Small ship with dark blue hull & white upper decks sits offshore from grassy coast where Zodiac of Greenland travelers are arriving.
South Greenland Exploration cruise traveler sits alone on top of rocky cliff overlooking calm sea & snoy icebergs at sunset.
South Greenland Exploration cruise travelers stand atop the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall near a grassy peak on a cloudy day in Iceland.
Zodiac boat with south Greenland Exploration cruise guests in colorful coats sits in front of large blue iceberg in calm sea.
View from Nat Geo Endurance ship as she passes through Kuannersooq Fjord in Greenland with glassy water & rolling rocky hills.
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Polar Regions Arctic Cruise

South Greenland Exploration Cruise: Fjords, Waterfalls & Fishing Villages

Blanketed in ice and carved by glaciers, Greenland is a dazzling tableau of the Arctic’s epic glory. Witness the centuries of tradition and ingenuity of Arctic farmers, from the ruins of Brattahlíð, the estate of Eric the Red, to the modern landscape of Kujataa, the UNESCO World Heritage region of Southern Greenland. Explore these storied fjords as the ship cruises through the dramatic cliffs of Prins Christian Sund and Skjoldungen Island, and experience them up close through hikes and kayaking alongside locals. This is an expedition deep into wilderness, rich Inuit culture and Norse lore.

Experience the ice floes and deep fjords of southern Greenland by Zodiac, kayak, and hiking excursions. Navigate the spectacular majesty of Prins Christian Sund, flanked by soaring snow-topped mountains, rock-strewn cliffs and icebergs. Discover the Western and Eastern Settlements of Erik the Red, the great Norse explorer credited with naming Greenland. Learn about Inuit tradition and history along the southern fjords in Qaqortoq and Nanortalik through music, food tastings and demonstrations. And witness the volcanic landscapes and breathtaking waterfalls of Iceland’s Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Explore aboard 138-guest National Geographic Endurance, which offers a polar ice class 5 rating, state-of-the-art educational equipment and highly qualified naturalist guides, making her the ideal ship for this cruise. After daily explorations relax in the sauna, yoga room, library or bar. Watch her crush through ice from the bridge or deck and enjoy the highest technologies in ice-stable sailing. This small expedition ship is technologically advanced, fully stabilized and equipped with a well-rounded set of exploration tools including an ROV and enough kayaks and Zodiacs to send all guests out exploring at the same time.

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



Itinerary

South Greenland Exploration: Fjords, Waterfalls & Fishing Villages Itinerary

The South Greenland Exploration cruise operates round-trip from Reykjavik, Iceland. Embark Reykjavik, cruise Iceland’s west coast, cross the Denmark Strait and explore south Greenland before disembarking in Nuuk and taking a charter flight to end back in Reykjavik.

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Day 1
Embark Reykjavik, Iceland

Arrive in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies just below the Arctic Circle. Transfer from the airport and spend the day exploring the sights, sounds and tastes of this Arctic capital before embarking the ship in the afternoon.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 2
Grundarfjordur

Serving as the center of trade on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula since the 15th century, Grundarfjörður is now best known for its Kirkjufell Mountain and picturesque waterfall. Alongside the National Geographic Photography Expert, capture your own images of this dynamic landscape and the weather swirling around the peninsula. Alternatively, hike through a local lava field or explore the town’s Saga Center.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 3
Crossing the Denmark Strait

Sail away from the Peninsula and across the Denmark Strait. Connecting the Arctic and Atlantic Ocean, the strait is home to the world’s largest waterfall, caused by powerful currents and glaciers. Listen to talks by your onboard experts, relax with a book in the lounge or the observation deck, and keep an eye out for wildlife as you sail across the continental shelf.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
Exploring East Greenland

The coast of the world’s largest island is etched with thousands of fjords, some of which reach back to the Greenlandic ice sheet. Spend the day exploring these stunning inlets of the eastern coast, using the ship’s underwater cameras and Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) to discover marine life and fascinating underwater geology. Ice permitting, sail deep into Skjoldungen fjord and soak in your arrival to
Greenland on a Zodiac cruise or in a kayak among the icebergs.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
Prins Christian Sund & Tasermiut Fjord

Sail into Prins Christian Sund, which cuts into the southern tip of Greenland. Pass between soaring pinnacles and glaciers and through the sheltered waters of this dramatic landscape. As you round the southern coast of Greenland, enter Tasermiut Fjord, known as Arctic Patagonia for its sheer granite rock faces and dramatic valley filled with glaciers or their moraines. Spend time exploring by foot, kayak, or Zodiac along its shores.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 6
Qaqortoq

Your exploration of Erik the Red’s Eastern Settlement continues in the fjords around Qaqortoq. The Sissarluttoq World Heritage Center is dotted with ruins of Inuit and Norse farm, stables, and storerooms made of sandstone and granite blocks, allowing you to imagine what farming was like on the edge of the ice cap over 1,000 years ago. Explore the ruins of the 14th-century Hvalsey Church, and venture deep into the fjord to witness how these ancient remnants create the backdrop for daily farming life in southern Greenland. Continue to Qaqortoq, inhabited since the Viking era and now the largest town in South Greenland, with just over 3,200 residents. Stroll through the town square and visit the museum, where Greenlandic kayaks, hunting equipment, and local art and handicrafts are on display. Sample traditional Greenlandic food this afternoon.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 7
Qassiarsuk

Today, spend your last day in what was known as Erik the Red’s Eastern Settlement, to present day Qassiarsuk. Visit Brattahlíð, where Erik the Red established his farm in 982 A.D. after his exile from Iceland. Erik’s wife, Þjódhild, built the first Christian church in the western hemisphere here. Visit replicas of the church and Erik the Red’s longhouse and see the shores from which their son, Leif Eriksson, launched the first voyages to North America—500 years before Columbus. Later in the day, visit a local family farm that continues the farming tradition which has earned this region a UNESCO World Heritage designation for Arctic farming on the edge of the ice cap.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 8
Paamiut & Kuannersooq Fjord

Lying at the unofficial boundary between western and southern Greenland, Paamiut serves at the gate keeper to a fjord system filled with hundreds of islands, fjords and bays, as well as terminal glaciers stretching out from the Greenlandic ice sheet. Enjoy an exploration day in these fjords, on the lookout for a view of the ice sheet as well as the wildlife that calls the fjords home, such as fin whales and sea eagles.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 9
Nuuk

Perched on the seaside in the shadow of ice-capped Sermitsiaq Mountain, Nuuk is the world’s smallest capital city by population, with some 19,000 inhabitants experiencing tremendous cultural and economic growth. Watch for harp seals as you enter the harbor, and hear from local residents to learn how the community has changed over the generations. At the National Museum, examine the extraordinary 15th-century Qilakitsoq mummies found near Uummannaq—a discovery that was featured in a National Geographic magazine cover
story in 1985. The Arctic ice preserved these mummies so well that researchers have been able to study their tattoos, their medical conditions and even what they ate.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 10 - 11
Disembark Nuuk, Greenland, Fly to Reykjavik, Iceland, Overnight & Depart

Disembark and take a charter flight back to Iceland, and check into your hotel near the airport for an included overnight stay. In the morning, transfer to the airport for flights home.

Accommodations

Hotel TBA (day 10); n/a (day 11)

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Expedition parka to keep; all accommodations; meals as indicated; beer, wine & full bar; excursions; services of expedition leader, naturalist staff and expert guides; use of kayaks; entrance fees; all port charges and service taxes; basic WiFi (enhanced and premium packages available for purchase). Gratuities for all departures of National Geographic Explorer, Orion, Endurance, Resolution, Sea Cloud, Jahan and Lord of the Glens.

Exclusions

One-way charter flight from Nuuk, Greenland, to Reykjavik, Iceland (inquire with your Adventure Specialist for pricing); passport; visa; immigration fees; air transportation; extensions; meals not indicated; reserve wines & premium spirits; gratuities for all departures of Delfin II, Endeavour II, Islander II, Venture, Quest, Sea Bird and Sea Lion; personal items such as emails, laundry, voyage DVD, etc.; and insurance of any kind.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 15% 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 payment terms apply for groups of 8 or more; inquire for details. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
120 or more days – 100% of deposit**
119 to 90 days – 50% of total trip cost
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
**Advance payments will be credited in the form of a Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate, valid for 12 months from the date of cancellation, and which may only be applied towards final payment on any future booking.

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 South Greenland Exploration cruise begins and ends in Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF). Embarkation time may vary based upon arrival of group flights. Disembarkation in Nuuk, Greenland, is after breakfast on Day 10 of the outlined itinerary, followed by a charter flight to Reykjavik, Iceland. Departure times on Day 11 may vary depending on group flights. Inquire with your Adventure Specialist upon booking for details. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

A group charter flight between Nuuk, Greenland, and Reykjavik, Iceland, is required on this trip’s itinerary; see this trip’s Exclusions. There is a strict luggage limit of two checked bags weighing up to 57 lbs (25 kg) combined, and one carry-on bag weighing up to 17 lbs (8 kg) plus a personal item that can be stowed under the seat.

Activities

Activities included aboard this expedition include Zodiac cruises, hiking and kayaking. Other activities may include yoga and stretching, land treks, photography, glacier viewing and wildlife observation.

Room Configuration

In addition to listed Solo cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. If you would like to share accommodations with another guest of the same gender, we will be happy to try to accommodate you in select cabin categories. This program allows you to pay the per person double-occupancy rate whether or not a roommate is found. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.

Families & Children

Children under the age of 18 are eligible for $500 off the double occupancy rate. Skilled staff members trained with National Geographic Education organize activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. Programming for kids may include activities like photo workshops, journaling, scavenger hunts, Zodiac-driving lessons, hands-on nature and science programming and kid-friendly menu options.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. 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 conditionswildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Rates are variable per remaining availability and are subject to change.

Aug 18 - Aug 28, 2025
National Geographic Endurance • 11 days
From $13955USD
Per Person
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Accommodation

Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
National Geographic Endurance

The 138-guest National Geographic Endurance is the newest addition to the National Geographic fleet. This expedition ship is specifically designed for stability and sustainability as well as for in-depth education and an unmatched range of exploration in the polar regions.

Deal

Current Deals on This Trip

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Offer expires December 31st, 2024
Groups Save 5% On Select 2024 & 2025 Nat Geo Fleet Worldwide

Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more on a variety of 2024 or 2025 National Geographic expeditions worldwide.

Expert Review

Reviews From Our Experts So You Know What To Expect

Todd Smith • June 17th, 2022
Expert Aboard: National Geographic Resolution & Endurance Ship Review

AdventureSmith's founder writes this firsthand review of the National Geographic Resolution & Endurance. Learn what makes these the best-in-class, next-generation expedition ships, from X-Bow design to on-deck igloos.

Book with the confidence that comes from experience.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

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