS

International or domestic flights – unless specified in the itinerary.
Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary.
Airport arrival or departure taxes.
Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges.
Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges.
Hotel accommodation and meals – unless specified in the itinerary.
Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges.
All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to, alcoholic beverages (outside of dinner service), on board gratuities*, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, email or phone charges.

Note: A $15 USD per person per day gratuity for the crew is automatically added to your onboard account. It is at your discretion if you would like to remove the tip (or adjust the amount) when you settle your bill. It is not necessary to tip the expedition team members. This gratuity amount is included for suites as part of their ‘Suite Benefits’.


Dates & Rates


Ship: Douglas Mawson | Date: 08 Sept 2027 - 18 Sept 2027 (4727)
Captain’s Suite
$31,995
$25,596
Junior Suite
$27,995
$22,396
Balcony Stateroom Superior
$23,495
$18,796
Balcony Stateroom Category A
$21,495
$17,196
Balcony Stateroom Category B
$19,995
$15,996
Balcony Stateroom Category C
$18,995
$15,196
Aurora Stateroom Superior
$18,495
$14,796
Aurora Stateroom Twin
$17,495
$13,996

* The prices are per person in US Dollars, unless expressly specified in a different currency. In that case, payment will be in US dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
** Rates are correct at the time of publication. All prices will be re-confirmed by email at the time of booking.
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.

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