South Greenland Exploration Cruise: Fjords, Waterfalls & Fishing Villages
This is an expedition deep into wilderness, rich Inuit culture and Norse lore. Travel round-trip from Reykjavik, Iceland, aboard 148-guest Nat Geo Explorer or 138-guest Nat Geo Endurance, for a day along Iceland's famed west coast and an in-depth experience of south Greenland's fjords, ice, granite, history and capital.
Blanketed in ice and sculpted by glaciers, Greenland is a dazzling tableau of the Arctic’s wild glory. Trace the enduring ingenuity of the country’s people—from the storied ruins of Brattahlid, Erik the Red’s legendary estate, to the living cultural landscape of Kujataa, a UNESCO World Heritage site where Norse and Inuit traditions intertwine. Cruise through fjords hemmed by towering cliffs in Prins Christian Sund and Skjoldungen Island, then step ashore to hike or kayak alongside locals who know the region best. This is an expedition into the heart of untamed wilderness—where Norse legends linger, Inuit heritage thrives and the Arctic’s timeless beauty reigns.
Experience the ice floes and deep fjords of southern Greenland by Zodiac, kayak, and hiking excursions. Choose to sail either westbound or eastbound on this 11-day expedition and 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. .
Travel with a diverse team of experts aboard 148-guest National Geographic Explorer or 138-guest National Geographic Endurance, each a definitive expedition ship. Venture into channels and coves framed by towering peaks. Watch for whales off the bow; Zodiac cruise around enormous icebergs; hike and kayak. Choose an active agenda or surrender to the pleasures of relaxing downtime and shipboard camaraderie. Plus, get top shots with the help of a National Geographic Photography Expert.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Greenland small ship cruises, Iceland cruises, Arctic cruises and Arctic trips.
South Greenland Exploration: Fjords, Waterfalls & Fishing Villages Itinerary
The South Greenland Exploration cruise operates round-trip from Reykjavik, Iceland. Embark Reykjavik, cross the Denmark Strait and explore south Greenland before disembarking in Nuuk and taking a charter flight to end back in Reykjavik.
Arrive in Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies just below the Arctic Circle. Transfer from the airport to the city and spend the day exploring at your own pace. Check in with the hospitality desk this afternoon before embarking the ship.
Sail away from the Land of Fire and Ice 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 experts, relax with a book in the lounge or the observation deck and keep an eye out for wildlife as the ship sails across the continental shelf.
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 these days exploring these stunning inlets of the eastern coast, using underwater cameras and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to discover marine life and fascinating underwater geology.
Ice permitting, sail deep into majestic fjords and soak in your arrival to Greenland on a Zodiac cruise or paddling a kayak among the icebergs.
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.
Your exploration of Erik the Red’s Eastern Settlement begins in the fjords around Qaqortoq. The Sissarluttoq World Heritage Center is dotted with ruins of Inuit and Norse farms, 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.
Spend your day in present-day Qassiarsuk. Visit Brattahlid, where Erik the Red established his farm in 982 A.D. after his exile from Iceland. Erik’s wife, Thjodhild, 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, visit a local family farm that continues the farming tradition that has earned this region a UNESCO World Heritage designation for Arctic farming on the edge of the ice cap.
Between the southwestern farmland and the central capital region of Nuuk lie miles of fjords filled with opportunities for modern-day explorers. Following the lead of your experienced expedition team, navigate unchartered waters and savor the unspoiled nature Greenland is known for.
Disembark in Nuuk and join the recommended group flight to Keflavik. Transfers to the nearby hotel and luggage assistance will be provided.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flights home.
Included
Expedition parka to keep; all accommodations; meals as indicated; beer, wine & full bar; excursions; airport transfers to and from recommended flights; 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. 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. A transfer to & from the airport is included for recommended 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
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. See the Deals section of this trip for any applicable child discounts.
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. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. 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.
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The National Geographic Endurance, identical sister ship to the National Geographic Resolution, is a 126-guest innovative polar expedition ship sailing in Antarctica and the Arctic. The ship’s motto is “To Explore and Understand the World” and was named after the great explorer Ernest Shackleton’s ship, The Endurance. This educational polar vessel has a specifically designed hull to break through the tough pack ice, increasing the ability to explore these hard-to-reach destinations and making new expeditions possible. Her polar ice class 5 rating allows her to operate during any time of the year in polar environments, vastly expanding the range of exploration in Antarctica and the Arctic. Her ability to venture deeper paired with state-of-the-art educational equipment and highly qualified guides, create an in-depth intellectual and truly exploratory experience.
Why Sail Aboard National Geographic Endurance
Choose the National Geographic Endurance for a sophisticated, educational and comfortable experience voyaging aboard a modern, innovative polar vessel with highly intellectual programming and unique itineraries that reach into the depths of the polar regions. Dubbed the ultimate expedition platform, National Geographic Endurance is equipped to serve as a basecamp in the most remote locations, with numerous tools for learning and expert onboard guides trained to National Geographic standards. For these, and many other reasons, the National Geographic Endurance is among our top choices for passengers seeking Antarctica luxury cruises.
AdventureSmith Explorations has been aboard National Geographic firsthand. Read our dedicated National Geographic Endurance ship review, written by our founder and president who sailed aboard the ship in the Arctic. Or consult this page further for a detailed description of the National Geographic Endurance, including ship specs, deck plan, cabin images, photo gallery and current links to all the trips she sails. We can help compare the National Geographic Endurance with other Antarctica ships and polar expedition ships offering Arctic cruises, Antarctica cruises, Greenland cruises, Iceland cruises, Chile cruises, Patagonia cruises and Northern Europe cruises.
National Geographic Endurance Design & Sustainability
Designed and built by the Norwegian ship builders Ulstein Group, this ship is pioneering a new age of polar travel conceived with sustainability, efficiency, safety and stability in mind. The Ulstein’s innovative, signature bow—the X-BOW®—creates a faster, safer, more efficient and comfortable vessel and incorporates sustainability solutions to reduce the ship’s environmental impact.
This hull design also allows for excellent forward and straight-down viewing, combining perfectly with her multiple observation decks, including observation wings that extend out from the sides of the ship. Her larger volume displacement in the foreship, inverted bow and slender hull lines offer higher fuel efficiency, less loss of speed in waves, more stability in rough waters, softer entry into waves, low acceleration levels, less spray, less slamming and bow impact, and reduced vibration. Her zero-steam stabilizers create a more stable ship while anchored/not moving, and her expanded fuel and water tanks allow for longer expeditions to go farther afield.
Common Areas & Amenities Aboard Nat Geo Endurance
With six guest decks, the Nat Geo Endurance has over 10,000 square feet of glass for prime enclosed viewing. The interior is fitted with Scandinavian design making this expedition ship comfortable yet modern. Common spaces follow the themes of fire and ice throughout the ship, keeping the outdoors close. Photographers gather in the purpose-designed space for editing and collaboration that comes included with a photo gear locker filled with photography equipment for guests' use. This Nat Geo expedition ship takes self-care options to the next level with spa treatments and therapies, saunas with incredible views, training options in the gym, a gorgeous yoga studio and two infinity-pool Jacuzzis, leaving each traveler relaxed and reinvigorated for their entire trip and beyond.
Internet is available on board Nat Geo Endurance (one device at a time) via three plans: the time-limited complimentary “basic” internet plan offers app messaging, email and simple social media; the time-limited “enhanced” internet plan adds general web browsing and video conferencing capabilities; and the “premium” internet plan provides unlimited access to all features under the “enhanced” plan. Note that WiFi is satellite based and may not always be accessible due to inclement weather or the ship's remote location.
Guests aboard National Geographic Endurance can enjoy "CHANGE," a definitive polar art exhibition curated by acclaimed artist Zaria Forman. This first-ever, permanent ship-based installation of drawings, paintings, video, photography, sculpture and soundscape features 35+ artists dedicated to examining and expressing response to vulnerable polar geographies. Key themes are displayed in both public and private spaces, on each deck of the ship, with explorations of polar light, the intimate geometries of vast geographies, human history in polar regions and more.
Dining Aboard National Geographic Endurance
With multiple dining options, the Endurance keeps travelers fed, and fed well. Restaurant Two Seven Zero provides stellar views and a menu filled with options. C. Green's is named for Shackleton's cook and offers an early breakfast, fresh salads, lighter fare and custom grilled items for lunch and dinner. The Chef's Table offers private dining with "polar theater" in the form of regionally inspired, sustainable and inventive food. High tea and hors d'oeuvres are served daily. BBQs in the Winter Garden are offered when weather permits.
Activities Aboard National Geographic Endurance
The Nat Geo Endurance has an innovative Zodiac loading system for quick, easy and safe loading and unloading for onshore exploration. The ship’s expedition tools include cross-country skis, kayaks, hydrophones, underwater video cameras, a remotely operated vehicle and a video microscope.
Two glass dome igloos at the rear of the Observation Deck may be booked for an overnight stay on a first-come, first-serve basis. Enjoy polar stargazing from the comfort of a quality mattress and cozy duvet warmed by hot-water bottles, with Scandinavian decor.
Cabins & Deck Plan Aboard National Geographic Endurance
Cabins are decorated with warming tones, creating the perfect opportunity to take comfort inward from exploring outward. The large windows keep the outdoors present as well as offer a refuge from the midnight sun with the blackout shades. A whole 75% of the cabins offer balconies and 12 are designed for solo travelers. All 69 cabins have a command center with atlas, barometer, clock, tablet, electrical ports and mirror, and a sofa or reading chair.
Current Deals on This Trip
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Learn About the Small Ships on Your Itinerary
The 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.
Reviews From Our Experts So You Know What To Expect
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.
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