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Person stands in deck of a ship at night, watching the green aurora borealis on the Scoresby Sund Aurora Borealis voyage.
Green tundra with red flowers in foreground, calm ocean with small ship beside large iceberg in background on a sunny day.
Aerial view of small seaside town in the Arctic with colorful homes & small ship sitting offshore, on a sunny day.
Hikers overlook large icebergs sitting in Arctic waters on a cloudy day during the Scoresby Sund Aurora Borealis voyage.
3 musk oxen with dark brown fur & large horns stand on a hillside among beige & red tundra on the Scoresby Sund Aurora Borealis voyage.
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Polar Regions Arctic Cruise

Scoresby Sund Aurora Borealis

Experience the aurora borealis, or northern lights, at a maximum intensity on this special 10-day voyage to Scoresby Sund, East Greenland. It is the longest fjord in the world, and at this time of year, the conditions are optimal to experience the phenomenal northern lights. 

The Scoresby Sund Aurora Borealis Arctic cruise begins and ends in Reykjavik, cruising round-trip from Akureyri, Iceland. Set off on the 170-guest Hondius or 108-guest Ortelius or Plancius. Cross the Arctic Circle north to East Greenland and back. Look for flashing icebergs on Greenland’s east coast. Zodiac past glacier fronts, basalt columns and ice formations at Vikingebugt. At Danmark Island, find the remains of an Inuit settlement abandoned 200 years ago. Photograph azure icebergs against a red sediment backdrop near the Rode Fjord and search for musk oxen and rich foliage.

Send a postcard from Ittoqqortoormiit, a town with 500 inhabitants and plenty of sled dogs to meet. Time at sea is perfect for witnessing the aurora borealis, or northern lights, and searching for seabirds including fulmar, kittiwake, gannet and rafts of common guillemot. Greenland and its surrounding waters are home to an impressive array of wildlife. There are about 50 bird species on the island such as gyrfalcon, snowy owl, and barnacle and pink-footed goose. If you’ve ever wanted to see the aurora borealis, the time is right on this itinerary.

In addition to the main 10-day itinerary, longer 11- and 12-day routes fly from Iceland to meet the ship in Greenland and then either fly or sail back, aboard the ice-strengthened, 33-guest motorsailor Rembrandt van Rijn.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Arctic cruises, Arctic trips, Greenland cruises, Iceland cruises and specialty northern lights cruise routes.



Itinerary

East Greenland - Scoresby Sund, Aurora Borealis, Including Long Hikes Itinerary

The East Greenland – Scoresby Sund, Aurora Borealis, Including Long Hikes cruise operates round-trip from Akureyri, Iceland, where the ship embarks and disembarks following a crossing of the Denmark Strait.

Route map of Scoresby Sund Aurora Borealis voyage, operating round-trip from Aukureyri, Iceland, with visits along southern Greenland.
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Day 1
Arrive Reykjavik, Transfer to Akureyri, Iceland & Embark

The journey begins in the morning, where by request, you can transfer via chartered bus from the city hall of Reykjavik to the embarkation point in Akureyri. Arrive in the afternoon after a six-hour drive through northern Iceland. This transfer must be booked and paid for in advance. In the early evening, embark the expedition ship and enjoy dinner on board as the ship leaves Iceland and sails north toward the Denmark Strait.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

dinner

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Day 2
Sailing to East Greenland

While sailing north you’re likely to see fulmars, kittiwakes, gannets and common guillemots. You then cross the Arctic Circle, possibly spotting whales. By evening, the first icebergs flash into sight with your approach to the east Greenland coast, near Brewster.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 3
Arriving at Earth's Largest Fjord

Today, reach Scoresbysund, sailing along the glaciated Volquart Boons Coast. Zodiac cruise along one of the glacier fronts of this coast, along with a visit to the basalt columns and ice formations of Vikingebugt. In the afternoon, plan to sail by the east coast of Milne Land among a multitude of giant icebergs. If it’s also possible to land at Charcot Havn, then you will make a walk to the Charcot Glacier. Then continue by Bjørneør and sail into Øfjord.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
Colors of the Cape

The goal is a Zodiac cruise near Sorte Ø, surrounded by icebergs. Their austere blue-white contrasts sharply with the sediment slopes nearby. The afternoon plan is to sail through the northern parts of Røde Fjord and into Harefjord, with the chance to see musk oxen and warm autumnal foliage.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
Enormous Bergs & Arctic Hares

In the morning, encounter colossal icebergs, some over 328 feet high and more than 3,280 feet in length. Most of the bergs are grounded as the fjord is only about 1,312 feet deep here. You then land near Sydkap, with fine views of Hall Bredning and a good shot of seeing Arctic hares.

Today’s long walk goes from Sydkap to Nordøstbugt (7.5 miles/7.5km to the northeast), where the river coming from Holger Danskes Briller flows into the sea. Plan to walk south along the shore to Satakajik, seeing whale vertebrae and the remains of Thule summer houses. Passengers who opt out of the long walking group will join at this location for their second excursion of the day.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 6
Settlement at Scoresbysund

Today make a tundra landing on Liverpool Land, in Hurry Inlet. In the afternoon, visit Ittoqqortoormiit, the biggest settlement near Scoresbysund with about 500 inhabitants. Stop in the post office to purchas postcard stamps or just wander around to see the sled dogs and the drying skins of seals and musk oxen. In the afternoon sail south, passing the picturesque landscapes of the Blosseville Coast.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 7
Stewart Ø

The island of Stewart Ø is an important hunting station for the people of Scoresby Sund and also a good area to spot polar bears, narwals and the beautiful remains of Thule houses.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 8
Remote Shores

Turner Sound and Rømer Fjord grant you the opportunity to sail far inland, as they have no glacier front at the head and are not clogged with ice. In this location, you may get the opportunity to spot narwhals.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 9
At Sea

The whole day at sea grants excellent opportunities to see large whales, seabird migration and, at night, the magical aurora borealis (northern lights).

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius, Plancius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 10
Disembark Akureyri, Iceland, Transfer to Reykjavik & Depart

Disembark in Akureyri and transfer by chartered bus (a six-hour drive that must be booked in advance) to the bus stop Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre at Austurbakki, Reykjavík, taking home memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Voyage aboard the indicated vessel in the itinerary; all meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea; all shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac; program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff; free use of rubber boots and snow shoes; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; AECO fees and governmental taxes; comprehensive pre-departure material; basic WiFi up to 1.5GB per 24 hours (additional data available for purchase on board).

Exclusions

Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; pre- and post-cruise land arrangements; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore; baggage and cancellation insurance; personal insurance (mandatory); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges; ground transfers between Reykjavik and Akureyri for embarkation and disembarkation; the customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. 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:
Up to 90 days – 100% of deposit
89 to 60 days – 50% 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 Scoresby Sund Aurora Borealis cruise begins in Reykjavik, Iceland (KEF), where you’ll be picked up and transferred by scenic bus through North Iceland. The ship embarks and disembarks in Akureyri, Iceland (AEY), with a transfer back to Reykjavik on Day 10. Plan flights to arrive Reykjavik at least one day prior to embarkation. Plan flights to depart Reykjavik anytime on the day after disembarkation. The bus transfer is not included and must be pre-booked; 2025 USD cost is $130 one-way, $260 round-trip. Contact AdventureSmith for more details. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Select departures offer special long hikes. These guided all-morning, point-to-point treks are up to nine miles over tundra, rivers, rocky shoreline, low hills and rugged backcountry, with boots provided and rest stops and lunch along the way. After a full day (up to 6 hours) of hiking, meet the ship at its second activity stop for the day. Ask your Adventure Specialist to reserve your spot for this included activity at time of booking.

Guided shore excursions, hiking, wildlife spotting and Zodiac cruises are included in the fare and will be offered to all passengers during each voyage. Every day there will be excursions on land, weather and ice permitting. The landings will take 3 to 6 hours per day over untracked area. According to circumstances (the weather, the ice-situation or the passengers’ wishes) the program can sometimes be adjusted. Ample time will be devoted to wildlife, vegetation, geography and history.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x the per-person Twin or Superior listed rates. Single travelers wishing to book on a “sharing basis” may do so at no additional cost in Twin, Triple or Quadruple categories upon availability.

Families & Children

Upon request (some voyages may be excluded), children under 16 years old with parents may receive a 40% discount in the following cabins: Grand Suite, Superior, Triple (1 child sharing with 2 parents/adults) and Quadruple (1 child sharing with 3 parents/adults, or 2 children sharing with 2 parents/adults). Parents are entirely responsible for their children at all times, on land and on board; there is no onboard day care or nursery facility.

Travel Insurance

Emergency medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum recommended coverage of $100,000 per person. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but highly recommended. 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 conditionswildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.

11-Day East Greenland - Scoresby Sund - Aurora Borealis, Fly Round-Trip Itinerary

This 11-day itinerary begins and ends with a charter flight connecting Keflavik, Iceland, and embarks and disembarks the ship at Constable Pynt in east Greenland.

Route map of Scoresby Sund Aurora Borealis Fly Round-Trip east Greenland voyage itineraries, operating round-trip from Keflavik, Iceland, with visits to Constable Pynt, Ittoqqortoomiit, Sydkap & more.
Read More
Day 1
Arrive Keflavik, Iceland, Fly to Constable Pynt, Greenland & Embark

Arrive by chartered plane from Keflavik and land at Constable Pynt, the airfield at the head of Hurry Inlet. This area is known for its remarkably rich geological history. Embark the ship and set off on an amazing voyage along the longest fjord in the world.

Accommodations

Rembrandt van Rijn

Meals

dinner

Read More
Day 2
Sailing Among the Glaciers

Enjoy the sights while sailing the glaciated Volquart Boons Coast. Here, possibly set out on a Zodiac cruise along one of the shoreline glacier fronts, with the first activity near Månegletcher or Vikingebugt.

Accommodations

Rembrandt van Rijn

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 3
Inuit Neighborhood of Yesteryear

Sail by the east coast of Milne Land among a multitude of giant icebergs. If it’s possible to also land at Charcot Havn, then make a walk to the Charcot Glacier before continuing by the Bjørneør and sailing to Øfjord.

Accommodations

Rembrandt van Rijn

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 4 - 7
Mountain-Fringed Fjord & Colossal Icebergs

Visit the east entrance of one of the most impressive fjords in the world: Ø Fjord is almost 40 nautical miles long (74 km, 46 miles), with mountains on each side up to 2,000 meters high (6,562 feet), and icebergs that drift over depths of more than 1,000 meters (3,281 feet). The aim is to land at Jyttehavn and hike the tundra in mythic surroundings.

You may also sail into Harefjord, Rypefjord and Rödefjord, walking into C. Hoffmanhalvöya and on Storö. Then land near Sydkap, where you can see colossal icebergs, some of them over 100 meters (328 feet) high and more than a kilometer long (.62 mile). Most of these bergs are grounded, as the fjord is only about 400 meters deep (1,312 feet). At Sakatajik you can also view the remains of Thule winter houses. As many as 20 people lived here once, hunting Greenland whales and building houses out of their vertebrae. If there is not too much cloud cover, you might enjoy the magical lightshow of the aurora borealis today.

Accommodations

Rembrandt van Rijn

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 8
The Tundra of Jameson Land

At the western shores of Jameson Land lies a vast tundra with grazing musk oxen. Try to make a landing on one of the areas, such as Tyskit Nunat, remembering Alfred Wegener’s efforts to cross Vandreblokken. You may also visit Kap Hooker or a lovely lagoon west of Kap Stewart.

Accommodations

Rembrandt van Rijn

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 9
Settlement at Scoresbysund

Today’s stop is Ittoqqortoormiit, the largest settlement in Scoresbysund at about 500 inhabitants. At the post office you can buy stamps for your postcards or just stroll around to see the sled dogs and drying skins of seals and musk oxen.

Accommodations

Rembrandt van Rijn

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 10
The Hikes of Hurry Inlet

In the morning, stop on the south coast of Jameson Land, at a lagoon near Kap Stewart. Here the waders and geese are collecting for their autumn migration, and musk oxen and collared lemmings survive on the meager vegetation. Further inside Hurry Inlet, you may take a walk near the head of the fjord as well as one of the rivers that terminate here. Here is a chance of a climb up the mountain of J.P. Koch Fjeld, near Hareelv. In this remarkable area, scientists found fossils that linked fish and amphibians in the lower Cretaceous period. Spend the night at anchor off Constable Pynt.

Accommodations

Rembrandt van Rijn

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 11
Disembark Constable Pynt, Greenland, Fly to Keflavik, Iceland & Depart

Disembark and take the chartered plane from Constable Pynt to Keflavik, taking home memories for a lifetime.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Voyage aboard the indicated vessel in the itinerary; all meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea; all shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac; program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff; free use of snow shoes; transfers and baggage handling between airport and ship in Greenland harbors on the chartered group flights; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; AECO fees and governmental taxes; comprehensive pre-departure material; basic WiFi up to 1.5GB per 24 hours (additional data available for purchase on board).

Exclusions

Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; pre- and post-cruise land arrangements; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore; baggage and cancellation insurance; personal insurance (mandatory); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges; the customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. 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:
Up to 90 days – 100% of deposit
89 to 60 days – 50% 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 11-day Scoresby Sund Aurora Borealis Fly Round-Trip voyage operates round-trip from Keflavik, Iceland (KEF), with group charter flights to and from the ship at Constable Pynt, Greenland. There is a surcharge for this airfare; contact AdventureSmith to request price details when they become available. Plan flights to arrive Keflavik at least one day prior to embarkation. Plan flights to depart Keflavik anytime on the day after disembarkation. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

Group charter flights between Keflavik, Iceland and Constable Pynt, Greenland are required on this trip’s itinerary; these flights are not included, ask your Adventure Specialist for details.

Activities

Guided shore excursions, hiking, snowshoeing, wildlife spotting and Zodiac cruises are included in the fare and will be offered to all passengers during each voyage. Every day there will be excursions on land, weather and ice permitting. The landings will take 3 to 6 hours per day over untracked area. According to circumstances (the weather, the ice-situation or the passengers’ wishes) the program can sometimes be adjusted. Ample time will be devoted to wildlife, vegetation, geography and history.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x the per-person Twin or Superior listed rates. Single travelers wishing to book on a “sharing basis” may do so at no additional cost in Twin, Triple or Quadruple categories upon availability.

Families & Children

Upon request (some voyages may be excluded), children under 16 years old with parents may receive a 40% discount in the following cabins: Grand Suite, Superior, Triple (1 child sharing with 2 parents/adults) and Quadruple (1 child sharing with 3 parents/adults, or 2 children sharing with 2 parents/adults). Parents are entirely responsible for their children at all times, on land and on board; there is no onboard day care or nursery facility.

Travel Insurance

Emergency medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum recommended coverage of $100,000 per person. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but highly recommended. 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 conditionswildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.

12-Day East Greenland - Scoresby Sund - Aurora Borealis, Fly Round-Trip Itinerary

This 12-day itinerary begins and ends with a charter flight connecting Keflavik, Iceland, and embarks and disembarks the ship at Constable Pynt in east Greenland.

Route map of Scoresby Sund Aurora Borealis Fly Round-Trip east Greenland voyage itineraries, operating round-trip from Keflavik, Iceland, with visits to Constable Pynt, Ittoqqortoomiit, Sydkap & more.
Read More
Day 1
Arrive Keflavik, Iceland, Fly to Constable Pynt, Greenland & Embark

Arrive by chartered plane from Keflavik and land at Constable Pynt, the airfield at the head of Hurry Inlet. This area is known for its remarkably rich geological history. Embark the ship and set off on an amazing voyage along the longest fjord in the world.

Accommodations

Rembrandt van Rijn

Meals

dinner

Read More
Day 2
Sailing Among the Glaciers

Enjoy the sights while sailing the glaciated Volquart Boons Coast. Here, possibly set out on a Zodiac cruise along one of the shoreline glacier fronts, with the first activity near Månegletcher or Vikingebugt.

Accommodations

Rembrandt van Rijn

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 3
Inuit Neighborhood of Yesteryear

Sail by the east coast of Milne Land among a multitude of giant icebergs. If it’s possible to also land at Charcot Havn, then make a walk to the Charcot Glacier before continuing by the Bjørneør and sailing to Øfjord.

Accommodations

Rembrandt van Rijn

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Days 4 - 8
Mountain-Fringed Fjord & Colossal Icebergs

Visit the east entrance of one of the most impressive fjords in the world: Ø Fjord is almost 40 nautical miles long (74 km, 46 miles), with mountains on each side up to 2,000 meters high (6,562 feet), and icebergs that drift over depths of more than 1,000 meters (3,281 feet). The aim is to land at Jyttehavn and hike the tundra in mythic surroundings.

You may also sail into Harefjord, Rypefjord and Rödefjord, walking into C. Hoffmanhalvöya and on Storö. Then land near Sydkap, where you can see colossal icebergs, some of them over 100 meters (328 feet) high and more than a kilometer long (.62 mile). Most of these bergs are grounded, as the fjord is only about 400 meters deep (1,312 feet). At Sakatajik you can also view the remains of Thule winter houses. As many as 20 people lived here once, hunting Greenland whales and building houses out of their vertebrae. If there is not too much cloud cover, you might enjoy the magical lightshow of the aurora borealis today.

Accommodations

Rembrandt van Rijn

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 9
The Tundra of Jameson Land

At the western shores of Jameson Land lies a vast tundra with grazing musk oxen. Try to make a landing on one of the areas, such as Tyskit Nunat, remembering Alfred Wegener’s efforts to cross Vandreblokken. You may also visit Kap Hooker or a lovely lagoon west of Kap Stewart.

Accommodations

Rembrandt van Rijn

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 10
Settlement at Scoresbysund

Today’s stop is Ittoqqortoormiit, the largest settlement in Scoresbysund at about 500 inhabitants. At the post office you can buy stamps for your postcards or just stroll around to see the sled dogs and drying skins of seals and musk oxen.

Accommodations

Rembrandt van Rijn

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 11
The Hikes of Hurry Inlet

In the morning, stop on the south coast of Jameson Land, at a lagoon near Kap Stewart. Here the waders and geese are collecting for their autumn migration, and musk oxen and collared lemmings survive on the meager vegetation. Further inside Hurry Inlet, you may take a walk near the head of the fjord as well as one of the rivers that terminate here. Here is a chance of a climb up the mountain of J.P. Koch Fjeld, near Hareelv. In this remarkable area, scientists found fossils that linked fish and amphibians in the lower Cretaceous period. Spend the night at anchor off Constable Pynt.

Accommodations

Rembrandt van Rijn

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Read More
Day 12
Disembark Constable Pynt, Greenland, Fly to Keflavik, Iceland & Depart

Disembark and take the chartered plane from Constable Pynt to Keflavik, taking home memories for a lifetime.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

Read More
Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Voyage aboard the indicated vessel in the itinerary; all meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea; all shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac; program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff; free use of snow shoes; transfers and baggage handling between airport and ship in Greenland harbors on the chartered group flights; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; AECO fees and governmental taxes; comprehensive pre-departure material; basic WiFi up to 1.5GB per 24 hours (additional data available for purchase on board).

Exclusions

Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; pre- and post-cruise land arrangements; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore; baggage and cancellation insurance; personal insurance (mandatory); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges; the customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. 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:
Up to 90 days – 100% of deposit
89 to 60 days – 50% 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 12-day Scoresby Sund Aurora Borealis Fly Round-Trip voyage operates round-trip from Keflavik, Iceland (KEF), with group charter flights to and from the ship at Constable Pynt, Greenland. There is a surcharge for this airfare; contact AdventureSmith to request price details when they become available. Plan flights to arrive Keflavik at least one day prior to embarkation. Plan flights to depart Keflavik anytime on the day after disembarkation. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

Group charter flights between Keflavik, Iceland and Constable Pynt, Greenland are required on this trip’s itinerary; these flights are not included, ask your Adventure Specialist for details.

Activities

Guided shore excursions, hiking, snowshoeing, wildlife spotting and Zodiac cruises are included in the fare and will be offered to all passengers during each voyage. Every day there will be excursions on land, weather and ice permitting. The landings will take 3 to 6 hours per day over untracked area. According to circumstances (the weather, the ice-situation or the passengers’ wishes) the program can sometimes be adjusted. Ample time will be devoted to wildlife, vegetation, geography and history.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x the per-person Twin or Superior listed rates. Single travelers wishing to book on a “sharing basis” may do so at no additional cost in Twin, Triple or Quadruple categories upon availability.

Families & Children

Upon request (some voyages may be excluded), children under 16 years old with parents may receive a 40% discount in the following cabins: Grand Suite, Superior, Triple (1 child sharing with 2 parents/adults) and Quadruple (1 child sharing with 3 parents/adults, or 2 children sharing with 2 parents/adults). Parents are entirely responsible for their children at all times, on land and on board; there is no onboard day care or nursery facility.

Travel Insurance

Emergency medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum recommended coverage of $100,000 per person. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but highly recommended. 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 conditionswildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.

12-Day East Greenland - Scoresby Sund - Iceland, Aurora Borealis, Fly & Sail Itinerary

This 12-day itinerary begins with a charter flight from Keflavik, Iceland, to embark the ship at Constable Pynt in east Greenland, and ends by cruising across the Denmark Strait to disembark at Akureyri, Iceland, with an optional overland transfer to Reykjavik.

Route map of Scoresby Sund Aurora Borealis Fly & Sail east Greenland voyage itineraries, operating round-trip from Keflavik, Iceland, with visits to Constable Pynt, Ittoqqortoomiit, Sydkap & more.
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Day 1
Arrive Keflavik, Iceland, Fly to Constable Pynt, Greenland & Embark

Arrive by chartered plane from Keflavik and land at Constable Pynt, the airfield at the head of Hurry Inlet. This area is known for its remarkably rich geological history. Embark the ship and set off on an amazing voyage along the longest fjord in the world.

Accommodations

Rembrandt van Rijn

Meals

dinner

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Day 2
Sailing Among the Glaciers

Enjoy the sights while sailing the glaciated Volquart Boons Coast. Here, possibly set out on a Zodiac cruise along one of the shoreline glacier fronts, with the first activity near Månegletcher or Vikingebugt.

Accommodations

Rembrandt van Rijn

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 3
Inuit Neighborhood of Yesteryear

Sail by the east coast of Milne Land among a multitude of giant icebergs. If it’s possible to also land at Charcot Havn, then make a walk to the Charcot Glacier before continuing by the Bjørneør and sailing to Øfjord.

Accommodations

Rembrandt van Rijn

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 4 - 7
Mountain-Fringed Fjord

Visit the east entrance of one of the most impressive fjords in the world: Ø Fjord is almost 40 nautical miles long (74 km, 46 miles), with mountains on each side up to 2,000 meters high (6,562 feet), and icebergs that drift over depths of more than 1,000 meters (3,281 feet). The aim is to land at Jyttehavn and hike the tundra in mythic surroundings.

You may also sail into Harefjord, Rypefjord and Rödefjord, walking into C. Hoffmanhalvöya and on Storö. Then land near Sydkap, where you can see colossal icebergs, some of them over 100 meters (328 feet) high and more than a kilometer long (.62 mile). Most of these bergs are grounded, as the fjord is only about 400 meters deep (1,312 feet). At Sakatajik you can also view the remains of Thule winter houses. As many as 20 people lived here once, hunting Greenland whales and building houses out of their vertebrae.

Accommodations

Rembrandt van Rijn

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 8
The Tundra of Jameson Land

At the western shores of Jameson Land lies a vast tundra with grazing musk oxen. Try to make a landing on one of the areas, such as Tyskit Nunat, remembering Alfred Wegener’s efforts to cross Vandreblokken. You may also visit Kap Hooker or a lovely lagoon west of Kap Stewart.

Accommodations

Rembrandt van Rijn

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 9
Settlement at Scoresbysund

Today’s stop is Ittoqqortoormiit, the largest settlement in Scoresbysund at about 500 inhabitants. At the post office you can buy stamps for your postcards or just stroll around to see the sled dogs and drying skins of seals and musk oxen.

Accommodations

Rembrandt van Rijn

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Days 10 - 11
At Sea Under the Northern Lights (Denmark Strait)

If there is not too much cloud cover, you might enjoy the magical lightshow of the aurora borealis during these days at sea.

Accommodations

Rembrandt van Rijn

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 12
Disembark Akureyri, Iceland, Transfer to Reykjavik & Depart

Disembark in the Icelandic town of Akureyri, taking home memories that will accompany you wherever the next adventure lies. If requested, you can take a chartered bus (6-hour drive) to Reykjavik.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Voyage aboard the indicated vessel in the itinerary; all meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea; all shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac; program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff; free use of snow shoes; transfers and baggage handling between airport and ship in Greenland harbors on the chartered group flights; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; AECO fees and governmental taxes; comprehensive pre-departure material; basic WiFi up to 1.5GB per 24 hours (additional data available for purchase on board).

Exclusions

Ground transfer between Akureyri and Reykjavik following disembarkation ($130-$145 per person in 2025 or $150 per person in 2026); any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; pre- and post-cruise land arrangements; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore; baggage and cancellation insurance; personal insurance (mandatory); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges; the customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. 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:
Up to 90 days – 100% of deposit
89 to 60 days – 50% 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 12-day Scoresby Sund Aurora Borealis Fly & Sail voyage operates from Keflavik, Iceland (KEF) to Akureyri, Iceland (AEY), with a group charter flight to embark the ship at Constable Pynt, Greenland and an optional added-cost transfer back to downtown Reykjavik following disembarkation in Akureyri. There is a surcharge for this airfare; contact AdventureSmith to request price details when they become available. Plan flights to arrive Keflavik at least one day prior to embarkation. Plan flights to depart Keflavik anytime on the day after disembarkation. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

A group charter flight between Keflavik, Iceland and Constable Pynt, Greenland is required on this trip’s itinerary; this flight is not included, ask your Adventure Specialist for details.

Activities

Guided shore excursions, hiking, snowshoeing, wildlife spotting and Zodiac cruises are included in the fare and will be offered to all passengers during each voyage. Every day there will be excursions on land, weather and ice permitting. The landings will take 3 to 6 hours per day over untracked area. According to circumstances (the weather, the ice-situation or the passengers’ wishes) the program can sometimes be adjusted. Ample time will be devoted to wildlife, vegetation, geography and history.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x the per-person Twin or Superior listed rates. Single travelers wishing to book on a “sharing basis” may do so at no additional cost in Twin, Triple or Quadruple categories upon availability.

Families & Children

Upon request (some voyages may be excluded), children under 16 years old with parents may receive a 40% discount in the following cabins: Grand Suite, Superior, Triple (1 child sharing with 2 parents/adults) and Quadruple (1 child sharing with 3 parents/adults, or 2 children sharing with 2 parents/adults). Parents are entirely responsible for their children at all times, on land and on board; there is no onboard day care or nursery facility.

Travel Insurance

Emergency medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum recommended coverage of $100,000 per person. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but highly recommended. 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 conditionswildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Arctic expedition.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

Aug 30 - Sep 08, 2025
Ortelius • 10 days
From $5650USD
Per Person
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Sep 05 - Sep 14, 2025
Hondius • 10 days
From $5650USD
Per Person
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Oct 01 - Oct 12, 2025
Rembrandt van Rijn • 12 days
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From $5900USD
Per Person
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Aug 16 - Aug 25, 2026
Plancius • 10 days
From $5900USD
Per Person
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Aug 31 - Sep 10, 2026
Rembrandt van Rijn • 11 days
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From $6150USD
Per Person
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Sep 10 - Sep 21, 2026
Rembrandt van Rijn • 12 days
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From $6750USD
Per Person
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Sep 21 - Oct 01, 2026
Rembrandt van Rijn • 11 days
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From $6150USD
Per Person
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Oct 01 - Oct 12, 2026
Rembrandt van Rijn • 12 days
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From $6200USD
Per Person
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Cruise One Way
Fly One Way
Fly Round Trip
Long Hikes
Accommodations

Learn About the Small Ships on Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
Hondius

The 170-guest M/V Hondius was built exclusively for cruises in Antarctica and the Arctic. She is one of the strongest ice-strengthened vessels currently cruising in the polar regions.

Expedition Ship
Ortelius

The 108-guest M/V Ortelius is an ice-strengthened small ship designed for polar expedition cruises in the Arctic and Antarctica. She offers passengers a quality exploratory wildlife program to spend as much time ashore as possible.

Expedition Ship
Plancius

The Plancius is a 108-passenger small ship designed and built exclusively for polar cruises. A wide variety of cabins, ample space on five decks and a wide range of activities offered make the Plancius a great option for active expedition cruises.

Motorsailer
Rembrandt van Rijn

The intimate 33-guest three-mast schooner S/V Rembrandt van Rijn is well suited for expedition cruising among the fjords of Greenland, and for a Northern Lights itinerary in the Arctic.

Expert Review

Reviews From Our Experts So You Know What To Expect

Lauren Pilholski • March 18th, 2025
Expert Aboard: MV Hondius Review 

Join our expert as she crosses the Drake Passage for her tenth time aboard Hondius. Learn what she thinks sets this ship apart from others in the polar regions, plus find more traveler reviews all on this page.

Testimonial

Hear It From Travelers Who Have Explored With Us Before

"One Of My Best Vacations Ever!"

One of my best vacations ever! All of Greenland was outstanding. At the end of the trip, the ship’s photographer presented us with a 22 minute slideshow synced to music recapping our adventures throughout the cruise and made it available for everyone to take home. That was an extra nice touch.

Overall
5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
Accommodations
5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
Meals
5 /5 Star Created with Sketch.
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