Small flock of puffins sit on gold & green moss atop large boulder, seen on an Arctic Golden Autumn & Northern Lights trip.
Arctic Golden Autumn & Northern Lights traveler walks a flat road by green grass & teal sea on a sunny day in Norway.
Man & girl raise kayak paddles while in a red boat during the Arctic Golden Autumn & Northern Lights trip.
Zodiac with Arctic Golden Autumn & Northern Lights travelers moves through calm sea while guests take photos as ship sits nearby.
Northern Lights in green, pink & purple shine above jagged peaks during the Arctic Golden Autumn expedition cruise.
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Polar Regions Arctic Cruise

Arctic Golden Autumn & Northern Lights

On this 17-day Discovery Expedition, embark 132-guest Sylvia Earle for a variety of landscapes, wildlife and vistas. Discovery Expeditions offer guided, choose-your-own-adventure excursions that highlight local nature, culture and history.

From the vibrant capital of Iceland to the remote and pristine landscapes of the High Arctic, this expedition offers an unparalleled adventure. Discover the raw beauty of Iceland, with its cascading waterfalls like Dynjandi and the thrill of whale watching. Immerse yourself in the remote charm of Vigur Island and the cultural richness of Ísafjörður.

Aboard 132-guest Sylvia Earle, venture into the heart of the Arctic as you explore the enigmatic Jan Mayen, a volcanic island teeming with wildlife. Experience the magic of Svalbard in autumn, a polar paradise renowned for its polar bears and breathtaking glaciers. Conclude your journey in the enchanting landscapes of Norway, with visits to North Cape and Tromsø, gateways to the northern lights. This expedition is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the Arctic’s awe-inspiring beauty and experience the thrill of exploration.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s specialty northern lights cruisesIceland cruises, Svalbard cruises, and other Arctic cruises and Arctic trips.



Itinerary

Arctic Golden Autumn & Northern Lights (Discovery Expedition) Itinerary

On this Discovery Expedition from Reykjavik, Iceland to Tromso, Norway, enjoy scenic vistas from remote Iceland, attempt to land at the bird-rich Jan Mayen island, enjoy Svalbard’s golden autumnal tundra, take in a plethora of birds at Bear Island, and watch for northern lights along northern Norway’s favorable high Arctic locale.

Route map of Arctic Golden Autumn & Northern Lights cruise from Reykjavik, Iceland to Tromso, Norway, with visits to Jan Mayen, Svalbard, North Cape & Bear Island.
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Day 1
Arrive Reykjavik, Iceland

Having made your way to Reykjavik, you will be met by a ship representative and transferred to the group hotel. Upon arrival at the included hotel, please visit the hospitality desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with the ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation or to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase last minute items from a local pharmacy or supermarket. The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.

Accommodations

The Grand Hotel Reykjavik (or similar)

Meals

n/a

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Day 2
Embark Reykjavik

This morning, ensure any cabin luggage is fitted with cabin tags and take it down to hotel reception. Luggage will be collected from the hotel and transferred directly to port for clearance and delivered to your cabin ahead of embarkation. Keep any valuables or personal items with you throughout the day.

Enjoy breakfast and then check out. Join your guided Golden Circle and Geothermal Energy tour. With 85% of its electricity sourced from renewable sources, Iceland sets an outstanding example when it comes to sustainable energy.

Your journey takes you to the famous seismic sights of the Golden Circle route – Gullfoss waterfall, geysir, and history-rich Thingvellir National Park, before you’ll experience first-hand how green, sustainable energy is produced at one of the largest single-site geothermal power plants on the planet at the Geothermal Energy Exhibition and Ljósafossvirkjun Power Station.

You’ll also spend time at a true eco-village. Powered with thermal and solar energy, Sólheimar is fully sustainable, boasting greenhouses and forestry programmes, while its sustainable workshops are dedicated to candle-making, carpentry, weaving and soap-making.

In the late afternoon, return to Reykjavik for embarkation. This evening, get to know your fellow expeditioners, expedition team and crew.

Accommodations

Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, dinner

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Day 3
Dynjandi - Westfjords

Over the next 2 days, explore the Westfjords region featuring outstanding landscapes with jaw-dropping views of dramatic fjords carved by ancient glaciers, sheer table mountains that plunge into the sea and pristine North Atlantic vegetation.

Immerse yourself in the tranquility as you cruise northward, taking in breathtaking landscapes and keeping a watchful eye for whales. Later, embark on a Zodiac landing to witness the awe-inspiring power of Dynjandi waterfall.

Accommodations

Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
Vigur Island & Isafjordur

On Vigur Island, birdwatchers can try and tick a few species on their list, while others can enjoy walks and hikes of varying levels of difficulty, soaking in the stunning surrounds. The island’s unique ecosystem is a haven for birdlife, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Stroll along the coastline, keeping an eye out for puffins and other seabirds, or venture deeper into the island to discover hidden gems. With its rolling hills, picturesque landscapes and fresh sea air, Vigur offers an unforgettable experience. The region also features attractive towns such as Ísafjörður, surrounded by sheer mountains and steeped in history, evident in its preserved wooden architecture. Delight in its lively cultural scene and abundant outdoor activities.

Accommodations

Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
Sea Crossing to Jan Mayen

Enjoy the sea crossing to Jan Mayen Island accompanied by sea birds while searching for whales. Enjoy informative talks from your team of experts, get to know your fellow expeditioners, stay active in the gym or treat yourself to a massage in the wellness center.

Accommodations

Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 6
Jan Mayen

The approach to Jan Mayen is spectacular. The huge 7,470-foot (2,277m) Beerenberg volcano is the northernmost active volcano in the world, and it last erupted in 1985. The northern part of the island is a great place to look for whales and dolphins, and contains impressive glaciers, some of which reach the sea. If the weather is favorable, try to land at Kvalrossbukta, a relatively sheltered bay on the island’s west coast. This is one of the landings used to supply the weather station Olonkinbyen, situated on the eastern side of the island.

Accommodations

Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 7 - 8
At Sea & Sailing the Svalbard Coast

The Norwegian Sea surrounding Jan Mayen offers excellent whale-watching opportunities (bottlenose, fin, and perhaps bowhead whales in the pack ice). Sail towards Svalbard, retracing the route of Dutch explorer Willem Barents who discovered Spitsbergen and the Barents Sea, named after him.

Accommodations

Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 9 - 12
Svalbard

Svalbard offers Arctic wilderness at its best. Your experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design your day-to-day itinerary, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, sea-ice conditions, and wildlife encounters.

Phenomenal fjords, magnificent mountains ranges and a polar desert rich in fossils set the stage for heroic tales of early exploration. See walrus hauled-out on sea ice or on beaches. On land, stretch your legs on walks across tundra coming out in brightly-colored wildflowers. Visit towering cliffs noisy with nesting guillemots and puffins, and scree slopes that hold Svalbard’s largest little auk colonies. Most memorable are encounters with the majestic polar bear on pack ice.

If you have chosen an optional activity such as kayaking, you’ll have the option to enjoy the activity when conditions allow. For those who are enthusiastic to participate in a polar plunge, as soon as conditions are suitable, you’ll hear the announcement to prepare for an exhilarating plunge, a memory you’ll savor for years to come.

Accommodations

Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 13
Bear Island

Bear Island, Svalbard’s southernmost outpost, is a remote gem nestled halfway between Spitsbergen and Norway’s North Cape. Despite its name, polar bears haven’t been spotted here since 2004, but the island’s history is deeply intertwined with the Arctic’s most iconic predator, thanks to Dutch explorer Willem Barentsz’s encounter in 1596.

Strategically positioned at the confluence of the Norwegian and Barents Seas, Bear Island boasts a unique landscape. Its northern plains, dotted with freshwater lakes, contrast sharply with the dramatic cliffs that characterize the southern coast. This pristine environment, designated a Nature Reserve, is a haven for wildlife.

The island’s southern cliffs are a birdwatcher’s paradise, hosting vast colonies of seabirds, including the dominant black-legged kittiwake, little auk, common guillemot and Brünnich’s guillemot. Zodiac cruises offer an exhilarating opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, with the chance to spot rarer species like Atlantic puffins, northern gannets, glaucous gulls and great skuas.

Accommodations

Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 14
Sea Crossing to Norway

Enjoy informative talks from your team of experts, get to know your fellow expeditioners further or stay active in the gym. Remember to look to the skies at night and hope for sightings of the northern lights.

Accommodations

Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 15
North Cape, Norwegian Coast

Over the next few days, explore parts of Norway’s remarkable 600-mile (1,000 km) coastline. Starting in North Cape, in the very north of the country, make your way south, stopping in the Lofoten Islands.

The spectacular northern lights are a natural phenomenon that is most commonly seen in the sky above the Arctic Circle, between autumn and early spring. As the ship is near North Cape in northern Norway, keep a close watch in hope of witnessing this dazzling spectacle in the night sky. The North Cape is located at a latitude of 71° 10´ 21 and is Europe’s northernmost point.

You can choose from a selection of shore excursion options that best suits your interests and level of fitness (ask your Adventure Specialist for details). On the Behind the Scenes of the Seafood Industry excursion, visit a local fish factory and taste local delicacies, followed by a guided seafood tasting at a local restaurant. On the Trek to Kirkeporten, take a moderate-strenuous walk from Skarsvag to Kairkeporten for a spectacular view to the North Cape Horn. And on the Panoramic Journey to the North Cape, take a scenic drive to North Cape for a stunning vista of barren tundra, shopping, sending postcards via the post office, enjoying the local bar and restaurants, and taking in a film on the area’s colors through the seasons.

Accommodations

Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 16
Tromso, Norwegian Coast

Tucked above the Arctic Circle at latitude 69 ⁰N, Tromsø is the main gateway to experiencing the northern lights in Norway. Today, embark on an enchanting journey into the celestial wonders of the arctic sky at the Tromsø Science Center. Join an immersive experience that combines the magic of a northern lights followed by an engaging presentation by an astronomer, providing you with insight into the captivating phenomena of the aurora borealis.

Settle into the comfort of the planetarium’s auditorium for a cinematic journey into the heart of the arctic night. Join the award-winning photographer Ole Salomonsens on his journey through northern Norway, Finland and Sweden in pursuit of his passionfilming the wildest and most spectacular light show the nature has to offer. Extreme Auroras is a stunning new full-dome visual, featuring the aurora in science, history and myths.

After the movie, enjoy a live presentation by the in-house astronomer, introducing them, a presentation of the few Norse constellations that are still known, and the Hunting Party story from the Sami mythology. This talk looks at the sky from a northern angle and will add new knowledge to old.

At the end you will have time to explore the Science Center’s interactive displays and exhibits. Engage with hands-on activities that further enhance your understanding of the natural forces at play, making this experience both entertaining and educational.

Accommodations

Sylvia Earle

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 17
Disembark Tromso, Norway

Disembark in the early morning and bid a fond farewell to fellow travelers before a transfer to the airport to continue your journey.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Arrival transfer from airport to hotel on Day 1; one night’s hotel accommodation in Reykjavik on Day 1 (including breakfast on Day 2); welcome reception/pre-embarkation briefing on Day 1; group transfer to airport or hotel in Tromso on disembarkation day; onboard accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service; all meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage; beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner; Captain’s Welcome & Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, and non-alcoholic beverages; all shore excursions & Zodiac cruises; educational lectures and guiding services from expedition team; complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult); a 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket; complimentary use of muck boots during the voyage; comprehensive pre-departure information; port surcharges, permits and landing fees; WiFi (where connection is possible); crew gratuities (suite guests only).

Exclusions

International or domestic flights, unless specified in the itinerary; transfers not mentioned in the itinerary; airport arrival or departure taxes; passport, visa and vaccination charges; travel insurance, emergency evacuation charges or personal insurance (required); hotels and meals not included in itinerary; optional excursions not included in the itinerary; optional activity surcharges; all items of a personal nature including but not limited to: alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, phone charges; automatic crew gratuities of $15 per person, per day (non-suite guests) which may be removed or amended at the end of the cruise.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a nonrefundable deposit of $2,500 is required per person at time of booking (additional nonrefundable $250 deposit is required for optional activities). The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may 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:
91 days or more – 100% of deposit
90 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 Arctic Golden Autumn & Northern Lights cruise begins in Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF), and ends in Tromso, Norway (TOS). Plan flights to arrive to Reykjavik any time on Day 1, but we highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. An arrival transfer to the group hotel is included, and arrival by midday is ideal to have time to settle in. Plan flights to depart Tromso anytime on disembarkation day. A group transfer to the airport is included following disembarkation. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

The Your Choice shore excursions listed in the itinerary are included, but your preferences must be selected at least 60 days prior to embarkation and cannot be amended after this time. If your selections are not received by this time, you will be allocated excursions by an automated system.

Birdwatching, walking, Zodiac cruising, photography tips, lectures, a polar plunge & all trips ashore are included in the rate. Various optional activities may be available, with per-person prices starting at: kayaking $795(2026). For the kayaking program, join 20 like-minded paddlers (in small groups of 10 per guide) to fully experience nature at its wildest. Please contact AdventureSmith for details on which activities are available on your specific departure date and to reserve space with your booking.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at a 50% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. Solo travelers willing to share may be matched with a person of the same gender, and if the other cabin berth goes unsold, will only pay the standard double-occupancy rate. 

Families & Children

Kids 8 years and older are welcomed aboard all departure dates. Children between 8-17 years of age must pay the adult price of the expedition.

Travel Insurance

A medical form for all travelers, signed by their doctor, is required for every departure. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum required coverage of $250,000 USD per person, covering medical, accident and repatriation/emergency evacuation, as well as baggage loss and cancellation or curtailment of holiday. In addition, we highly recommend our travelers 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

Aug 18 - Sep 03, 2026
Sylvia Earle • 17 days
brown kayaking icon depicting offered kayaking activity
From $20395USD
Per Person
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Arctic Golden Autumn & Northern Lights