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. 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, a longer 12-day route flies from Iceland to meet the ship in Greenland and then sails 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 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
Reykjavik to Embark Akureyri, Iceland

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

Meals

dinner

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Day 2
Cross the Arctic Circle

At sea, sailing north through the Denmark Strait, watch for fulmar, kittiwake, gannet and rafts of common guillemot. Cross the Arctic Circle and continue north, perhaps spotting whales. In the evening the first icebergs appear as the ship approaches the east coast of Greenland near Brewster.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 3
Volquart Boons Coast & Danmark Island

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. The afternoon goal is to visit Danmark Island, where there are the remains of an Inuit settlement abandoned around 200 years ago. The circular stone tent rings indicate the summer houses, while the winter houses can be seen closer to a small cape. The sites are well preserved, allowing entrances and even bear-proof meat caches to be identified. There are also grave sites. In the evening, continue sailing through the beautiful fjords to the west that are choked with icebergs.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
Røde Island

The goal is a Zodiac cruise near Røde Island, one of the world’s most cherished iceberg attractions. The austere blue-white of the icebergs contrasts sharply against the brooding red backdrop of the sediment slopes. The afternoon plan is to sail through northern parts of Røde Fjord, with the chance to see musk oxen and warm autumnal foliage.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
Iceberg Exploration & Sydkap

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. Land near Sydkap to view the Hall Bredning fjord and possible arctic hares.

Accommodations

Hondius, Ortelius

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 6
Liverpool Land & Ittoqqortoormiit

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

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

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 78
Remote Shores of Turner Sound & Romer Fjord

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

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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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

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 10
Disembark Akureyri to Reykjavik, Iceland

Disembark in Akureyri and transfer by chartered bus (a six-hour drive that must be booked in advance) to the Reykjavik city hall.

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 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

Various additional activities may be available on your Scoresby Sund Aurora Borealis voyage. 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.

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

The 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
Volquart Boons Coast

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
Milne Land

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
Scoresby Sund

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
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
Ittoqqortoormiit

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 (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

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

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 & Sail voyage operates round-trip from Keflavik, Iceland (KEF), with group charter flights to and from the ship at Constable Pynt, Greenland. 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.

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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Fly One Way
Cruise One Way
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.

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.

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
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Accommodations
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Meals
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