Zodiac with Greenland Explorer cruise travelers peeks through a hole in an a large blue iceberg in calm sea under cloudy skies.
Small group of Greenland Explorer cruise travelers walk a dirt road beside colorful & weathered homes in a remote village.
Tandem kayakers paddle a yellow inflatable boat in calm water with brown mountains behind on the Greenland Explorer cruise.
Arctic travelers in yellow or red parka walk a rocky beach by a fjord with a glacier, mountains & helicopter in the distance.
2 white canvas tents sit in Arctic tundra by calm fjord with snowcapped peaks, seen on the Greenland Explorer cruise.
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Polar Regions Arctic Cruise

Greenland Explorer: Sail & Soar the Alpine Arctic

On the Greenland Explorer voyage, explore the majestic fjords, glaciers and mountains of South Greenland, in partnership with local communities. Be as active as you like, or opt for more relaxing, immersive experiences. Enjoy one–of–a–kind excursions, some enabled by the ship’s two twin–engine helicopters. Some of these, such as Exclusive Heli Landings and the Greenland Ice Sheet Experience, are included for all guests. Also on offer are hikes, community visits and Zodiac cruises.

This voyage—accessible to guests of all fitness levels—offers something for everyone, whether you’re interested in soaking up the serene mountain views, sailing through the icebergs on a Zodiac cruise, or trying optional activities such as heli–hiking, or camping in style on the shores of Tasermiut Fjord with local hosts. Additionally, travel during a time when the Northern Lights are typically most active over Greenland.

Aboard the technologically-advanced, 200-guest Ultramarine, take advantage of two twin-engine helicopters and 20 quick-launching Zodiacs to create the quintessential Arctic experience. This modern, purpose-built polar expedition vessel comes equipped with specialized, cutting-edge safety features to provide added security in remote environments.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Arctic cruisesArctic trips and Iceland cruises.



Itinerary

Greenland Explorer: Sail & Soar the Alpine Arctic Itinerary

The Greenland Explorer cruise cruises round-trip from Narsarsuaq, south Greenland, bookended by charter flights connecting Reykjavik, Iceland.

Route map of Greenland Explorer cruise, sailing round-trip from Narsarsuaq, south Greenland, with bookend charter flights connecting Reykjavik, Iceland.
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Day 1
Arrive Reykjavik, Iceland

Arrive in the Icelandic capital and make your way to the included hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore the city on your own.

Accommodations

Hotel TBA

Meals

n/a

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Day 2
Fly to Narsarsuaq, Greenland & Embark

In the early afternoon, be transferred to Keflavik Airport for a private charter flight from the Icelandic capital to Narsarsuaq, Greenland, where you’ll set sail. A scenic community deep in Tunulliarfik Fjord, Narsarsuaq is the gateway to South Greenland. Originally established in the 1940s as a U.S. military base, the approximately 6,560-foot (2,000–meter) paved runway and small terminal are now managed by Mittarfeqarfiit (the Greenlandic Airport Authority).

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 3 - 4
The Wild East

Set out for the wild fjords of the uninhabited east coast, one of which is Lindenow Fjord, also known by its Greenlandic name, Kangerlussuatsiaq. Thousands of years ago, groups of paleo Inuit hunters and fishermen made their home in these isolated fjords, living off the land and surviving mostly on the resources the sea provided, before European explorers and the subsequent establishment of settlements prompted one of the biggest waves of migration in Greenland. Traces of these once proud peoples can still be found today against the backdrop of cascading glaciers and steep–walled mountains.

These fjords are frequented by marine mammals. Rare sightings of polar bears are possible, as they drift down from the north on sea ice floes propelled by the East–Greenland current. Humpback whales are often sighted when entering fjords as the shallowing seas bring an upwelling of nutrients to the surface. While you keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, the magnificent alpine terrain invites you to explore by sea, land and air to immerse completely in the remote icescapes of the region. The wild east is ideal for heli landings and hiking, paddle excursions, Zodiac cruises and shore landings.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 5 - 7
Arctic Patagonia

The stunning maze of fjords, sounds, islets, inlets and skerries (rocky islands) in and around Cape Farewell (Nunap Isua) at Greenland’s most southern tip possesses its own particular magic. Transiting the 62-mile-long (100–km-long) Prins Christian Sund (Ikerasassuaq)—one of the world’s most scenic fjords—will be truly unforgettable. Look forward to dramatic mountain and seascapes with glaciers tumbling down to the sea, and stunning vistas around every corner. Inhabiting this domain are Southern Greenlanders living on the frontier, a people as unique as the landscape they call home. This is where the migrating hunting peoples from the east finally settled around the European trading posts.

The few villages in this southern region have gained a level of fame thanks to the inhabitants who remain steadfastly faithful to their hunting and fishing heritage. Hope to visit Aappilattoq, perched on the shores of Prins Christian Sund (Ikerasassuaq), where friends and partners are ready to greet you, tell stories, play music, offer food, share hunting traditions and perhaps even invite you to play or watch a friendly game of soccer.

If you are looking for the most iconic peaks of South Greenland, you’ll be in your glory upon reaching the Tasermiut Fjord in the heart of what’s known as “Arctic Patagonia,” where guests can sign up for overnight camping (with local hosts) along the 43-mile (70–km) fjord. Marvel at the impressive Sermeq glacier at its head with rivers of ice tumbling almost down to sea level, and the imposing peaks of Nalumasortoq and Ulamertorsuaq dominating the skyline, making for the most scenic backdrops to your hike or helicopter–enabled excursions.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 8 - 10
The Westlands, Disembark Narsarsuaq, Greenland & Fly to Reykjavik, Iceland

Follow in the footsteps of the Greenlandic Norse into the Western fjords and appreciate why Erik the Red chose this land as his home and gave Greenland its name: every direction you look rewards with vistas of blue, ice–strewn waters set against a breathtaking backdrop of lush, verdant valleys and pastures bursting with blooms.

Unique to Greenland, and indeed the entire Arctic, warm microclimates deep in the fjords have created a surprisingly fertile Arctic Garden of Eden. South Greenlandic farming traditions dating back to Viking days are still kept alive. Many families work their remote sheep farms along the shores of the fjords, their lives very much attuned to the seasons as they produce a variety of organic homegrown produce (such as potatoes, turnips and kale).

Also in the West are perfect access points to the Greenland Ice Sheet, the largest mass of ice in the northern hemisphere and second largest in the world, flowing from the heights of the polar plateau to sea level. Become one of the very few people to ever set foot on this incredible body of ice during the included Greenland Ice Sheet Experience. Over these two days, explore the Ice Sheet, hike the surrounding foothills, cruise or paddle through the azure ice–filled waters, and engage with local friends and partners.

Before departing on the charter flight back to Reykjavik in the early evening of Day 10, spend the day visiting the sites surrounding Narsarsuaq, including the Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a living history lesson in Viking farming. Hope to visit charming Qassiarsuk, a small sheep farming settlement across the fjord from Narsarsuaq, where you can experience true South Greenland hospitality. Explore the remains and replicas of Brattahlíð, Erik the Red’s estate, once the epicenter of the Greenland Norse Eastern Settlement, before heading back across the bay to Narsarsuaq to visit the museum, hike to Signal Hill for a panoramic view, and enjoy the frontier–town ambience.

Before the early evening charter flight, celebrate the voyage with a Farewell to Greenland dinner ashore at the iconic Hotel Narsarsuaq. Upon landing back at Reykjavik’s international airport in the evening, be transferred to a hotel in nearby Keflavik.

Accommodations

Ultramarine

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 11
Depart Reykjavik, Iceland

Today, make your way home at your leisure or continue your independent explorations of Iceland.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; all meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board; select beer and house wine during dinner; coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock; leadership throughout the voyage by experienced expedition leaders, including shore landings and other activities; all Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program; formal and informal presentations by the expedition team and special guests as scheduled; photographic journal documenting the expedition; a pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions; official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep; hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; all luggage handling aboard the ship; emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of US $500,000 per person; Greenland voyages cruise passenger tax.

Exclusions

Mandatory Transfer Package (approximate package price for 2024 is $1,495 and includes charter flights between Reykjavik and Narsarsuaq, group transfers between the Narsarsuaq airport and the ship, group transfer from the Reykjavik airport (Keflavik) to the hotel on disembarkation day, one night’s post-expedition airport hotel accommodation in Keflavik, and shuttle transfer to Keflavik airport on last day of itinerary); international airfare; arrival and departure transfers, except where listed in the Mandatory Transfer Package; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above; meals ashore unless otherwise specified; baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance (strongly recommended), or insurance of any kind; excess baggage fees on international flights; mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, and any gear not mentioned; laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified; phone and internet charges; voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew; additional overnight accommodation; any adventure options or excursions.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 180 days – full refund, less $500 admin fee
179 to 120 days – 100% of deposit
119 to 90 days – 50% of total trip cost
89 to 60 days – 75% of total trip cost
59 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Greenland Explorer voyage begins and ends in Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF). Plan flights to arrive to the Reykjavik-Keflavik airport by 3:00pm on Day 1 of the itinerary, and make your way to the included hotel. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues.

On Day 10 of the itinerary, the ship is scheduled to arrive at the pier between 7:00am and 8:00am local time. The aim is to explore the area around Narsarsuaq, returning to the ship for lunch. Disembarkation is later in the day, followed by a mid-afternoon Farewell to Greenland meal at a local hotel, then a transfer to the airport for the return charter flight to Reykjavik. Plan flights to depart Reykjavik anytime on Day 11. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

Group charter flights between Reykjavik and Narsarsuaq are required on this trip’s itinerary; see the Mandatory Transfer Package information listed above under Exclusions. The flight to Narsarsuaq is expected to depart in the late afternoon on Day 2 of the itinerary. There is a luggage limit of 50 lbs (23 kg) checked luggage and 11 lbs (5 kg) cabin baggage on the flights between Reykjavik and Narsarsuaq. There is no option to leave or pay for additional luggage. On Day 10 of the itinerary, the ship is scheduled to arrive at the pier between 7:00 and 8:00am local time, with an exploration of the Narsarsuaq area and lunch on board before a later disembarkation and mid-afternoon farewell meal ashore, with a transfer to the airport for the return charter flight to Reykjavik.

Activities

Various optional activities may be available on your Greenland Adventure voyage. The heli hiking program and Greenland camp experience must be reserved in advance. One-time paddling excursions are included (one per guest, per voyage); no experience is necessary. Also included are optional hiking, Zodiac cruising, daily presentations, photography guides, community visits, northern lights viewing, the polar plunge and the two following weather-dependent helicopter-assisted excursions: an exclusive heli landing and a transfer to explore the Greenland Ice Sheet. Please contact AdventureSmith to reserve activity space with your booking. For the 2024 season heli-hiking is $395, the culinary Tundra to Table experience is $125; and the Greenland camp experience is $795.

Room Configuration

In addition to listed Single cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. Solo travelers willing to share can reserve a triple or twin-shared cabin to be matched with a person of the same gender. If the other cabin berth goes unsold, you will be guaranteed the double rate. Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x (2x for Premium cabins) the per-person listed rate in select cabins based upon availability. Premium Cabins are as follows:
Ultramarine: Deluxe Balcony Suite, Terrace Suite, Penthouse Suite, Owner’s Suite & Ultra Suite

Families & Children

At date of embarkation, a minimum age restriction of 8 years and minimum height and weight requirements (weight of 64lbs or 29kg and 48 in. or 1.2 m. tall) must be met. Children under 16 years of age must be supervised by a parent/guardian at all times, and may not participate in adventure options.

Travel Insurance

Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of up to $500,000 USD per paying traveler provides coverage between the first and last day of ship-based travel and is included in the cost of this trip. For ship- and land-based trips, additional days of travel pre- and post-expedition are not covered. Travelers are responsible for having adequate international medical coverage prior to embarkation, with a minimum benefit of $50,000 USD. In addition, we highly recommend our travelers also protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Sep 14 - Sep 24, 2024
Ultramarine • 11 days
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From $9495USD
Per Person
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Sep 22 - Oct 02, 2024
Ultramarine • 11 days
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From $9495USD
Per Person
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Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
Ultramarine

The new Ultramarine 200-passenger polar ship is purpose-built for safety and far-off exploration in Antarctica and the Arctic. Dual helicopter pads and an incredible 70-day cruising range allow access to the hardest-to-reach places.

Deal

Current Deals on This Trip

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Offer expires April 3rd, 2023
Save 35% & Complimentary Transfer Package On Select 2023 & 2024 Arctic Expeditions

Save up to 35% per person when you book your select 2023 or 2024 Arctic expedition. Select 2023 Ultramarine departures also offer a complimentary transfer package.

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Greenland Explorer: Sail & Soar the Alpine Arctic

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