Title
East Greenland, Scoresby Sund - Aurora Borealis, Including Long Hikes and Free Kayaking
Start – End
Tripcode
OTL12-24
Language
English speaking voyage
Ship
Embarkation / Disembarkation
Akureyri - Akureyri
Nights / Days
8 nights
All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per AECO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with AECO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. The average cruising speed of our vessel is 10.5 knots.
Short description
The East Greenland – Scoresby Sund cruise crosses the Arctic Circle into the home waters of multiple species of whale. The expedition will spot huge icebergs as it journeys into the largest and deepest fjord system in the world. Along the way the Northern Lights is guiding our way.
Long Hikes: -
Long hikes are for groups of 24 passengers maximum, accompanied by two armed expedition staff and a Zodiac that will sail ahead to watch for polar bears along the shoreline. Passengers who join this activity should have the willingness and ability to walk at least 15 km (9 miles) in semi-rough terrain that includes shorelines, tundra, low hills, and river crossings. Walks will take around six hours from start to finish, rest times included. We will walk at a modest pace and not cross any alpine terrain. Passengers who do not take part in long walks will have a landing in the morning at the start point of the walk, then sail to the end point of the walk for their second landing in the afternoon.
Kayaking try-out: -
New activity offer on OTL12-24: Dip-in and try-out kayaking
Always wanted to try out kayaking? Now is the time to do exactly what you always dreamed of. On this trip we offer all guests the opportunity to dip in and try out kayaking. The activity is free of charge, no skills required. Just come on board, try it out, and you will love it.
You will be offered at least one outing in the morning or afternoon. Even more outings can be provided if space is available. Our experienced kayak guides will be around to give you a full safety biefing and assist with the first steps into your kayaking career. You will be escorted by our kayak guide and safety Zodiac for the whole excursion so you can safely relax while enjoying this activity.
Sounds good? Contact us and we book you in.
Day 1: On the Iceland road
Your journey begins in the morning, where by request you can transfer via chartered bus (T) from bus stop Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre at Austurbakki, Reykjavik (the meeting point) to the ship in Akureyri (the embarkation point). You arrive in the afternoon after a six-hour drive through northern Iceland.
PLEASE NOTE: This transfer (T) must be booked in advance. In the early evening, the ship departs from the port of Akureyri, sailing north toward the Denmark Strait.
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.
Day 3: Arriving at Earth’s largest fjord
Today you reach Scoresbysund, sailing along the glaciated Volquart Boons Kyst. You may also enjoy a Zodiac cruise past one of the glacier fronts, along with a visit to the basalt columns and ice formations of Vikingebugt.
In the afternoon, we plan to sail by the east coast of Milne Land among a multitude of giant icebergs. If we can also land at Charcot Havn, we will make a walk to the Charcot Glacier. We will then continue by Bjørneør and sail into Øfjord.
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.
Day 5: Enormous bergs, Arctic hares
In the morning you encounter colossal icebergs, some over 100 meters (328 feet) high and more than a kilometer (.62 mile) long. Most of them are grounded, as the fjord is only about 400 meters deep (1,312 feet). 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 (12 km, 7.5 miles to the northeast), where the river coming from Holger Danskes Briller flows into the sea. We 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 us at this location for their second excursion of the day.
Day 6: Settlement at Scoresbysund
Today you make a tundra landing on Liverpool Land, in Hurry Inlet. The afternoon stop is Ittoqqortoormiit, the largest settlement in Scoresbysund at about five hundred 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. In the afternoon you sail south, passing the picturesque landscapes of the Blosseville Coast.
Day 7: 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.
Day 8: Sea life under the northern lights
A sea day grants you the opportunity to spot whales and seabirds – and at night, the magical northern lights.
Day 9: Journey’s end at Akureyri
Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. You disembark in Akureyri, where on request you can transfer (T) by chartered bus (a six-hour drive that you must book 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.
Highlights you might experience
Venture far into the wild Arctic backcountry, exploring a variety of rugged terrain on an exhilarating hike that will give you the true expedition experience.
One of the great attractions in the Arctic are the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis.
A small settlement on Greenland’s rugged eastern coast, Ittoqqortoormiit is one of the most remote towns on the island and in the world
Røde Ø, also known as Red Island, located in the interior of Scoresbysund is a beautiful spot in Greenland that’s just perfect for admiring the white and blue beauty of passing ice bergs.
The key island of Earth’s largest fjord
They can run like the wind, see everything around them without turning their heads, and sometimes eat animals instead of leaves – all while looking this cute
Known for their voracious appetites, these Arctic birds have so much trouble walking that they take off better from the water than the land
m/v Ortelius
The ice-strengthened Ortelius is thoroughly outfitted for polar exploration and, when necessary, helicopter flights.
Full ship info »Activities you can participate in
Long hikes
Passengers who join this activity should have the willingness and ability to walk at least 15 km (9 miles) in semi-rough terrain. Walks will take around six hours from start to finish, rest times included.
Learn moreKayaking Try-out (beginner, 2 seaters)
Always wanted to try out kayaking? Now is the time to do exactly what you always dreamed of. You will be offered at least one outing in the morning or afternoon. No skills required.
Cabins & Prices
Quadruple Porthole
- Cabin size between 12,4 m² and 14,1 m²
- 2 portholes
- 2 upper / lower berths
- Private shower & toilet
- Desk & chair
- Flatscreen TV
- Telephone & WiFi (supplemented)
- Hair dryer
- Safe deposit box
- Ample storage space
Complete cabin
18400 USD
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Sharing berth
4600 USD
Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Triple Porthole
- 2 portholes
- 1 upper / lower berth + 1 single lower berth
- Private shower & toilet
- Desk & chair
- Flatscreen TV
- Telephone & WiFi (supplemented)
- Hair dryer
- Safe deposit box
- Ample storage space
Complete cabin
16500 USD
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Sharing berth
5500 USD
Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Twin Porthole
- Cabin size between 11,4 m² and 15,1 m²
- 2 portholes
- 2 lower berths
- Private shower & toilet
- Desk & chair
- Flatscreen TV
- Telephone & WiFi (supplemented)
- Hair dryer
- Safe deposit box
- Ample storage space
Complete cabin
12800 USD
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Single cabin
10240 USD
Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.6x the shared rate).
10880 USD
Sharing berth
6400 USD
Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Twin Window
- Cabin size between 17,5 m² and 17,7 m²
- 2 windows
- 2 lower berths
- Private shower & toilet
- Desk & chair
- Flatscreen TV
- Telephone & WiFi (supplemented)
- Hair dryer
- Safe deposit box
- Ample storage space
Complete cabin
13800 USD
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Single cabin
11730 USD
Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).
Sharing berth
6900 USD
Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Twin Deluxe
- Cabin size 17,7 m²
- 3 windows
- 2 lower berths
- Private shower & toilet
- Desk & chair
- Small sofa
- Refrigerator
- Coffee & tea maker
- Flatscreen TV
- Telephone & WiFi (supplemented)
- Hair dryer
- Safe deposit box
- Ample storage space
Complete cabin
14600 USD
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Single cabin
12410 USD
Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).
Sharing berth
7300 USD
Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Superior
- Cabin size between 18,4 m² en 20,4 m²
- 2 windows (minimum)
- 1 double bed
- 1 single (sofa) bed
- Private shower & toilet
- Desk & chair
- Flatscreen TV
- Telephone & WiFi (supplemented)
- Refrigerator
- Coffee & tea maker
- Hair dryer
- Safe deposit box
- Ample storage space
Complete cabin
16600 USD
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Single cabin
14110 USD
Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).