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Arctic Sights & Northern Lights

Experience the best of Eastern Greenland on this adventure-filled expedition aboard the M/S Sea Spirit. Witness towering, majestic mountains, silent fjords and unfathomable ice bergs as you seek out whales, seabirds and seals with plenty of unique photographic opportunities throughout. Then, as darkness falls, look to the skies for the world's most vivid natural wonder: the Northern Lights.

On this trip into the heart of Greenland you'll experience once-in-a-lifetime sights: from stunningly silent fjords, dramatic peaks and incandescent ice bergs in Scoresby Sund to jagged bird-filled cliffs and tiny fishing villages in Iceland. There’s even the possibility of seeing the enchantingly ethereal Aurora Borealis, more commonly known as the Northern Lights.

Learn from the expertise of the expedition staff who will lead you through Greenland's fascinating wildlife and changing picturesque landscapes. Spend your days sailing on the M/S Sea Spirit where whales and seabirds frequent the waters, with stops along the way to hike the Arctic tundra, photograph wildlife and visit local Inuit populations, before retiring to gaze into the endless and wide night skies for the vivid Northern lights. This trip provides a truly well rounded and unforgettable Greenland experience.

St Greenland Illulissat Fjord Ice Berg Shutterstock Michael Balada

Can I see Polar bears in Greenland?

The world’s largest terrestrial carnivore, the “King of the Arctic”, is found in five countries: Russia, Canada, the United States (in the state of Alaska), Norway (in the Svalbard archipelago) and Greenland (which is a constituent country of the kingdom of Denmark). Despite Greenland’s vast size – it is the world’s largest island, at over 830,000 square miles – polar bears are not frequent sights here as they are in other parts of their range.

Safari Highlights

Enjoy the breath-taking scenery of East Greenland.
Navigate around massive icebergs in zodiac boats.
Watch for whales from the bow of the ship.
Photograph whales, seabirds and seals.
Enjoy talks from your expert expedition team.
Marvel at mountains reflected in the still waters of silent fjords.
Explore Scoresby Sund, the World’s largest fjord system.
Meet locals and experience traditional Inuit settlements.
Look to the skies for some of the world’s most vivid displays of Northern Lights.

Day 1 - Arrival in Reykjavik

This morning you arrive into Reykjavik. On arrival, make your own way to your hotel in Reykjavik (please note that check in will not be until the afternoon). The rest of the day is free to explore Iceland’s capital city. Home to a wealth of culture, you may choose to visit of the any museums or galleries, or head to Hallgrimskirkja Church.

Can I see Polar bears in Greenland?

Where to stay in Greenland

Greenland is the world's largest island and also boasts the largest fjord system in the world, Scoresby Sund. Many visitors make their way here via expedition ship, venturing onshore during daily landings while spending the night on the water.

Day 3 - Denmark Strait

As you cross the Denmark Strait, heading for East Greenland, keep a lookout for the resident whales and seabirds. As you cross the arctic circle line, keep your eyes on the skies as you may start to see the Aurora Borealis.

GRE St Greenland Northern Lights Shutterstock Posteriori

Can I see the Northern Lights in Greenland?

The Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon that's out of this world – literally and can be seen in Greenland. The shimmering bands of light that span the spectrum from lime green to crimson are actually the result of solar winds interacting with particles in the earth’s upper atmosphere, about 62 miles from the surface.

Days 4 - 9 - Scoresby Sund

Scoresby Sund is the largest and longest fjord system in the world. Marked by deep fjords, narrow channels and towering peaks, you will travel into the heart of Greenland. Tidewater glaciers create huge icebergs, which will float around you as you sail. Musk ox, Arctic hares and Arctic foxes are known to been in this area, along with marine mammals and sea birds, so be sure to keep a lookout. Your days will be spent cruising the waters and making landings onto the Arctic tundra. Enjoy hiking and gentle walks as you learn about Greenland’s history and culture. You will make a landing at East Greenland’s most northerly and only permanent settlement in the area, Ittoqqortoormiit. Here you will have the opportunity to explore the town, visit the museum and spend time interacting with the local Inuit people and learning about their way of life. Your exact itinerary and route will be dependent on the weather and ice conditions, which your captain will expertly navigate.

Day 10 - Denmark Strait

As you leave Greenland behind, you will be able to enjoy some presentations and workshops led by your expedition staff. At night, there are more possibilities to witness the aurora borealis.

Day 12 - Disembark - Depart Reykjavik

Today your adventure comes to an end as you disembark after breakfast. You will be transferred to the airport or town, depending on your onward arrangements.

GRE Greenland Chris Brinlee Jr Visit Greenland Flipped

M/V Sea Spirit

The M/V Sea Spirit is a spacious and luxurious ship from the suites, to the restaurant to the outer-deck complete with its own hot tub and outdoor bistro. There is a full fleet of zodiacs on-board with ample space within each one for you to explore on-shore and the incredible wildlife which calls this wilderness home.