Title
East Greenland, Scoresby Sund - Iceland, Aurora Borealis, Fly & Sail
Start – End
Tripcode
RVR19-27
Language
English
Embarkation / Disembarkation
Constable Pynt - Akureyri
Nights / Days
11 nights
Voyage overview
Sail through Earth’s largest fjord system on a historic three-masted vessel, getting the chance to encounter exotic Arctic wildlife like musk oxen and Arctic hares under the enchanting aurora borealis. Greenland whales may also appear between landing sites, where we will enjoy enormous icebergs, ancient Thule settlements, and scenic shoreline hikes.
This trip concludes with a crossing of the Denmark Strait. Since Northern Atlantic weather can be rough in October, the captain will decide when to depart East Greenland to make for the most pleasant crossing.
You 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.
Enjoy the sights as we sail the glaciated Volquart Boons Coast. Here you may set out on a Zodiac cruise along one of the shoreline glacier fronts, with your first activity near Månegletcher or Vikingebugt.
We 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 before continuing by the Bjørneør and sail to Øfjord.
Today marks a visit to 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. We may also sail into Harefjord, Rypefjord, and Rödefjord, walking into C. Hoffmanhalvöya and on Storö. We will 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 we can also view the remains of Thule winter houses. As many as twenty people lived here once, hunting Greenland whales and building houses out of their vertebrae.
At the western shores of Jameson Land lies a vast tundra with grazing musk oxen. We will try to make a landing on one of the areas, such as Tyskit Nunat, remembering Alfred Wegener’s efforts to cross Vandreblokken. We may also visit Kap Hooker or a lovely lagoon west of Kap Stewart.
Today’s stop is Ittoqqortoormiit, the largest settlement in Scoresby Sund 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.
If there is not too much cloud cover, you might enjoy the magical lightshow of the aurora borealis today.
We disembark in the Icelandic town of Akureyri, taking home memories that will accompany us wherever the next adventure lies. If requested, you can take a chartered bus (six-hour drive) to Reykjavik.
PLEASE NOTE:
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, and willingness to compromise on comfort is a basic requirement on a historic sailing vessel. Important information about the use of sails: The vessel is equipped with sails to be used in good conditions (based on open sea, water depth, wind, and time allowance), but the use of sails is not guaranteed. The captain decides whether to use the sails or engine. If sails are used, the crew will operate them. Guests must follow the safety instructions of the team. The average cruising speed for s/v Rembrandt van Rijn is 6.5 knots.
Highlights you might experience
An area of Scoresby Sund where wildlife, striking terrain, and ancient Thule culture converge
One of the great attractions in the Arctic are the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis.
Enter the world's largest fjord system, and discover an ancient tundra landscape of ice, rock and snow
These are the most populous seals in the Arctic, and though also the smallest are capable of boring through ice sheets thicker than their bodies are long
The largest of their kind to take up in the Arctic, these loud-singing sopranos sport whiskers so long they were named after them
Among the few hooved animals to survive the last ice age, these goat-like creatures have an underlayer of fur that is one of the world's warmest natural fibers
Though the smallest of the fin whales, these migrating mammals can let out a cry as loud as a plane taking off
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
What Our Travelers Say
We've been waiting since 2020 to do this expedition and almost didn't make this one because of medical issues. I want to take special note of the Service Manager, Alfredo who went above and beyond in making us feel welcome aboard. Also kudos to the chef Khabir for his excellent variety of well prepared meals. Thanks also Captain Joachim for his safe guiding in these pristine waters. Thanks again for a special memory. Bill and Carla Francis
s/v Rembrandt van Rijn
Our three-mast schooner, Rembrandt van Rijn, is well suited for expedition cruising among the fjords of Greenland and Spitsbergen.
Full ship info »Cabins & Prices
Triple Private Porthole
- 1 porthole
- 1 upper/lower berth + 1 upper berth
- Private shower and toilet
- Ample storage space
Complete cabin
19950 USD
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Sharing berth
6650 USD
Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Twin Private Inside
- 1 upper / lower berth
- Private shower and toilet
- Ample storage space
Complete cabin
14100 USD
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Single cabin
11985 USD
Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).
Sharing berth
7050 USD
Share your cabin with others for the best price.
Twin Private Porthole
- 1 porthole
- 1 upper / lower berth
- Private shower and toilet
- Ample storage space
Complete cabin
16100 USD
Price for the complete cabin, fully occupied.
Single cabin
13685 USD
Price for the complete cabin occupied by 1 person (1.7x the shared rate).
Sharing berth
8050 USD
Share your cabin with others for the best price.