Black inflatable Zodiac dinghy with Arctic travelers motors past a large iceberg in calm water on an Iceland to Greenland cruise,
Puffin bird with white body, black wings & orange beak flies with fish in its mouth at sunset on a cruise to Iceland and Greenland.
Petroglyphs of whales carved in gray stone, seen during the Iceland's Wild West Coast to East Greenland Cruise.
Traveler visits ruins of a stone hut set on a grassy hillside, seen on the Iceland's Wild West Coast to East Greenland Cruise.
Arctic traveler stands on deck of a small ship at night, photographing wavy green northern lights as the sun sets on the horizon.
View Photos
Polar Regions Arctic Cruise

Iceland’s Wild West Coast to East Greenland Cruise

On this Arctic voyage aboard Nat Geo Endurance, experience East Greenland’s wild ice edge and Iceland’s rugged beauty. Discover a region of epic ice that’s home to polar bears, whales and vast seabird colonies. Be on the lookout for the northern lights. Hike through picturesque valleys as they transition into autumn, make your way over layers of basalt visibly cracked and carved in the last ice age and feel the spray of thundering waterfalls. Venture into the largest fjord system in the world to cruise among magnificent icebergs and visit the welcoming communities where people live close to their ancestral traditions. Follow in the wake of the 10th-century Viking explorers along the ice cap and learn of their bold, history-making expeditions.

Highlights are many on this Iceland & Greenland cruise. Discover the the incredible geology, quiet coves and majestic waterfalls of Iceland’s west coast. Explore the largest national park in the world—Northeast Greenland National Park—and search for polar bears, musk oxen, whales and more. Sail into Scoresbysund, ice permitting, the world’s largest and longest fjord system and home to a remote Inuit community. Learn how to capture northern lights displays, conditions permitting, with a National Geographic photographer by your side.

Explore aboard the 126-guest National Geographic Endurance or National Geographic Resolution. These sister expedition ships are 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 Arctic cruises, Arctic trips, specialty northern lights cruises plus Iceland cruises and Greenland cruises.



Itinerary

Iceland's Wild West Coast to East Greenland Itinerary

On this 12-day round-trip Reykjavik itinerary, cruise along Iceland’s less-visited Westfjords before crossing to explore east Greenland.

Route map of Iceland's Wild West Coast to East Greenland voyage, round-trip from Reykjavik with visits to Scoresbysund.
Read More
Day 1
Embark Reykjavik, Iceland

Upon arrival, explore Reykjavík’s Old Town, including Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral and the National Museum with its Viking treasures. Then, embark the ship.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution

Meals

lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 2
Flatey Island

Explore Iceland’s wild western frontier. Visit charming Flatey Island, a trading post for centuries, for walks around the 19th-century hamlet and opportunities to see and photograph numerous species of birds. Zodiac cruise the coast and see where Erik the Red sailed from in the year 982 A.D., bound for Greenland.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 3
At Sea: Crossing the Denmark Strait

Cross the Denmark Strait, where the cold east Greenland current carries icebergs south. Enjoy presentations and be on the lookout for northern lights displays at this time of year.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 4 - 9
Exploring Northeast Greenland & Scoresbysund

Encompassing roughly 80 percent of the surface of Greenland, the Greenland ice sheet is the second-largest body of ice in the world. Weather and ice will dictate the exact route, but plan to explore well north of Scoresbysund in the largest national park in the world—Northeast Greenland National Park. The ship will also set a course for Scoresbysund, the largest and longest fjord system on earth, with the village of Ittoqqortoormiit at its entrance. Being the end of summer, the ice will have retreated as far as it ever does, enabling exploration of the fjords, bays, and nooks and crannies of this stunning coastline. Hope to see the iconic Arctic wildlife: polar bears, seals and whales. Also be on constant watch for the northern lights, conditions permitting.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 10 - 11
Crossing the Denmark Strait & Exploring the Westfjords, Iceland

Return across the Denmark Strait and head just south of the Arctic Circle to the Westfjords, a remote area backed by majestic cliffs. Explore Ísafjörður and taste some Icelandic culinary delicacies, or visit a center dedicated to arctic foxes. Learn about the fishing industry that was the mainstay of this town for generations.

Accommodations

National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 12
Disembark Reykjavik, Iceland

Disembark in Reykjavík with options to visit either the famous Blue Lagoon thermal baths or a hot spring, a geothermal power plant, and an Icelandic horse farm, prior to the flight home.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast, lunch

Read More
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

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. 

(For expeditions booked prior to May 1, 2023: Please refer to your invoice for your payment and cancellation terms.)

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 Iceland’s Wild West Coast to East Greenland cruise begins and ends in Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF). Embarkation time may vary based upon arrival of group flights. Disembarkation in Reykjavik is after breakfast on Day 12 of the outlined itinerary. Departure times on Day 12 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.

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.

Jul 26 - Aug 06, 2024
National Geographic Endurance • 12 days
From $18425USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
Jul 09 - Jul 20, 2025
National Geographic Resolution • 12 days
From $18412USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
Jul 27 - Aug 07, 2025
National Geographic Endurance • 12 days
From $18412USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
Aug 07 - Aug 18, 2025
National Geographic Endurance • 12 days
From $18412USD
Per Person
Read More
Read More
Accommodations

Learn About the Small Ships on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
National Geographic Endurance

The 126-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.

Expedition Ship
National Geographic Resolution

The 126-guest National Geographic Resolution is one of the newest additions to the National Geographic fleet. This expedition ship is specifically designed for stability, efficiency, scholarship and long-range exploration in the polar regions.

Deals

Current Deals on This Trip

Add to Wishlist
Offer expires May 31st, 2024
Kids Save $500 On Select 2024 & 2025 Nat Geo Expeditions Worldwide

Save $500 per kid under 18 when you book your 2024 or 2025 departure from a variety of National Geographic expeditions worldwide.

Add to Wishlist
Offer expires May 31st, 2024
Groups Save 5% On Select 2024 & 2025 Nat Geo Expeditions 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.

Extend Your Trip

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

Add to Wishlist
14 Day Cruise
Arctic Odyssey

Explore Svalbard, Eastern Greenland and Iceland, packing in three Arctic islands into one epic voyage aboard the 114-guest Sea Spirit. Be awed by iconic arctic wildlife, historic and modern villages, icy landscapes and colorful tundra on a flexible itinerary.

From $10095USD
Aug Sep
Add to Wishlist
9 - 12 Day Cruise
Scoresby Sund Aurora Borealis

Spend 9-12 days experiencing the natural phenomenon of the aurora borealis, or northern lights, at a maximum intensity on this special voyage to the Scoresby Sund, East Greenland, the longest fjord in the world, aboard a selection of small expedition ships.

From $4600USD
Aug Sep Oct
Add to Wishlist
10 Day Land Tour
East Greenland Arctic Adventure

Discover Greenland like never before! The safari-style Base Camp Greenland offers an eye-level vantage point of Arctic icebergs, whales and seals in frigid waters. Kayak, hike and meet local Inuit who live in harmony with nature.

From $12995USD
Jul Aug Sep
More to Explore

Trips You Might Also Like

Exit Created with Sketch.

Iceland’s Wild West Coast to East Greenland Cruise

test message
View Wishlist